Glashuette_Original-synchronization_with_chronometer

Quality standards

For each of its watches Glashütte Original promises the highest quality and timelessly beautiful design. All watches in the Senator Excellence and SeaQ Panorama Date model families undergo an intensive 24-day test that is even more rigorous than the German chronometer test. The SeaQ Panorama Date diver’s watch then undergoes additional testing for water resistance.

Under the sign of excellence

Glashütte Original promises the highest-quality precision and stability with respect to rate performance (accuracy) and workmanship, running time and timelessly beautiful design. In the course of the 24-day excellence test, every Calibre-36 watch undergoes an extended test procedure that is even more comprehensive than the German Chronometer test.

Simulation of everyday use Position test

After the exact time is set, the Calibre 36 models are moved with a rotating test device into different positions over the course of 24 hours. This makes it possible to simulate the day-to-day conditions of a watch worn on the wrist. The rate deviation tolerance is -2 to +6 seconds per day.

12-day monitoring of the rate (accuracy) in six positions Rate test

The rate performance test begins on the second day of the extended tested period and runs for 12 days. The daily rate is tested in six different positions – for example “dial side up”. The watch is tested in each position for two days. Mechanical watches are usually tested in five positions. With the Calibre 36 movement, Glashütte Original adds a sixth position – the “numeral 12 up” position.

Performance of the watch in the event of temperature fluctuations Temperature dependence

The accuracy of mechanical watches can be affected by marked changes in temperature. As a consequence, starting on day 14 of the excellence test, a three-day temperature test is undertaken, during which the performance of the watches is tested at temperatures of 8°, 23° and 38° centigrade.

Resumption of the rate Rate stability and overall running time

This part of the test checks the rate stability. To this end the value is measured after the previous 16 days of testing and compared to the value at the outset. Then the overall running time is monitored for 5 days with the watch in the “dial up” position. For this test the tolerance value is a minimum of 100 hours of running time.

Water resistance and condensation test Water resistance

On the penultimate day of the test, the water resistance of the 5 bar watches is tested.To this end, both a positive and a negative pressure (over- and underpressure) are created under a vacuum bell. A number of watches are chosen at random and heated to 40-45° C, then splashed with a drop of water. Should there be any moisture in the watch, it will appear at this point in the form of condensation on the crystal.

Final aesthetic review Performance test and visual inspection

As a final step of the excellence test, the appearance and functionality of the watches are reviewed to ensure that the surfaces (case, polish and decorative finishes) are flawless and that the manual winding and crown functions are working properly.

DIN and ISO certified diving watches

The central requirement in developing the SeaQ and the SeaQ Panorama Date has been maximum reliability. As a consequence, the DIN and ISO certified diver’s watches meet the most rigorous German and international standards of quality, with a particular focus on water resistance.

With the SeaQ Panorama Date, the Glashütte watchmakers have successfully adapted the Calibre 36 to meet the considerable challenges of timekeeping underwater.The promise of quality integral to the calibre is also kept by the SeaQ Panorama Date. This means not only that the watch meets the stringent DIN and ISO standards for diver’s watches, but that it must also undergo the same demanding 24-day excellence test.

Test for moisture in the watch Entry condensation test

As a first step, the SeaQ is heated to 40-45°C for 30 minutes and then covered with a cold wet piece of felt. When no condensation appears on the inside of the glass, the watch is in conformance with the relevant standard and enters the testing phase.

Testing of resistance at underpressure and overpressure Measurement of air pressure

The SeaQ is exposed first to an underpressure of -0.2 bar. The watch is then tested at an overpressure of 125%. For 20 bar watches this corresponds to a value of 25 bar, and for 30 bar watches to 37.5 bar.

Water resistance test Water overpressure test

The watch is first exposed to an overpressure of 125%. For 20 bar watches this corresponds to a value of 25 bar, and for 30 bar watches to 37.5 bar. This overpressure is maintained for a certain period of time. It is then lowered in a second phase to a slight overpressure of 0.3 bar.

Exterior drying of the SeaQ Drying the watch

Following the water resistance test in a water bath, the SeaQ is rotated under a curtain of air in order to dry the exterior.

Test for moisture in the watch after testing Final condensation test

As a final step, the SeaQ is again heated to 40-45°C for 30 minutes. Once again a wet piece of felt is placed over the upper surface of the glass. If no condensation appears on the inner surface of the glass, the watch has successfully completed the testing phase.