The Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date “Golden Bay” and “Ocean Breeze” limited editions are a retro holiday from the ordinary
D.C. Hannay- Glashütte Original is back with two new limited edition variants of their retro-inspired Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date
- The rounded-square TV case recalls the freewheeling fashion aesthetic that dominated the 1970s
- Two matte lacquered dial choices are available, a pale ochre and a muted grey-blue
The latest offerings from Glashütte Original conjure up nostalgia-fuelled visions of ‘70s glamour, with their throwback TV-style cases and elegantly-coloured dial hues. I can easily picture this on the well-turned wrists of the glitterati from that free-spirited era, as nothing nails casual refinement quite like an integrated statement piece. Wouldn’t it look dashing peeking out under Michael Caine’s shirt cuff, blasting down a twisty road in a red Alfa Spider before pulling up to the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat?
To be sure, a TV case is a considered choice, but Glashütte Original nailed it when rolled out the Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date back in 2014, with some fantastic dial variants released in the years since. The funky degradé dial of the Fab Green model is one of my personal favourites, with its olive fade colourway the perfect accessory recalling the age of Yves Saint Laurent, Diane von Furstenberg, and Emilio Pucci. This time out, they’ve gone with two somewhat more restrained choices: the “Golden Bay” in a sandy ochre yellow, and the “Ocean Breeze” in a serene grey-blue. And although yellow and light blue are not exactly conservative when compared to the dark colours of traditional watch dials, the matte finish and muted tones convey an extra modicum of elegance not found in more blaring tones.
More than just a pair of pretty faces, these dual-register chronographs also offer a 30-minute counter residing at 3, the signature panorama date at 6, a well-integrated power reserve indicator hidden in the running seconds at 9, and a unique 12-hour counter just below 12. It’s an incredibly balanced dial, considering all the functionality at play, and the panda look achieved by the finely snailed dark grey subdials is just sporty enough without going full racing chrono. Blackened dauphine hands pop off the light-coloured dials, and along with the matching indices, feature Super-LumiNova for better nightlife legibility.
But despite the lighthearted vibe of these dials, the Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date flaunts some serious craft throughout. The 40mm stainless-steel case and integrated bracelet are exquisitely formed, naturally, with a nice mix of brushed and polished finishing. A lug-to-lug of 46.4mm and a case height of 14.10mm are substantial enough for some real presence, without going overboard into tool watch territory. A guarded crown and elongated chrono pushers reside on the right side of the case, and water resistance is listed at 100 metres, perfectly suited for a quick dip in the Mediterranean. Besides the integrated bracelet, there’s the option of a matte black rubber strap with deployant clasp for the warmer climes of holiday getaways.
The German watch industry’s best work is on par with anything coming out of Switzerland, and that goes for their movements as well. The manufacture Calibre 37-02 features automatic winding, a column-wheel flyback chrono, a beat rate of 4Hz, a silicon balance spring, and a 70 hour power reserve. The decoration is as lovely as you’d expect, featuring Glashütte striping on the bridges, balance cock, and the skeletonised rotor. All of this visual glory is visible through the sapphire caseback, and you’ll probably spend as much time looking at the reverse of this watch as the front.
The integrated bracelet watch has been around for quite some time now, and despite naysayers’ pronouncements otherwise, it’s not going anywhere. I love the throwback look of this particular interpretation, and the Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date offers a great alternative to more familiar options like those from AP and Patek.
Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date Golden Bay and Ocean Breeze editions pricing and availability
The Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date Golden Bay and Ocean Breeze editions are available now, limited to 100 pieces of each variant, priced at US$14,100 on the rubber strap, and US$15,300 on the bracelet.
| Brand | Glashütte Original |
| Model | Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date Golden Bay and Ocean Breeze editions |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 14.10mm (T) x 46.4mm (L to L) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Dial | Pale yellow (Golden Bay), grey-blue (Ocean Breeze) |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Bracelet/Strap | Stainless steel/matte black rubber |
| Movement | Calibre 37-02 column wheel flyback chronograph |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, panorama date, power reserve |
| Availability | Now, limited to 100 of each model |
| Price | US$15,300/Bracelet, US$14,100/Rubber |