Glashütte Original has released the latest variations of its vintage-style sports chronograph, the Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date. First introduced in 2014, the watch is defined by a squarish case, integrated bracelet, and in-house movement. Now the German watch brand has unveiled a limited edition pair that feature matte, lacquered dials in either ochre or grey-blue.

Initial thoughts

Given the niche appeal of its obviously-retro case, it is unsurprising that the Seventies Chronograph doesn’t receive as much attention as most sports watches derived from that period. It doesn’t quite have the same look of the most popular watches of the 1970s (think sports watches from Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet). That’s something of a shame considering the excellent, integrated chronograph movement inside. Hopefully, the introduction of brighter dial options will boost its appeal.

Certainly, the new dial offerings align with the current trend for coloured dials, particular the dial in light blue that’s much like the shade found in the Rolex Oyster Perpetual collection. This dial update significantly improves the models in terms of visual appeal as it gives the model a more lively appearance compared to earlier versions that had conventional dark, metallic finish dials.

Priced at US$14,100 on a rubber strap and US$15,300 on a matching bracelet, the new models cost slightly more than the standard models. But given these are limited editions in colours will not be seen again in the near future, the price is relatively justifiable, especially considering Glashütte Original competence in movements and overall quality.

“Ocean Breeze” and “Golden Bay”

The Seventies Chronograph carries a strong retro influence, drawing inspiration from an era that is primarily recognised for giving birth to the luxury sports watch with an integrated bracelet. Over the years, the model has been executed with various dial shades including a fumé graduated finish. The latest duo add a summer twist with dials in ochre (officially known as “Golden Bay”) and grey-blue (“Ocean Breeze”). 

The new variants retain the standard dial and case design. The dial features two chronograph registers – with the left one smartly enclosing a power reserve indicator – a 12-hour counter aperture at 12, and the distinctive Panorama Date at six. Just like the standard models, the chronographs feature a cushion-shaped steel case that has been given a brushed finish. The case measures 40 by 40 mm in diameter and 14.1 mm high.

The movement remains the automatic cal. 37-02. This is an integrated chronograph that incorporates a column wheel with a horizontal clutch, along with a flyback function that enables the pusher at four to instantly reset the chronograph hand to zero. And it has the additional functions of a power reserve indicator and oversized date, along with a solid-gold rotor rim, free-sprung balance, and swan’s neck regulator, making the cal. 37-02 one of the highest-spec chronograph movements in the price range.

Key facts and price

Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date
Ref. 1-37-02-13-02-63 (grey-blue dial and rubber strap)
Ref. 1-37-02-13-02-70 (grey-blue dial and matching bracelet)
Ref. 1-37-02-14-02-63 (ochre dial and rubber strap)
Ref. 1-37-02-14-02-70 (ochre dial and matching bracelet) 

Diameter: 40 mm by 40 mm
Height: 14.1 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m 

Movement: Cal. 37-02
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, 12-hour flyback chronograph, power reserve indicator and big date
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 70 hours

Strap: Steel bracelet, or rubber strap

Limited edition: 200 pieces for each dial colour, with 100 pieces each on strap or bracelet 
Availability: At Glashütte Original boutiques and retailers
Price: US$14,100 (rubber strap); US$15,300 (matching bracelet)

For more information, visit Glashuette-original.com.