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Downing · 4 November 2007, 01:37 PM

Ja selbstverständlich!

When in Rome...

JJ Irani · 4 November 2007, 04:24 PM

Honestly, if there were no Rolex in existence, I think I would give OMEGA my undivided attention!!!!

adamcb · 5 November 2007, 12:13 PM

Thanks for the compliments on the Glashutte. It's definitely one of my favorite watches.

First, a quick background on the watch. The model that I have (the Senator Navigator Panorama Date) is a reissue of the Glashutte pilot's chronometer. The original back in the 1930s was a stout 55mm, but today's model is a bit smaller at 44mm. (By the way, I'm a big fan of BIG watches - I have a Ernst Benz 47mm ChronoScope that I think is my biggest.)

According to the beautiful hardcover coffee table book that my dealer gave me, Glashutte Original Opus, the pilot's chronometer was very popular in the middle of the 1930s and the Second World War approached, it's mechanics and design became a war secret and the watch itself was classified as a protected "war good."

Anyway, enough of background. I got the watch last year as a Christmas gift from my wife. It came housed in an absolutely beautiful wood and leather-lined presentation box (Rolex can learn something from these guys), along with a wood loupe, brass datechange "push rod," documentation and brown leather strap. The original strap is pretty standard, does not have a quick-deploy strap (grrrr), and has the Glashutte Original logo on the top of the buckle.

My dealer had actually replaced the standard strap with a more period and utility-accurate strap, like the one shown on the 1930s pilot model in the book I mentioned above. Here's a link to a similar band, from the Kobold Watch site. (By the way, I'm also a fan of Kobold Watches. I have a Kobold SMG-1.) I've kept this funky strap on the watch and the original one lives in the box.

The attention to detail on the watch is absolutely amazing. Two features that are quickly apparent are the dual-movement date as well as the second hand reset button (at 7 o'clock). This allows the second hand to be reset to 12 without impacting the time (or doing anything to screw up the movement). While it doesn't have any of the uber-cool "bling" of other Glashutte watches, I love the subtelty of the blue hands and the little GO logo at the end of the sweep second hand. And the dual-movement date is what attracted me in the first place. It really sets it apart.

Speaking of the movement, it's a 100-03, with a 55 hour power reserve, clicking along at 28,800 viberations/hour. My year or so with the watch has confirmed it's my most accurate automatic watch. We'll see how it compares with the new GMT IIc I just got last week.

One of the features the Senator Navigator does NOT share with some of its siblings is a glass reveal back. It does NOT have that - with GO wanting to make this a more accurate representation of the original watch (I don't think they did reveal backs in 1930.) That's a bummer, because even though you can't see it, the finishing on the movement is spectacular. It can be seen on the DVD that you can get from Glashutte for free, as well as on my dealer's blog, ChadTheWatchGuy.com. Here's a link.

Instead, it's engraved with the serial number of the watch. Mine is No. 10X, so you get the feel that it's a pretty small run.

So, I absolutely love the watch. It's one of those watches that regular folks won't recognize as anything significant, but watch lovers immediately migrate to. That's one of the reasons I like it.

Looking forward to participating in this forum! As I noted, I have a new GMT IIc as well as a 20-year old gold/stainless steel Datejust.

Thanks,

Adam

leopardprey · 5 November 2007, 01:12 PM

Great Review on the Navigator!!!!!!!!! Thanks!!! I almost bought the non-date version, really liked the way it had an out 60 minute dial and the inner hour dial, very unique. I agree, I think GO has one of the best Date features around. THere designs are very unique as well, setting them apart from others. Really looking at the Panomatic Date with ADjustable SS bracelet. Like the off set dial and sub dial. Only thing is I wish it had better water resistance and luminated hands. I think a really nice GO combination, if I was to onloy go with GO, would be for 3 of their wathches: a Panomatic Date, a Sports Evolution, and a Navigator.

Garster · 5 November 2007, 01:24 PM

The Omega SS Seamaster Co Axial with the deep blue face and bezel which I will wear until my TT black face Submariner arrives this week.

Rockrolex · 5 November 2007, 01:27 PM

With not Rolex, I would probably opt for JLC and Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece series.

Maybe Omega for a tool watch.

Or I would just go back to my Casios and be none the wiser.

Bluesub · 5 November 2007, 01:39 PM

I Like the classic Rado Diastar.......

EG.JLC · 5 November 2007, 01:44 PM

Breitling and Omega would be my choices if Rolex didn't exist.

4 November 2007, 01:37 PM	#91
Downing "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Real Name: Downing Location: Portland, Oregon Watch: SD ExpII GO Nav ND Posts: 1,640	Ja selbstverständlich! When in Rome... __________________ One if by land, one if by sea, one if by air and one uh, just to tell time. Rolex Explorer II White Rolex Sea-Dweller Glashütte Original Navigator Panerai 183 G Black Seal

4 November 2007, 04:24 PM	#92
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,319	Honestly, if there were no Rolex in existence, I think I would give OMEGA my undivided attention!!!! __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

5 November 2007, 12:13 PM	#93
adamcb "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 7	Glashutte Senator Navigator Thanks for the compliments on the Glashutte. It's definitely one of my favorite watches. First, a quick background on the watch. The model that I have (the Senator Navigator Panorama Date) is a reissue of the Glashutte pilot's chronometer. The original back in the 1930s was a stout 55mm, but today's model is a bit smaller at 44mm. (By the way, I'm a big fan of BIG watches - I have a Ernst Benz 47mm ChronoScope that I think is my biggest.) According to the beautiful hardcover coffee table book that my dealer gave me, Glashutte Original Opus, the pilot's chronometer was very popular in the middle of the 1930s and the Second World War approached, it's mechanics and design became a war secret and the watch itself was classified as a protected "war good." Anyway, enough of background. I got the watch last year as a Christmas gift from my wife. It came housed in an absolutely beautiful wood and leather-lined presentation box (Rolex can learn something from these guys), along with a wood loupe, brass datechange "push rod," documentation and brown leather strap. The original strap is pretty standard, does not have a quick-deploy strap (grrrr), and has the Glashutte Original logo on the top of the buckle. My dealer had actually replaced the standard strap with a more period and utility-accurate strap, like the one shown on the 1930s pilot model in the book I mentioned above. Here's a link to a similar band, from the Kobold Watch site. (By the way, I'm also a fan of Kobold Watches. I have a Kobold SMG-1.) I've kept this funky strap on the watch and the original one lives in the box. The attention to detail on the watch is absolutely amazing. Two features that are quickly apparent are the dual-movement date as well as the second hand reset button (at 7 o'clock). This allows the second hand to be reset to 12 without impacting the time (or doing anything to screw up the movement). While it doesn't have any of the uber-cool "bling" of other Glashutte watches, I love the subtelty of the blue hands and the little GO logo at the end of the sweep second hand. And the dual-movement date is what attracted me in the first place. It really sets it apart. Speaking of the movement, it's a 100-03, with a 55 hour power reserve, clicking along at 28,800 viberations/hour. My year or so with the watch has confirmed it's my most accurate automatic watch. We'll see how it compares with the new GMT IIc I just got last week. One of the features the Senator Navigator does NOT share with some of its siblings is a glass reveal back. It does NOT have that - with GO wanting to make this a more accurate representation of the original watch (I don't think they did reveal backs in 1930.) That's a bummer, because even though you can't see it, the finishing on the movement is spectacular. It can be seen on the DVD that you can get from Glashutte for free, as well as on my dealer's blog, ChadTheWatchGuy.com. Here's a link. Instead, it's engraved with the serial number of the watch. Mine is No. 10X, so you get the feel that it's a pretty small run. So, I absolutely love the watch. It's one of those watches that regular folks won't recognize as anything significant, but watch lovers immediately migrate to. That's one of the reasons I like it. Looking forward to participating in this forum! As I noted, I have a new GMT IIc as well as a 20-year old gold/stainless steel Datejust. Thanks, Adam

5 November 2007, 01:27 PM	#96
Rockrolex TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: God Location: Washington, D.C. Watch: What do you think? Posts: 37,968	With not Rolex, I would probably opt for JLC and Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece series. Maybe Omega for a tool watch. Or I would just go back to my Casios and be none the wiser. __________________ Despite the high cost of living, it's still very popular. *Tosser Cabinet Member* Official Member: 'Perpetual 30' Vegas International GTG 2016 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2017 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2018 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2019

5 November 2007, 01:12 PM	#94
leopardprey Banned Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Chad Location: Around the world Watch: Panerai 233 Posts: 4,204	Great Review on the Navigator!!!!!!!!! Thanks!!! I almost bought the non-date version, really liked the way it had an out 60 minute dial and the inner hour dial, very unique. I agree, I think GO has one of the best Date features around. THere designs are very unique as well, setting them apart from others. Really looking at the Panomatic Date with ADjustable SS bracelet. Like the off set dial and sub dial. Only thing is I wish it had better water resistance and luminated hands. I think a really nice GO combination, if I was to onloy go with GO, would be for 3 of their wathches: a Panomatic Date, a Sports Evolution, and a Navigator.

5 November 2007, 01:24 PM	#95
Garster "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Sterling VA Posts: 10	The Omega SS Seamaster Co Axial with the deep blue face and bezel which I will wear until my TT black face Submariner arrives this week.

5 November 2007, 01:39 PM	#97
Bluesub Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Orlando, Fl Posts: 42	I Like the classic Rado Diastar.......

5 November 2007, 01:44 PM	#98
EG.JLC Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: USA Posts: 35	Breitling and Omega would be my choices if Rolex didn't exist.

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