In 2019, Glashütte Original's Pano line welcomes new PanoReserve and PanoMaticLunar featuring contemporary designs. A satin-brushed and polished red gold case frames the signature asymmetric arrays of both models. The hour/minute and small second dials are aligned along a vertical axis on the left side, while the Panorama Date, presented in white numerals against a blue ground, is positioned just below 4 o'clock. Luminous highlights on the gold hour and minute hands ensure clear legibility under all lighting conditions.
The PanoReserve fan-shaped Auf/Ab (up/down) power reserve indicator is placed at 2 o'clock, while the terms "Panoramadatum" (Panorama Date) and "Gangreserve" (power reserve) are presented in German, as a subtle reminder of the watchmaker's origins. The PanoMaticLunar is graced with a refined moon phase display featuring a golden moon and stars scattered across a silver sky. The various displays have been positioned on the dial according to the Golden Ratio - the law of aesthetic harmony that has inspired artists and architects for centuries.
The dials of both new Pano versions are made in Glashütte Original's in-house dial manufactory in Pforzheim, Germany. Up to 40 separate steps are required to produce the details and finishing of the dials. The rich blue, for example, is the product of a galvanic process that must be tightly controlled to achieve the exact shade of blue desired. The dial must be submerged in the galvanic bath for precisely the right amount of time and the voltage held at the right level. All aspects of the galvanisation process are subject to strict standards designed to prevent even minor changes in the colour.
Similar rigorous standards govern the processes used to create the grooved vinyl pattern on the surface of the off-centre hour/minute and small second dials, or the pad-printed numerals of the Panorama Date display. The dial-makers in Pforzheim are also responsible for the production of the small disc for the PanoMaticLunar's moon phase display. The disc's two gold-coloured moons are turned out using a diamond-tipped tool, which gives them their convex form and unique brilliance, while the silver, starry sky is the product of an elaborate galvanisation process.
The PanoMaticLunar is driven by the 4-Hz automatic movement Calibre 90-02 with a 42-hour power reserve. The sapphire crystal case back offers a view into the finished movement and its characteristic Glashütte elements. The heart of the PanoReserve is the 4 Hz manual winding Calibre 65-01 with a 42-hour power reserve. Here, too, the traditional elements of Glashütte watchmaking are visible through the sapphire crystal case back: from the handengraved balance cock, screw-mounted gold chatons and blued screws on the three-quarter plate with Glashütte stripe finish to the duplex swan-neck fine adjustment developed by the brand.
Fitted with a complementary dark blue Louisiana alligator strap with buckle or a fold fastener in red gold, the new timepieces are available from Glashütte Original Boutiques worldwide and from authorised retailers.
