Union Glashütte brings the More Compact Belisar Chronograph Speedster 2026

Founded in 1893 by Johannes Dürrstein in the Saxon town of Glashütte, Union Glashütte set out to make high-quality German watchmaking accessible to a wider audience. Today, part of the Swatch Group, the brand combines traditional craftsmanship with distinctive design and value for money. Its affinity for classic cars is captured in the retro Belisar Chronograph lineup, which has celebrated individual cars, rallies and the people connected to them. For 2026, the spotlight falls on a classic 911 owned by Mainz-based artist Marcus Haub, and for the first time in the Speedster family, the case shrinks from 44mm to a more compact 40mm diameter.

Fast becoming a tradition, the Belisar Chronograph Speedster has appeared in limited editions since 2021, celebrating classic cars and races through designs such as the striking yellow-and-black 2022 edition, the 2023 tribute to a legendary 1970s car, the Porsche-themed 2024 model and the 2025 edition inspired by the Lancia Delta Integrale.

Crafted from 316L stainless steel, the new 40mm case is slightly thinner at 14.65mm (down from 15.1mm) but retains the characteristic screwed-on case flanks and vintage mushroom-shaped chronograph pushers. A slim bezel frames the domed sapphire crystal, and the screw-down crown ensures the 100m depth rating.

Taking design cues from Marcus Haub’s Porsche 911, the latest Speedster 2026 features a glossy beige dial enlivened by orange chequered details. Three matte black and snailed sub-dials and a peripheral tachymeter scale reinforce the motoring connection. Black nickel-plated and white lacquered hands provide contrast, with Super-LumiNova on the hour and minute hands. A well-integrated date aperture sits inside the 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock.

The watch is powered by the automatic UNG-27.S1 calibre (based on a Valjoux 7750 architecture) enhanced with a silicon balance spring and a minimum power reserve of 65 hours. Its functions include small seconds, a date display and a chronograph. A recessed corrector at 10 o’clock adjusts the date, while a stop-seconds function allows precise time-setting. Decorated, assembled and regulated by hand in Glashütte, the movement is visible through the screw-down sapphire crystal caseback.

The watch comes with a perforated rally-style black calfskin strap with orange stitching and a steel bracelet. A quick-change system allows owners to switch between the two. Both options feature double-folding clasps with twin push buttons.

Limited to 288 individually numbered pieces, the Belisar Chronograph Speedster 2026 is available through authorised retailers at a recommended retail price of EUR 3,450 (incl. VAT). More information at union-glashuette.com.