The Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph was introduced in 2014, and have become one of the most iconic models of the brand. In particular, its TV case shape with integrated lugs makes for a unique sports watch design.
Quick Takes: Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date Blue Dial
Retail price is set at SGD 20,900 inclusive of GST.
The Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date Blue Dial is an extension to the family of the same name. We covered the Green Dial and Grey Dial in detail in this review.
The case, dial and hands
The case resembles a TV shape of the 70s, and is a cross between a tonneau and square shape. The stainless steel case is faceted and gently slopes around the angular overall shape. The case sides are also alternately finished in a brushed style with polished elements juxtaposed. Rectangular pushers is partially embedded in the case, forming a curved silhouette alongside the crown. Sloping crown guards bolster the crown, adding to the recessed side profile look.
The dial is a proven chronograph layout with central stop seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour counters with flyback mechanism, small second, power reserve display as well as the characteristic Panorama Date. The rhodium-plated rod indexes give the timepiece a clean, clear look.
The case measures 40mm in diameter and 14.1mm in height. On the wrist, it wears large considering the case thickness, understandably due to the movement thickness. This variant shown here is fit with a leather strap, but a different bracelet variant is also available.
A minutes track runs along the periphery of the sunburst blue dial, marked by lume filled hour markers. The hour and minutes hands are also filled with luminous paint for low light visibility.
The Movement
The movement used is the now proven Caliber 37, which debuted in 2014 in the mk1 guise, and with minor modifications made mk2 in 2015, appearing in the Seventies Chronograph.
All components except for the strap and the balance wheel/hairspring assembly (made by Nivarox, a Swatch Group sister company) is made by GO. The dial, appliqués and hands are manufactured in-house in the GO dial making facility Pforzheim.
The movement is beautifully decorated in Glashütte tradition. Most finishing work is executed by hand, and this is evident in the high level of finish achieved. That said, some parts are also machine finished in an effort to produce a more accessible product.
Beating at 28,800 bph with a 70 hour power reserve, it has proven to be reliable in its years of service.
Concluding thoughts
Considering how sports watches are at the peak of demand, in particular chronographs, alternatives to the mainstream brands are picking up steam.
Chopard’s Alpine Eagle, Piaget’s Polo, Girard Perregaux’s Laureato are some recent models that have joined the fold. Glashütte Original’s Seventies however, was ahead of the pack being launched in 2014 inspired by its own models from the 70s. It is a compelling and unique design, that is distinct of the octagonal shape and has a tougher German look thanks to its case design. The watch is also very reasonably priced at SGD 20,900 / USD$13,400.
