watches_in_natureThe Germano & Walter 500m, introduced as a prototype in November 2005, is widely celebrated for its brutalist, over-engineered case architecture. While its massive outer chassis draws immediate attention, the dial and crystal of this first model represent a masterclass in functional harmony. Italian designer Pietro Germano and German BMW mechanical engineer Alexander Walter did not just design these components for aesthetics; they integrated them into a patented, protective structure.The Crystal: An Over-Engineered Acrylic Dome. This original Germano & Walter 500m features a prominent, deeply domed acrylic crystal. Rather than choosing modern sapphire, the creators purposefully selected custom-made plexiglass to achieve distinct performance benefits: Massive Thickness: The custom-manufactured crystal measures approximately 4 mm to 5 mm thick, matching the brutalist proportions of the 42 mm x 57 mm x 18 mm steel housing. The “Sandwich” System: The crystal is not merely glued or pressed into place. Thanks to the brand’s unique “sandwich” architecture, the domed plexiglass and its matching frame are structurally compressed by the case from both sides. This design prevents case failure from external deep-sea overpressure and eliminates the risk of the crystal popping out due to internal pressure build-ups. The Dial: A Shield of Soft IronBeneath the towering acrylic dome sits a minimalist dial that doubles as a critical component of the watch’s mechanical defense system:Magnetic Shielding: The dial is constructed entirely from soft iron. It works in unison with a separate inner case and an internal movement cover to form a highly effective ferromagnetic cage (a Faraday cage). This specialized barrier completely seals off the Swiss ETA 2892A automatic movement from disruptive magnetic fields.Austere Geometry: The design emphasizes pure utility. The matte black surface features clean, printed geometric markers layout—anchored by a distinct triangular marker at the 12 o’clock position that mirrors the pip on the bezel.High-Legibility Lume: To ensure absolute readability in dark environments, the minimalist markers and hands are heavily printed with luminous phos