Glashütte Original PanoLunarTourbillon celebrates horological tradition. Price of this 50-piece limited edition, ref. 1-93-03-01-03-61, is €128,200
2025 is a special year for Glashütte Original: it marks the 180th anniversary of Glashütte watchmaking, as well as the opening of its new dial manufactory in Glashütte in June 2025, the only one of its kind in the renowned Saxon town.
Beneath the time display, the Flying Tourbillon turns on its axis once a minute; the small seconds hand, mounted on the tip of the tourbillon cage, follows the latter’s track.
With this move, the brand has consolidated key operations into a single, state-of-the-art facility. From the initial production of blanks to the final inspection, each stage is now carried out on site.
As part of its 180‑year anniversary celebrations, the German watchmaker has introduced the new PanoLunarTourbillon, a 50‑piece limited edition that embodies the purest craftsmanship and horological tradition of Glashütte Original.
Housed in a polished and satin-brushed platinum case with a diameter of 40 mm and a total thickness of 12.70 mm, this model combines a Flying Tourbillon with a moon phase display and a Panorama Date, two complications that have left their mark on the history of the manufactory.
The rose-toned “Eisenerz” (iron ore) dial is inspired by the reddish, iron-rich earth surrounding Glashütte.
This distinctive tone results from the oxidation of high concentrations of iron in the soil, and is indicative of the region’s wealth of mineral resources. For hundreds of years, long before watchmakers made their home here, mining was one of the most important industries in this part of Germany.
The dial receives its unique hue through an elaborate process of galvanisation. Due to the crystalline structure of the surface, the shades of red vary depending on the light and the viewer’s perspective.
On the left, the off-centre hour and minutes display draws the eye with its finely milled vinyl decorative finish.
Invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet at the dawn of the 19th century, the tourbillon was originally conceived to improve timekeeping by counteracting the effects of gravity on a watch’s escapement.
While it quickly became a symbol of horological mastery, it was not until 1920 that the mechanism saw one of its most important evolutions. That year, Alfred Helwig, an instructor at the German School of Watchmaking in Glashütte, redefined the architecture of the tourbillon by creating the Flying Tourbillon.
Unlike the traditional construction, which relied on an upper bridge to support the rotating cage, Helwig’s ingenious design anchored the mechanism only from below. This not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal by allowing an unobstructed view of the tourbillon’s mesmerising rotation but also reduced friction and improved precision.
In the PanoLunarTourbillon, all the components in the oscillation and escapement system appear in varying silver tones, creating a bright focal point that highlights the seemingly weightless construction.
At 4 o’clock, the watch features Glashütte Original’s signature Panorama Date. Displayed in white on a blue background, the numerals appear without a central separation bar, thanks to two concentric discs mounted on the same level.
The moon phase display is positioned at 2 o’clock. Over the years, Glashütte Original has refined this complication into a defining element of its identity.
The moon phase’s detailed depiction, with silver stars set against a dark blue sky, is crafted entirely in-house at the brand’s dial manufactory.
Complementing the blued hands, printed lettering, indexes, and the blue backgrounds of the Panorama Date and moon phase displays, the watch is offered with either a blue Louisiana alligator leather or synthetic fabric strap, secured by a platinum folding clasp.
Visible through the sapphire crystal case back, the self-winding Calibre 93-03 reveals the hallmark finishes of Glashütte Original’s high watchmaking: Glashütte stripes, perlage, blued screws, and meticulously bevelled and polished edges.
The off-centre, skeletonised rotor is adorned with the brand’s double-G logo, while a screw-mounted decorative plaque bears the engraving “Flying Tourbillon.”
Beating at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz), this sophisticated movement delivers a power reserve of 60 hours.
Water-resistant to 50 metres / 165 feet, the new Glashütte Original PanoLunarTourbillon, ref. 1-93-03-01-03-61, has a recommended retail price of €128,200. glashuette-original.com
Suggested reading:
COMMENTS