Union Glashütte Presents New Editions Of The Racy Averin Chronograph

Back in 2008, Union Glashütte introduced the square-cased Averin. This bold chronograph watch looked quite different from most, thanks to a unique display for the date. A central three-handed pointer followed a three-line scale. Different, unique and quite fun for sure! Now though, the brand has decided to simplify things a little and morph the Averin into a racing-inspired two-register chronograph. Still following the design codes of the original, the new style highlights the square shapes the collection is known for. And yes, before you bring out your pitchforks, we will address the obvious at the end of the article.

Union Glashütte’s Averin collection has always relied on the sort of rounded square shape for its case, and that tradition is upheld here as well. The size comes down to 41mm by 41mm, with a height of 15.35mm from top to bottom. The case is finished with brushed and polished accents or black DLC-coated for a more stealthy look. On the right, the knurled and signed crown is flanked by two rectangular chronograph pushers, which match the look of the case (i.e. steel or black DLC-coated steel). The sapphire crystal on the front follows the contours of the case, while the shaped caseback has a round sapphire crystal insert. With 100m  water-resistance, the Averin can take more than a little splash of rain or the odd jump in a pool if needed.

The dial for the Averin Chronograph has a tile-like motif embossed at its base. This perfectly complements the square-ish shape of the case, which is again repeated for the two sub-dials: small seconds on the left, and chronograph 30 minutes on the right. Each dial is furthermore embellished with applied markers at every hour, a white printed minute track and a frame date window at 6′. To make telling time and checking the chronograph a bit easier, the hands are split. The sword-shaped hour and minute hands, as well as the small seconds hand, are brushed steel, while the chronograph minute and seconds hands are lacquered in red.

Underneath the sapphire crystal caseback, you can admire the calibre UNG-27.S2, which is based on the architecture of the tried-and-tested Valjoux 7750. This automatic chronograph is cam-operated and runs at a rate of 28,800vph, with a very comfortable power reserve of 65 hours. It’s also equipped with a silicon balance spring and a stop-seconds mechanism, adding some protection against magnetic forces and a touch more precision in setting the time. The rotor is signed with part of the brand’s name (Union), and the finishing is quite pleasant, featuring perlage, Côtes de Genève and blued screws.

Union Glashütte puts the new Averin Chronograph on either a blue perforated leather strap or a black textile strap with a red lining. Both are fitted to a stainless steel butterfly clasp. The price for the steel & blue version is EUR 3,300, with the black DLC-coated iteration costing EUR 3,500. The watches are not presented as limited editions and are available through UG’s retailer network.

In conclusion, the Averin Chronograph looks very nice and feels really robust. It also wouldn’t look out of place on any car enthusiast’s wrist, for that matter. There’s just one blatantly obvious elephant in the room that needs to be addressed, and that goes by the name of ‘Monaco‘. Where the previous Averin Chronograph relied on its unique date display to be different, these come quite close to TAG Heuer’s legendary chronograph watch. Of course, it’s about half the price, and the quality is definitely there, but it needs to be said that it very much follows the same style.

For more information, please visit Union-Glashuette.com.