Introducing An Iron-Ore Inspired PanoLunarTourbillon From Glashütte Original

Glashütte Original just opened a new dial manufactory in the small watchmaking town mentioned in its name. To celebrate, production at this facility kicks off with a new limited edition of the PanoLunarTourbillon (yes, all one word). It's a more complicated take on the brand's well-known PanoMaticLunar, replacing the off-center small-seconds sundial with an oversized flying tourbillon.

Of course, this certainly isn't the first PanoLunarTourbillon from the brand, but the newsworthy part of this is the dial and its specific origin. The brand cites inspiration from the iron ore surrounding the town of Glashütte in its color choices, but one might simply describe it as a salmon dial. It's complemented by numerous strong blue accents, found in elements such as the applied indices, hands, the moonphase disc, and the trademark oversized date. In addition to the galvanized iron-ore-colored dial, the moonphase disc with silver stars is also manufactured at Glashütte Original's new dial workshop.

The PanoLunarTourbillon comes in a 40mm brushed platinum case, with the bezel and top of the lugs polished to act as a nice contrast. With a lug-to-lug measurement of 47mm and a case height of 12.7mm, the PanoLunarTourbillon remains within reasonable parameters for a multi-complication dress watch, considering the inclusion of the moonphase and the oversized double-disc date. 

Inside is the Calibre 93-03 movement, an automatic movement featuring a silicon balance spring, beating at 21,600 VpH and offering a 60-hour power reserve. As expected of watches coming out of this German watchmaking town, numerous classic decorative finishes are applied to the movement, including Glashütte striping, perlage, and beveling, which is visible on the curves of the tourbillon cage. The off-center rotor mirrors the asymmetrical, golden-ratio-inspired layout of the front of the watch.

The tourbillon makes a full rotation every 60 seconds, meaning it naturally functions as a small-seconds hand. A heat-blued seconds tip is affixed to one of the spokes on the tourbillon cage, overlapping nicely with the snailed seconds track surrounding it, while a clear cap jewel for the tourbillon ensures that the visual focus remains on that seconds tip.

Limited to 50 pieces, the watch will be available from Glashütte Original boutiques and select retailers this month. Delivered on either an alligator strap or a fabric strap, this PanoLunarTourbillon, featuring its "iron ore" dial, is priced at $126,600.

The new rose-colored dial for the PanoLunarTourbillon is a nice touch. While the color combination is certainly not a groundbreaking revelation, classic dial colors are classic for a reason, and this is a nice addition to the collection for a watch that currently has only two variations published in the brand's catalog. It certainly feels much more exciting when compared to the current production model in rose gold with a white dial.

Opening a new dial facility is no small feat, so stay tuned on Hodinkee for an inside look in the coming days. In a town where many of the largest names in the industry pride themselves on having a wealth of in-house manufacturing talent, this certainly gives Glashütte Original a competitive edge when it comes to boasting about its craft. This dial is a nice first step, though perhaps I would have loved to see even more technical prowess demonstrated with the first novelty I've seen dedicated to the launch of this facility. I don't know for sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if we see more from Glashütte Original and the brand's new facility later this year. 

Brand: Glashütte Original
Model: PanoLunarTourbillon
Reference Number: 1-93-03-01-03-61 (leather strap); 1-93-03-01-03-64 (fabric strap)

Diameter: 40mm
Thickness: 12.7mm
Case Material: Platinum
Dial Color: Galvanic rose "Iron Ore"
Indexes: Applied
Lume: Yes, Super-LumiNova
Water Resistance: 5 bar
Strap/Bracelet: Alligator leather strap or fabric strap

Caliber: 93-03 Automatic
Functions: Hours, minutes, flying tourbillon small seconds, moonphase, panorama date
Power Reserve: 60 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 21,600 VpH
Jewels: 50
Chronometer Certified: No

Price: $126,600
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: Yes, 50 pieces.

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