Glashütte Original Senator Chronograph and Navigator Pay Tribute to Saxon Watchmaking Heritage
Glashütte Original Celebrates 100 Years of Saxon Wristwatch Chronographs
Glashütte Original has unveiled two new chronographs — the Senator Chronograph and Senator Chronograph Navigator — that trace their lineage directly to the Saxon town's transition from pocket watches to wristwatches a century ago. Both are powered by the modern in-house Caliber 37-24 automatic flyback chronograph movement.
Historical Context: From Pocket to Wrist
In 1926, UROFA and UFAG were established in Glashütte with Dr. Ernst Kurtz leading the charge to adapt pocket watch precision to the wrist. His "Raumnutzwerk" (space-efficient movement) — Caliber 58 — became the foundation for Glashütte's wristwatch success.
By the early 1940s, UROFA developed the Caliber 59 "Flieger Chronograph" — the first modern wristwatch chronograph produced in Glashütte. Built for military pilots, it required 15-bar water resistance, shock protection, and a flyback mechanism. Today's Caliber 37-24 carries that flyback DNA forward.
Two Distinct Personalities, One Movement
| Feature | Senator Chronograph | Senator Chronograph Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Case Size | 41mm × 12.9mm | 41mm × 12.9mm |
| Dial | Silver-white, grainé finish | Matte black with Arabic numerals |
| Inspiration | Maritime observation watches | 1940s pilot's chronographs |
| Indices | Roman numerals (gold, blue coated) | Arabic numerals (Super-LumiNova) |
| Hands | Blued steel | Luminous with white lacquer accents |
| Date | Panorama Date (white gold frame) | Panorama Date |
| Strap Options | Blue alligator / Steel bracelet | Black alligator / Sand synthetic / Steel |
Caliber 37-24: Modern Flyback Chronograph
Both watches share the same automatic movement, measuring 34.2mm × 8mm with:
- Flyback function — stop, reset, and restart chronograph with one pusher press
- 70-hour power reserve
- 28,800 vph (4Hz) frequency
- Silicon balance spring for magnetic resistance
- Swan-neck fine adjustment for precise regulation
- 21k gold rotor weight with skeletonized view
Traditional Glashütte finishing includes beveled edges, polished steel components, blued screws, and the signature three-quarter plate with Glashütte stripes.
Pricing & Availability
Both models are available worldwide through Glashütte Original boutiques and authorized retailers:
- Leather/synthetic strap: $16,100 USD
- Stainless steel bracelet: $17,100 USD
All straps feature a quick-change system for tool-free swapping, and the bracelets include a fine-adjustment system. For the first time, Glashütte Original has also developed a quick-change clasp that can transfer between compatible straps without tools.
FAQ
Q: What is a flyback chronograph?
A: A flyback allows the chronograph to be reset and immediately restarted with a single press, rather than requiring separate stop-reset-start operations. Originally designed for pilots timing consecutive navigation legs.
Q: How does Glashütte Original compare to Swiss competitors?
A: Glashütte Original offers comparable in-house movements and finishing at often more competitive price points than equivalent Swiss manufactures, with a distinctive Saxon design language.
Q: Are these watches suitable for daily wear?
A: Both offer 50m water resistance, 70-hour power reserve, and silicon hairsprings for modern durability. The Navigator's luminous dial makes it particularly versatile.
According to aBlogtoWatch, August 31, 2026.
Learn more about German watchmaking in our Guide to German Watchmaking.