Union Glashütte Noramis Date Limited Edition Deutschland Klassik 2023 Embraces Vintage Porsche Design

Anyone who has spent any amount of time around wristwatches and cars will know that there are a surprising number of similarities between the two despite having vastly different functions. From the delicacies of their engineering to the beauty of their finishing. And just as there are many iconic watch design elements in history, so too are there many iconic automobile parts, such as the Otto Fuchs wheel of classic Porsches of the 60s-80s. Now, Union Glashütte have taken that Otto Fuchs design and brought it to a wristwatch in the form of the Noramis Date Limited Edition Deutschland Klassik 2023.

It’s being produced in celebration of the Deutschland Klassik 2023, a classic car rally taking place in Saxony later this month. Structurally, the limited edition is based on the Noramis Date model, which means it has a 40mm, round case in stainless steel. The polished finish makes the piece shine attractively and emphasises the smooth bezel.

However, with a piece like this, the case plays second fiddle to the stylish dial. The iconic five-spoke shape of the Fuchs wheel can be seen dominating the display over a black dial with five decorative screws completing the design. The date window is nestled between the bottom two spokes with white Arabic numerals on a black disc, matching the black and white colouration of the hands and peripheral minute track.

It makes for a striking display that combines the industrial and technical style of the Fuchs wheel with the elegance of a retro German wristwatch. Even if there wasn’t the car association inherent in the design, the watch itself would be ideal for cruising along in a vintage automobile.

Powering the Union Glashütte Noramis Date Limited Edition Deutschland Klassik 2023 is the UNG-07.1S automatic movement. It’s a base ETA 2892 calibre with a 60-hour power reserve and silicon hairspring for anti-magnetic protection.

Speaking of it being a limited edition, only 200 pieces are being produced, priced at €2,680 (approx. £2,330). Additionally, as part of their partnership with the Deutschland Klassik 2023, drivers will be invited for a tour of the Union Glashütte manufacture. The idea of driving around the German countryside in a vintage Porsche with a Union Glashütte strapped to your wrist sounds pretty great to me.