Glashütte Original
The Art of Engineering: Glashütte Original’s Pano Collection
Glashütte Original
The Art of Engineering: Glashütte Original’s Pano Collection
Groundbreaking Firsts
The first “Pano” made its appearance in 2001 with the PanoRetroGraph. This flyback chronograph was the first mechanical watch to feature a 30-minute countdown and a triple-repetition chime that announced the end of a timed event. It was awarded “Watch of the Year” in 2001 by readers of the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag and the German specialist magazine Armbanduhren for its innovations. Today, it continues to be a collectible and much sought after model.
The PanoRetroGraph features the offset hours and minutes configuration with overlapping small seconds that would become a hallmark of the models to follow in its pioneering footsteps.
PanoMaticCounter XL
PanoGraph
PanoLunarTourbillon
PanoMaticLunar
PanoReserve
PanoMaticInverse
PanoInverse
PanoInverse Platinum Limited Edition
I recently visited the manufacture to see the 2021 collection. The PanoInverse Platinum Limited Edition design is inspired from the glass dome that sits atop the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts and the timepiece has incorporated the marvel of architectural details from that structure into many aspects of the watch. This special model is limited to only 25 pieces.
In Homage
The PanoInverse Platinum Limited Edition features the signature three-quarter plate with impressive guilloché engraving and a partially skeletonized baseplate. There are so many details to see on this inverted dial, that it requires a good loupe to appreciate the thoughtful design and hand work put forth by the watchmakers and engravers at Glashütte Original. The engraving has an unmistakable resemblance to the geometric pattern formed by the pleating in the academy’s dome. The baseplate is partially skeletonized, allowing a clear view through the sapphire crystal to mimic the dome’s many panes of glass.
The inverted design brings the intricate and fascinating balance wheel to the front of the dial, drawing the eye, much like the golden sculpture of Pheme or Fama that captures the imagination from her position at the top of the dome. The designers were thoughtful in their exploration of the importance of form as it follows function, and the result is a timepiece that balances between art and science.
Perfect Asymmetry
Applied baton indexes stand proud against the textured gray dial and the skeletonized slender sword hands are elegant and dainty in the middle of the display, mirroring the delicate wings lifting from Pheme or Fama’s shoulders.
A power reserve indicator is nestled among the colorful display of heated blued screws and rubies. Two prominent chatons held in place with three minuscule blued screws are a subtle reminder of the attention to detail and precise mechanical mastery at work.
The skeleton work around the balance bridge adds an almost unsettling negative space, drawing attention to the focal point for the most impressive aspect of the timepiece — the escapement assembly and the balance wheel.
Exceptional Caliber
The in-house movement delivers a power reserve of around 42 hours, visible with a retrograde power reserve indicator. The fine finishing includes plates and bridges with special guilloché engraving, duplex swan-neck fine adjustment, screw balance with 18 weighted screws, and heat-blued screws.
It’s paired with a coordinating matte finish gray color strap made from Louisiana alligator nubuck leather with a folding clasp.
Final Thoughts
The PanoInverse Platinum Limited Edition adds a touch of imagination and rebelliousness to a strong line of timepieces. With inspiration drawn from the beauty of the dome of the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts, and the excitement of the unexpected, this timepiece is a fine example of Glashütte Original’s watchmaking art and engineering.
Tech Specs
Glashütte Original PanoInverse Platinum Limited Edition
Movement: Manual winding caliber 66-09; 42-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes and seconds
Case: 42mm; platinum; water resistant to 50m
Strap: Gray Louisiana alligator leather
Price: USD 45,700
Availability: Limited to 25 pieces, and sold exclusively in Glashütte Original boutiques