German watchmaker Glashutte Original has paid tribute to the 1970s - the era of space exploration, inspired screen sci-fi fantasies, and soft rock and pop music, with the launch of its Seventies Panorama Date at this year's BaselWorld.
'There is something about the '70s that captures everyone's attention. In everything from automobiles to airplanes, furniture and fashion, the '70s made their mark. They inspired a new look in art and design, still visible today in striking artifacts from an unforgettable decade. Cars, chairs and watches all took on a streamlined, soft-edged, aerodynamic appearance. What remains from the '70s is an unmistakable look and feel, captured in the icons and everyday objects of the time,' the company explains.
A remarkable feat in German design and engineering, its latest collection features flowing curves to its streamlined steel case, and a dial available in three tones: sunburst galvanised ruthenium, matt galvanised silver and a finely graded shade of blue.
Further completing the look is the integration between the case and the four-link metal bracelet that can be adjusted to fit the wrist of any wearer as if it had been tailored specifically for them. The integrated double G logo of the bracelet functions as both the clasp's button and activator for adjusting the mechanism. This patented closing and adjusting mechanism can be adjusted up to eight millimetres in eight steps, further consolidating the flawless integration of the watch bracelet.
'The elements are screwed to one another with no room for interplay between them so that they are much more stable than links joined by pins. The double security mechanism, with two buttons on either side, also hinders the accidental opening of the clasp,' the company says.
At the core of this '70s design is Glashutte Original's Calibre 39-47 automatic movement, visible through the domed sapphire crystal caseback. Crafted in the finest tradition of watchmaking, the finished movement was designed by the company's own workshop which has been behind some 18 manual winding and automatic movements, with the more complicated manufacture movements known to demand up to 300 work hours.
Glashutte Original also tackled another iconic era - the look of the 1960s - with the unveiling of its limited-edition Sixties Tourbillon timepiece.