Glashütte Original

Dr No
[Moderator Omega - Wristscan]
37536

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If we review movement introductions . . .

. . . by Glashütte Original in the last ten years, DB, how many would we come up with? Caliber numbers 22, 60, 61, 65, 58, 99, 95, 100, 90, and 93/94, not to mention the myriad permutations within cal 90 and 100. That's ten movements developed entirely in-house by a manufacturer whose output is in the four-figure range. What distinguishes these movements is neither cutting edge materials nor advanced technology, but rather, a dedication to the craft of traditional watchmaking. Glashütte's innovations, such as the seconds re-set mechanism of the cal 100, which allows the balance to remain in motion while time is being set, or the winding system of the cal 95, which reduces wear over long periods of usage, are more in the way of evolution rather than revolution. Subtle, to be sure, but meaningful if traditional watchmaking is a primary consideration.

Your point regarding the absence of innovation this year is a valid one, although the criticism regarding the Sixties Tourbillon is a bit off the mark as the press release doesn't invoke innovation as one of the redeeming values of the design. I hope, though, that you were excluding the Senator Diary on the grounds that it's a holdover from 2010. The Diary is a remarkable complication that allows the wearer a relationship with time, which I find to be both unique and charming. A perpetual calendar is a passive companion, the Diary an active one. It represents the core of Glashütte's essence: making watches that capture our imagination.

As for the ubiquity of the cal 39, yes, it would be preferable to see dedicated movements for each watch, but every enterprise works within constraints, and G O is no exception. Perhaps we'll see a slew of innovation next year. If so, I hope you'll be on board again ;-) . . .

Best regards, Art