Glashütte Original’s Sixties gets a period-appropriate Small Second variant
Borna BošnjakThe Vintage collection has been home to Glashütte Original’s modern re-interpretations of their past catalogues, and the Sixties collection a spitting image of the watches produced under the GUB/Glashütte Original brands during the `60s. The latest in this Spezimatic-numeralled line-up is the Glashütte Original Sixties Small Second. Until now, we’ve seen the Sixties reproduced with numerous complications (Panorama Date, Chronograph) and special dial variations, but never before with a small seconds indicator. Although a common feature in other watches of the period, this dial layout is quite a rare find in vintage Glashütte Original pieces that inspired the Sixties collection, as most feature centrally positioned seconds hands.
Cased in warm rose gold, the Sixties Small Seconds is really large for a watch of its type and inspiration, measuring in at 42mm in diameter and with a significant 12.4mm height, too. Its ergonomics are certainly assisted by the stubby, faceted lugs that jut out to 49.5mm lug-to-lug, polished in their finish like the rest of the case. A fairly uncommon feature that the Sixties Small Second has is its crystal situation. The main one covering the dial is a highly domed sapphire, so pretty straightforward there, but it is mirrored by another domed sapphire that covers the caseback, giving it the sort of profile you’d expect from a pebble perfect for stone skipping.
The dome of the crystal is echoed by the opaline silver dial which dips towards the caseband at its edges, giving the Spezimatic-typeface numerals an even more accentuated shape. While on the subject of printing, I’m glad that GO kept it to a minimum, and the Glashütte I/SA phrase curving around the azurage small seconds is a particularly nice touch. The indices are cut into the galvanic dial, further showing off its domed effect, while the solid gold hands follow the curve of the dial at their tips.
Visible through the aforementioned sapphire caseback is the in-house Calibre 39-60, an automatic movement with an Anachron balance spring, 4 Hz beat rate and 40 hours of power reserve. The movement is derived from the base Kaliber 39 (pictured above), which is often used by Glashütte Original as a base for different complications, explaining the thickness of the Sixties Small Second. Equipped with a lovely swan neck regulator, the finishing is pleasant, with striping, gilded highlights and polished screws and countersinks.
Glashütte Original Sixties Small Second pricing and availability
The Glashütte Original Sixties Small Second is available now from Glashütte Original. Price: A$24,000
| Brand | Glashütte Original |
| Model | Sixties Small Second |
| Reference Number | 1-39-60-01-01-04 |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm (D) x 12.4mm (T) x 49.5mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Rose gold |
| Water Resistance | 30 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Domed sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Convex, with opaline silver finish and rose gold hands |
| Strap | Green alligator leather with rose gold pin buckle |
| Movement | In-house Calibre 39-60, automatic, 28,800 vph |
| Power Reserve | 40 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | A$24,000 |