While the original concept of the chronometer came from marine timepieces, when precision timekeeping was vital to navigation at sea, nowadays it can be applied to extremely precise timepieces that are certified via extensive testing. In this regard, German watchmaker Glashütte Original has covered its bases with the Senator Chronometer, which we saw at BaselWorld 2016. Now featuring a velvety dark blue dial, this piece merges tradition with a modern flair to provide dramatic precision in elegant style.

The finely grained and lacquered dial can be clearly seen with that vibrant blue hue. All this was achieved in the firm’s own dial manufactory in Pforzheim, where careful and delicate work on the lacquer is applied and dried in several coats until the precise shade and texture is achieved. Yes, precision as a virtue is applied all the way to the dial and its various elements. The roundish poire hands of the timepiece are in polished white gold, mirroring the case material. It also has a midnight blue Louisiana alligator leather strap with a white gold foldover clasp. The match between dial and strap is impeccable.

As for precision in timekeeping, the watch has been officially certified by the German Calibration Service, the equivalent of the Swiss COSC. This precision is a result of the superlative manual winding in-house Calibre 58-01. Among its features is a stop-seconds mechanism: when the crown is pulled out, the seconds hand resets to zero and holds there while, simultaneously, the minute hand jumps to the next full minute mark. This occurs to ensure the correct relationship between the seconds and minutes.

This worthy addition to the Senator range of timepieces once again shows Glashütte’s dedication to high quality timepieces of the very highest standard. It is worth noting that this new watch sports a regular balance spring, unlike the Senator Excellence.

• Specs
  Dimensions: 42mm
  Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, stop-seconds/reset mechanism with minute detent, panorama date, power reserve indicator, day/night indicator
  Power Reserve: 44 hours 40 minutes
  Movement: Manual Winding Calibre 58-01
  Water Resistance: 50 meters
  Case: White gold
  Strap: Blue Louisiana alligator leather