Glashutte Original PanoMaticCounter XL 1-96-01-02-02-04

Introduced in 2010, the PanoMatic Counter XL from Glashutte Original combines some very cool functionality, a very impressive movement, and undeniably handsome looks to create a unique and uncommon daily chronograph.

Featuring a 44mm case crafted in steel, it measures in at 16mm thick with a lug-to-lug of 51mm's. This might seem quite large, but ergonomically it's very well thought out, with it's sloping bezel, and sharply downturned lugs allowing it to fit on wrists other 44's wouldn't fit. It's lug-to-lug is not dissimilar to a Black Bay 41 as a reference.

Within this case lies a black Galvanic dial, with time shown at the 6 position, with lumed hands and applied Arabic numerals which are beautifully polished. The chronograph seconds counter is elevated above the dial on a separate disc, which along with the sunken date and counter apertures endows it with great depth. Beneath this raised disc lies the running seconds, and elapsed chrono minutes. The dial also has wonderful symmetry, further balanced by the panoramic date window at 3, and the counter window at 9.

Powering all of this is the phenomenal and absolutely gorgeous calibre 96-01, an in-house 584 component column wheel flyback chronograph with counter complication. So what is the counter complication? Essentially, it allows the user to count up, or down, anything they desire. It is completely decoupled from the timing elements of the movement, and is operated by pushers on the left side of the case. These can be used to move the counter up, down, or reset. This complication is made completely in-house, and requires 217 individual components. It also looks pretty rad in red, too!

The finishing, though perhaps not quite Lange standards, is at a very good level. The main plate features Glashütte ribbing, bevelled edges and blued screws, and there's also a hand-engraved balance cock and a swan-neck fine adjustment with a finely threaded spindle. The depth of the movement is very impressive, too. And while the watch isn't thin at 16mm, that height has been put to good use with the depth of both dial and movement.

To finish it off it is mounted to a lovely GO 'gator strap, mounted to one of the most over-engineered deployant buckles in the business. It really is quite the object.

This particular one-owner piece was first purchased in 2011, and presents in TZ 'Near Mint' condition. The case shows almost no signs of use other than some very light swirlies and hairlines, and has clearly been worn sparingly since it's return from service. Please see images for full condition details.

The watch was serviced by Glashutte Original in late 2022 at a cost of $3,600 AUD. All functions operating as they should, and keeping COSC time.

Comes with outer box (shows wear), inner box (shows heavy deterioration), copy of service estimate and warranty booklet (expired).

A rare piece, and in superb condition.

Brand: Glashutte Original

Model #: 1-96-01-02-02-04

Circa: 2011

Case Material: Steel

Case details: 44mm

Movement: GO 96-01 automatic chronograph

Dial: Black

Strap: GO 'gator strap on GO steel deployant

Paraphernalia: Outer box (shows wear), inner box (shows heavy deterioration), copy of service estimate and warranty booklet (expired)

TZ Grading: Near Mint

Watch Vault utilises the TZ grading system. Please see below for details.