BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
It would be correct to say that Saxon-based watch brand Union Glashütte has certainly carved a niche for itself, intertwining its history with the quaint Saxon town where it originated in 1893. Under the ownership of Swatch Group since 2000, the brand boasts a diverse lineup, from classical Saxon-inspired models to avant-garde car-inspired timepieces. Their Belisar collection is known for its contemporary dive watches while also embracing vintage aesthetics, as seen in the vibrant yellow Belisar Chronograph Speedster from the previous year. Now, the latest iteration of this model takes a more subdued approach, drawing inspiration from the electric blue palette of a legendary 1970s car. Could it be a Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, or Dodge Challenger? Uh, let’s move on to the next section.
The sporty timepiece resides in a robust 44mm x 15.1mm stainless steel case with a harmonious blend of brushed and polished surfaces. Evoking a vintage charm, the piston-style chronograph pushers, diamond-shaped fluted crown, and slightly domed sapphire crystal adds to the ‘retro-car’ feel that the Union Glashütte are aiming for. The water resistance is 100 meters.
The striking ‘electric blue’ dial, aptly named by Union Glashütte, complemented by black sub-dials reminiscent of the iconic car’s grille, is a clear nod to the enchanting dashboards of 1970s sports cars, revving up the vintage car aesthetic. The retro railway minutes track and black tachymeter scale with white markings further enhance the dial’s visual appeal. A subtle Art Deco-inspired font adorns the Arabic hour numerals, creating an elegant contrast. The dial also features a date window housed within the 12-hour counter, offering practical functionality.
Powering the watch is the UNG.27.SI automatic movement, a modified version of the Valjoux 7750 with a 65-hour power reserve. The movement exhibits resilience to magnetic fields and temperature fluctuations thanks to a silicon balance spring. The sapphire crystal caseback provides a mesmerizing view of the intricately decorated movement, assembled with precision and featuring a branded skeletonized rotor.
Completing the package is the 3-link stainless steel bracelet and a black rubber strap, offering versatility for various occasions. Limited to just 388 pieces, each engraved with an individual number on the case back, this dashing timepiece is priced at EUR 3,550 (incl. VAT).
