Glashutte Original Sport Evolution Impact Watches: A “Shocking” Design Concept That Has Merit

Protecting the mechanical workings of watches from shock has been a preoccupation of horology since at least the 18th century, when Abraham-Louis Breguet invented the Parechute shock absorber for the balance.  Glashutte Original has decided to make a feature of shock absorption technology, incorporating flexible Elastomer elements tastefully into the design of their Sport Evolution Impact watches.  

The synthetic elements which Glashutte Original has strategically placed around the movement and dial are claimed to offer considerably enhanced protection over a watch without.  Happily, these have been effectively incorporated into the overall design, the brilliant red giving additional “oomph” to the saucy good looks of the Glashutte Sport Evolution designs.  

Will Glashutte’s Impact technology deliver on its promises and make the Sport Evolution watch collection even better for active use?  Time will be the judge, but the concept is certainly promising.  While at first thought it might seem silly to use it in a tourbillon watch (one of two models which will first debut the system) I think it’s actually a good idea, as this is the just the kind of mechanism that deserves additional protection.  This is especially so if one is inclined to wear a delicate complication–something the tourbillon certainly is–as a daily wear watch. 

Come to think of it, with even the most basic mechanical movements being little micro-mechanical miracles that perform day in and day out under remarkable stresses, extra protection can’t be anything but a good thing.  For this, Glashutte Original can certainly be commended!