Glashütte Original

While revisiting my Hard Disk, I noticed that former pics I took were so so, hence this new " black series ".

This Senator Navigator is a watch I enjoy a lot, because of its strong simplicity.

A pure toolwatch, at the only exception of the sapphire case back, but, on this limited edition, a solid case back is also supplied, so you can choose between both of the historical solution ( solid ) or aesthetical ( see through ).

Here, the 2d case back in the amazing package of the Rimowa ( Credit pic: G.O )



I'm not an extremist about sapphire case backs, I mean that I feel no need to see a movement, if there is nothing interesting to see.

In this case, the Cal 100 is worth a look, don't you think?



Not exceptionaly finished, but nicely decorated, it is eye ( and light ) catching.

Let's not forget that this movement provides an interesting function, the reset to zero second hand, through the use of a pusher, located on the case, at 8 o'clock.

The matt satin stainless steel case has more human dimensions compared to the unwearable original model ( 44 mm instead of ... 55 mm! ), and gives a pleasant look to the watch.

I would rate the thickness around 13 mm, maybe a little bit less, which preserves some harmonious proportions, as you can see below:





The big crown adds to the " elegant macho " look of the Senator Navigator, enhancing its toolwatch character, and remembering that when they were initially released, these watches were set or wound with Pilot gloves.



The dial, to end, is the real soul of this G.O watch.

Very conform to the Original Pilot watches from this era ( Lange, G.O, Laco, IWC and so on ), this ...should I say re edition or re interpretation, by the way? ... has the simpler dial, without the hours scale at the center.

But, once again, the unlimited edition, with the hour scale at the center, is also conform to the original, so it is a matter of taste.

I love this watch so much that I am even considering getting the unlimited version!

Back to the Rimowa, the simple and sober, military design of the dial is not only aesthetically very appealing, it also achieves a more " utilitary " purpose: an undisputable legibility.

Another nice detail, which is not only nice, by the way, is the blue heated hands.

Once again, it is not only aesthetical, but also, and most important, the hands were blue heated, at this moment, to offer a solution against corrosion.

Not only beautiful, but also useful...The form ...And the Function.

The only exception to the historical exigences, the small G.O symbol at the base of the second hand...

Before I forget, a few words on the strap:

On the Rimowa Edition, two straps are delivered with the watch, a leather, which is so so, and a very nice " Trieste " one, whose color is workin g perfectly with the purpose of the watch, and which is also very pleasant and comfortable to wear.





To give a conclusion to this post, I would say that the Panolunar was the first G.O I saw, may years ago, now, and which lead me to pay some interest to this very interesting brand.

But the Senator Navigator was the first watch to convince me to make the plunge.

When I saw this Rimowa, here, on PPRO, I knew I had to get it.

Now that I own it for more than 3 years, and that I had all the time to be definitely convinced, not to say sold, by the G.O virtues, it is time to go on my 2d watch from this Manufacture.

But that is another story...



Best to All,

Nicolas

No message body

Hi Nicolas,

lovely to see some more pics of this really strong watch as you called her yourself. I remember you once posted a pic of the watch on the Friday WS thread.

I wonder what quick set function is accomplished by the pusher? Hour correction?

Kind regards,

anaesdoc

For a Pilot watch, don't you think?

Thanks, Anaesdoc.

Nicolas.

. . . for that last smidgeon of accuracy when setting time.  Unlike other hacking systems, the method employed by the cal 100 allows the balance to stay in motion, which eliminates any error a suddenly stopped and restarted balance contributes when calculating rates.  This subtle yet sensible enhancement is typical of Glashütte Original.

Thanks, Nicolas, for this gallery of Senator Navigator Rimowa limited edition photos.  It's one of the lesser-known delicacies from G O's catalog, with only a hundred in existence.  I've tried on just about every variation except this one and one other LE.  They all exhibit a special quality of being aesthetically acceptable on smaller wrists due to their entirely matte finish and, in the case of the standard dateless version, a dial design with very little open space. 

Cordially, Art 

 

As said in my original post, I love it so much that I even consider gettnig the other dateless version, with the " busier " dial as both are historically correct, and very pleasant to wear.

A hit from G.O, without doubt!

Best,

Nicolas.

the olive trieste strap is very attractive, and suits the watch well, as you say.  but allow me to add that the brown leather is very nice too, and it ages well.  on mine, its color has deepened with time, and i think that it too suits the watch very well.

the navigators are really cool with either strap.

chris

I'm on the hunt for a rougher one, though.

Best, Cuibono, ands thanks for your input.

Nicolas. This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-06-20 14:13:52

one of the few GOs that I like. Imagine if Lange crafted a new pilots watch for their collection! a boy can dream......

J

I don't think we'll soon see a Pilot watch from Lange...

It has been already discussed, it seems that it is not in their plans.

Best,

Nicolas.

A model I have searched for without success. 

Enjoy!

100 pieces for the Asian Market... That explains how it sold so fast and why we, European, weren't able to get it...

I was lucky on this one.

Best,

Nicolas.

and report. It is a pity that this was a LE and not for general consumption (although good for you, of course!) since this watch is so much better without the large date cutting into the dial. I envy you a bit, and have to enjoy my run-of-the-mill Type-B Navigator meanwhile!

best

Andreas

BUT I have to say that the normal no date configuration is also very tempting.

Hence the idea to get this version, as well.

One day...

Best, Andreas

Nicolas.

This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-06-22 22:46:48

Big Rimowa fan here, especially of those aluminum cases.

And yes, I love this line of luggage, which looks very modern and retro at the same time.

Thanks, Davo.

Best,

Nicolas.

are the best.

Love mine...

Someone here, Bernard ( Chronometr ), I think, arranged a Rimowa case to store his watches...

Brilliant.

Best,

Nicolas.

I much prefer this over the model with the date (I have that one). I think there was also a LE model sans date but with a red second hand.

I am intrigued by the strap as it looks very similar to the sailcloth strap that comes with the Fifty Fathoms and I'm a big fan of that. Was the strap a Glashutte strap?

The reason I ask is that I recently ordered a replacement strap for my Navigator direct from Glashutte - the original looked like your leather strap in the photo and the replacement looks like an after market Panerai strap. I was a little disappointed.

As for the strap on mine, the name is " Trieste ".

Ask to your AD, he may find one for yours.

Best,

Nicolas.

I think it looks so much nicer without the date with its cleaner dial, even though I am a big fan of GO's panorama datum.

Thanks for sharing Nicolas!

Now, what would be your second GO?

Best,

Goh

PanoInverse, or Chronometer...

Still waving between these 2.

Unless I put  my hands on the other no date Senator Navigator, the no LE one.

Best, my friend.

Nicolas.