Glashütte Original is expanding their Pano collection this month with a unique new reference called the PanoLunarInverse. The concept is built within the classic asymmetrical design language of the Pano, and represents a running theme of the Inverse label which treats the dial side of the watch the same as the movement side of the watch. In fact, the movement itself has been ‘inversely’ constructed to place the balance bridge on the top side, providing a dramatic view of the balance wheel underneath and the beautiful swan neck regulation system on top. As we’ve seen in the past with these models, the dial itself also gets a special finish, the likes of which are normally reserved for the view around back.
The latest rendition of the PanoLunarInverse is rendered once again in platinum, and is sized at 42mm in diameter. Unlike other Inverse models, this reference incorporates a large moon phase display nested within the main sundial displaying the hour and minutes. There are two depictions of the moon that rotate in and out of view within the display, and the base of the dial is slightly transparent, offering a view of the entire apparatus that feels fitting with the theme here.
The three-quarter plate serves as the base of the dial here, and it’s been given a pyramid guilloche finish that’s echoed on the caseback. The finish expands radially from the hand stack, and spills over to the balance bridge at 4 o’clock. Red rubies and blued screws jump off the otherwise monochromatic dial piece, and further hint at the inverse nature of the movement. The panoramic date aperture is placed at 2 o’clock, though it feels slightly smaller than usual against the granularity of the texture.
Like other Inverse variations, Glashütte Original will limit the production of the PanoLunarInverse to 200 examples, each priced at $42,000. That’s about the same price as the platinum cased Lange 1 30th anniversary model just released, which also hails from the town of Glashütte, and also boasts an asymmetric dial. The sense of balance is quite different here, however, and while it may not be as serene in nature as the Lange 1, it offers a bit more intensity in its approach thanks to the inverted movement structure.
The PanoLunarInverse is a striking watch in the metal, making a rather dramatic impression at first glance. This approach betrays the dual personality of the Pano collection, which can be quite demure at moments, but has a bit of a wild streak when it comes to complicated limited editions such as this. The result is a collection that seems to still be finding its footing in some ways, but this PanoLunarInverse highlights the very best of the brand’s skillset. Glashütte Original