These new models are made for the man and woman with an appreciative eye for exceptional objects from eras when most were made by hand from the finest materials available. An era that saw a wealth of innovation in everything from watchmaking to furniture, music and fashion. The fans of iconic Sixties design, its geometric forms and eye-catching colours, are well aware of the inspirational Spezimatic, made in Glashütte in the swinging sixties and presented in a series of sought-after models that still breath the spirit of the times.
The real thing
The domed sapphire crystals, curved hands and idiosyncratic Arabic numerals are signature features of the Sixties and Sixties Panorama Date. What most strikes the eye is the dazzling, seductive, retro-cool green of the dial and its unusual “dégradé effect”. As a further example of exceptional authenticity: the Sixties and Sixties Panorama Date dials feature a finely textured surface achieved with the use of original tools and methods. With the help of a 60-tonne press the dial blank is imprinted with the intricate pattern of a guilloche stamp. Known as “dies”, the originals are held in the dial manufactory archives in Pforzheim.
As for the dégradé effect, the process begins with the application of a galvanic base coat, followed by layers of coloured lacquer. In a final step, black lacquer is carefully applied using a special spray gun, which produces – depending on the angle at which the gun is held – an individual colour gradient that renders each dial unique. The lacquered dials are then fired at high temperature to burn in the colour.
Dials
First introduced in 1964, a number of Spezimatic models made use of dials manufactured in Pforzheim. The relationship with Pforzheim, which began more than 50 years ago, was reinforced in 2006 with the purchase of the dialmaker by Swatch Group, and strengthened again when Glashütte Original assumed direct ownership. Today, full integration of the dialmaker's expertise allows Glashütte Original to develop exclusive, contemporary dial designs that meet the watchmaker's extremely high standards of quality.
Manufactory movements
The new Sixties and Sixties Panorama Date are powered by manufactory designed and built automatic movements, the 39-47 and the 39-52, respectively, that beat at the frequency of 28'800 vph and have a 40-hour power reserve. The signature Glashütte Original Panorama Date is positioned on the central vertical axis in the lower half of the dial.
The three-hand model is housed in a polished 39 mm stainless steel case whereas the model with Panorama Date comes in a 42 mm stainless steel case. A black calf-skin strap and pin buckle complete the design.
Both timepieces are available in Glashütte Original Boutiques and from selected retailers worldwide only for the limited time of one year.
