Glashütte Original makes a summer splash with Swimming Pool and Watermelon Seventies Chrono limited editions
Zach Blass- New Seventies Chronograph Panorama Swimming Pool and Watermelon variants debut as limited editions.
- While undoubtedly summer-inspired, the colours will appeal to fans of Tiffany blue and salmon dials.
- Limited to 100 pieces each, they’re priced at US$14,800 on a rubber strap, and US$16,000 on a bracelet.
When watch geeks think of Glashütte-based watchmaking, the first name that pops to mind is likely A. Lange & Söhne. In terms of colourful watchmaking out of Germany, I would understand if Nomos was to first to mind – the brand did launch a limited edition collection of Tangente 38mm watches in 31 different colours at Watches and Wonders. But firmly situated within the pantheon of the best German watch brands is Glashütte Original, which makes its own distinct designs that rival high-end brands like Lange, and with enough colour variety to go toe-to-toe with Nomos. Within its Seventies collection, Glashütte Original oftens explores bursts of colour befitting of the groovy era the collection is named after. This week, Glashütte Original launched two new limited-edition variants of its Seventies Chronograph: the Panorama Date Swimming Pool and Watermelon.
Dubbed Swimming Pool, the first configuration appears to leverage a matte turquoise dial that will be very attractive to those who love Tiffany blue (or at least Tiffany blue-adjacent) dials – an in-trend colour as of late. Salmon (a.k.a rose or copper) is also a longstanding collector fan-favourite, and the not-quite-pink-nor-red hue of the Watermelon stands to have a ton of appeal, whether or not a salmon dial connection is drawn. Ultimately, collectors are gravitating towards dials with bolder bursts of colour.
For those less familiar, the Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date is packaged in a squared case that is evocative of television sets of the era. These stainless steel models clock in at 40mm in diameter, 14.1mm thick, and 46.4mm lug-to-lug – but I suspect the extending, albeit cambering, integrating male end link will create a slightly broader effective lug-to-lug due to its fixed flare. They are also 100 metres water-resistant, and each offered on either an integrated bracelet or rubber strap. The dials are executed in matte lacquer, with a small seconds counter at 9 o’clock, a 30-minute counter at 3, a Panorama Date window at 6, and a 12-hour counter at the 12 o’clock position just below the dial branding. Furthermore, and very subtly, a power reserve indication is nestled within the small seconds counter.
Exhibited via the display caseback, the watch is powered by Glashütte Original’s in-house and finely decorated 37-02 calibre. It’s a vertical-clutch, column wheel, flyback chronograph movement with 70 hours of power reserve, and a silicon balance spring to better resist against magnetism. Handsome striping, bevelling, and blued screws, along with a solid gold mass for its automatic winding rotor, really elevate its finish – and combined with its also handsome externals results in a product with a strong premium feel, look, and specifications.
Considering these limited editions are priced at US$14,800 on a rubber strap or US$16,000 on a bracelet, they’re competing at a higher tier. But, as I mentioned before, with the rather distinct look of the externals, on-trend bursts of colour for the dials, and an elevated flyback chronograph calibre that also drives the signature Panorama Date window, I suspect those who know will seek out one to try in the metal.
Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date Swimming Pool & Watermelon pricing and availability
The Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Swimming Pool & Watermelon are available now, as limited editions of 100 pieces each. Price: US$14,800 (on rubber strap), US$16,000 (on bracelet)
| Brand | Glashütte Original |
| Model | Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date Swimming Pool Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date Watermelon |
| Reference | 1-37-02-16-02-63 1-37-02-16-02-70 1-37-02-17-02-63 1-37-02-17-02-70 |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 14.1mm (T) x 46.4mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire crystal front and back |
| Dial | Matte lacquer in turquoise or coral red |
| Strap and bracelet | Black rubber, steel folding clasp Steel H-link bracelet, folding clasp with adjustment mechanism |
| Movement | Caliber 37-02, in-house, automatic, column wheel chronograph |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, panorama date, flyback chronograph, power reserve |
| Availability | 100 pieces per reference |
| Price | US$14,800 (rubber strap) US$16,000 (bracelet) |