Presenting Union Glashütte Belisar Chronograph Moon Phase

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Union Glashütte enriches the Belisar collection with a modern and daring interpretation of their moon phase chrono with two variations. The Union Glashütte Belisar Chronograph Moon Phase is available now with a black or grey open dial. The new sporty pieces are inspired by a limited edition of the brand’s Sachsen Classic Edition 2019.

Review Union Glashütte Belisar Chronograph Moon Phase

The new Chronograph Moon Phase is a modern interpretation of a classic set of complications. The watch presents the specific Union Glashütte elements. Before going into the detail, please have a look at the wrist-roll and hands-on short video.

A nice case built with a serious thought on robustness

Belisar collection was created with the clear intention of a solid and robust built. The 44mm steel case presents a series of elements meant to increase the charisma. The same elements make the watch more resistant to the vicissitudes of an active lifestyle.

The case body is covered on each side with polished shields. Of course, these will get scratches and the polish will tarnish in time. But the plates can be easily removed and replaced due to the screws fixation. In this way, the look of the watch can be refreshed or renewed easily, without exorbitant costs.

The front of the case presents a vertical brushed, another decoration known that hides quite good superficial scratches. The top of the watch is covered with a generous round bezel. The sapphire crystal was treated with anti-reflective coating on both faces, it is slightly higher than the bezel and presents a bevelled edge.

Union Glashütte Belisar Chronograph Moon Phase was fitted with two wide-bodied mushroom pushers. The nice appearance give a nice feel in combination with the firm activation. The watch has a polished crown with sparse teeth. The crown offers though a good grip. As decoration, we find the brand’s “U” logo positively engraved.

The Belisar case construction is interesting. It offers an unusual look, but not heavy or tiresome. The combination of the finishes with the design reveals a careful consideration for the long life expectancy of the product (maintenance and its costs).

A modern dial

Union Glashütte used for the Belisar Chronograph Moon Phase an idea used last year for the Sachsen Classic Edition 2019. The honeycomb grill goes excellent not only on an automotive-inspired piece, but also in this sporty chrono.

The difference between the two versions of the Belisar is purely at the colour. The dial is available in grey and black.

Those familiar with the classic chronos will find no surprise at the layout of the Belisar Chronograph Moon Phase. The three register chronograph counts the seconds centrally, 30 minutes at 12 o’clock and 12 hours at 6 o clock.

The top position also holds two apertures for the day and month indications. The honeycomb grill reveals partly the calibre UNG-25.SI. Above, we can notice the applied 12 o’clock index (similar for 3, 6 and 9 o’clock) and the inner bezel with printed date pointed by a long date hand.

The 9 o’clock subdial holds the 24 hours indication and the running seconds. Note the raised register with printed indexes.

The lower side of the dial holds the chronograph’s hours counter and the moon phase. The lunar complication is beautifully highlighted by a circular pattern. The right side was decorated with the brand’s name.

Union Glashütte Belisar Chronograph Moon Phase uses for the time telling hands a shape combining the alpha and the sword design. The skeletonised hands hold luminescent.

A classic movement with a catch

Contrary with what you might think, Union Glashütte does not receive the ebauche as part of the SWATCH Group and just mount them in a case. The movements are built from raw components that are finished and decorated by the brand. That is why the movements presented by the brand are different from the classic ETA movements (for example).

Union Glashütte Belisar Chronograph Moon Phase is powered by the Calibre UNG-25.SI – a 60 hours power reserve automatic movement with stop-seconds mechanism and silicon balance spring. The brand takes big pride in their mechanisms with a silicon hairspring, fact signalised with Si marked plate placed on the movement.

The UNG-25.SI movement is nicely decorated with Glashütte stripe finish, perlage, and blue screws. The calibre features a rotor weight with skeletonised brand lettering.

Final moted and considerations

I have to admit that I was impressed by the Union Glashütte Belisar Chronograph Moon Phase watches. They have a robust construction using smart details, a modern and sporty design and a great movement. The 44 mm watch wears smaller than expected.

The functions can be set and used easily with the personal comment that the chrono actuation needs a bit more force than expected but without being tedious/burdensome.

I consider that for the price, the brand’s proposition is a serious candidate with a real offering. It is not just a pretty face, but a watch built to last, built to be easy to maintain and repair.