#81 Glashütte Original: A Bargain Haute Horlogerie from Saxony

[@avakkai]

Bill - you’ve become one of my go-to experts on KZbin. Unlike the hype merchants and watch brand shills, you focus on educating your audience on high horology and values. Glad to see you focus on this watch. It was on my radar for quite some time and I’m close to buying it now. Checking out this episode before spending my $. Keep up the good work, Bill.

[@watchartsci]

Hi Avakkai! Thanks, man. My hope is with GO that Swatch lets watches like PanoInverse and PanoReverse alone-not stuffing silicon hairsprings in them, but allowing the wonderful dual swan regulators to do their work with flexible hairsprings. Take care, Bill

[@63worf]

I bought the sixties annual edition a couple of weeks ago. My first Glashutte. A beautiful watch.

[@watchartsci]

Love those 60's, Jacques! Cool watches. Take care and stay safe, Bill 😷

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

I own a Senator Karree Moonphase that I wouldn't trade for anything in the price range. In my observation the majority of people who wear a GO are watch lovers, full stop. You almost never see them in the wild, and when you do the owner can usually talk your ear off about them to an extent that is extraordinary. Cheers.

[@watchartsci]

Hey Goose! I didn't realize there were two versions. (Which one do you have?) I am nuts about the hand-wind version. What a buy! I can see why you love it and never want to get rid of it. Here's a link to the hand-wind with the shaped movement: www.chrono24.com/glashuetteoriginal/karree-moon-phase-power-reserve-42-03-01-01-04--id9590315.htm Cheers, Bill

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

@@watchartsci This exact model on a very nice leather nato. I wanted to dress it down a bit, but not make it look like a tool watch (which would be next to impossible). Cheers. www.chrono24.com/glashuetteoriginal/senator-karree-stahl-39-43-05-04-04--id7941968.htm

[@patrickol4300]

I adore the glashutte 70's chronograph, blue,dark dial,even. Such style 👌. Thank you for all of your reviews, they bring so much to me and the watch community! x

[@watchartsci]

Very few have a square watch in their collections, Patrick, and the 70's from GO certainly fill that bill. Take care, Bill

[@KILLASAS123]

Im waiting for next year so I can buy the green panodate half off :]

[@TwentyOne_Five]

I clicked thumbs up before the video even started....I just really like this gentleman.

[@watchartsci]

Hey 21.5, thanks man! Kindest regards, Bill

[@aronernesto423]

i guess Im pretty randomly asking but does anyone know of a good place to stream newly released movies online?

[@wyattmaximus2684]

@Kabir Stetson definitely, I've been watching on Flixzone for years myself :D

[@aronernesto423]

@Kabir Stetson Thank you, I went there and it seems like a nice service :) Appreciate it!

[@kabirstetson5096]

@Aron Ernesto Happy to help :)

[@kennethtape3362]

Some fantastic pieces. Had never seen any glashütte originals before and I have to admit that some of them left me 'drooling'. Oh well, some day :)

[@watchartsci]

Hi Kenneth, Glashütte Original make some interesting watches at some relatively decent prices. On the pre-owned market they have some great buys. My favorite is the PanoReserve! Kindest regards, Bill

[@bigchiponmyshoulder7573]

What a wonderful, interesting and informative vid Bill. Now that I've become accustomed to your style I really look forward to your vids. Anyway, I've recently started looking at these watches and they look amazing. Need to get one but where on earth do I start. So many beautiful pieces at great prices.......... So glad you're on YT!

[@watchartsci]

Hi Big Chip, glad you liked it! Try starting here...brand new, but discounted: www.jomashop.com/glashutte-watch-39-58-02-02-04.html Cheers, Bill

[@louismisson]

Just got myself the senator excellence roman numerals and it looks absolutely beautiful

[@watchartsci]

Wow! That's a super watch Louis. Dress, office ... anywhere watch! Take care, Bill

[@bv2225]

Thank for a very informative video! I love GO and I'm looking at a Senator as an alternative to an IWC pilot. The GO is by far the best value!

[@watchartsci]

Hey Vassilis, thanks man! With a Senator, you always know you're getting a GO movement, with IWC Pilot...sometimes, yes, sometime ETA...That is an interesting choice. To make matters more complex, maybe a Zenith Pilot might go into the mix as well? Take care, Bill

[@bv2225]

Very nice indeed, however as I have a 1990's El Primero I would prefer to experience a new brand. I love Zenith but I'm really curious about the GO.

[@watchartsci]

Very wise indeed! Single-brand myopia is not my approach to watch collection either. Kindest regards, bill

[@jaysikes4256]

Yes Vassilis! If I didn't already have a Zenith, I would jump on the Zenith pilot immediately. I'm doing my best to try new brands, but the Zenith Pilot is absolutely stunning.

[@Spiederia]

Thanks! GO is in the running for my next timepiece.

[@watchartsci]

Hey SWC! Great to hear from you. Which model(s) are in the running? Cheers, Bill

[@ConkreteMan]

The blue dial Senator Sixties no date is on my list. The stylized numbers themselves could start a conversation.

[@watchartsci]

Hi Zuker, that's a pretty choice. I found one for $5,400 on Jomashop. Does that sound about right? Kindest regards, Bill

[@ignacyk4585]

im keen on the same watch as well think it is possible to find a good deal on it as well

[@dnlmoretti]

I’d love to get around to getting a blue dial seventies panorama date in the next year or two - have a few watches on my list as of now but GO is definitely a brand I love and would love to support

[@watchartsci]

Daniele, to save a few bucks, check out the pre-owned market for GOs ... like a lot of good brands with good watches, GO seems to jump in savings but keeps the same horological value on the used market. Take care Bill

[@nrs6956]

In the Glashutte area (?) the Nomos company makes an interesting model "TANGOMAT GMT." Instead of the usual label on the bezel with cities/countries there are airports to "clue" as you set your watch for the correct time zone. A very classy device.

[@watchartsci]

Yes nSokach, the Tango Mat GMT is quite an interesting watch. I like it quite a bit and considered it in an early video I did on GMT choices ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWmXhXuOfZWln5I ) Kindest regards, Bill

[@TwentyOne_Five]

Geez, Bill, I forgot about that VC of yours. That's a cool piece at 4:10.

[@watchartsci]

Hi 21-Five, I'm glad you indicated the time point on that. I didn't realize until I saw it in the video how big the VC 1972 I have actually is....or at least how big it appears on my wrist. I had thought it was a tad small, but seeing it now, it's just fine...thanks to you! Kindest regards, Bill

[@TwentyOne_Five]

Bill I find that to be a matter of distance and angle. A watch can look small such as a Rolex DJ 36 when you look down at your wrist but from a distance it’s spot on. I find the best way to understand how a watch looks is a mirror. Best to you.

[@watchartsci]

Thanks 21-Five, that sounds like a good idea for taking wrist shots too! Kindest regards, Bill

[@losfont5674]

Another great video. The GO Pano is one of my favorite.

[@watchartsci]

Hey Los Font! Thanks man! Take care and be safe, Bill 😷

[@JohnDoe-ub8fq]

I just got the Glashütte Original Sport Evolution Impact #39-47-16-16-04. It's big, but it is a sports watch. New (old stock), $4,650. Glashütte calibre 39-47. Has a 21-carat gold oscillating weight. And the movement is suspended to reduce shock. Kind of cool. I know it's an unusual choice, but can't wait for it's arrival!

[@watchartsci]

Hey John, that is very cool! Condition 0, no? You got a great deal. I just saw one for $6,495 that was pre-owned. The gold oscillating weight just adds to it! Congratulations! Kindest regards, Bill

[@JohnDoe-ub8fq]

Yes. Condition 0. From Ashford.com

[@watchartsci]

Hey John, did you negotiate or did Ashford just have a great deal on that particular watch? Cheers, Bill

[@JohnDoe-ub8fq]

I didn't know they would negotiate ...mmm. Just great pricing and an additional 20% off. I think it was the last one in stock (so a closeout). There is another watch I have my eye one, that seems to be $1,000 less than other sellers, including ebay.

[@watchartsci]

Sometimes you don't negotiate, but every time I do, I save hundreds and often thousands of dollars. Keep this in mind: 1) Watches are priced about 10X the production costs; and 2) If a price has been dropped, they've been unable to sell the watch. Don't offer an insanely low price like $20 on a $2,000 watch, but if it's at a good price, you're just going to make it a better price! Good hunting, John! Kindest regards, Bill

[@robertl8429]

I'd be curious about what you think about getting a Glashutte from Jomashop?

[@watchartsci]

I've had good luck with Jomashop, and I'd have no problem order a GO from there, Robert. Take care, Bill

[@russellalfonso2962]

My view of roman numerals is that they are cosmetic, because you can have stick hour markers and still easily recognize time.

[@watchartsci]

See the art, Russel, consider the design. Take care, Bill

[@gilbertombp]

Hi Bill. I think I saw a video out there referring to Glashutte Original as an "affordable A. Lange & Söhne". Though still expensive (about 1/3 the cost of a Lange on the average), it is more obtainable, and offers a slice of that same Glashütte watchmaking expertise. I like the Senator Panorama Date and the Senator Excellence Panorama Date. Too bad they don't have too many models smaller than 40mm, but I like the presentation of their big date better than Lange's. They use concentric, coplanar discs, whereas Lange uses two discs that, at certain angles, are obviously on different planes.

[@watchartsci]

Gilberto, you may find some good buys on older Glashutte Originals and A. Lange & Söhnes. In the early 2000s and before, the standard watch sizes were smaller; so there may be one out there with your name on it! Cheers, Bill

[@greaterbayareahero1401]

Hi Bill, do you own any Lange watches? Or do you think price too high?

[@watchartsci]

Nope, Hero. At one time I wanted one, but the Lang & Heyne watches and movements by Marco Lang were far more interesting; so I got one of those. A. Lange und Söhne are excellent watches, but after they were bought by Richemont, they lost some of their edge, and while great watches, others (to me) have more to offer. Take care and be safe, Bill😷

[@j.r.regenold9094]

I really liked the Sport series, but I think its discontinued now. I used to have a sport non-chrono cal.39 ... the bracelet on it was nearly nicer than the watch itself. Never had issues with it. Great Watch. Stupid me flipped it ...

[@watchartsci]

Hey JR, thanks for that tip. For those collectors interested in an affordable sports watch with an in-house GO movement, the Sports Evolutions sounds like a great choice. I think the movement is 39-34 with the chronograph. Instead of having a Sports series, they seems to be "Sporting up" the Senator, Pano and even Vintages with sport-like characteristic; something like VC Overseas? In any event, there are some great deals now. Here's one for $3,600: www.chrono24.com/glashuetteoriginal/mens-sport-evolution-chronograph-watch--id6897639.htm Cheers, Bill

[@j.r.regenold9094]

Agree, and I reallly like the new sporty Senator models. I have my fill of "dive" watches and like a more sporty wear-anywhere watch. The one I had was just a "sport non-chrono", not the Evo model. I like the Evo better because you can get it with the big date. Under 5k for one of these in excellect to mint is a steal.

[@watchartsci]

So many temptations! So little time! (...and money!) Cheers, Bill

[@dallaswoods8514]

Good information here. I do like the GO Panomatic Lunar. I am not big on sub-dial seconds but in this case I like it. I like the moon phase also. Though I don't know what it could ever do for me except being another interesting complication. Regards!

[@watchartsci]

Hey Dallas, thanks man! I'm the same way about sundials in general, but I like the GO PanoMaticLunar, and my Bovet 19Thirty Fleurier works with both as well. It's all in the design and the size of the watch. Smaller watches have more difficulty. Cheers, Bill

[@gohawks2004]

Dear Bill, For the same price would you get an Cartier Roadster in Gold or a GO PanoInverse? Best, Fernando

[@watchartsci]

Fernando, the Roadster has an ETA 2894-2 movement, while the GO has a GO caliber. The double swan neck regulator makes this watch a very interest horological piece. Take care, Bill

[@eusupporter8438]

Thank you Sir, you have a profound knowledge of German watchmaking. Thank you for the video.

[@watchartsci]

EU Supporter, thanks man, but I've got a ton to learn about German watchmaking. I've read a good deal about Glashütte Original, Lang & Heyne, Moritz Grossmann, Nomos, and A. Lange & Söhne, but there's still a long way to go. Cheers, Bill

[@watchpassionate]

Very interesting video indeed, I love this brand by their design, complications, mechanical movements development by them and of course compareable with any High end Swiss watch brand.

[@watchartsci]

Hi Zahid, yes, GO watches have a wide range from good to excellent watches-all good quality. Cheers, Bill

[@watchpassionate]

@@watchartsci yes indeed. Actually we are the official distributor of GO watches in Pakistan and we have wide range of collection from this brand. I am a highly passionate, learner about high horology, representing this and other brands and regional head. I saw your video and have appreciated very much your knowledge about horology.

[@watchartsci]

Welcome Zahid. You are also welcome to our live videos ... we have one today at 1530 Eastern Time (2030 GMT) in the mornings at 1300 GMT. Kindest regards, Bill

[@watchpassionate]

@@watchartsci Thank you Mr. Bill. I will definitely watch that video too. Warmest regards. Zahid Mahmood.

[@greaterbayareahero1401]

Bill, can I ask, once you’ve tasted the best watches do you ever become snobbish and no want to touch or buy anything you seem a lesser quality? Also you must own a lot of watches. You cannot possibly wear all of them so what makes you buy them?

[@watchartsci]

Hi GBA Hero ... watch collection is an incurable illness. It's the opposite: after having the best watches, a lot of the lesser lights turn out to have their own charms-the Seiko 5 and my $200 Chinese-made Perpetual Regulator are two examples. Kindest regards, Bill

[@svetlanaboldin8671]

Hi, thank you for the video. I have two questions: one - what is the price for Glashutte, and two - is this any possibility to buy them in New York City. Thanks!

[@watchartsci]

Hi Svetlana, you are most welcome... As for the prices and places to get a GO, check out these shops and their Web sites in NYC: Wempe Jewelers - Exquisite Timepieces & Jewelry 700 5th Ave Tourneau TimeMachine 601 Madison Ave Element iN Time NYC 36 W 47th St #301 · Near Rockefeller Center -Take care and be safe, Bill😷

[@svetlanaboldin8671]

@@watchartsci Thank you soo much! I am really impressed by your knowledge and immediate response! Signing and waiting for your new videos 👍👍👍😀

[@MrVooLe]

Once again, very interesting and informative video. I am absolutely in love with Glashütte Original, and Senator Observer 100-14-07-02-30 is going to be my next watch. Initially, I thought that 44 mm is going to be too large for my wrist, but when I tried it on I found that it actually wears smaller. Just a couple more months of saving and I am getting one. The only thing that is a bit bothersome for me is the fact that I will have to service it abroad, as there is no dealership, nor there are Glashütte Original educated and certified watchmakers where I live (Serbia). I have a question related to this issue, and it concerns the servicing costs. Do you, by any chance, know the approximate servicing costs for this brand? Thank you in advance. Best regards, Vuk

[@watchartsci]

Hey Vuk, thanks man! This link should give you a good idea--if you buy a tourbillon or rattrapante, though, it was be expensive! Best of luck with your new Senator! forums.timezone.com/index.php?t=tree&goto=7108523&rid=12189#msg_7108523 Kindest regards, Bill

[@MrVooLe]

Hey Bill, thank you very much for the information! Also, service costs for my model is lower than I expected, which just made me even more eager to pull the trigger. Best regards, Vuk

[@reluctantbull]

I love the Observer also. Just outside of my budget but borderline grail watch.

[@davidhabib]

I love GO very comprehensive brand. Pano inverse is on my list.

[@watchartsci]

The GO PanoInverse is a super interesting watch, Dave. It's also a manual wind, which is a preference of mine of automatics. If I had one of those I'd probably end up staring at the movement on the dial and run into a tree! Great choice, though. Cheers, Bill

[@stcheng2490]

I absolutely love my steel three hands Senator. It’s got a classic look, but the blue hands really tell you it is a modern watch. It is very low key, even the silver dial has to be appreciated with a loupe. The proportions of the indexes and hands are just right. I got an old model with all 12 Roman numerals. The new model only got 12 and 6. The old model has a more honest appearance IMHO. The only improvement I can think of is the size. It is 40mm. If it were 38.5 or 39 like a Lange, it would be perfect. Because it is a steel low key watch, you can wear it everyday with confidence without the need to prove anything (if the watch were flashy). As to other Glasshutte models, the panos are too close to the Lange 1. They just invite comparison. And who wants to compare with A. Lange? The Sixties and Seventies, they look nice. But they are not cheap. If I want the retro or vintage look, I can pick up a real vintage GUB era Glasshutte at a fraction of the price. In fact I am doing just that now and am waiting to get a Sixties looking Glasshutte from the sixties from Poland bought on eBay LOL

[@watchartsci]

ST Cheng, thank you for that wonderful appreciation of the Senator. It sounds like exactly the right watch with a richness that eclipses so many ordinary mechanical timepieces when you describe it. Kindest regards, Bill

[@Norman-mn7gp]

The Czech PRIM manufacturing has similar aesthetics: the PRIM Brusel 39 watch is very beautiful ....

[@watchartsci]

Hi Norman, I checked the PRIM watches, and like their style and movements. Are they available in the United States and is there a price list. Thanks, Bill

[@jackwakeman148]

Just wondering: Why is their Roman numeral for four IIII, instead of IV?

[@watchartsci]

Hey Jack I never noticed that before, but you're right. When I learned Roman numerals many years ago we were told that 4 could be either IIII or IV. If you look at the Roman numerals on Abraham Louis Breguet pocket watches you'll see that he also used IIII instead of IV. In a quick survey of watch dials, I found that Breguet, Bovet and Glashütte Original all use IIII. My hunch (and there are lots of others) is that because Abraham Louis Breguet used the IIII option. Kindest regards, Bill

[@reluctantbull]

If I remember correctly, it's a design choice based on the symmetry of a watch face. the IIII has a similar width to the VIII. The rest of the numbers naturally are relatively similar in width. I don't really like that explanation. The other that I've read was that the concept of subtracing 1 in some roman numerals is actually a development that happened at some point. And that roman numerals originally could only be additive. In which case, all the numbers before a multiple of five would have had the IIII at the end, including 9 and 14, but VIIII isn't very convenient for the space on a watch face, so again a design choice to choose IX.

[@watchartsci]

Thanks Gary, that sounds about right from a design point of view and makes a lot of sense. Kindest regards, Bill

[@paotheppichanusakorn4446]

Rolex does the same thing. Saw a vid about it. Apparently it's very common with clock maker.

[@kamjatang]

WatchArtSci You never noticed the watchmakers 4 before??? You are trolling us arent you?!? XD

[@paulbrady8107]

Hi Bill sir,I think this is all a ploy to get me ensnared into the cult of high horology, there was not one watch I would refuse I'd gladly even take the ladies.The panomatic reserve or moon phase. I always thought high horology was dull and sedate.i find the deeper I go the deeper I want to go.The best word I can use to describe these watches is convincing .For they are convincing me high horology is a road I want to travel.see you sunday sir.👍

[@watchartsci]

Lash yourself to a mast like Ulysses near the Island of Sirens... Besides taking the AD route to a new HH watch, there are plenty of side and back alleys to pre-owned and un-sold new ones available for those with a sharp eye and watch savvy! Cheers, Bill

[@jaysikes4256]

I was seriously considering GO. My friend has one and let me wear it for a week. Superb finishing and quality! Of course now I'm debating saving up some more for ALS.... First world problems, I know.... Thanks for another great vid Bill!

[@watchartsci]

Hey Jay, thanks man! I just finished watching the new Netflix film about Khmer Rouge regime ("First they killed my father"), and find myself embarrassed by dithering over a watch that would feed and house a family of 5 for 10 years in some parts of the world. ....but then, I up my donations to Habitat for Humanity and Food Share....and go back to dithering about which watch I want to get. Well, we do live in the first world, though. I really don't know enough about the difference between ALS movements and those by GO; however, I do know that ALS has chosen to go the precious metal route and GO has both stainless steel and precious metals. I've been sliding more toward stainless steel since I can generally get the same quality movements without the crazy prices of gold these days. My Bovet 19Thirty Fleurier was the first stainless steel they did outside of sports watches and I'm perfectly happy looking at the superb finishing on the stainless steel dial and movement. Cheers, Bill

[@dcthomson12345]

I'm saving for the PanoReserve right now.. Beautiful when you see these watches first hand and under a Loupe.. I think they show Lange to be overpriced (Lange being slightly better, but not $20k better !).

[@watchartsci]

In my opinion, the Glashütte Original PanoReserve is a fantastic buy for a high horology watch. What color and new or pre-owned? Good hunting! Bill

[@dcthomson12345]

I don't buy many new watches but, in this case, I may go new. There don't seem to be many good used ones around and, where they exist, they are only $600 less than new. I'm veering towards the cream dial with blue hands right now but I also like the black dial. It will probably be around April before I can afford to pull the trigger.

[@watchartsci]

Darren, I know what you mean. Sometimes, it's best to go with new, especially if it only costs a little more! Kindest regards, Bill

[@Scotthockenberry]

The 1972 is classy

[@watchartsci]

Hey Scott my MCMLXXII thinks you're pretty classy too! Cheers, Bill

[@cedarcanoe]

GO 's own movement technology is very high-end indeed. But unfortunately casesizes are modern and really too large for my taste. Great video!

[@watchartsci]

Hey Erik, thanks man! Case size is a funny thing. I like 38-40mm but I find that my 42mm Bovet is a favorite as is my 33mm Patek Philippe. The really big ones look like Frisbees. Kindest regards, Bill

[@billcore6295]

What's wrong with an ETA, I have about a dozen watches with ETAs?

[@watchartsci]

Bill, nothing's wrong with ETA. It's the companies that use ETAs and pretend that they're in-house. Take care and be safe, Bill 😷

[@danielthompson803]

Román numerals "hard to read" on a watch, lol how ridiculous. Maybe the position on the dial might help a bit.

[@watchartsci]

For some designs using Roman numerals, they are difficult to read ... perhaps not for you, but I imagine nothing is difficult for a person such as yourself. Take care, Bill

[@danielthompson803]

@@watchartsci well let's be honest the position on the dial is all you need to know. For anyone with just a little common sense that is.

[@watchartsci]

@@danielthompson803 Let's be honest; some cannot handle any creativity. That's not a bad thing; just a thing. Take care, and embrace the mundane.Bill

[@danielthompson803]

@@watchartsci lol what has that got do with anything that went before Bill? Alzheimer's or dementia or maybe you can't remember.

[@marksman83de]

Sometimes I wonder how overwhelmingly accurate Glashütte watches could run if GO did not belong to the Swatch Group, who have to protect their excessively overpriced premium products by artificially limiting GO's quality. Why, for example, is there no COSC certification? A calibre competitive to ETA was launched by GO in the 90s (10-30 and later 39), then the first chronometers appeared and Union being their entry level brand..and bang, they were taken over by Swatch. Now Union uses ETA-calibres and GO is kind like entry level of Swatch. In the past, SWATCH was protected by the iron curtain, today by questionable brand policy...RIP German Haute Horlogerie. I know for a fact that there could be even more accuracy, but who likes to create competition in their own house? In the early 1900s, Swiss started copying Glashütte Calibers, calling it "System Glashütte". They even created factories in Glashütte, to push their stuff into the market and to undermine the Glashütte rule...After reunification it was rather the other way around, and Go "copied" everything in design from Rolex to Breitling ;)

[@watchartsci]

Hi Mr. No ... so you pretty well explained it.. so what is the wonder?Take care, Bill

[@patrickol4300]

€13000/€40000 ,is s bargain?!. We need to hang out, so I can teach you how to be more frugal ,lol.

[@watchartsci]

Hi Patrick, yes, I see what you mean. €13-40k is only a bargain in context. Look at A. Lange, Lang & Heyne or Moritz Grossmann, and the GOs in that price range can be seen as a bargain. Take care, Bill