BASELNEWS 2006Senator Navigator: The New Pilot’s Watches by Glashütte Original
Looking back on a long tradition in the design and manufacture of pilot’s watches, and thus outfitted with extensive knowledge on the subject, the engineers at the Glashütte Original watch manufactory created two new pilot’s in the watch models Senator Navigator and Senator Navigator Panorama Date. Quality and exceptional detail precision comprised the basic concept in the developing these timepieces for perfectionists without compromise.
Among watch connoisseurs and pilots the same question is often discussed: What makes a true pilot’s watch? The answers are many-sided and controversial. In one point, however, all have reached a consensus: A pilot's watch must be highly precise and exceptionally easy to read even under adverse light conditions. Other indispensable characteristics are also important both in the air and in daily life. From a design point of view, the new models are a successful interpretation of their classic role models. The dials of the Senator Navigators are traditionally matte black with large Arabic numerals and line markers for the displays of the minutes and seconds. As were the historical models, here all even hour numerals, the fine minute scale, and the blued hour, minute, and second hands are also inlaid with SuperLumiNova in order to offer the best in night legibility.
Additionally, the 12-hour position is marked with a special triangular reference marker in order to make orientation on the dial easier. The second hand disposes of a counterbalance in the shape of the company’s double G logo. A new dial variation was created at the end of the 1930s for short flights of under an hour, in which the minute display became the focus of the observer. Thus, the minute numerals became prominent along the outer edge of the dial, and the hour numerals moved to a smaller circle within in.
This variation is visible on the new Senator Navigator. Here all even minute numerals, the fine minute scale on the outer edge of the dial, the dot markers of the hour indication, and the blued hour, minute, and second hands are inlaid with luminous SuperLumiNova. Another classic characteristic is the large case diameter of 44 mm. The robust, satin-finished stainless steel case contains the excellently finished automatic manufacture movement Caliber 100. Both models possess sweep seconds located outside the flow of energy so that it can be outfitted with a reset mechanism.
This makes a more simple synchronization of the second hand possible. When the crown is pulled, the balance continues swinging, thus allowing the movement to continue running during this time. The reset mechanism is activated by pushing a separate corrector. The crown that tops the winding stem was created with value and functionality in mind. Thus, its diameter was increased and outfitted with an easily grippable beveled area close to the case. The robust dark brown calfskin strap and buckle guarantee a secure hold of the watch to the wearer’s wrist. The handmade strap is characterized by a slight patina and is lightly padded, sewn together with a double seam.
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