Glashütte Original: 70s

Digital Detox

By: Roger Ruegger

Glashütte Original has launched a new line in its vintage collection that aims to celebrate “the magical charm of analogue: The 70s combines retro design and exquisite craftsmanship.” The collection, adeptly named the 70s, starts with three models, all with a 39-mm stainless steel case and tons of retro style.

“In this increasingly digital world we live in, it can feel as if analogue devices are from a bygone era. Nevertheless, or perhaps for precisely that reason, they are enjoying a revival today. In our fast-paced daily lives, there is a growing demand for real experiences that allow you to take your time – such as winding a camera, placing a record on the turntable or winding a mechanical watch.” – Glashütte Original

The black Vinyl Record model (Ref. 1-36-10-04-02-86) is limited to 500 pieces and equipped with an integrated bracelet. It is inspired by the silk-matt black finish of a vinyl record, the hour and minute hands on the 70s Vinyl Record, together with the indexes, are made from solid white gold.

Tweed Amp (Ref. 1-36-11-03-02-66) takes its design cues from the textured brown fabric coverings of amps. The variant combines a galvanized brown dial with a beige rubber strap or metal bracelet that, too, can easily be exchanged: “Provided the connecting element is slotted into the case, a pin is pressed into a routed groove in the bar and secures it firmly in the eyelets of the strap. On the metal bracelet, the connecting element is already integrated. This means it can be attached to and released from the watch with a simple click.” On the rubber strap, the clasp can also be removed, for instance to use it with a different colored strap. The mechanism can be unlocked using a push-button recessed in the inside of the clasp. The metal bracelet has a double folding clasp with fine adjustment, allowing the length of the strap to be adjusted by up to 3 mm in either direction.

The third dial option is called Stereo Panel (Ref. 1-36-11-01-02-66) and features a galvanized silver dial. It is, too, available with either a black rubber strap or a stainless steel bracelet. All three variants feature a case that measures 39 x 39 mm and is just 9.6 mm thick (43.7mm lug-to-lug), water resistance is 100 m, the crown is screwed in.

The new 70s from Glashütte Original is powered by the brand’s automatic in-house Cal. 36 (36-10 and 36-11 to be more precise) with date, offering a power reserve of 100 hours when fully wound. The spiral has been manufactured from silicon, making it resistant to magnetic fields or temperature fluctuations. Thanks to the sapphire crystal on the caseback, the finishes on the movement are visible, also revealing another difference between the three models: While the Tweed Amp and Stereo Panel designs feature the rhodium-plated Calibre 36-11, the Limited edition Vinyl Record is equipped with the Calibre 36-10 – identical in technical terms, but black-rhodium plated to tie in with the matte black color scheme of the dial.

The traditional three-quarter plate, a hallmark of Glashütter watchmaking, features a ribbed finish, while the balance cock is engraved by hand, the winding train is decorated as well. The edges are angled and polished, the steel parts polished and the screws blued. The rotor is fitted with an oscillating weight made of 21-karat gold and bears the skeletonized mirrored-G symbol of the manufactory.

The new 70s is already available, the Vinyl Record variant retails for $16,300 (EUR 16,200), the unlimited Tweed Amp and Stereo Panel variants retail for $13,200 (EUR 13,100) on rubber strap, the bracelet adds another $1,300 (EUR 1,200).