Mühle-Glashütte 29er Big Takes on Aquatic Colours for Summer

Mühle-Glashütte are a German watch brand that often slides under the radar here at Oracle Time, which is something that needs to change because they make some great watches. Previously we’ve only really covered the S.A.R Rescue Timer, however, if you peer into some of their other collections there are some real hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Watches like the Mühle-Glashütte 29er Big, which has just been expanded with two new aquatic colourways.

The name 29er is a reference to a particular class of sailing boat, a two-person high performance skiff that’s used in junior racing. Juniors who do well in the 29er often graduate to the Olympic class 49er. How that translates to the wristwatch is that it’s designed for use around (not necessarily in) the water with 100m water resistance.

Additionally, the 42.4mm case rides the line between casual and sporty, being equally at home relaxing in the sun as it is engaged in the frenetic activity of a race. The case itself is round but what makes it very distinctive are the straight lugs that are surprisingly broad and flat with angled ends – when paired with a bracelet they make the piece look much squarer than it actually is. Completing the design are the sapphire crystal, pronounced crown guards and combination of brushed and polished finishing across the metal surfaces.

In terms of the new colourways, they’re very light and summer ready. The first has a lovely sand colour dial with a darker blue flange around the periphery paired with steel applied indices, steel hour and minute hands and a red seconds hand. Whether you’re out on a boat, chilling in the club house or lazing on the beach, the colours here are perfect.

Second up is the pacific blue edition. It’s a touch more vibrant and daring than its counterpart with a pale blue dial and petrol blue flange, both of which really contrast to the seconds hand and make it stand out. This one feels more energetic, it wants to go out and be adventurous, to take part in those races – although the 29er Chronograph models might be more practical in that regard.

Below the surface and visible through the exhibition caseback is the Sellita SW 200-1 automatic movement with Mühle-Glashütte modifications. Those modifications include the obligatory branded rotor but also an upgraded woodpecker neck regulator that helps to improve the accuracy and reliability to a very nice -0/+8 seconds per day. It also has a very reasonable 41-hour power reserve.

Both versions are available on a choice of three-link steel bracelet or canvas strap in either blue or brown depending on the reference. My favourite combination is the sandy dial on blue canvas. Regardless which you prefer, the two new watches are the most colourful in the entire 29er Big range and I love that they’re a little bolder and more fun. I also expect them to share the same price as the existing models at €1,750 on bracelet or €1,600 on canvas (approx. £1,500/£1,370).

​Oracle Time 

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