In celebration of 180 years of continuous watchmaking heritage in the town of Glashütte, Germany, a new timepiece has been introduced that channels the very origins of timekeeping itself: the observation of the heavens. The Glashütte Original PanoMaticLunar Anniversary Edition is a limited-production model that merges the manufactory's well-established asymmetrical design language with materials that directly evoke a star-filled night sky. Housed in a case crafted from platinum, this watch serves as a modern commemoration of a long and resilient history, powered by a new generation of in-house mechanicals that carry forward the region's obsession with precision.
The story of watchmaking in Glashütte is inextricably linked with the pursuit of accuracy, a quest that once looked to the cosmos for its standard. When the first watchmakers established their workshops in the small Saxon town in 1845, the predictable movement of celestial bodies was the ultimate reference for the accurate measurement of time on Earth. The stars were not merely a guide but a challenge, spurring generations of artisans to create mechanical instruments that could rival the consistency of the universe. This ambition drove a relentless cycle of innovation within the secluded German valley, fostering a unique culture of horological craft.
Courtesy of Glashütte Original
This drive for mechanical perfection reached a significant milestone in the 1870s. The timepieces being produced by Glashütte's masters had become so accurate that they began to outperform the capabilities of local astronomical observation. The very instruments built to track the stars had surpassed their celestial benchmark in terms of on-demand precision. To advance further, a new, more reliable time source was required. This need led to the establishment of a telegraphic connection to the Berlin observatory in 1880, one of the first of its kind in the region, which transmitted a precise time signal to Glashütte weekly and opened a new chapter in the town's legacy of accuracy.
It is this historical connection between the stars and the mechanics of time that forms the conceptual foundation of the PanoMaticLunar Anniversary Edition. The watch does not just tell time; it encapsulates a narrative of human ingenuity striving to measure and master it. The resilience of the Glashütte watchmaking industry, which has weathered numerous historical shifts and challenges over 180 years, is reflected in the sophisticated engineering of the piece. It is a testament to a tradition that transformed adversity into innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible in mechanical watchmaking.
The most immediately striking feature of this anniversary model is its dial, which is crafted from a sheet of deep blue aventurine. This material, also known as goldstone or gold flow, is a type of glass characterized by countless tiny, highly reflective inclusions. First developed by master glassmakers in 17th-century Murano, Venice, the material's production involves introducing fine metallic particles into the molten glass, which crystallize as it cools. The result is a surface that captures and reflects light in a way that creates a sense of immense depth and sparkle, perfectly mimicking the appearance of a clear, star-strewn night sky. For Glashütte Original, this is the first time the PanoMaticLunar has been presented with such a dial, making the anniversary edition a significant debut.
Courtesy of Glashütte Original
The arrangement of the dial follows the established asymmetrical layout of the Pano collection. The main time display, featuring hours and minutes, is located on an off-center sub-dial on the left side of the watch face. This placement creates a dynamic visual tension and allows for the clear, uncluttered presentation of the watch's other functions. The hands responsible for indicating the time are fashioned from white gold, their slender forms filled with Super-LumiNova to ensure readability in low-light conditions. They sweep over a chapter ring marked by applied indexes also crafted from solid gold, adding a subtle warmth and luxury to the celestial backdrop.
Adjacent to the main time display is a subsidiary small seconds dial, recessed slightly to create texture and depth. This dial continues the circular motif and maintains the functional focus on the left-hand portion of the watch face. The balance of the composition is achieved by the placement of the brand's signature Panorama Date on the right side of the dial, positioned around the 4 o'clock area. This large date display is a technical hallmark, utilizing two separate, concentric discs that sit on the same plane, which allows the date to be shown in large, highly legible numerals without the central dividing bar common in other big date complications. The date is presented as white numerals on a black background, providing sharp contrast against the sparkling blue dial.
At the 2 o'clock position rests the watch's namesake complication: the moon phase display. In a thoughtful design choice that enhances the dial's cohesive theme, the moon phase disc is also crafted from the same dark blue aventurine as the main dial. This allows the display to blend almost seamlessly into its background, reinforcing the starry night aesthetic. Against this sparkling disc, two small, domed moons, made from white mother-of-pearl, track the lunar cycle. The iridescent quality of the mother-of-pearl provides a soft, organic luster that contrasts beautifully with the sharp sparkle of the aventurine, creating a miniature celestial scene on the wrist.
Courtesy of Glashütte Original
The entire dial is framed by a case crafted from platinum, one of the densest and most precious metals used in watchmaking. The case measures 40 mm in diameter and 12.80 mm in height, dimensions that provide a substantial presence without being overwhelming. Platinum's cool, white sheen complements the deep blue of the dial, and its significant heft imparts a feeling of quality and permanence. The case architecture features a combination of polished and brushed surfaces, which catch the light from different angles and highlight the precise lines of the lugs and bezel. The watch is rated for a water resistance of 5 bar, offering protection against everyday splashes and ensuring a degree of practicality.
Driving the functions of this anniversary piece is the in-house Calibre 92-14, an automatic movement from Glashütte Original's latest generation of mechanical engineering. This movement marks the first time a Calibre 92 has been used in a PanoMaticLunar model. It is equipped with a silicon balance spring, a modern material choice that offers significant advantages in performance. Silicon is completely insensitive to magnetic fields and highly resistant to changes in temperature, two of the primary external factors that can negatively affect a watch's timekeeping accuracy. This component, combined with a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), ensures a high degree of reliable precision.
Furthermore, the Calibre 92-14 provides a formidable power reserve of 100 hours. This extended running time means the watch can be taken off for more than four full days without needing to be wound again, a feature that adds considerable convenience for the modern wearer who may rotate through several watches during a week. The movement's architecture and finishing are proudly displayed through a sapphire crystal case back, offering a view into the heart of Glashütte watchmaking.
Courtesy of Glashütte Original
The view reveals an array of traditional decorations and construction techniques that are hallmarks of the region. The movement is built upon the characteristic Glashütte three-quarter plate, a large plate that covers most of the movement's gear train to enhance stability. This plate is finished with Glashütte stripes and is galvanized in a contemporary gray color. The balance bridge is hand-engraved with an intricate pattern, making each movement unique. An off-center, skeletonized rotor, featuring the brand's double-G symbol, is fitted with a 21-carat gold oscillation weight that efficiently winds the mainspring.
Other fine details include the regulator-free fine adjustment system, which uses two swan-neck springs for precise regulation of the watch's rate. Screws are meticulously polished or heat-blued, and all steel parts feature polished surfaces and beveled edges. These decorative elements are not merely for aesthetic purposes; they are a direct continuation of the craft traditions that have defined Glashütte watchmaking for nearly two centuries. The level of hand-finishing is a clear statement of the manufactory's commitment to producing movements that are as beautiful to behold as they are mechanically proficient.
The PanoMaticLunar Anniversary Edition is presented on a blue Louisiana alligator leather strap that perfectly matches the color of the aventurine dial. The strap features a classic rectangular scale pattern and is fitted with a clasp that ensures a secure fit on the wrist. Glashütte Original also notes that owners can acquire different high-quality straps to personalize their timepiece, including a synthetic option, allowing the watch's character to be shifted to suit various occasions or styles.
Courtesy of Glashütte Original
Limited to just 180 pieces worldwide, the Glashütte Original PanoMaticLunar Anniversary Edition is a rare and exclusive offering. Its availability is scheduled to begin in September 2025, and it will be offered through Glashütte Original's global network of boutiques as well as select authorized retail partners. The watch is presented on a blue Louisiana alligator leather strap secured with a platinum fold fastener, and is priced at $39,500 USD. This limited production ensures that the watch will remain a special marker of this significant anniversary for the brand and the collectors who acquire it.
Case: Platinum, 40.00 mm diameter, 12.80 mm height. 5 bar water resistance.
Movement: Glashütte Original manufactory Calibre 92-14, automatic movement. 100-hour power reserve, 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency, silicon balance spring. Features Glashütte three-quarter plate, hand-engraved balance bridge, dual swan-neck fine adjustment, and skeletonized rotor with 21-carat gold oscillation weight.
Dial: Dark blue Aventurine with off-center hours, minutes, and small seconds. Applied indexes in solid gold. Features Panorama Date and a moon phase display also made of dark blue Aventurine with a domed moon of white mother-of-pearl.
Strap: Blue Louisiana Alligator leather strap with a platinum fold fastener.
Price: $39,500 USD
Reference Number: 1-92-14-01-03-61
Notes: Limited to 180 pieces worldwide to celebrate 180 years of Glashütte watchmaking. This is the first PanoMaticLunar model to feature an aventurine dial and the new-generation Calibre 92 movement.