When Glashütte Original opened its new dial manufactory in the storied German watchmaking town that bears its name, they chose to commemorate this milestone with more than just a press release.
The brand has created a limited edition PanoLunarTourbillon that literally draws inspiration from the earth beneath their feet – specifically, the iron ore deposits that have shaped the Saxon landscape for centuries. This isn’t merely a new colorway; it’s a geological love letter to the region that has nurtured German haute horlogerie for over 175 years.
Saxon Soil Colorway
The PanoLunarTourbillon represents a more complex evolution of the brand’s beloved PanoMaticLunar, replacing the off-center small-seconds subdial with an oversized flying tourbillon that commands attention while maintaining the asymmetrical elegance that defines Glashütte Original’s aesthetic philosophy.
While this isn’t the first PanoLunarTourbillon in the brand’s catalog, the debut piece from their new dial facility carries special significance as both a technical showcase and a testament to their expanding manufacturing capabilities.
The dial’s distinctive “iron ore” color – which might be more colloquially described as salmon – captures the earthy richness of the mineralized soil surrounding Glashütte. This galvanized finish provides a warm backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the strong blue accents found throughout the watch.
Applied indices, hands, the moonphase disc, and the trademark oversized panorama date all feature deep blue treatments that create visual depth while maintaining the harmonic balance that characterizes German watchmaking design.
The moonphase disc, adorned with silver stars against its blue background, represents another product of the new dial workshop, demonstrating the facility’s ability to handle complex decorative elements from day one. This attention to detail reflects Glashütte Original’s commitment to vertical integration and their belief that controlling every aspect of production leads to superior quality and unique character.
Technical Poetry in Platinum
The 40mm brushed platinum case provides a substantial yet elegant foundation for the complex movement within. Polished bezels and lug tops create visual contrast against the brushed case sides, while the 47mm lug-to-lug measurement and 12.7mm case height maintain reasonable proportions despite the watch’s multiple complications. This restraint exemplifies German engineering philosophy – maximum functionality within sensible parameters.
The Calibre 93-03 automatic movement represents the pinnacle of Glashütte craftsmanship, featuring a silicon balance spring and operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour with a 60-hour power reserve. The movement showcases traditional German decorative techniques including Glashütte striping, perlage, and beveling, all visible through the sapphire caseback. The off-center rotor mirrors the asymmetrical layout of the dial, creating visual harmony between front and back.
The flying tourbillon completes one revolution every 60 seconds, naturally functioning as a small-seconds hand while providing mesmerizing visual drama. A heat-blued seconds tip affixed to one of the tourbillon cage spokes overlaps with the snailed seconds track, while a clear cap jewel ensures the visual focus remains on this crucial timing element.
The moonphase complication adds romantic appeal to the technical showcase, while the panorama date – a Glashütte Original signature – provides practical functionality through its oversized, easily readable display. Super-LumiNova ensures legibility in low-light conditions, though this is clearly a dress watch designed for refined occasions rather than sporting adventures.
Limited to just 50 pieces and priced at $126,600, this PanoLunarTourbillon launches with choice of alligator leather or fabric strap options. Available now through Glashütte Original boutiques and select retailers, this geological masterpiece proves that the best foundations for exceptional watchmaking are built on solid ground – both literally and figuratively.
