The Saxon manufacture once again demonstrates its mastery of high complications with the simultaneous release of two new references within the Senator collection. With the launch of the Senator Chronograph and the Senator Chronograph Navigator, Glashütte Original reinterprets the rich German heritage of short-time measurement through a lens of refined modern ergonomics and technical excellence.
Two Design Philosophies: Military Heritage and Saxon Elegance
Both novelties share a stainless steel case measuring 41.0 mm in diameter, 12.9 mm in thickness, and a lug-to-lug distance of 48.5 mm. However, each execution draws inspiration from a fundamental chapter in the region’s watchmaking history: 19th-century naval observation timepieces and 1940s pilot instruments.
The Senator Chronograph Navigator adopts a distinctly technical aesthetic featuring a matte black lacquer dial, applied Arabic numerals coated with Super-LumiNova, and a prominent pilot crown decorated with the raised double “G” logo.
On the other hand, the Senator Chronograph favors pure classicism with a fine-grained galvanic silver dial, blued solid gold Roman numerals, and the signature Panorama Date window framed in white gold at 6 o’clock.
🇩🇪 Historical Note
The Origin of Glashütte Original: 1845–2026
The roots of Glashütte Original trace back to 1845. More than 175 years ago, the first watchmakers settled in a small valley in the Ore Mountains, 30 km from Dresden, backed by financial support from the Kingdom of Saxony. In 1878, the German Watchmaking School was established to preserve this expertise.
After enduring two World Wars and the merger of local workshops in 1951, German reunification led to the creation of Glashütter Uhrenbetrieb GmbH in 1990. Joining The Swatch Group in 2000 propelled its international expansion across more than 40 countries.
Today, the manufacture crafts up to 95% of its movement components in-house, representing the pinnacle of Saxon haute horlogerie.
Calibre 37-24: Integrated Flyback Architecture with 70 Hours Power Reserve
The mechanical heart powering both timepieces is the new in-house Calibre 37-24, an integrated automatic flyback chronograph movement with a column wheel mechanism. Measuring a compact 34.2 mm in diameter and just 8.0 mm in height, it seamlessly integrates the Panorama Date along with sub-dials for the 30-minute counter and small seconds.
Beating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), the movement is fitted with a silicon balance spring impervious to magnetic fields and a fine-adjustment system via a swan-neck mechanism with gold regulating screws on the balance wheel. Visible through the sapphire crystal case back are quintessential Saxon finishing touches: bevelled edges, blued screws, a three-quarter plate with Glashütte stripe finish, and a newly designed skeletonized rotor with a 21-karat gold oscillating weight.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- In-house integrated flyback chronograph Calibre 37-24 with a slim 8 mm movement profile and a 70-hour power reserve.
- Introduction of a tool-free quick-change system for both straps and folding clasps.
- High-end regulating organ featuring a silicon balance spring, swan-neck fine adjustment, and a 21k gold skeletal rotor.
Cons:
- Water resistance is capped at 5 bar (50 meters), which feels slightly modest for a military-style chronograph like the Navigator.
- The 41 mm case diameter combined with a 12.9 mm height may feel substantial on slimmer wrists.
Technical Specifications: Glashütte Original Senator Chronograph & Navigator
| Specification | Senator Chronograph Navigator | Senator Chronograph |
|---|---|---|
| References | 1-37-24-20-12-61 (Leather) / 64 (Synthetic) / 71 (Steel) | 1-37-24-01-02-61 (Leather) / 64 (Synthetic) / 71 (Steel) |
| Case / Dimensions | Stainless steel: 41.0 mm (diameter) × 12.9 mm (thickness) × 48.5 mm (lug-to-lug) | Stainless steel: 41.0 mm (diameter) × 12.9 mm (thickness) × 48.5 mm (lug-to-lug) |
| Crystal / Case Back | Box sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides; sapphire back | Box sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides; sapphire back |
| Dial | Matte black lacquer with Arabic numerals coated in Super-LumiNova | Fine-grained galvanic silver with blued solid gold Roman numerals |
| Hands | White lacquer with Super-LumiNova luminescence | Thermally blued steel with central blued chronograph hand |
| Movement | In-house automatic Calibre 37-24 (integrated column-wheel flyback) | In-house automatic Calibre 37-24 (integrated column-wheel flyback) |
| Frequency / Power Reserve | 28,800 vph (4 Hz) / 70 hours power reserve | 28,800 vph (4 Hz) / 70 hours power reserve |
| Regulating Organ | Silicon balance spring, swan-neck fine adjustment, gold balance screws | Silicon balance spring, swan-neck fine adjustment, gold balance screws |
| Complications | Flyback chronograph, 30-min counter, Panorama Date, tachymeter scale | Flyback chronograph, 30-min counter, Panorama Date (white gold frame) |
| Water Resistance | 5 bar (50 meters / 165 feet) | 5 bar (50 meters / 165 feet) |
| Strap / Clasp | Alligator leather, synthetic or steel bracelet; quick-change system | Alligator leather, synthetic or steel bracelet; quick-change system |
| Price | €17,100 (Bracelet) / €16,200 (Strap) | €17,100 (Bracelet) / €16,200 (Strap) |
