German watchmaking often evokes images of classical design, intricate complications, and a certain stoic adherence to tradition. Yet, within this landscape, Glashütte Original has consistently demonstrated a willingness to explore more expressive and contemporary avenues. The brand's Seventies collection, in particular, serves as a canvas for this exploration, merging a distinct retro-futuristic case design with modern mechanical prowess. For 2025, the manufactory pushes this concept further with the introduction of two vibrant, limited-edition models: the Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date in "Fusion" and "Plasma". These timepieces are not merely new colorways; they represent a deliberate and bold commentary on the intersection of physical craftsmanship and the increasingly digital world we inhabit.
The story of Glashütte Original is inextricably linked to the small Saxon town from which it takes its name. Since 1845, Glashütte has been the heart of German horology, a place where generations of artisans have honed their skills. The brand's history is one of resilience and an unwavering commitment to authentic manufactory production. This means an exceptionally high degree of vertical integration, with Glashütte Original producing up to 95% of its movement components in-house. This dedication extends beyond the intricate gearing and springs of the caliber to the very face of the watch itself.
Courtesy of Glashütte Original
A significant element in the creation of the new "Fusion" and "Plasma" models is the brand's own dial manufactory, which celebrated its official opening in June 2025. This facility gives Glashütte Original complete creative and quality control over one of the most visually important aspects of a timepiece. The ability to experiment with and perfect complex lacquering techniques and unique finishes is paramount. It allows the brand to execute unconventional concepts, like the digitally-inspired hues of these latest releases, with the precision and quality expected of high-end German watchmaking. This in-house capability is a cornerstone of the brand's identity and a key factor in bringing such visually striking pieces to life.
The Seventies collection itself draws inspiration from the design language of the 1970s, an era characterized by bold shapes, experimentation, and a forward-looking perspective. The defining feature is the 40 x 40 mm stainless steel case, a soft-cornered square or "cushion" shape that was considered the height of futuristic design in its time. This form factor, often referred to as a "TV-screen" case, moves away from the traditional round watch, offering a larger canvas for the dial and creating a distinctive presence on the wrist. It is a design that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly different in today's market, a perfect vessel for the fusion of past and present that these new models embody.
The case construction of the Seventies Chronograph is a study in meticulous finishing. The surfaces feature a dynamic interplay between polished and satin-brushed textures. The broad, flat bezel is vertically satin-brushed, which helps to minimize reflections and draw the eye towards the dial. This is contrasted by the mirror-polished chamfers that run along the edges of the case, catching the light and highlighting the unique contours of the design. This careful application of different finishes gives the case a sense of depth and architectural complexity, elevating it beyond a simple block of steel. Its dimensions, while seemingly large on paper, are known to wear comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes due to the gentle curves and integrated lug design.
Courtesy of Glashütte Original
At the core of this release are the two new dial colors, "Fusion" and "Plasma." These names are intentionally evocative, suggesting sources of energy and futuristic concepts. The "Fusion" model features a brilliant, almost electric lime green dial. The color is inspired by the vibrant greens often used to depict virtual realities and futuristic digital landscapes. It’s a color that is unapologetically modern and energetic, designed to make a statement. The shade itself is not static; the way the light interacts with the lacquered surface causes subtle shifts in its appearance, from a bright yellow-green to a deeper lime, giving the dial a sense of life and dynamism.
The "Plasma" variant offers an equally compelling but different personality. Its dial is an intense, deep shade of purple. Like its green counterpart, the name "Plasma" conjures images of science fiction, of glowing energy fields and otherworldly phenomena. The color purple has long been associated with creativity and the future, and its use here connects the watch to the visual language of digital art and animation. Depending on the lighting conditions, the purple can appear as a rich violet or shift to a darker, more subdued tone. This chameleonic quality ensures that the watch remains visually engaging long after the initial impression.
Both dials are treated with a velvety matt lacquer. This choice of finish is crucial. A high-gloss finish on such vibrant colors could easily become overwhelming or appear plasticky. The matt texture, however, absorbs light, giving the colors a rich saturation and a sophisticated, almost soft appearance. It makes the bold hues more wearable for a variety of occasions while still retaining their visual impact. This subtle but important detail showcases the expertise of Glashütte Original's dial-making capabilities.
Courtesy of Glashütte Original
Contrasting sharply with the bright dial colors are the functional elements, which are rendered in black. The two chronograph subdials—the 30-minute counter and the 12-hour counter—feature a fine, galvanic black finish with a concentric circular pattern, described as a "vinyl" decoration. This texture adds another layer of visual interest and provides a clear, legible background for the chronograph readings. The black theme continues with the brand's signature Panorama Date at 6 o'clock, which uses black numerals on a color-matched background, seamlessly integrating this complication into the overall design.
The layout of the dial is both balanced and highly functional. The hour markers are applied rod appliques, coated in black and filled with Super-LumiNova for low-light visibility. The hands are a classic Dauphine shape, also black-coated and lumed, providing a strong contrast against the vibrant dials for excellent legibility at a glance. Just below the 12 o'clock position is the 12-hour chronograph counter. Integrated discreetly within the small seconds subdial at 9 o'clock is the power reserve indicator, a practical addition that informs the wearer when the watch needs winding, though with a 70-hour power reserve, this will be an infrequent concern.
Powering the Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date is the in-house Calibre 37-02. This is not a vintage-inspired movement but a thoroughly modern, robust automatic chronograph engine designed and built in Glashütte. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), which contributes to its precision. One of its most significant features is the impressive 70-hour power reserve, meaning the watch can be set down on a Friday evening and picked up on a Monday morning without needing to be rewound or reset. This level of autonomy is a significant practical advantage for daily wear.
A key functional highlight of the Calibre 37-02 is its flyback chronograph complication. On a standard chronograph, stopping, resetting, and restarting the timer requires three separate pusher actuations. A flyback mechanism streamlines this process into a single action. A press of the reset pusher at 4 o'clock while the chronograph is running causes the seconds hand to instantly "fly back" to zero and immediately begin timing again. This function, originally developed for pilots needing to time consecutive events with no delay, adds a layer of mechanical sophistication and efficiency to the timepiece.
Courtesy of Glashütte Original
Flipping the watch over reveals a sapphire crystal case back, offering an unobstructed view of the beautifully finished movement. The Calibre 37-02 is a showcase of traditional Glashütte watchmaking artistry. The view is dominated by the Glashütte three-quarter plate, a hallmark of the region's watchmaking, which is decorated with Glashütte stripes. The edges of the plates and bridges are beveled and polished, and the steel components are adorned with blued screws. The skeletonised rotor, which winds the mainspring, features the brand's double-G logo and is also finished with stripe decoration. This high level of hand-finishing on a robust, performance-oriented movement is a testament to Glashütte Original's philosophy of combining aesthetic refinement with practical engineering.
The watch is also built for everyday life, with a water resistance rating of 10 bar (approximately 100 meters). This ensures that the watch is protected from the elements and is suitable for activities like swimming, adding a layer of versatility to its stylish design.
To complement the two distinct personalities of the watches, Glashütte Original offers two strap and bracelet options. The first is a sporty and modern matt black rubber strap. This option provides a strong, graphic contrast to the steel case and vibrant dial. It is comfortable, durable, and gives the watch a more casual, contemporary feel. The strap is fitted with a stainless steel fold-over clasp for security.
The second option is a fully integrated stainless steel bracelet. This bracelet flows seamlessly from the cushion-shaped case, creating a cohesive and unified look. The links are expertly finished to match the case, with brushed outer links and polished center links. A particularly appreciated feature is the inclusion of a fine adjustment mechanism in the clasp, allowing the wearer to make small, precise adjustments to the fit without the need for tools—a feature that greatly enhances daily wearing comfort.
Courtesy of Glashütte Original
The Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date "Fusion" and "Plasma" models are both strictly limited editions, with only 100 pieces of each color being produced. This exclusivity adds to their desirability, ensuring they will remain rare and sought-after pieces for enthusiasts of the brand and collectors of uniquely designed chronographs.
The two new models, each limited to 100 pieces, were made available starting August 14, 2025, through Glashütte Original Boutiques and select authorized retailers worldwide. The pricing is set at $15,800 USD for the versions on the black rubber strap with a fold fastener, and $17,100 USD for the models equipped with the stainless steel bracelet, reflecting the premium craftsmanship and advanced mechanics within.
Case: Stainless steel with polished and satin-brushed finishes. 40 x 40 mm dimensions. Sapphire crystal on front and case back. Water resistant to 10 bar.
Movement: In-house Calibre 37-02 automatic winding movement. Features a flyback chronograph, Panorama Date, and a 70-hour power reserve. Beats at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 A/h).
Dial: Available in "Fusion" (matt lime green lacquer) or "Plasma" (matt purple lacquer). Black coated hands and appliques with Super-LumiNova®. Two black totalisers with "vinyl" decoration.
Strap: Choice of a black rubber strap with a fold-over clasp or a stainless steel bracelet with a fine adjustment mechanism.
Price: $15,800 USD (Rubber Strap), $17,100 USD (Stainless Steel Bracelet).
Reference Number: 1-37-02-19-02-63 (Fusion/Rubber), 1-37-02-19-02-70 (Fusion/Steel), 1-37-02-20-02-63 (Plasma/Rubber), 1-37-02-20-02-70 (Plasma/Steel).
Notes: Limited edition of 100 pieces for each color. The vibrant, matt lacquered dials are produced in Glashütte Original's dedicated in-house dial manufactory.