By Jovan Krstevski
Not all great watches come with the Swiss label well that is if you know some other great brands such as the German watchmaker Glashütte Original. The watchmaker has been widely successful particularly the 2009 release of the Senator Chronometer and now owing to that success is the new Senator Chronometer Blue Dial. The mesmerizing blue dial is one of a kind which magnificently enhances its modern character not too far from its original inspiration. I like this watch folks and being a sucker for minimalistic designs, this watch no matter how simple as it may appear is filled with top notch features that we are all looking for in a chronometer. There is not much to argue about since the Senator Chronometer Blue Dial is officially certified as a chronometer by the German Calibration Service.
So what are we really looking at? Before we go into the details such as the powerhouse used it’s good to appreciate the 42 mm white gold case of the new Senator Chronometer. Why? It’s very classy and can somehow pass for a dress watch except that it’s a chronometer which we all used for something sporty. What I like about the case features though is how it enhances the blue dial by using a slim bezel. It kind of opens up more space for the dial and gives a more toned down clarity that focuses on the very highlight of the watch that is the blue dial. Plus the crown and the lugs also contribute largely to the elegance of the watch.
Well, the magic really resides on the dial so let’s get on with it. First of all, it features a dark blue tone which kind of gives off a fine shimmer when a direct source of light hits it, this is made possible by the finely grained and lacquered surface which is the product of the application and drying of many coats of lacquer using a delicate process that only master craftsmen do at the firm’s factory in Pforzheim. Nevertheless, it’s a painted blue surface, to say the least. The chronometer is nicely positioned at the 6 o’clock and the Panorama date is at the traditional 3 o’clock position. The nice treats are the long and slim poire hands in polished white gold which creates tiny refractions of colors against the blue dial. Then we get the railroad style chapter ring which kind of reminds me of he good old modern days. The watch also doesn’t make compromises since its indexes and numerals are engraved and galvanized in silver, a good material for this timepiece. I also like the power indicator at the 12 and the way it creates an illusion of multi-level by being slightly recessed into the surface.
Power is provided by the hand-wound 4 Hz Calibre 58–01 sporting 44 hours of power reserve. You will also appreciate its three-quarter plate that is decorated with stripe finish, bevelled/polished edges and polished/blued screws. What’s more is the fantastic midnight blue Louisiana alligator leather strap with a white gold fold-over clasp that comes with it at Euro 27,200 / US$ 32,200 price point.
For more info, please visit glashuette-original.com
JOVAN KRSTEVSKI – FOUNDER, PROPRIETOR & EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Jovan Krstevski has been collecting watches every since his father bought him an Omega Seamaster back when he was just a teenager. He launched Watchgeek back in 2011, which is now known as WristReview and is one of the most widely read watch blogs on the Web. He quotes ’WristReview is a site to help people find, explore, discover and enjoy wristwatches.’ Besides WristReview, he also writes for a number of publications. Read his articles here
