Imagine owning a timepiece that not only tells the time but also whispers tales of 180 years of legendary craftsmanship—now that's a watch worth dreaming about! In celebration of the 180th anniversary of its visionary founder, Johannes Dürrstein, Union Glashütte has unveiled two exquisite new editions in the 1893 collection: the Large Second at 41mm and the Small Second at 34mm. These watches embody the brand's timeless philosophy, blending top-tier Saxon artistry with designs that are approachable for everyday enthusiasts. But here's where it gets intriguing—these aren't just pretty faces; they're a nod to democratizing luxury, making high-end watchmaking accessible without compromising on tradition.
The 1893 line, named after the year Dürrstein founded the "Union Uhrenfabrik," was born from his revolutionary idea that exceptional watches shouldn't be reserved for the elite. Instead, they should be within reach for a wider audience, fostering a sense of inclusion in the world of horology. Building on the success of the 175th Anniversary Editions—which introduced a regulator style with textured surfaces and nuanced contrasts—these new anniversary models carry forward that signature aesthetic, where every detail feels deliberate and refined. For beginners diving into watch collecting, think of it as the difference between a mass-produced gadget and a handmade instrument: the textures and contrasts aren't just visual; they add depth and character, much like the subtle brushstrokes in a classic painting that reveal the artist's skill upon closer inspection.
Both the Large Second and Small Second share strikingly similar dial designs, designed to captivate and intrigue. Picture a dial with a taupe outer ring featuring a delicate, fine-grained texture that evokes the earthy tones of aged parchment, encircling a matte, sandblasted inner area that provides a subtle, almost velvety contrast. A polished, silvered ring further enhances the layering, creating a sense of depth and separation that's both elegant and functional. And let's not forget the heat-blued hands, a traditional Glashütte finishing technique that gives them a stunning, deep blue hue—perfect for those who appreciate how historical methods can make modern pieces feel alive.
The Large Second model, at 41mm, reimagines a classic 19th-century Glashütte pocket watch layout for today's wrist. It places the hour and minute hands off-center to the left, paired with a bold large seconds display on the right, offering a dynamic, asymmetrical balance that's as functional as it is eye-catching. This setup allows wearers to glance at the time with ease, while the large seconds add a vintage flair reminiscent of railroad watches used by engineers in the past. On the other hand, the Small Second at 34mm serves as its more delicate, feminine counterpart, simplifying the design with a central hour and minute display and a classic subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. It's like comparing a grand symphony to a intimate sonata—both harmonious, but tailored to different preferences. And this is the part most people miss: how these layouts not only honor history but also adapt it for modern lifestyles, whether you're a busy professional or someone who values understated elegance.
Enclosed in robust 316L stainless steel cases with gently rounded edges and domed sapphire crystals treated with anti-reflective coatings on both sides, these watches are built to last. The Large Second boasts a substantial 41mm diameter and 11.8mm thickness, with 100 meters of water resistance—ideal for everyday adventures like a splash in the pool or a light rain shower. The smaller version measures a sleek 34mm by 9.6mm and offers 50 meters of water resistance, making it a versatile companion for those who prefer lighter wear. Both feature sapphire casebacks that let you peek at the automatic Union calibres inside, movements inspired by ETA 2899 and ETA 2895-2 designs. These engines deliver a generous 42-hour power reserve, a handy stop-seconds mechanism for precise setting, and a date display, all adorned with decorative Glashütte-style touches like perlage (that beautiful speckled engraving), blued screws, and striping—elements that transform a functional movement into a work of art. For watch novices, perlage is akin to the intricate detailing on a vintage car; it's not just decorative but a sign of the meticulous care put into each component.
Strapped to a luxurious black calfskin leather band secured by a double-fold clasp with twin push-buttons for extra safety, these watches are as comfortable as they are stylish. Each edition is limited to just 99 pieces, available separately or as a coveted collector's boxed set that pairs both models— a smart way to own a matching duo for different occasions. Priced at EUR 1,960 for the Large Second and EUR 1,780 for the Small Second, they represent incredible value in the luxury segment. For more details, head over to the official Union Glashütte website.
Technical Specifications – Union Glashütte 1893 Johannes Dürrstein Anniversary Editions
Case: Constructed from durable 316L stainless steel, topped with a domed sapphire crystal featuring anti-reflective coatings on both sides, and a sapphire crystal caseback for admiring the movement. The Large Second measures 41mm in diameter by 11.83mm in thickness with 100m water resistance; the Small Second offers a refined 34mm diameter by 9.57mm thickness and 50m water resistance.
Dial: Features a taupe outer ring with a grained texture, a finely sandblasted inner area for contrast, a silvered polished dividing ring, heat-blued hands, and a date display. The Large Second includes off-centered hours and minutes on the left with a large seconds on the right; the Small Second has central hours and minutes with a small seconds at 6 o'clock.
Movement: Powered by automatic Union calibres with distinctive Glashütte decorative finishing, providing a 42-hour power reserve, stop-seconds function, and displays for hours, minutes, seconds, and date. The Large Second uses calibre U 2899-993 (based on ETA 2899); the Small Second employs calibre U 2895-2 (based on ETA 2895-2).
Strap: A supple black calfskin leather strap fastened with a double-fold clasp equipped with twin push-buttons for secure closure.
References: D007.444.16.021.09 (Large Second) and D007.228.16.021.09 (Small Second).
Availability: Strictly limited to 99 pieces per model, sold individually or as a collector's set.
Price: EUR 1,960 for the Large Second and EUR 1,780 for the Small Second.
But here's the controversial twist: In an era where watch brands increasingly rely on limited editions to drive hype and resale value, is this just savvy marketing, or does it genuinely preserve the spirit of accessibility that Dürrstein championed? And this is where opinions diverge—some argue that capping production at 99 pieces creates scarcity and exclusivity, boosting appeal for collectors, while others wonder if it artificially inflates prices, making true accessibility a distant dream. What do you think? Does owning a limited-edition watch like this enhance your connection to the brand's history, or is it more about the thrill of exclusivity? Share your views in the comments—do you agree, disagree, or have a counterpoint to add?
