German watchmaker Glashütte Original Caliber 36 Replica debuted a simple, but innovative movement — ithis year at Baselworld. The new Caliber 36 design is about simplicity rather than complexity, all while not only maintaining performance but also enhancing it. The German watchmaker’s designers were guided by four principles: extreme stability – in rate as well as overall construction (silicon balance spring, 4Hz frequency, screwed balance); maximum precision; extended running time (100 hrs power reserve with only one mainspring); and an aesthetic of timeless beauty.
Glashütte Original Senator Excellence
40mm x 10mm case (steel or red gold), automatic mechanical Caliber 36
Three versions of the Glashutte Senator Excellence replica with Caliber 36 are available. The first two have a light, silver-grained lacquer surface along with laser-cut, galvanised black indexes and a corresponding railroad minute ring, in choice of 40mm steel or red gold case. The minute numerals inspired by those of historic pocket watches and done in black on the steel model, while the red gold version offers these numerals printed in luminous red. Both timepieces have long, slim poire hands and a filigreed seconds hand in blue.The Caliber 36 hit all these marks, as it debut in the Senator collection’s new “Senator Excellence” model. More details and video, below.
The third model comes in a stainless steel case with black dial and luminous Arabic numerals. Also luminous are the slender white gold hands, the arrow-tip of the seconds hand, and on the hour indexes. A white railroad minute ring and 5-minute markers create additional contrasts. This model is also fitted on a black calfskin strap with pin buckle, a bit simpler than the alligator the other two models are presented on.
The Caliber 36
Here is a video walk-through of the Caliber 36, pointing out its most noteworthy features:
One is immediately able to recognize typical Glashütte decorations and construction features such as the characteristic three-quarter plate and the skeletonized rotor with “G” motif, striped finishing, perlage, blued screws and more. A further subtle highlight is the implementation of the elegant manual winding gear train, which was consciously presented in full view and reveals the fascinating work performed as the polished fake Glashutte watch is wound by hand.
All in all, a simple yet beautiful 3-handed timekeeper from Glashütte. With an equally simple, beautiful — and high performing — caliber, the new caliber 36.