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The Union Glashütte Belisar Zeitzone comes to the market in a new color variant. The traditional company from Glashütte gives its GMT watch the trendy retro look – including an olive green dial. Here in the review I present you all the relevant details!
A new GMT watch with a special retro character
Belisar Zeitzone is the name of the new watch with which the premium manufacturer Union Glashütte from the world-famous watch capital of the same name in Saxony complements its Belisar collection. Introduced in the spring of 2021, fans and enthusiasts can now finally look forward to a genuine GMT watch once again.
The fact that Union Glashütte characterizes its latest timepiece as sporty, retrospective, and adventurous is not a big surprise to connoisseurs of the traditional brand. The Belisar collection includes several of Union Glashütte’s most popular models. They all feature a sporty, elegant appearance and exude charm with their retro look. The Union Glashütte Belisar Chronograph Sport has already impressively proven that these are anything but marketing phrases. The model embodies the brand’s values and, for me, it is one of the best new 2021 chronographs in the premium segment so far.
Will the Union Glashütte Belisar Zeitzone be a match for the chronograph? The announcements certainly give us reason to hope so. When it comes to the design of the GMT watch with its olive green dial and brown leather strap, Union Glashütte looks back to the early 20th century this time. The Union Glashütte Belisar Zeitzone is reminiscent of the so-called trench watches. These were primarily worn by soldiers during the First World War. Because they could be seen under the trench coat, they later became known by that name. The soldiers quickly recognized their practical advantages over conventional pocket watches, for example their compact dimensions or the bracelet. Today, Trend Watches are counted among the very first wristwatches.
An exciting story and a GMT watch that makes you want more. How does the Union Glashütte Belisar Zeitzone perform in the test?
The first impression – extremely positive
At first glance, the Union Glashütte Belisar Zeitzone is a classic-looking GMT watch with a certain charm. The most striking feature is certainly the olive green dial, whose color gradient gives the watch dynamism. This is also called Ombré style. The military look is reinforced by the Arabic numerals in retro look and the fine minute track. It is complemented by a functional stainless steel case and a dark brown leather strap. Yes, somehow the Union Glashütte Belisar Zeitzone has something of an aviator’s watch. And I mean that entirely in a positive sense.
Since the Belisar line is for individualists with retro character, it’s hardly surprising that Union Glashütte goes for a classic GMT design. The 24 hour ring is not located on the bezel, for example, but is printed quite centrally on the dial. I like the Union Glashütte Belisar Zeitzone right away. Will the good impression continue when we look at the details?
The Union Glashütte Belisar Zeitzone on the wrist
Anyone who wears the Union Glashütte Belisar Zeitzone has probably a good taste. With its understated appearance, the watch with the reference number D009.429.16.092.00 simply knows how to please. And although the Belisar Zeitzone may not be the most extroverted watch, it positively stands out with its green dial. That’s what sets it apart from the competition visually. If you like things a bit more unconventional, but still classic, you should take a closer look at this retro timepiece.
With a medium-sized diameter of 41 millimeters, the designated men’s watch fits any wrist. The proportions are particularly sporty. The case measures just 11.54 millimeters in height. As a result, the Union Glashütte Belisar Zeitzone lies very flat on the wrist. How this was achieved despite the automatic movement is simply impressive. Its weight of just 88 grams also gives the GMT wristwatch real lightness in everyday life. You can hardly feel the watch.
High-quality case materials
The dynamically shaped case of the olive green GMT watch is made of particularly robust and durable 316L stainless steel. Its surfaces are alternately satin-finished and polished, with the polished surfaces noticeably predominating, which makes the Union Glashütte Belisar Zeitzone look very high-quality and classy. The shape sweepingly transitions into the lugs of the strap. On the top, the polished stainless steel bezel joins, on the bottom the caseback.
The case back itself is even screwed down eight times. Thus, Union Glashütte guarantees its Belisar Zeitzone a water resistance of up to 10 bar. Up to 100 meters of water depth you could dive with it in theory, although I would advise against it. This timepiece is not specialized for diving. However, water splashes are not a problem. Along with other values, the water resistance rating is neatly engraved on the caseback – that’s what you’d expect from watchmakers from Glashütte. I especially like the circular viewing window, the size of which Union Glashütte did not skimp on. For the real enthusiasts among you, the view of the automatic movement with its rotor and lettering is a real highlight. But so far, that could also be said about the whole watch!
The viewing window is made of pressure- and shock-resistant sapphire crystal. From these details, you can notice the premium claim for which the traditional Glashütte brand stands. Sapphire is also used on the front of the watch glass. Its slight curvature has a particularly classic appearance. You don’t have to be a professional to recognize the anti-reflective coating on both sides. This enhances the Union Glashütte Belisar Zeitzone visually, but also ensures good readability.
Caliber U 2893-2 – the movement after the rebuild
Let me say a word about the movement, which I just mentioned. The automatic caliber inside the case bears the designation U 2893-2, and is fundamentally based on a Swiss ETA 2893, which was reworked in the Glashütte workshop. Union Glashütte often emphasizes its own high standards. So it’s no wonder that the manufacturer refines the movement before assembly and then regulates it – for optimal use.
The power reserve of 42 hours is more than sufficient. In addition to the usual functions, the movement also controls the GMT hand. The second hand runs very smoothly – a sign of quality for a good movement. I turn the crown, wind the movement, and try out the functions. The operation of the crown works very well, thanks to the fluted sides. A nice detail: the Union “U” on the top. I already know this from the chronograph.
The dial of the Union Glashütte Belisar Zeitzone
On the olive green dial with ombré gradient, the time, date and GMT time can be read perfectly. This is thanks to the overall functional design. The beige Arabic numerals exude a lot of charm. In the dark, they shine particularly brightly thanks to Super-LumiNova luminous material. This is applied very evenly. The tip of the GMT hand stands out with its red border. A nice contrast to the ubiquitous green tone. Red is also found in the ‘Zeitzone’ lettering. Overall, the GMT theme has been implemented in a very classic and subtle way. It does not determine the design of the watch, but subordinates itself to the retro look. For the travelers among you, the GMT function should be a welcome gimmick.
However, I find the current date just as important. You’ll find the rectangular date window at 6 o’clock. The dial doesn’t offer more information. And that’s a good thing!
Soft leather for a luxurious feeling.
The successful Union Glashütte Belisar Zeitzone is rounded off by a dark brown leather strap. What could have been a better match for this vintage design wristwatch? While it still feels quite rough and smooth on the upper side, the underside offers true luxury for the wrist. In a light cream tone, it is particularly soft and comfortable for everyday wear. I also like the leather engravings.
Unusual, and I mean that in a positive sense, is the folding clasp. Cheaper models in the three-digit price segment would certainly have been equipped with a buckle. The folding clasp that Union Glashütte uses here, however, provides even more secure hold and does not wear away the leather.
My conclusion about the Union Glashütte Belisar Zeitzone
The Union Glashütte Belisar Zeitzone is a watch for the man with class, who shows taste with this piece on his wrist. The story of the timepiece testifies to an awareness of history, the materials stand for good quality, and the dynamic design including the GMT theme conveys sportiness and a sense of adventure. This is as true for the wearer as it is for the watch. And while the Union Glashütte Belisar Zeitzone may not be the loudest watch, it does dare to step out of its comfort zone and, with an olive green dial, shows that it has enough independence to stand out from the crowd.
That Union Glashütte sees the new Belisar Zeitzone as a more exclusive model is evident from the availability of the 1730 euro model. The watch with the reference number D009.429.16.092.00 is currently only available from selected retailers.
More about Union Glashütte and the Belisar Zeitzone
More information about the watch on the Union Glashütte homepage
Even more watches from the Belisar collection
Union Glashütte Belisar Chronograph Sport Review
