Glashütte Original Senator Chronograph Navigator: A Hands-On Review

Introduction

Glashütte Original, a name synonymous with German watchmaking excellence, has introduced two new chronographs: the Senator Chronograph and the Senator Chronograph Navigator. These timepieces pay homage to the region's rich horological history while incorporating modern innovations. With over 180 years of watchmaking heritage, Glashütte Original prides itself on designing, manufacturing, and assembling nearly all components in-house, ensuring an authentic German watchmaking experience.

The Dials: A Study in Contrast

The two models share identical case dimensions and movements but offer distinct dial aesthetics. The Senator Chronograph Navigator embraces a tool-watch persona with its matte black lacquer dial, which absorbs light to enhance legibility. Arabic numerals, crafted from Super-LumiNova blocks, provide excellent visibility in low-light conditions, paying tribute to the brand's 1940s chronographs.

In contrast, the Senator Chronograph exudes elegance with a grained galvanic silver dial and Roman numerals, inspired by historical observation watches used for maritime navigation. The applied Roman numerals are coated in blue, matching the heat-blued hands, creating a cohesive and refined look.

Both dials feature a panorama date at 6 o'clock, a signature Glashütte Original complication that uses concentric discs on a single plane, eliminating the need for a central dividing bar. The subdials at 3 and 9 o'clock display running seconds and a 30-minute chronograph counter, respectively.

Case and Wearability

Encased in stainless steel, both watches measure 41mm in diameter and 48.5mm lug-to-lug, with a thickness of just 12.9mm—impressive for a flyback chronograph with a panoramic date. The case features brushed surfaces with polished bezels and bevels, striking a balance between utility and sophistication. Water resistance is rated at 50 meters, suitable for everyday wear but not for serious diving.

Strap Options and Quick-Change System

Glashütte Original offers three strap choices for both models: a Louisiana alligator leather strap (black for the Navigator, blue for the Senator), a sand-colored synthetic strap made from recycled materials, and a three-link stainless steel bracelet. All straps feature quick-release systems, and the folding clasps on leather and synthetic straps now include a quick-change mechanism for easy swapping. The bracelet includes a fine adjustment system for a perfect fit.

The In-House Calibre 37-24

Powering these chronographs is the automatic calibre 37-24, an integrated column-wheel flyback movement with a 70-hour power reserve and a silicon balance spring for anti-magnetic properties. The skeletonized rotor uses 21k gold for efficient winding. The movement is beautifully decorated with bevelled edges, black-polished steel parts, heat-blued screws, and the iconic three-quarter bridge with Glashütte stripe finish—a deeper, more labor-intensive brushing than Swiss Côtes de Genève.

The balance cock features a swan's neck regulator, fabricated in-house via wire spark erosion and black-polished. The balance wheel includes solid gold regulating screws for precise timekeeping. Notably, even the screws and screwdrivers used in the movement are made in-house, underscoring the brand's commitment to vertical integration.

Verdict

These new chronographs are a testament to Glashütte Original's expertise and dedication to traditional German watchmaking. With only the silicon balance spring sourced externally (from the Swatch Group), the watches are almost entirely manufactured in-house. The dials are handsome, the cases are ergonomic, and the movements are exceptional. Priced at US,100 on straps and US,100 on a bracelet, they offer compelling value for a flyback chronograph with such high levels of finishing and in-house production.

For those seeking a tool-watch aesthetic with excellent legibility, the Senator Chronograph Navigator on the sand-colored synthetic strap is a standout choice. On the other hand, the Senator Chronograph offers a more dressy appeal with its silver dial and blue accents. Both are worthy additions to any collection, reflecting the pinnacle of German watchmaking.

Specifications

Brand: Glashütte Original
Model: Senator Chronograph / Senator Chronograph Navigator
Case Dimensions: 41mm diameter x 12.9mm thickness x 48.5mm lug-to-lug
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Crystal: Sapphire front and back
Dial: Matte black lacquer (Navigator) / Galvanic silver with fine grain (Senator)
Strap: Quick-change alligator leather, synthetic, or steel bracelet
Movement: Calibre 37-24, automatic, in-house
Power Reserve: 70 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, panorama date, flyback chronograph
Availability: Now
Price: US,100 (strap) / US,100 (bracelet)