Simply Abu Dhabi XXXI

T he Glashütte Original Senator Chronometer is another timepiece with strong nautical connections. This highly respected German manufacture historically constructed marine chronometers. This rich heritage is clearly depicted in the design codes of the Senator Chronometer timepiece. The term chronometer refers to the most accurate and reliable instruments, which in the past were regularly used for shipboard navigation. Today, precision chronometry remains as invaluable as ever. The official measurement laboratories use standardised procedures to test timepieces for extreme rate precision. A watch may only exhibit the proud title of ‘chronometer’ when it has earned a seal of approval from one of the authorised testing institutes. Glashütte Original not only seek and achieve external validation but also all of their movements are tested internally against the strictest criteria. The Senator Chronometer offers further evidence of its quality in the form of official certification as a chronometer by the German Calibration Service—it is a distinguished contemporary heir to its predecessors in the art of precision timekeeping. The manual winding calibre 58-01 at the heart of this stunning watch features a stop-second/reset mechanism with minute detent. When the crown is pulled out, the time display stops and the seconds hand is reset to zero and held there; simultaneously the minute hand jumps ahead to the next full minute index. As the crown is turned to set the time, the hand always jumps to the next minute index—thus ensuring that the correct relationship between seconds and minutes is maintained. One of the most hypnotising aspects of this watch is the incredible shade of blue on the dial, but this is little surprise as the Glashütte Original collection are world renowned for excelling in the creation of incomparable shades of blue. For more than twenty years the brand has presented timepieces in vibrant shades of blue, becoming a specialist in this classic colour palette. Glashütte Original’s dial process involves designers who meticulously develop particular hues that are understated yet instantly identifiable. In the new edition of the Senator Chronometer the dark tone soberly highlights the finely grained and lacquered surface and lends it a smooth texture. Uniquely trained and dedicated craft specialists create these small-scale works of art in Glashütte Original’s own dial manufactory in Pforzheim. The lacquer is meticulously applied and dried in several thinly layered coats until the precise shade and texture is accomplished. The rest of the dial receives the same painstaking care and attention, evidenced in the railroad chapter ring, the indexes and the numerals, which are finely engraved and galvanised in silver. The final masterful touch on the dial are the long, slim poire hands in polished white gold. They effortlessly glide along their paths above the power reserve and small seconds displays, which are carefully turned into the dial, which gives additional depth and complexity to the architecture of the watch. Encased in white gold, which contrasts beautifully with the velvety blue-grainé of the varnished dial, the whole ensemble is mounted on a dark blue Louisiana Alligator leather strap. Finally, a sapphire crystal caseback offers a perfect view of the movement, with its famous three-quarter plate, screw-mounted gold chatons and hand-engraved balance cock. 1 1 5 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I