The Senator Chronometer from Glashütte Original celebrates tenth anniversary

For ten years now, the Senator Chronometer has combined an unmatched tradition with certified precision to meet the highest of standards

Text: Press Photo: Glashütte Original

In 2019, Glashütte Original celebrates the anniversary of a timepiece that carries the impressive legacy of German chronometer construction into the future in an innovative way. Generations of explorers and seafarers relied on marine chronometers, robust and highly precise ship clocks, which were much more than mere instruments. Encased in their precious wooden boxes, they defied high waves and rough weather, helping their owners to navigate the world’s untamed oceans in safety. In the process, they became indispensable companions for ship captains – and an inspiration to the watchmakers of Glashütte Original.

In 2009, the Saxon manufactory created an evocative tribute to this legendary class of robust timepieces in the form of the Senator Chronometer, an elegant and at the same time sophisticated timekeeper for the wrist. The most recent version, featuring a contemporary design with restyled red gold case and a slimmer bezel, was unveiled this past spring. Like its predecessors, it accompanies the wearer reliably through all situations in life, thanks to its certified accuracy.

Senator Chronometer 2009

Every single piece is tested for accuracy by the German Calibration Service, which measures its performance over 15 days against strict standards. The watch may only bear the title “chronometer” if it passes the tests in five different positions and at three different temperatures within a maximum average daily rate deviation of no more than two seconds. The manufactory made manual winding movement Calibre 58-01 with zero-reset mechanism, “jumping” Panorama Date and a power reserve of just under 45 hours easily meets these criteria.

calibre 58-01 glashuette
The Calibre 58-01 with zero-reset mechanism, “jumping” Panorama Date and a power reserve of just under 45 hours easily meets these criteria.

A timeless classic This sophisticated mechanism already formed the basis of the first Senator Chronometer, released in rose gold in 2009. With this timepiece Glashütte Original created a timeless classic, elected “Watch of the Year” in 2010 by readers of the specialist watch magazine, “Armbanduhren” (Wristwatches).

Senator Chronometer set from 2010, limited edition of 13 exclusive sets

Only a few years later one of its successors was also honoured by connoisseurs of fine watches: the white gold version with its expressive blue dial was named winner of the “Golden Balance” award by “Uhren-Magazin“ (Watch Magazine). In addition, in 2010 the German watchmaker presented a limited edition in platinum. This edition consisted of 13 exclusive sets: each set containing one Senator Chronometer in platinum and one restored marine chronometer originally made in Glashütte placed together in a hand-crafted oak box – an irresistible combination for fans of the high art of watchmaking.

These precision timekeepers and their wealth of tradition inspired the design of the dial on the latest addition to the line: The displays, among them the running time display with the discreet day-night indicator, are arranged following that of their historic predecessors. Above them, pear-shaped “poire” hands in blued steel follow their course, framed by a laser-engraved, galvanic black railroad chapter ring, Roman numerals and the particularly slim bezel of the newly designed case in red gold, which leaves even more space for the impressive face of the timepiece. One can also admire, through the sapphire crystal case back, the elegant movement and its finely decorated three-quarter plate, screw-mounted gold chatons and hand-engraved balance cock.

Senator Chronometer Cal.58 Balance Wheel

For ten years now Glashütte Original’s watchmakers have followed, with great success, a basic premise calling for further development of the Senator Chronometer‘s timeless and elegant design while preserving its richly traditional character.

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