INTRODUCING: Glashütte Original PanoInverse Limited Edition

The idiosyncratic PanoInverse gets the modern interpretation it deserves.

The PanoInverse is somewhat of an anomaly not just in Glashütte Original’s line-up but also in the world of haute horlogerie. Introduced in 2008, it addressed the age-old lament that one couldn’t admire the meticulous finishings and beautiful decorations of a timepiece’s movement while wearing it. In an ingenious move, it is able to flaunt its inner beauty on the dial side, thanks to the inverse arrangement of components that are typically showcased via a sapphire crystal caseback of a conventional watch.

However, as much as we adore the traditional Glashütte stripes as well as the floral and guilloché engravings that have since graced the three-quarter plate of the PanoInverse, we couldn’t help but think that a watch as modern and visionary as this deserves more contemporary interpretations than offered before. And it seems Glashütte Original has read our minds with the unveiling of this year’s PanoInverse Limited Edition.

Precisely engraved via laser, the galvanic black rhodium-plated mien of the PanoInverse Limited Edition commands close scrutiny as it depicts a high-density, fictional metropolis in spectacular detail. Framed by a 42mm platinum case, this almost Escher-like work of art, composed of dizzying skyscrapers and urban canyons, provides the backdrop for the off-centre dial with applied indexes and small seconds counter, both finished with anthracite-coloured grained lacquer. There is also a power reserve indicator hovering over the buildings at the upper right quadrant of the watch. Of course, the signature engraved balance bridge and the duplex swan-neck fine adjustment remain fully visible here, as is the balance wheel that oscillates at a frequency of 4Hz or 28,800vph.

If you can’t get enough of the gorgeously rendered cityscape at the front, flip the watch over for more. Similarly galvanic black rhodium-plated and precision laser engraved, the back of the movement (or is it the front?) offers a closer look at a cluster of blocks, and you can even go on an Easter egg hunt here. We’ll get the easy ones out of the way first; disguised as billboards and building signs are the usual suspects “Glashütte Original”, “ADJUSTED TO FIVE (5) POSITIONS”, “THIRTY-ONE (31) JEWELS”, AND “MADE IN GERMANY”. According to the press notes, there are also window cleaners at work, a graffiti artist working on the brand’s logo on a wall, and a local resident who appears to be watching us from one of the balconies. Happy searching.

Instead of the tumultuous sounds of a bustling city, the PanoInverse Limited Edition thankfully offers the soothing, regular beat of its manual-winding Calibre 66-12 with an approximate power reserve of 41 hours. As the full beauty of the movement can be seen front and back, hints of its pedigree are strewn throughout, including screw-mounted gold chatons, ruby-red jewels, blued screws, bevelled edges, and polished steel parts.

Paired with a grey Louisiana alligator nubuck leather strap with a double-fold fastener in platinum, the PanoInverse Limited Edition is limited to 50 pieces worldwide and retails at S$73,500.

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