Some of the most fashionable men we know developed their unique style because they have a bit of an anti-authoritarian streak in them. Take, for example, Joel McHale, the lanky star of Community and The Soup. A master of sarcasm, McHale is genuine in his love of horology.
McHale’s watch wardrobe includes pieces by Ritmo Mundo, Concord and Bell & Ross—not the usual luxury brands associated with celebrities. That’s why we were not surprised to see him out and about in New York City wearing a Glashütte Original Seventies Panorama Date with a retro gradient blue dial.
The Glashutte Seventies Panorama Date
Like McHale’s Community character, Jeff Winger, Glashütte itself has a fascinating backstory. The company as we know it today had been based in East Germany during the Cold War years. Introduced in 2011, this 40 mm x 40 mm stainless steel number, with its galvanized blue dial with luminous hands and hour dots and chunky wedge appliqués, is based on the simple Soviet style of that era.
Inside, however, the Seventies Panorama Date is powered by a most 21st century, in-house automatic Caliber 39-47 movement with hours, minutes, seconds, second stop and panorama date and a 40-hour of power reserve. Every element of the complex mechanism is made in Glashütte’s factory in Saxony, and the company likes to show off that fact with a clear sapphire case back so the owner can better appreciate the inner workings.
What we appreciate most about McHale’s watch choice is the way the cheeky retro-ness of the Seventies Panorama suits his sly sensibility in the same way his well-tailored clothes accentuate his slim, 6’4” frame. In fact, we would say that McHale has great comic timing.
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James Cameron’s Rolex
Bill Clinton’s Panerai Luminor
LeBron James’ Audemars Piguet
