In this increasingly digital world we live in, it can feel as if analogue devices are from a bygone era. Nevertheless, or perhaps for precisely that reason, they are enjoying a revival today. In our fast-paced daily lives, there is a growing demand for real experiences that allow you to take your time – such as winding a camera, placing a record on the turntable or winding a mechanical watch. Glashütte Original presents a new line in the vintage collection that celebrates the magical charm of analogue: The 70s combines retro design and exquisite craftsmanship. The line initially launches with three models that render cutting-edge mechanical watchmaking tangible with all the senses.
Present in the moment
A premium mechanical wristwatch is more than just a timekeeping instrument. It represents reliability, precision and meticulous craftmanship. Its mechanism thrives on interaction. The act of manually winding a wristwatch or turning a rotor establishes a direct connection between the watch and its wearer. The new 70s from Glashütte Original awakens emotions in several respects. With the automatic Manufacture Calibre 36 delivering outstanding performance day after day and a design that makes a clear statement of style, it is a constant reminder of what really matters: Authentic connections that go beyond connectivity.
Design with a sense of rhythm
At its initial market launch, the new 70s line is available in three different variants. All three feature dials with a fine “hexagrid” structure that creates vibrant light reflections and visual depth. The finish on the obelisk-shaped hour and minute hands and the sleek second hand lends them a particularly sharp and three-dimensional appearance. All this is enhanced by the inclusion of a date display at 3 o'clock.
The Vinyl Record model is inspired by the silk-matt black finish of an LP, a subtle nod to that little ritual we associate with putting on a record: Carefully sliding the record out of its sleeve, placing the needle down and that light crackle just before the music starts up – an orchestrated process that is as much part of the joy as the music itself. The hour and minute hands on the 70s Vinyl Record, together with the indexes, are made from solid white gold. It is the only one of the three new models to be limited to 500 pieces.
Tweed Amp takes its design cues from the textured brown fabric coverings of the iconic amps favoured by blues musicians over the decades. Still to this day, these artists swear by the warm, dynamic sound of these amps; a sound that digital technology simply cannot replicate. The hour and minute hands and the indexes of the 70s Tweed Amp are made from solid red gold that strikes a contrast against the cool silver tone of the steel case – as pronounced and characterful as the first riff in that unmistakeable “tweed” sound.
Stereo Panel takes its inspiration from the analogue hi-fi systems that represented the pinnacle of not only acoustics but also aesthetics in the 1970s, reaching the status of genuine icons of mid-century design. Nothing comes close to the satisfying click of the switch and the feel of the metallic sliders that allow you to adjust the sound however you want. An implicit invitation to take a seat in a lounge chair, close your eyes and let the sound envelope you. As with the two other models, the hour and minute hands and the indexes of the 70s Stereo Panel are made from solid gold and coated with Super-LumiNova®. The black coating preserves the monochrome aesthetic of its design inspiration.
All three 70s models demonstrate a true love for detail. Their soft ticking is in and of itself music to the ears of watch enthusiasts. Indexes, second hands and the solid gold date window are painstakingly satin-finished and the chapter ring is positioned on a thin réhaut ring. Sapphire crystals on the top and bottom provide maximum transparency while the design is rounded off with a set of one metal bracelet and one rubber strap, the latter of which is lined with soft calfskin.
Perfect proportions
The 70s models are a pleasure not only to behold, but also to touch. The curved contours invite the fingertips to trace their lines, while the ergonomic form created by the integrated lugs ensure the watch hugs the wrist perfectly. The softly rounded edges of the square stainless steel case are meticulously satin-finished and polished. They signal their link to the rest of the Seventies family, albeit in far smaller proportions: The 39 x 39 mm dimensions of the 70s are paired with a height of just 9.6 mm. The screwed crown and water resistance of up to 10 bar (100 m) emphasise the sporting credentials of the new line.
Find your own groove – quick and secure strap changes
The 70s can be worn either on a metal bracelet or on a rubber strap with leather lining for optimum wearing comfort. They do not only offer a choice of textures, but also a functional innovation. The patented Groove Lock System from Glashütte Original, which finds its first application in the 70s, comprises an innovative connecting element for the case as well as a specially designed clasp, both of which can be changed without tools. This innovative solution means the strap can be switched over whenever the mood strikes. A sophisticated system of levers, pins and grooves reliably secures the watch on the wrist.
Attaching a strap to the case is simply a matter of pushing its connecting element from above into the lugs of the watch so that it automatically slots into a small groove in the case wall. Pulling a lever on the underside of the connecting element releases the strap again. The element can also be switched between various rubber straps simply by pushing the bar out to one side. For safety reasons, this can only be done when the strap is not attached to the watch. Provided the connecting element is slotted into the case, a pin is pressed into a routed groove in the bar and secures it firmly in the eyelets of the strap. On the metal bracelet, the connecting element is already integrated. This means it can be attached to and released from the watch with a simple click.
On the rubber straps, the fold fastener can also be removed, for instance to use it with a different coloured strap. The mechanism can be unlocked using a push-button recessed in the inside of the clasp. Guided by two extendable rods, the system can now be opened. If the lock is pushed back together, a spring force slots the push-button back into in a groove in one of the two rods. The metal bracelet has a double fold fastener with fine adjustment, allowing the length of the strap to be adjusted by up to 3 mm in either direction.
Mechanical miniature worlds
The mechanism inside the 70s is an experience in and of itself. Uniform ticking serves as the soundtrack to a watch whose tiny components work in perfect harmony: A masterpiece that seems to work as if by magic. The automatic winding ensures a continuous energy supply for total autonomy: Every movement of the wrist keeps the movement going. The Manufacture Calibre 36 is a state-of-the-art automatic movement designed to achieve exceptional performance within remarkably compact dimensions. With a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and an impressive power reserve of up to 100 hours, it offers extraordinary rate precision and reliability. The spiral spring has been manufactured from silicon, making it resistant to magnetic fields or temperature fluctuations and therefore perfectly prepared for daily use.
Exquisite finishing
Every detail, every aspect of the 70s reflects the experience and care that has gone into its production. The sapphire crystal case back offers a glimpse of the intricate finishes on the movement and reveals another difference between the models: While the Tweed Amp and Stereo Panel designs feature the rhodium-plated Calibre 36-11, the Limited edition Vinyl Record is equipped with the Calibre 36-10 – identical in technical terms, but black-rhodium plated to tie in with the matte black colour scheme of the dial.
The traditional three-quarter plate, a hallmark of Glashütter watchmaking, features a ribbed finish, while the balance cock is intricately engraved by hand and the winding train is exquisitely decorated. Every part is finished with great care and attention to detail: The edges of the tiny components are angled and polished, the steel parts polished and the screws blued. The rotor is fitted with an oscillating weight made of 21-karat gold and bears the skeletonised mirrored-G symbol of the manufactory – an elegant yet efficient reminder of the timeless charm of handcrafted mechanics.
The new 70s is available from September 2026 exclusively from Glashütte Original boutiques and official retail partners around the world.
