Glashutte Original Senator Perpetual Calendar Stainless Steel (100-02-22-12-05)

Glashutte Original had an exceptional Baselworld, presenting a range of new products that easily display where the brand is coming from and where it is headed to. Yann Gamard, now in charge of Glashutte Original as well as Swatch Group Germany, spoke to us about the new watches during the fair.

The successful Senator line - one of the brand's mainstays - brought forth four new models. Its top-of-the-line watch is the new Senator Tourbillon and incorporates a true Glashutte specialty: a flying tourbillon. This style of tourbillon, which is only attached to the movement by one single bridge rather than the usual two, was conceived and perfected by Glashutte watchmaker and Glashutte School of Watchmaking instructor Alfred Helwig in the 1920s. It has become - and remained - a popular tourbillon style because the absence of the bridge on the dial side allows the wearer, or even just the casual observer, to clearly see the tourbillon without obstruction. In the new Senator Tourbillon, the flying specimen is paired with an automatic movement and given center stage on the dial, with no other complications other than the time and date to detract from its presence. Its elegance is underscored on this timepiece by being housed in a 42 mm white gold case.

The Senator Chronometer Regulator is officially certified by the German Calibration Service (DKD), which is operated by the offices of weights and measures of Thuringia (LMET) and Saxony (SLME). This official chronometer testing service with the long name that opened on July 14, 2006 is located in Glashutte's own observatory. Available in 42 mm 18-karat white and red gold cases, the certified, manually wound, gorgeously finished watch displays the time regulator-style with the addition of Glashutte Original's own Panorama Date display.
Additionally, Glashutte Original introduced two simpler automatic models in 40 mm cases in stainless steel and 18-karat red gold: one with time and Panorama Date and the other with the addition of a moon phase indicator. "As we started last year in presenting the successful Senator Perpetual Calendar in a new design, we've also decided to adapt this design to the new Senator Panoramadate and Senator Panoramadate Moonphase," Gamard explained. "Just like we made subtle changes within the Pano line the last two years, we are now in the process of doing the same within the Senator Line."

Speaking of the Pano line, Baselworld 2013 also saw the addition of a tourbillon to it: the PanoLunar Tourbillon. Naturally, the whirlwind nestled into the 6 o'clock position of automatic Caliber 93-02 is of the flying variety as befits a Glashutte tourbillon. The watch's off-center dial visuals, typical of this line dating back to the fabulous PanoRetroGrade - the first chronograph with audible countdown function - are lovingly enhanced by the tourbillon cutaway, which is balanced out by the moon phase display and Panorama Date on the right side of the dial. Retailing for $118,000, it comes in a 40 mm 18-karat red gold case.

Two tourbillons introduced at one Baselworld must be a record for Glashutte Original. This sort of confidence could only come with belonging to the world's largest watch group: Swatch Group purchased the Glashutte, Germany-based brand in 2000. One of the big advantages of belonging to such a large group is the synergies with its global distribution channels. Sales have greatly expanded since 2000, as Gamard explained. "Yes, a substantial growth potential, and since Hayek's passing, his son and daughter have continued to give us their full support in every way possible. Belonging to the Swatch Group has enabled us to enter important markets such as the USA, Greater China, the Middle East and the rest of the world."