Glashütte Original: Senator Chronometer Tourbillon Limited Edition

The watchmakers of Glashütte Original welcomed the challenge to find a way to stop the flying tourbillon “in full flight” and to combine it with the ability to set the time precisely.

To set the time the crown is pulled out. This triggers a vertical clutch that locks the tourbillon cage, and with that the balance, in its current position. If the crown is then pulled out further and held in position, the second hand advances clockwise to zero, and the minute hand advances to the next full index. In the process, a rotational damper ensures a smooth movement. Now the crown can be released and “while the small second remains at zero” the time can be set precisely to the minute while the crown is still pulled out. At the desired point in time the crown is pressed back again, which releases the seconds hand, thus ensuring that minutes and seconds are synchronised perfectly. This version has also been fitted, for the first time, with shock protection on both sides of the flying tourbillon.

The high rate precision of the Senator Chronometer Tourbillon Limited Edition has been confirmed by an independent testing institute. Each watch is certified as a chronometer, in conformance with the DIN 8319 standard, by the German Calibration Service in Glashütte. The watch undergoes 15 days of testing in five different positions and at three different temperatures. In addition, a silicon balance spring offers greater protection against magnetic fields and changes in temperature. The manual winding calibre 58-05, has a power reserve of 70 hours when fully wound, indicated by the display at 9 o’clock.

Inside the 42 mm platinum case, it’s enclosed the galvanic blue dial with appliques and a partially transparent sapphire crystal ring bearing the seconds scale is positioned on the Tourbillon cage. The watch is completed with various hand engravings and the classic Glashütte stripe finish round off the decoration.

In addition, a sophisticated detail is positioned on the upper edge of the dial. The mirrored upper ring displays at 12 o’clock, the inscription “Chronometer Tourbillon”, engraved back-to-front on the dial fastener. The Glashütte Senator Chronometer Tourbillon is limited to only 25 pieces and is completed with a dark blue alligator leather strap with a fold fastener in platinum. (Price €.150.000)