The Union Glashütte Viro Date Collection Gets a Makeover for 2025

First launched in 2008 and further developed in 2016, the Viro Date by German brand Union Glashütte is, quite possibly, the most sleek, timeless and classic watch of the brand. While the Noramis Date models play on the retro vibe with a vintage-inspired design, the Viro collection is more modern without compromising elegance. This year, this all-rounder is being reimagined with four dial variants and a slightly revamped look. With an improved movement and a refined design, the new Viro Date collection has become more attractive than ever before.

You probably know Union Glashütte, a German brand owned by Swatch Group and sister brand to the venerable Glashütte Original, with its race-car-inspired chronographs or the historical 1893 Johannes Dürrstein Editions. However, the brand carries a fairly complete collection of watches, including its vision of a timeless classic, a daily wear-oriented watch named the Viro Date. A model that’s been part of the brand’s portfolio since 2008, it is going through its second facelift this year, adding a touch of modernity in both the design and the mechanics.

This year’s makeover for the Union Glashütte Viro Date is subtle and retains what has made this watch a classic already. The case, with a reasonable diameter of 39mm, is made of polished steel and, despite its slender 9.25mm profile, retains a comfortable 100m water-resistance thanks to a screwed back. As such, it makes this watch a great option as a one-watch collection, as it’ll look good in most situations and be a good fit for virtually all wrists. In fact, the watch has been reduced by 2mm in diameter, in keeping with the current fashion for smaller watches. It is equipped with an anti-reflective sapphire crystal on top and a see-through caseback.

Another update concerns the dial, which has been discreetly redesigned. Available in four colours – classic silver and black with a matte finish or trendy ice blue and green with a light sunray-brushed pattern – all come with a new railroad-style minute track. The elongated applied baton markers have also been reshaped for a more modern appeal – double baton at cardinal points – and the hour and minute hands are coated with Super-LumiNova. The only touch of originality is a discreet red insert on the seconds hand, the rest of the dial being sleek and minimalistic. Thanks to the smaller case, the date window at 6 o’clock sits closer to the edge of the dial.

Inside the case is the proprietary calibre UNG-07.S1. This movement is a solid upgrade of the thin, proven ETA 2892 architecture, but many elements have changed. First, it now runs at 25,200 vibrations per hour (3.5Hz), and the regulator is equipped with a silicon balance spring. Second, the power reserve is rated at a minimum of 60 hours. Finally, the decoration is refined with blued screws, stripes and a personalised oscillating weight.

Available on a leather strap (silver dial) or a 3-link steel bracelet for a more versatile look (green, blue or black dial), the updated Union Glashütte Viro Date is now available at a retail price of EUR 1,880 on strap or EUR 1,980 on bracelet. For more details, please visit union-glashuette.com.