Until 2015, Union Glashütte sold the Averin, a square chronograph with a masculine presence and a stunning date function. Now, it's making a grand comeback: Slimmer dimensions, a modernized automatic movement including a silicon hairspring, and a relief-embossed dial awaken the Averin from its six-year slumber. We can hardly wait to take a closer look at this angular character from Saxony.

Experienced watch enthusiasts know that the dimensions of angular timepieces are often underestimated. When we talk about a "slim" 39 x 39 millimeters, we often encounter a surprisingly dominant powerhouse—think Tag Heuer Monaco . This makes it all the more intimidating that earlier references from the square Union Glashütte Averin (e.g., the D003.725 A) were offered with an edge length of 43 millimeters. Not for the faint-hearted. In 2021, the Glashütte-based company opted for a significant size reduction to 41 x 41 millimeters, giving the exotic chronograph more universal wearability.

What remains is the generally high rarity of the angular case shape. If you want to stand out from the crowd without garish colors, the Averin is the right choice. In addition to its aesthetic rarity, the 316L stainless steel case offers 100 meters of swim-proof water resistance and a comfortable cushion shape that ergonomically hugs the wrist. Sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on both sides provides the necessary scratch resistance and emphasizes the sculptural effect of the case with its pronounced curvature. The Glashütte-based company is consistent in its surface treatment: instead of introducing brushed elements to dampen its conspicuousness, they give the chronograph a complete polish. It doesn't get any more sophisticated than this.

In addition to its shape, the dial design of the Union Glashütte Averin also knows how to capture curious glances. Its foundation is a black, relief-like structure, somewhat reminiscent of carbon, which houses the twelve polished indices. Their varying lengths create a harmonious transition from the angular edge to the silver-backed center section, where the Averin's functional orchestra plays. Although the structure is logical, the sheer abundance of complications prevents immediate understanding of its design. Let's go through it step by step.

On the left side, a classic tricompax layout is found, with three subdials each featuring concentric grooves and a black border. At twelve o'clock, next to the 30-minute chronograph counter, there are two windows for the day and month displays. In the lower center of the Union Glashütte, the 12-hour counter welcomes us, its hand hovering over a moon phase with a detailed star decoration. The third totalizer next to the nine o'clock position contains a 24-hour display with a day/night indicator. We particularly appreciate the richness of detail on the dial: The timekeeping counters appear in the same red as the large chronograph seconds hand, while the small hour hand of the 24-hour complication has a skeletonized design.

The right side of the dial is dominated by an unusual date complication. Many manufacturers feel innovative by replacing a window date with a pointer date. They find their match in the Union Glashütte Averin Chronograph: Three levels of data are arranged so that they can be recorded by three arms of different lengths. These arms are attached to a single central section and always move simultaneously, so that the "new" hand starts at the top just as the "old" one finishes at the bottom. In contrast to the nickel-plated hour and minute hands, the date hands are black and lack Superluminova, so this clever invention is only useful during the day.

Regardless of the lighting conditions, the Union Glashütte Averin offers a comfortable wearing experience, thanks in part to the shape of the case and a black leather strap. Its coordination with the rest of the design is phenomenal: While the perforated pattern reinforces the sporty touch of the dark relief dial, the red underside is inspired by the chronograph hands of the same color. The quality also testifies to a premium class: Not a simple pin buckle, but a full-fledged double folding clasp with two pushers helps the wearer put on the angular Union Glashütte watch. However, it doesn't make the Averin any slimmer: In addition to the by no means tranquil 41 millimeters, it has a height of 15.54 millimeters and a weight of 124 grams, so that the chronograph exudes considerable self-confidence on the wrist.

On its back, the Union Glashütte Averin Chronograph features a sapphire crystal caseback, allowing daylight to shine into the automatic UNG-25.S1 caliber when placed down. The latter is based on the popular ETA/Valjoux 7751 and represents the latest state-of-the-art technology: a respectable 60-hour power reserve, a stop-second function, and, above all, the magnetic-field-resistant, shock-resistant silicon balance spring make the movement a superior overall package. The decoration reveals that this movement surpasses the standard 7751: The rotor is embossed with a skeletonized brand logo and the famous Glashütte stripe finish, while blued screws and perlage adorn the rest of the visible parts. According to the "Made in Germany" lettering on the dial, the caliber is assembled, finished, and regulated in Glashütte.

And how much money do you need to budget to own this angular newcomer? According to the manufacturer, the Union Glashütte Averin (Ref. D015.525.16.051.00) costs exactly €3,250. For that, you get a whole host of unique features: Not only the exotic date complication, but also the case shape, meticulous attention to detail, and modern mechanics speak for the new edition of the angular Saxon. Those seeking to combine masculine elegance with a clear departure from mainstream tastes could hardly budget better for their watch.