Glashütte Original

Well, I was looking at sportier watches, primarily divers and happened across a Navigator Perpetual. Of course it's not what I was actually looking for or even a particularly water friendly watch, but I do find it captivating. It's also interesting that when the original two models came out, I thought they were too big. Now, however, the size seems fine, especially when I am comparing it against the larger wearing BP Fifty Fathoms, or even the GO Sport Evo.

After doing numerous searches, there is little commentary on this model and few acknowledge owners. I guess it brings up the question of why so little interest. While price plays a factor, there are numerous other sporty watches in the same type of niche that seem to spark more curiosity. Given that, is it such an oddity of having a perpetual complication with a casual watch? Is it also too much of a contradiction of having a busy dial with a Pilot watch known for their simplicity? The IWC Big Pilot, however, is quite popular and it also strays for the simple norm. Overall, I think this may be one the least mentioned GOs.  Any thoughts why? 

In terms of the Navigator line, I really like this model in particular. The dial seems to easily absorb the perpetual features without breaking up the dial's symmetry. Unfortunately, I don't seem the same symmetry when I look at the other models. The short hour hand of the time-only model just doesn't look right to me, albeit it's probably the best value. Similarly, I don't like how the "4" is cutoff on the panodate version as well as the starkness of the white date background. While I find this model with all of its contradiction appealing, it makes wonder if I am better off not combining a Pilot genre watch with a perpetual.  Have you considered the Navigator Pereptual at one point in time, but ultimately reconsiderd?   Any thoughts on these models would be appreciated?

flirt with it briefly but decided against it.....

I think that the complication does not suit a pilots watch....

Also the simplicity of the big date and the retro look of the base model are more attractive....

It seems though that GO does not manufacture many of these....

Are you thinking about getting one?

Cheers

I really like the style, aesthetics and the perpetual complication.  I having doubts, however, about the combination.  I associate perpetuals with dress watches and pilot watches are far removed from that.  As a result, I  wonder how well the design will age and if it will hold my interest (especially given the relatively large case size).  

. . . of the rose gold model, taken last year (sorry for the reflections). Funny that you mention the IWC Big Pilot perpetual; it seems considerably more complex, with a plethora of days, dates, and months printed on the dial. The Navigator is somewhat smaller than the BP, but has, in my opinion, a less elaborate appearance that I find easier to deal with in the long run. Complexity can be persuasive at first, but not necessarily over the long haul. The apertures used on G O perpetuals display just the critical information, and nothing more. Having one is a Zen-like experience ;-) . . . cordially, Art

It's been a while since I have seen a RG version, but I was surprised at how sharp looking it was. I thought it would be an odd pairing, putting a precious metal case with a Pilot watch, but I think it works. I am considering a SS version which I think is not only a good value, but also more in keeping with the style. I am still the thinking about the combination of casual watch & perpetual complication as well as the case size. I find it wears well on my wrist, better than a Pam or Fifty Fathoms, but it's still a big watch and niche offering.

In terms of the BP, I was actually referring to the 5004 since it's more similar in price to the GO, but your comparison is probably more appropriate. While the BP 5004 offers a different complication than the GO perpetual, the focus was on the complexity of the dial and lack of simplicity. IMO, it is one of one of the most popular pilot watches even though it's moves quite far from the more traditional somber dial. In terms of the BP perpetual, I find the dial way too distracting, and moves too far away from the pilot watch genre. Other than GO and IWC, I cannot think of another pilot watch perpetual calendar. For me, I am drawn to the dial and the complication and less so the pilot watch style. Best regards.

I believe there are two editions (at least) of this watch.  I've got the limited edition RG one with the black dial from circa 2001 or 2002 (?).  I'm not too keen on the recently released revision which, IMO, seems crowded and unbalanced.

The one I've got, however, is a gem.  Its tightly construction with perfect heft  The perpetual functionality is easy to read, yet a quick glance at the dial provides an uncluttered view of the time and the big date.  I think the SS version is not as focused as the RG in this respect.

Anyway, check out this excellent review of the SS version (but try to get  alook at the RG if you can).

http://www.thepurists.com/brandjpg/go/gosennavqpss/index.html

 

 

 

 

 

While I like the size and case style of the older version, I actually prefer the dial and hands of the new version.  I like the use of the dark background (versus the white) in the date and other windows.  I find it odd that GO doesn't use a black background in the panodate version.  Similarly, I like the blued hands of the newer version, finding them a bit more distinctive.  With its smaller case size, the older version in my mind is more versatile and more timeless.      

. . . that blast from the past! I well remember revisiting that review many times. I had the opportunity to acquire one of the steel limited edition Navigator perpetuals when they were available from the dealer that commissioned them, but went for a rose gold Senator perpetual instead because at the time I was ready to add a precious metal watch to my collection. Had I to do it all over again, I think I would've gone for the steel version . . .

glashutte.watchprosite.com

. . . instead, in light of acquiring yet another rose gold perpetual later.

Cordially, Art

I had always thought that as one of the great complications a perpetual should be a special occasion watch, but I've recently had a rethink. Surely this should be a complication you wear everyday? It's highly useful/practical from the point of view of the information it gives. So logically if it's an everyday complication why not put it into a "Navigator" format or even the "Sport Evolution" format? I have to admit that a Sport Evo Perpetual is on my list of watches to own. Anyone own one or care to share pics of this watch? MTIA.

I have one of the original LE 22 or so models of the 39mm Navigator Perpetual.

I love everything about this watch except I'm in the same boat as many folks now - I think it's a little small.

I've looked at the newer version and  while it has all the right bits and pieces, the final result doesn't seem to move me as much as the original model.

Let me explain why (and these are very small details, but all in all, they add up for me)

WHY I LIKE THE ORIGINAL
1. On the original dial, there was the triangle at the 12 o'clock position. I love pilot watches and all of the ones I own have this feature. The new one does not. It just has the number "12" - same size and style as all the other numbers on the dial.

2. On the original dial, the hour markers were longer than the min markers. A small but nice cosmetic feature that helps your eye focus on the major rather than minor mins. On the newer dial, all the markers are the same length. The 5 min versions seems to have a little more lume to them and the numerals beside, them, but visually this is not as appealing to me.

3. The leap year indicator. I LOVED the very stealth dot of the older design and for the life of me, I don't understand why they went for the open subdial for this function. This is a big dealbreaker for me.


So those are my major gripes.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THE NEW ONE
Now for the things I  do like about the new NP.
1. Cal 100 movement. - Do like the newer movement over the cal 39 on my NP
2. The black date indicators - makes for a more stealth date indicator.


I've looked at both the new Nav Perpetual in the new line and also the ceramic perpetual in the new line and I've told the folks at the tourbillon boutique that if they want my money, they should make a LE with these things and I would be first in line for one.

WISHES
1. 44mm Ceramic Case
2. The old style dial with the triangle at 12, the longer 5 min markers, the dot for the leap yr.
3. Same black date indicators as the new NP

I have very little hope that would - but if they did - wouldn't it be a very cool watch?

Wonder if any Glashutte execs read this ;-)

BTW - here's a pict of my 1st gen NP with my PG

Enjoy

-Sam

. . . and acknowledge a personal preference for the first generation of perpetuals, especially the Karrees. The dial of the current Senator Navigator Perpetual takes advantage of additional dial area by allowing more free space around the apertures, which I find preferable aesthetically on an objective level; likewise, the use of consistently sized markers and the substantially larger year indicator absorb much of what would otherwise be empty space. On the other hand, I still find the earlier version to have a special charm . . . it's idiosyncrasies give it a touch of character. The current versions are more elegantly poised, but who's more compelling - Ben Affleck or Humphrey Bogart? Funny that you mention the ceramic perpetual, which happens to be one of my three favorite current Glashüttes. This model has gotten very little attention . . .

. . . which is puzzling because it has both a deadly cool appearance and an eminently practical complication. Far be it for me to fathom the predilections of the Paneristis, but as far as I'm concerned, the ceramic perpetual evinces the same level of edgy utilitarian chic that Panerai is famous for, executed with typically German understatement. Are the differences between your "ideal" perpetual and the existent model significant enough to prevent you from taking the plunge? Cordially, Art

I find the combination of a perpetual with a navigator/pilot watch to be imminently practical and quite useful as a daily wearer. It conveys maximal information at a glance. The GO perp design is so legible--especially compared to dials with multiple small circular displays. Do not let the paucity of discussion influence you. Many of us have the older model and just do not put it forward as much as it deserves.

tempusfugit