There are two different versions of the (current) Senator Chronograph available, one in RG and one in PT. But this time there are more differences than just the metal, as you can already see in the picture(s) below.
In both cases the diameter is 42mm, the height is 14.0mm, there are anti-reflective sapphire crystals on both sides, they are waterproof up to 50m and the hands are stainless steel blued. Aside from the crown (Pt; crown with blue sapphire) the dial is the main difference – layout and not to forget the varnishing. Especially the later makes a huge difference in my book, but more on this later and in detail.
On the official pictures it looks like this and one can hardly see the differences, except the layout.
To me both look like classical beauties, with some nice details shown and very good readability. If I had to choose based on pictures, I would have a tough time as I like them both.
Next steps are hands-on, close-ups and putting them on my wrist.
The mix out of polished and matt finishing on the case looks nice to me and also I like the shape of the pushers for the chronograph.
The blue sapphire in the crown (PT version) adds some (precious) spice and matches just perfect (especially with the hands), but maybe for some (those who prefer “to fly below the radar”) it is (slightly) too much. I could get used to it, but I have to tell you my first (serious) watch (a looooong time ago) was from Cartier and came with blue sapphire in the crown as well
The back I won´t show you this time, because you already saw it here: glashutte.watchprosite.com /
Different varnishing I mentioned above and therefore it is time to look closer.
(RG; varnish silver-grainé with black Roman/Arabic numeral)
Both are very nice and well executed, but one is superior – not because of (my) taste, but because of the sophisticated way it is done.
To get an idea about the challenges of hand silver plating by friction I would like to show you some details.
Of course, everything looks just perfect on press pictures …
Closer it looks like this …
Still good?! Let´s change the angle(s).
Let´s get even closer …
I trust you found some flaws, but this was my intention.
Those pictures have been taken by me with a purpose and thanks to Glashütte Original (which is not self-evident!) I was allowed to shoot a prototype with serious flaws and to share them with you afterwards.
If you never have the chance to see which kind of flaws are possible (in general) you probably won´t be able to fully appreciate a perfect (unique) dial and what you get for the premium you have to pay on top. Of course a few pictures only and just one example won´t give you the “big picture”, but still I wanted to give you a brief idea before I will tell you more about the technique and the way it is done at a later time.
On the wrist
On my wrist I liked them both, but with a soft spot for the PT version. Once you got the additional details, there is (almost) no way back – at least in my case
Different angles, different light … it is far from being boring and a feast for the eyes.
Conclusion :
This is not the first chronograph we know from Glashütte Original and also it is the not the most unique one – if we talk about the design. Nonetheless it is a very nice chronograph which seems to be very well executed and it is a pleasure to handle. If you are in the market for a classical chronograph which could be worn (almost and depending on your lifestyle) 24h/7d you should have a closer look at your AD. There is beauty, readability, wearability and I also trust on the reliability from what I know about GO. If you look for something special, you should have a look as well and even when it is just for the pleasure of looking and handling.
Yes when we talk about chronographs there are some serious competitors available today who also offer interesting products and maybe there are more than ever before. Still from my point of view – especially in case of the platinum version there is less competition, simply because hand silver plating by friction makes the difference – if you are interested in that kind of sophisticated details. The latter you won´t find that easy on a “standard” luxury watch which is produced in “relatively high” volumes. In times of CNC machines and high-tech production unique dials are not that common anymore and to me it is like a personal face with lots of character -just the cherry on the cake.
“Hand silver plating by friction” – More on this in my next post.
Thanks for reading so far!
Oliver