The watch world is a fascinating blend of intricate mechanics, artistic expression, and personal style. For many enthusiasts, a watch is more than just a tool to tell time; it's a statement, a reflection of their personality, and a connection to a rich history of craftsmanship. German watchmaker
Sternglas has consistently captured this spirit with its minimalist Bauhaus-inspired designs, and their latest release, the Hamburg Automatik neugraphit, is no exception. This new iteration of their popular Hamburg model brings a fresh perspective to the collection, marrying a sleek, modern aesthetic with the brand's signature commitment to quality and understated sophistication.
Sternglas, founded in 2016, has quickly become a favorite among watch aficionados seeking clean lines, high-quality materials, and accessible price points. Their design philosophy draws inspiration from the Bauhaus movement, an early 20th-century school of art and design that emphasized functionality and simplicity. This ethos is evident in every Sternglas timepiece, where form follows function, resulting in watches that are both visually appealing and effortlessly practical. The Hamburg collection, in particular, pays homage to the company's hometown, embodying the city's maritime heritage and cosmopolitan spirit.
Courtesy of STERNGLAS
The Hamburg Automatik neugraphit builds upon this foundation, offering a contemporary interpretation of the classic Hamburg design. The most striking feature is the new anthracite dial, a deep, charcoal grey with a subtle satin finish that exudes a sense of understated luxury. This darker hue provides a perfect backdrop for the watch's minimalist design elements, allowing the indices, hands, and date window to stand out with crisp clarity. The dial's curved surface adds a touch of dynamism, catching the light in a way that creates a sense of depth and dimension.
Enhancing the watch's legibility are bolder lines and larger numerals, a welcome update that ensures easy time-telling at a glance. The finely detailed outer minute scale further contributes to the watch's precision, allowing for accurate timekeeping down to the second. These design choices demonstrate Sternglas's attention to detail and commitment to creating watches that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound.
Courtesy of STERNGLAS
The 42mm case, crafted from polished 316L stainless steel, strikes a balance between robustness and refinement. This surgical-grade stainless steel is known for its durability and resistance to corrosion, ensuring that the watch can withstand the rigors of daily wear. The case's polished finish adds a touch of elegance, complementing the anthracite dial and creating a harmonious visual flow.
Protecting the dial is a double-domed sapphire crystal, a hallmark of high-quality watchmaking. Sapphire is renowned for its exceptional scratch resistance, second only to diamond in hardness. This ensures that the watch's face remains pristine even after years of use. The double-domed shape of the crystal not only enhances the watch's visual appeal but also provides added strength and durability. Furthermore, the crystal features an anti-reflective coating, minimizing glare and ensuring optimal readability in various lighting conditions.
True to its nautical inspiration, the Hamburg Automatik neugraphit boasts a water resistance of 5 ATM, making it suitable for everyday use and even light swimming. This level of water resistance provides peace of mind, knowing that the watch can handle accidental splashes or brief immersions in water.
Courtesy of STERNGLAS
One of the most captivating aspects of the Hamburg Automatik neugraphit is its unique Luminova display. As daylight fades, the watch takes on a new life, with the dial, hands, and indices glowing in a mesmerizing trio of colors. The dial emits a soft green luminescence, while the hour and minute hands shine a vibrant red, and the second hand illuminates in a subtle beige. This tri-color Luminova not only enhances the watch's legibility in low-light conditions but also adds a touch of visual intrigue, transforming the timepiece into a captivating spectacle.
Flipping the watch over reveals another delightful detail: a 4-fold screwed case back adorned with a finely detailed engraving of Hamburg's city map. This intricate engraving showcases iconic landmarks such as the serene Alster lake, the vibrant Reeperbahn district, the historic Speicherstadt warehouse district, and the bustling Landungsbrücken waterfront. This subtle tribute to Sternglas's hometown adds a personal touch to the watch, connecting the wearer to the brand's roots and the city's vibrant spirit.
Courtesy of STERNGLAS
Sternglas understands that a watch is a personal expression of style, and the Hamburg Automatik neugraphit offers a variety of strap options to cater to individual preferences. Whether you prefer the classic appeal of vintage leather, the modern elegance of a metal bracelet, or the sporty versatility of a nylon strap, there's an option to suit every taste and occasion. The watch's reliable quick-change system allows for effortless strap swaps, making it easy to adapt the timepiece to different outfits and activities.
The choice of the Miyota 8215 movement reflects Sternglas's commitment to providing exceptional quality at an accessible price point. This workhorse movement is a popular choice among watchmakers, known for its durability and ease of maintenance. It operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, ensuring smooth and precise timekeeping. The movement also features 21 jewels, which minimize friction between moving parts, contributing to its longevity and accuracy.
Sternglas has paid close attention to user feedback in the design of the Hamburg Automatik neugraphit. One notable improvement is the larger, more textured crown, which enhances grip and allows for easier and more precise time setting. This seemingly small detail demonstrates Sternglas's dedication to refining its designs based on the experiences of its customers.
Courtesy of STERNGLAS
The Hamburg Automatik neugraphit, with its 42mm case, strikes an ideal balance between presence and wearability. It's substantial enough to make a statement on the wrist without feeling overly bulky or cumbersome. The case's dimensions, with a height of 12mm and a lug-to-lug distance of 45mm, ensure a comfortable fit for a wide range of wrist sizes. The watch's relatively lightweight construction, weighing in at just 71 grams (including the strap), further enhances its wearability, making it an ideal everyday companion.
Beyond its technical specifications, the Hamburg Automatik neugraphit offers a compelling value proposition. With a retail price of €429 (approximately $499 USD), it provides an entry point into the world of automatic watches without breaking the bank. The watch's combination of high-quality materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and reliable movement makes it a sound investment for both seasoned collectors and those new to mechanical timepieces.