It's official, I've lost my mind (if I ever had one to begin with).
At the beginning of this year I had set a goal to make a substantial upgrade to my collection before the year was out. With the year almost gone and having only made one upgrade to the collection all year, I figured I should make good on my intentions.
I began by reaching out to some of my contacts and scouring the internet for possibilities. Some of the contenders at the top of my list were Breguet (Marina Big Date), Blancpain (Calendar Moon Phase or Fifty Fathoms), Glashutte Original (Panomatic Lunar or Reserve), Audemar Piguet (Royal Oaks), Corum (Gold Bridge), and JLC (Navy Seals Alarm or Master Calendar Moon Phase). In the event I couldn't work a deal on any of my contenders, I was also keeping an open mind to other possible opportunities I may not have thought of or considered.
It soon became apparent that with the recent commitment on 2 other prime pieces, I was not going to be able to afford any of my heavy hitters at a price point I was comfortable with. At that point it was time to implement plan B and look for more affordable options.
The fruit of my efforts finally yielded me this gorgeous Glashutte Original Senator XL Chronograph BNIB with stamped AD plates (warranty) at a price I just could not pass up.
It is powered by GO's caliber 39 which boasts a staggering 51 jewels and provides a 40hr reserve. The engine is housed in a 44mm polished SS case and possesses a display back for viewing the beautifully finished internals. The matte black dial is complimented by applied silver luminous filled baton markers, polished steel hands with luminous fill, white painted seconds & minute track, and matching tachymeter scale located on the chapter ring.
Complications include a large central seconds counter, 30 minute counter sub-dial located at the 9, running seconds sub-dial located at the 3. Finishing off the unit is a black crocodile strap with a Glashutte polished SS dual button locking deployant clasp.
I have a very strong affinity for Glashutte's line of finely crafted offerings (except the Karee models), their rich history, and the "Bang for the Buck" factor when compared to other watch companies of this same level. I feel fortunate to have stumbled across this drop dead gorgeous piece to add to my collection at a price point I was much more comfortable with. Hopefully next year I can add a Panomatic XL or 2 to the mix as well.
I would love to have a Lange 1, but that is out of my league...maybe one day 
Honestly though, one has to wonder if the price difference of an A. Lange & Sohne vs Glashutte Original is worth it. I would imagine most people would not think so, but evidently enough people fall on the other side of the fence to keep them in business.
He will be taking a lume photo later today and sending it to me. I'll be sure to post it as soon as I get it. 
