The New Glashütte Original Sixties Chronograph Annual Edition Goes Purple
German manufacture Glashütte Original continues its tradition of annual Sixties editions with the launch of the new Sixties Chronograph Annual Edition 2026, now presented with a striking purple dial inspired by the bold colours of the late 1960s psychedelic era.
The latest release keeps the familiar retro-inspired design of the Sixties Chronograph intact while introducing a fresh dial execution that highlights the brand’s expertise in dial manufacturing. Produced at the company’s own dial facility in Pforzheim, the new purple dial undergoes a complex multi-step production process that combines texture, colour and handcrafted finishing techniques.
A Retro-Inspired Case Design
The stainless steel case maintains the same proportions as previous Sixties Chronograph editions, measuring 42 mm in diameter, 12.40 mm in thickness and 48.50 mm lug-to-lug. The overall profile is defined by flowing curves, polished surfaces and a slim bezel that reinforces the vintage aesthetic of the collection.
A domed sapphire crystal sits above the dial, while classic chronograph pushers and a fluted crown complete the watch’s retro character. On the reverse side, the sapphire display caseback reveals the movement inside. Water resistance is rated at 30 metres.
The Purple Dial Takes Centre Stage
The defining feature of this annual edition is undoubtedly its textured purple dial. The process begins with a bronze base that is embossed with a textured pattern before being shaped into its domed profile. The dial is then galvanised in gold and coated by hand with translucent purple lacquer before being fired in a kiln.
Rather than using applied or printed hour markers, Glashütte Original manually incises the markers directly into the lacquered surface, allowing the underlying material to become visible. White Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 o’clock add contrast, while luminous dots around the minute track improve visibility in low-light conditions.
The gold-plated hour and minute hands feature Super-LumiNova inserts and are slightly curved to follow the contour of the domed dial and crystal. The central chronograph seconds hand is also subtly bent at the tip.
The dial layout remains unchanged, with running seconds positioned at 3 o’clock and a 30-minute chronograph counter at 9 o’clock. Both sub-dials feature a snailed finish that adds additional depth to the overall display.
Calibre 39-34 Inside
Powering the watch is the automatic Calibre 39-34, operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and offering a power reserve of approximately 40 hours.
Visible through the sapphire caseback, the movement showcases several traditional Saxon finishing details, including Glashütte stripes, polished screws, bevelled edges and the brand’s signature swan-neck fine adjustment system mounted on the three-quarter plate architecture.
Strap & Availability
The new Sixties Chronograph Annual Edition Purple is paired with a black synthetic fabric strap secured by a stainless steel pin buckle.
The watch is priced at € 10,100 and, as with previous annual editions, production will only be available during 2026 before the model is discontinued from the catalogue.
Read more here.
General Specifications:
Brand: Glashütte Original
Model: Sixties Chronograph Annual Edition 2026
Reference: 1-39-34-08-22-04
Dial: Varnish purple
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Dimensions: 42 mm Diameter, 12.40 mm thickness, 48.50 mm lug-to-lug
Crystal: Sapphire glass
Case Back: Sapphire glass
Water Resistance: 30 Meters
Strap: Black synthetic fabric strap with a stainless steel pin buckle
Calibre: 39-34
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph
Winding: Automatic
Jewels: 51
Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 Vph)
Power Reserve: 40 Hours
Price: € 10,100
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: No
