Every collector has that moment when a watch stops being just an object and feels like a small piece of art. For me, the Glashütte Original PanoLunarTourbillon Limited Edition is one of those watches. Limited to only 25 pieces worldwide, this 40 mm platinum creation is more than just another anniversary model or boutique exclusive. It is a showcase of what happens when traditional German craftsmanship meets the highest level of complication. The case itself, with its mix of polished chamfers and brushed planes, carries a reassuring weight. Still, at just over 13 mm in height, it sits comfortably on the wrist, reminding us that platinum, while dense, does not have to feel unwearable. The crown is topped with a sapphire cabochon, a small but fitting flourish on such a restrained design.
The Dial as a Canvas
Glashütte Original has long been known for the quality of its dials, but this piece goes a step further. The dial is solid gold, engraved entirely by hand, then galvanized to a silver tone. Each engraving is executed freehand by master artisans, who use a burin without the help of stencils or guides. The result? Every watch carries subtle differences, making each one unique in character. It is a romantic notion that in a world of laser precision and computer milling, someone still sits at a bench carving metal with simple tools. The applied indexes and printed scales are restrained, letting the flying tourbillon and moonphase complication claim their deserved spotlight.
Illusion of Weightlessness
The left side of the dial displays the off-center hours and minutes, while just below it, the flying tourbillon appears to hover in space. This is not merely an aesthetic choice but a nod to Alfred Helwig, the Glashütte watchmaker who invented the flying tourbillon more than a century ago. Unlike traditional tourbillons, which are supported on both sides, this one is mounted from beneath, giving it the appearance of weightlessness. The small seconds hand rides on the tourbillon cage, adding a touch of dynamic motion. On the right, the moonphase display is paired with the brand’s signature Panorama Date. Together, these elements balance the asymmetry of the dial, something Glashütte Original has turned into an art form.
The Movement Inside
Beneath the sapphire crystal caseback lies the in-house Calibre 93-12. It is automatic, beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour, and offers a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The rotor is skeletonized and decorated with the brand’s double-G symbol, fitted with a 21-carat gold oscillating weight for efficient winding. Look closely and you will see hand-engraved bridges, beveled and polished edges, and blued screws. It is the sort of finishing that rewards careful inspection under a loupe, but even to the naked eye the contrast of polished steel and striped surfaces makes an impression. This is Glashütte finishing at its most traditional yet still capable of surprising details.
Strap and Wearing Experience
The watch comes fitted with a blue Louisiana alligator leather strap secured by a platinum folding clasp. On the wrist, the deep blue complements the engraved silver dial and adds a subtle note of formality. At 20 mm lug width, the proportions are balanced, and the strap length (75 x 115 mm) suits most wrists comfortably. For such a high-complication watch, the wearing experience is surprisingly practical. Water resistance is rated at 5 bar, which is enough for daily protection but certainly not something you would want to test near the pool. After all, the appeal of this watch lies in its artistry, not its sportiness.
Why This Watch Matters
What makes the PanoLunarTourbillon Limited Edition stand out is not just the tourbillon or the platinum case, but the way all elements are tied together. Hand-engraved dials are rare in today’s market, and when paired with Glashütte’s off-center layout, they feel even more distinctive. Limited to only 25 pieces, this model underscores exclusivity without shouting about it. It is, in many ways, a collector’s piece—something meant for those who already understand what makes a Glashütte Original different from its Swiss peers.
Final Thoughts
This watch is not for everyone, and it is not meant to be. With its hand-engraved dial, platinum case, and flying tourbillon, it sits at the very top of Glashütte Original’s offering. For some, it may seem overly ornate or perhaps even too restrained compared to flashier haute horlogerie. But that is part of its charm. It does not need to scream for attention. Instead, it rewards patience and close observation. In an era where many brands chase novelty, the PanoLunarTourbillon Limited Edition proves that tradition, when executed at the highest level, still has the power to surprise and delight. Price: $147,800 USD
Key Specifications