Glashütte Original Unveils Senator Chronograph and Navigator: A Century of Watchmaking Heritage
Glashütte Original Honors a Century of Chronograph Development
A century ago, Glashütte's watchmakers faced a fundamental transformation as demand shifted from pocket watches to wrist-worn timepieces. Now, Glashütte Original is revisiting this pivotal era with two new chronographs that trace their lineage directly to the pioneering UROFA Caliber 59 — the first modern wristwatch chronograph produced in Glashütte.
Historical Roots: From Pocket Watches to Pilot's Chronographs
The story begins in 1926, when UROFA and UFAG were established with Dr. Ernst Kurtz leading the charge to translate Glashütte's precision pocket watchmaking standards into the smaller wristwatch format. The breakthrough came with the UROFA Caliber 58, nicknamed the "Raumnutzwerk" or "space-efficient movement," which adapted proven pocket watch principles for wristwatches.
Building on this success, the early 1940s saw the development of the UROFA Caliber 59, a chronograph commissioned specifically for pilots. This remarkable timepiece had to withstand 15 bar pressure for at least 90 minutes, incorporate shock protection and a flyback mechanism, and maintain accuracy of -3/+12 seconds per day across temperatures ranging from -10°C to +40°C.
Two Distinct Characters, One Shared Movement
More than eight decades later, the flyback functionality of that historic Caliber 59 provides the technical foundation for the new Senator Chronograph and Senator Chronograph Navigator. Both are powered by Glashütte Original's automatic Caliber 37-24, an integrated column-wheel chronograph movement measuring 34.2mm in diameter and just 8mm thick.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Movement | Caliber 37-24 automatic |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph (4 Hz) |
| Power Reserve | Up to 70 hours |
| Case Size | 41mm × 12.9mm |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters |
| Features | Flyback, Panorama Date, central chronograph |
The movement incorporates a silicon balance spring for increased resistance to magnetic fields and temperature fluctuations, solid gold regulating screws, and Glashütte Original's signature swan-neck fine adjustment. Traditional finishing includes beveled edges, polished steel components, blued screws, and Glashütte stripes on the three-quarter plate.
Navigator: A Pilot's Watch for the Modern Age
The Senator Chronograph Navigator draws direct inspiration from the pilot's watches produced in Glashütte during the 1940s. Its matte black dial features large Arabic numeral appliqués filled with Super-LumiNova, luminous hour markers, and white lacquered hands for maximum legibility. A cone-shaped crown with the mirrored 'G' logo and traditional mushroom-shaped chronograph pushers complete the vintage-inspired aesthetic.
S Senator: Classical Precision
The Senator Chronograph reaches further back, taking inspiration from the observation watches produced for maritime navigation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its silver-white dial features a fine grainé finish, solid gold Roman numeral appliqués with blue coating, and blued steel hands. A white gold frame surrounds the Panorama Date, adding subtle refinement.
Availability and Pricing
Both models offer three strap and bracelet options with quick-change systems. The Senator Chronograph Navigator pairs with a black alligator strap, sand-colored synthetic strap, or satin-finished steel bracelet. The Senator Chronograph offers blue alligator, sand-colored synthetic, or satin and polished steel options.
The Senator Chronograph and Senator Chronograph Navigator are available worldwide through Glashütte Original boutiques and authorized retailers, priced at $16,100 USD on leather/synthetic straps and $17,100 USD on stainless steel bracelets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the flyback function special?
The flyback function allows the chronograph to be stopped, reset, and immediately restarted with a single press of the pusher — a feature originally developed for the practical requirements of pilots who needed to time sequential events without delay.
How does the Caliber 37-24 compare to the original Caliber 59?
While the historic Caliber 59 was a manually-wound chronograph from the 1940s, the modern Caliber 37-24 is an automatic movement with 70 hours of power reserve, silicon balance spring, and traditional Glashütte finishing. Both share the flyback functionality as their defining technical feature.
Are these watches limited editions?
No, the Senator Chronograph and Senator Chronograph Navigator are part of Glashütte Original's permanent collection and are available through authorized retailers worldwide.
Source: aBlogtoWatch, Monochrome Watches, Hodinkee
Explore our latest watch releases or browse our complete brand directory.