Glashütte Original - thoughts?

[WolfiesPapa]

Good afternoon,

long time lurker, new(ish) poster here...

I’ve noticed that Glashütte Original (GO) watches usually receive decent reviews (thought to be inferior to A. Lange & Söhne, but superior to other Glashütte makers?) and sell at decent prices 2nd hand (well, decent for buyers, not so decent for sellers I presume).

So I’m piqued.

May I ask those of you who have actually owned a GO what your experiences are?

Where would you position this brand vis-a-vis Rolex day? Or JLC?

Many thanks I indeed


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[ryanb741]

In my experience quality is on par with JLC, more refined than Rolex (although a different category of watch typically so not comparing apples with apples), not quite as refined as Grand Seiko. Definitely not the same level as ALS.

They typically have beautifully decorated movements and I've often felt they would be better worn upside down! :)

[crazyp]

GO make some excellent watches, but they also have some designs which don't work for me (the SeaQ being one). Also a lot of GO watches wear quite big, so definitely try them out beforehand.

I have a Panomatic Lunar which is excellent - GO make the best big date complication, much nicer than the disastrous Lange - with the divider and the numbers on different planes.

I would say on par with JLC, if not better - but depends on the watch really. The 'lower end' JLC has definitely declined in quality over the years, not as refined anymore.

[WolfiesPapa]

I would say on par with JLC, if not better - but depends on the watch really. The 'lower end' JLC has definitely declined in quality over the years, not as refined anymore.

Thank you. That’s interesting re lower end JLC quality. May I ask which model (series) you are referring to by lower end? JLC Master? entry level Reverso? Polaris?

Cheers

[hughtrimble]

GO have my grail - Senator Chronometer 58-01. I've not seen any other maker with such a ridiculously practical movement.

[crazyp]

Thank you. That’s interesting re lower end JLC quality. May I ask which model (series) you are referring to by lower end? JLC Master? entry level Reverso? Polaris?

Cheers

The watch which infuriated me was the sector dial JLC. Window was lazy and finishing no way as good as it should have been for the price. The Polaris etc are all 'fine', no issues but nothing outstanding to warrant the prices they are trying to charge.

[andy tims]

I had this a while ago.



Lovely watch - very nicely finished.

[matt109]

In my experience quality is on par with JLC, more refined than Rolex (although a different category of watch typically so not comparing apples with apples), not quite as refined as Grand Seiko. Definitely not the same level as ALS.

They typically have beautifully decorated movements and I've often felt they would be better worn upside down! :)

I guess that is thinking behind the PanoInverse?

[zen123]

Back in 90's I had a Senator Navigator bought it to replace an IWC MKXII I stupidly sold. Unfortunately it just didn't click with me. Can't fault the quality and craftsmanship though, it was beautifully made.

[luckyal]

I've had 3 Sport Evo's, one currently owned + a Seventies Pano Date and definitely feel the quality is at least on a par if not better than comparable Rolexes in the case of the SE. The bracelet in particular is much better, with an excellent micro adjusting feature.

Had a couple of JLC and again feel, quality & build wise they are well matched. Resale is similar too!

- - - Updated - - -

I've had 3 Sport Evo's, one currently owned + a Seventies Pano Date and definitely feel the quality is at least on a par if not better than comparable Rolexes in the case of the SE. The bracelet in particular is much better, with an excellent micro adjusting feature.

Had a couple of JLC and again feel, quality & build wise they are well matched. Resale is similar too!

[WolfiesPapa]

The bracelet in particular is much better, with an excellent micro adjusting feature.

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I find that very helpful.

Re. bracelet, are you referring to their steel or leather bracelets, or both?

Thanks again


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[Andy K]

I find them to be pretty much on par with JLC and probably even a touch in front in terms of the designs of their sportier models.

[WolfiesPapa]

Back in 90's I had a Senator Navigator bought it to replace an IWC MKXII I stupidly sold. Unfortunately it just didn't click with me. Can't fault the quality and craftsmanship though, it was beautifully made.

Very interesting, thank you. Their Senator Navigator is one of the models I’m looking at atm. Did your have a ‘Panorama Date’? Steel or sapphire glass back?

[zen123]

Very interesting, thank you. Their Senator Navigator is one of the models I’m looking at atm. Did your have a ‘Panorama Date’? Steel or sapphire glass back?

It was this one, 38mm case. I don't like the sword hands

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[superthrust]

They make some great watches. Though I would like to see them get away from the calibre 39, it's a bit long in the tooth now and doesnt take a finish as well as their more modern movements.

The pano collection is an absolute standout.

[McBeardy]

Love the Pano models, and maybe in a few years I'd be lucky enough to own one. Look like the punch above their price. Just unsure on dial colour and if the auto moonphase or manual power reserve.

I'm a sucker for the big date window.

[j111dja]

I love the brand. I've owned three. I hankered after their rather stunning Senator Chronometer but I stuck with a rather nice brochure of this model based on it's high retail price.

I currently own a Senator Navigator Chronograph that Glashutte Original discontinued back in 2012 I think, so only a three year run. It's 44mm and a brushed steel model so it suits my personal taste. The blued hands are stunning and it has perfect legibility. The display back is superb. It is one of my favourite watches.

[Artium]

I love the brand. I've owned three. I hankered after their rather stunning Senator Chronometer but I stuck with a rather nice brochure of this model based on it's high retail price.

I currently own a Senator Navigator Chronograph that Glashutte Original discontinued back in 2012 I think, so only a three year run. It's 44mm and a brushed steel model so it suits my personal taste. The blued hands are stunning and it has perfect legibility. The display back is superb. It is one of my favourite watches.

Gorgeous!!!

[WolfiesPapa]

[/QUOTE]

That is one beautiful watch indeed!

[j111dja]

That is one beautiful watch indeed!

Gorgeous!!!

Thank you.

[zielony]

I was hoping it's panomaticlunar thread

[Ctam]

GO are a haute horology brand with many very interesting pieces through out their range. In terms of horological powress, they are close to JLC but not quite. They are definitely leagues above other German brands like NOMOS across all their offerings.

I had the Panomatic Date and it was my first high-end watch. That was 10 years ago. Loved it. At that time, similarly priced JLC had poorer finishing both in the case and movement. Not sure about now.


I would have no hesitation buying another. It was a very reliable piece. Not sure what you are looking for or your budget, but check out the Panograph in SS second hand. A bargain that can be had for around £6000 for a very well finished manual wind chronograph with a unique display. If you want to go a step up, then look at second hand PanoRetroGraph- that is definitely a haute horology piece that is a bargain. But that would set you back £20000 at least.

BW,
Chi Kai



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[WolfiesPapa]

I would have no hesitation buying another. It was a very reliable piece. Not sure what you are looking for or your budget, but check out the Panograph in SS second hand. A bargain that can be had for around £6000 for a very well finished manual wind chronograph with a unique display. If you want to go a step up, then look at second hand PanoRetroGraph- that is definitely a haute horology piece that is a bargain. But that would set you back £20000 at least.

BW,
Chi Kai



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Thank you sir!

I’ll have a look at the former, 6k is not out of bounds at this stage.

[Gordon76]

I had a GO senator navigator for many years, to this day probably the best finished watch I’ve ever owned.
Sent it back to GO for sapphire case back, from memory change from £100, outstanding service.
Here is my sales post which contains pictures.

FT Glashutte Original Senator Navigator
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/top...ink_source=app


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[ism123]

I passed up an opportunity to buy a lovely faded tritium Senator Navigator a few years ago, and definitely feel it’s one that got away. This thread has me thinking about one again, alas a quick C24 search showed not many for sale at all.