“Made in Germany” Glashütte Original recently announced that it will be producing a special platinum version of its exceptional Senator Chronometer watch, a model that I first wrote about this time last year.  The watch will be limited to 13 pieces, each of which is paired with a marine chronometer that was recovered and restored  by Glashütte master watchmakers.  It looks like a fantastic collector’s set, particularly if you are a fan of Glashütte Original like I am (a proud owner of a Senator Navigator Automatic — check out my review if interested).  Price for the set may be close to $50,000 (the ‘standard’ Senator Chronometer watch alone lists for $28,000).

Glashütte Original Senator Chronometer Platinum

Limited Edition of 13 (numbered on the dial), 42mm platinum case (12.3mm thick)

Caseback – Glashütte Original Caliber 58-01

The two timepieces come set in a handmade oak case:

Here’s a step-by-step look at one of the marine chronometers being assembled — note the substantial size:

And here’s where a typical “marine chronometer” might have been used before the advent of modern electronics:

Did You Know?

The Glashütte Original Marine Chronometer

Construction and development of mechanical marine chronometers began in the 19th century. Over the course of more than a century, some 13,000 were manufactured in Glashütte. Thirteen of these historic instruments, manufactured during the final years of production in Glashütte, were discovered during preparations for the opening of the German Watch Museum Glashütte.

It was an astonishing find, and each has been carefully restored and lavishly finished: the entire chronometer housing has been carefully polished and given a sophisticated rhodium finish, as have the fittings and screws. Glashütte Original’s restoration experts built new gimbal mountings for each of the chronometers, and highly skilled artisans crafted thirteen wooden cases in matt black oak. In addition to the technical t

esting and adjustment of all components, restorative work performed on the chronometer movement includes extensive finishing. All plates, bridges, screws and pillars have been finely ground, polished and finished with hard gilding. The balance rim, weights and adjustment screws have also been carefully examined, re-worked and polished. The dial has been restored too: the sophisticated frosted silver plating has been refurbished in such a way as to retain the original milled, black inlay numerals and indexes. New fonts and the numbering of each unit complete the unique style of this distinctive nautical timepiece.  Source:  Glashütte Original.

Related posts:

1. Glashütte Original Goes Global With Its New Senator Chronometer
2. Baselworld 2010: Glashütte Original Senator Diary
3. Baselworld 2010: Glashütte Original Senator Sixties Panorama Date
4. Video Watch Review: Glashütte Original Senator Automatic
5. New Glashütte Original Strasser & Rohde Regulator