Glashütte Original Senator Manual Winding Skeletonised

Glashütte Original Senator Manual Winding Skeletonised


by Johnny McElherron

Open-worked and elaborately decorated, the new Glashütte Original Senator Manual Winding Skeletonised Watch is an exemplary showcase timepiece. A wristwatch which features only hours and minutes is perhaps not what fans of Glashütte Original would normally enthuse about. Atypical dial arrangements, overlapping subdials and exquisite moonphase indications are the criteria which usually make us all sit up and take notice when this company unveils a new wristwatch. With this piece, however it is the skilful craftsmanship of the skeletonisation which creates a horological masterpiece. Back in 2013 the Saxony Manufacture unveiled the Senator Moon Phase Skeletonised edition to much acclaim. The latest addition to their portfolio features similar engraving techniques, but with only hour and minute functions, it is the work of the craftsman which becomes the main attraction.

Glashütte Original Senator Manual Winding Skeletonised

Glashütte Original Senator Manual Winding Skeletonised

Glashütte Original Senator Manual Winding Skeletonised
The Epicentre of German Horology

Glashütte is a small and perhaps curious location for intensive watchmaking, yet there is a wealth of talent to be found here including, A. Lange & Söhne, Union Glashütte, Nomos, Tutima and Glashütte Original making this area the epicenter of German Horology. The inscription “Glashütte” on a watch dial has become a statement of reliability, precision and high standards – not exactly a competitor for “Swiss Made” but it is becoming more widely known and appreciated throughout the world.

Glashütte Original Senator Manual Winding Skeletonised

Glashütte Original Senator Manual Winding Skeletonised

Glashütte Original Senator Manual Winding Skeletonised
An Art Form in Miniature

Skeletonised timepieces are an art form in miniature, requiring hours, days and weeks of meticulous and fastidious hand-working. This year more than ever, watch dials are getting fancier with skeletonisation and other Metiers d’Art techniques such as traditional enamelling very much on trend. For this new model, the Calibre 49-18 has been skinnied to its bare bones, and everything which remains has been elaborately decorated. With loupe worthy attention to detail there are subtleties to be admired such as the double-sunburst decoration on the winding wheels, the screw-mounted gold chatons with blued screws and the hand-engraving on the plates.

Glashütte Original Senator Manual Winding Skeletonised
A Crisp Frame

On the dial-side I really like the way in which Glashütte Original have retained a diminutive dial edge providing a crisp frame for the labyrinthine centre. It features a fine black railtrack and Roman numerals which offer contrast to the blued hour and minute hands. The demonstration of Glashütte Originals’ mechanical artistry continues on the back of the piece with a superb view through to the rear of the movement. Anti-reflective sapphire used on the front and the back ensures clarity.

Glashütte Original Senator Manual Winding Skeletonised - Caseback

Glashütte Original Senator Manual Winding Skeletonised – Caseback

The piece is powered by the Glashütte Original in-house Calibre 49-18 which provides a power reserve of 40 hours. An elegant 18ct rose gold case, sized at 42mm completes this outstanding new edition and is priced at $37,100.

    Author Bio

    Articles by Johnny McElherron

    CONTRIBUTOR

    Johnny McElherron was busy minding his own business as a successful company director, when one day he fell in love with watches. So deeply that soon after his eureka! moment he established The Watch Press as a vehicle where he could indulge his passion with gusto. What his eye beheld he would write about, in his own unique style, and in time his work penetrated through to numerous national and international mainstream and online publications. Today Johnny creates engaging content for watch industry clients, and in 2014 joined forces with the highly respected watch industry specialists Delos Communications, with whom he works to provide Delos clients with high quality content to ensure no part of their company message gets lost in translation.