If there’s one piece I look forward to ever year, more than any grand complications you care to name, it’s Glashütte Original’s Sixties. The sub-collection of gloriously bright, ludicrously fun limited editions is always worth waiting for, whether it’s last years glacial pairing or the sunset orange before that.
Still, there’s one Sixties dial that I really wish I’d gotten my hands on, and not just because it’s the colour of 2021. I of course mean the green first introduced in 2018. It was one of my Baselworld highlights back when Baselworld was a thing and now it’s back in the spotlight – this time in a new chronograph edition.
Central to the new piece is, obviously, that handmade dial, with its fine, almost tropical texture and dégradé finish ranging from radioactive green in the middle to forest-at-midnight near the edge. It’s as beautiful as ever. Now though, it’s interrupted by a pair of subdials in an equally bright tone, but without the textured look. The result is a subtle contrast to a very unsubtle dial and a charming bicompax layout. It’s lovely.
At 42mm, the case is the same size as the larger Sixties models, which makes sense for the subdials. If previous experience is anything to go by, the shorter lugs will make it feel a touch smaller, a good fit for the Sixties theme.
Inside is the 39-34 calibre automatic movement with a 40-hour power reserve. It’s a chronograph version of Glashütte Original’s bread-and-butter movement and while it doesn’t have the brand’s signature Panorama Date, it’s as solid as they come.
But let’s be honest, you’re not going to buy the Sixties Chronograph Annual Edition for the movement. If you’re after subtle, classical watchmaking look away; if you’re a sucker for eye-catching dials just the right side of ostentatious, then this should be on your wish list. It’s on mine.
Price & Specs:
Model: Glashütte Original Sixties Chronograph Annual Edition 2021
Reference: 1-39-34-05-22-04
Case/Dial: 42mm diameter, stainless steel case, embossed green/black varnish with dégradé effect dial
Movement: Calibre 39-34, automatic, 51 jewels
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power Reserve: 40h
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds at 3 o’clock, 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock
Strap: Grey-brown calfskin-Nubuck leather
Price/Availability: TBC
More details at Glashütte Original.
