Review: Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date with Blue Dial

Our hands-on review of the Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date with Blue Dial by Glashütte Original. Ref. 1-37-02-08-02-62 price € 13,600

With its square case with rounded corners, functional dial layout enriched by a big date display and state-of-the-art manufacture movement visible through the transparent caseback, the Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date stands out among sport chronographs on the market for its strong character and refined style that looks back to the 1970s.

The latest interpretation of this highly appreciated model of the German brand comes with a galvanised blue dial with sunburst decoration that is a real eye-catcher. We had the possibility to wear it for a few days and we are now delighted to share our impressions and pictures.

Crafted from stainless steel, the case measures 40 mm x 40 mm with a thickness of 14.1 mm. The size looks ideal for a sporty chronograph and we liked how it sits on the wrist. Its dynamic lines and flowing curves are well highlighted by the alternation of polished and satin-brushed surfaces.   

Contributing to make the watch water resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar (approximately 100 metres / 330 feet), the screwed crown is protected by two guards that nicely harmonise with the two chronograph push buttons.

On the other side, at 10 o'clock, we find the Panorama Date corrector.

The chronograph start and stop functions are activated by the pusher at 2 o'clock, the flyback mechanism by the pusher at 4 o'clock. Pressing the flyback pusher halts the on-going chronographic time measurement and the chronograph hour, minute and second hands jump back to zero. A new measurement begins immediately as soon as the flyback pusher is released.

 

Protected by a flat sapphire crystal, the beautiful galvanised dial is also an example of functionality with all the indications efficiently arranged: central stop seconds, 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o'clock, small seconds and power reserve display at 9 o'clock, 12-hour chronograph aperture at 12 o'clock - a detail that we love - and the signature Panorama Date at 6 o'clock.

The two white numerals on blue background defining the date are not separated by a central vertical bar thanks to the fact that the two concentric display discs are mounted on the same level, a more complex solution to achieve but one that demonstrates the uncompromised approach to quality of the German watchmaker.

It is here worth to mention that Glashütte Original is one of the very few watchmakers that still create their dials in-house without relying on external suppliers. The German brand produces them in a dedicated manufactory in Pforzheim, a city with rich traditions in jewellery around 600 km east of the headquarter. 

The rhodium-plated applied indexes and hands are coated with Super-LumiNova for enhanced visibility in the dark and mounted by hand. 

Visible through the sapphire crystal case back, the automatic Calibre 37-02 has succeeded in combining the most important functions in a watch of a pleasing size: chronograph with stop-second, flyback mechanism, 30-minute display and numeric 12-hour display, Panorama Date and power reserve indication.

The column-wheel switch was designed to be as simple and compact as possible and the entire architecture optimised to ensure stability and low susceptibility to interference.

The skeletonised rotor with 21-ct-gold oscillation weight and the double G logo is extremely efficient and it takes just a moment to fully wind the movement.

Beating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and offering a power reserve of 70 hours, this movement is also beautifully finished exhibiting the typical features of Saxon watchmaking, including bevelled edges, polished steel parts, blued screws and the Glashütte three-quarter plate with stripe finish.

The Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date model used in our review was matched to a calf nubuck leather strap with fold fastener which emphasises its casual and sporty look (ref. 1-37-02-08-02-62). Two other strap alternatives are offered: blue Louisiana alligator leather (ref. 1-37-02-08-02-61) or black rubber (ref. 1-37-02-08-02-63). The watch can also be equipped with a stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp (ref. 1-37-02-08-02-70).

The Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date with Blue Dial has a price Euro 13,600 with strap or Euro 14,800 with steel bracelet. We believe that, in this price segment, it is hard to find chronographs at the same level of quality and prestige, with similar functions and a manufacture movement of impeccable finishes. glashuette-original.com