Glashütte Original Vintage Sixties Review: Green Dial Revival
The Glashütte Original Vintage Sixties (ref. 2-39-47-04-02-04) is a love letter to the 1960s, but not in the way you’d expect. While many brands chase the round-case, thin-profile dress watch of that era, Glashütte Original went square — and they did it with a dial that practically glows. This isn’t a reissue; it’s a reinterpretation, built for the wrist of someone who appreciates the asymmetry of a square case and the quiet confidence of a green sunburst dial.
Released as part of the Vintage collection, this reference stands out for its bold color and restrained proportions. It’s the kind of watch that gets noticed at a gallery opening or a coffee shop in Williamsburg — not because it screams, but because it whispers in a language only watch people understand. The 39mm square case is a statement of intent: this is not a tool watch, nor a pure dress piece. It’s a design object, and it wears like one.
Under the hood, the in-house Caliber 39-47 automatic movement keeps things ticking with a 40-hour power reserve and a finish that punches above its price point. The Vintage Sixties is a bridge between Glashütte Original’s heritage and the modern collector’s desire for something that feels both vintage and contemporary. It’s a watch for the person who knows that the best things in life are often a little off-square.
Manufacture History
Glashütte Original traces its roots to the Saxon watchmaking industry founded in 1845. After German reunification, the brand re-emerged as a high-end manufacture known for its in-house movements, three-quarter plates, and swan-neck regulators. The Vintage collection pays homage to the design language of the 1960s and 1970s, blending retro aesthetics with modern engineering.
Movement
The Caliber 39-47 is an automatic movement with a 40-hour power reserve, beating at 28,800 vph. It features 25 jewels, a date complication, and a three-quarter plate with Glashütte ribbing. The swan-neck fine adjustment and skeletonized rotor with double-G logo are hallmarks of the brand’s finishing. While not COSC-certified, the movement is adjusted in five positions and delivers excellent real-world accuracy.
Specifications
- Case: 39mm square, stainless steel
- Thickness: 9.4mm
- Lug-to-lug: 48mm
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Water resistance: 30m
- Lume: Super-LumiNova on hands and indices
- Strap: Leather with pin buckle
Wrist Feel
The square case of the Vintage Sixties is surprisingly wearable. At 39mm across and just 9.4mm thick, it sits flat on the wrist without overhanging. The short lugs (48mm lug-to-lug) mean it hugs even smaller wrists, and the polished bezel catches light without being flashy. The leather strap is supple out of the box, though some may swap it for a suede or NATO for a more casual vibe.
Weight is moderate — not heavy enough to feel like a tool watch, but substantial enough to remind you it’s there. The crown is easy to grip, and the date window at 3 o’clock is unobtrusive. This is a watch you can wear all day without noticing it, until you catch a reflection of that green dial and remember why you bought it.
Accuracy
In real-world use, the Caliber 39-47 typically runs within -3 to +7 seconds per day, which is excellent for a non-COSC movement. The swan-neck regulator allows for fine adjustment, and most examples settle into a consistent +4 to +6 seconds after a few days of wear. It’s not a chronometer, but it’s more than accurate enough for daily life.
Occasions
This watch is best suited for dressy casual, daily wear, and formal events. The green dial adds a pop of color that works with a navy suit or a simple white tee. It’s not a sports watch, so leave it at home for the gym or the beach.
Wrist Presence
3/5 — The square case and green dial draw attention without being loud. It’s a conversation starter for those in the know, but doesn’t dominate the wrist like a 44mm diver.
Reference Variants
The Vintage Sixties collection includes several dial colors: blue (ref. 2-39-47-04-02-01), silver (ref. 2-39-47-04-02-02), black (ref. 2-39-47-04-02-03), and the green reviewed here. All share the same case and movement.
Family References
Other models in the Vintage family include the Vintage Seventies (cushion case) and the Vintage Sixties Panorama Date (larger case with big date).
Other Notable Models by Glashütte Original
The Senator Excellence, PanoMaticLunar, and SeaQ are other pillars of the brand’s lineup, each offering a different take on German watchmaking.
Similar Watches
Nomos Tangente 38, Junghans Max Bill, and Cartier Tank Must all offer square or rectangular cases with a design-forward ethos. The Glashütte Original stands out for its in-house movement and higher finishing level.
Homages
Laco Augsburg 39 and Sternglas Naos provide affordable square-case alternatives, though they lack the in-house movement and finishing of the Glashütte Original.
Investment Value
With an MSRP of $8,200 and pre-owned prices ranging from $5,500 to $7,000, the Vintage Sixties holds its value reasonably well. The green dial variant is slightly more desirable, but don’t expect rapid appreciation. It’s a watch to buy for love, not profit.
Service Interval
Glashütte Original recommends service every 5 years. An authorized service costs around $600, though independent watchmakers can handle it for less. Parts availability is good for a modern model.
Pros and Cons
Pros: In-house movement with beautiful finishing, unique square case, stunning green dial, comfortable on wrist.
Cons: Only 30m water resistance, average leather strap, crown can feel stiff when setting.
Final Verdict
The Glashütte Original Vintage Sixties ref. 2-39-47-04-02-04 is a masterclass in restrained design. It’s not trying to be a sports watch or a pure dress piece — it’s a style statement for the discerning collector. The green dial is the star, and the in-house movement ensures it’s more than just a pretty face. If you want a watch that stands out without shouting, this is it.
