Glashütte Original drops two turquoise SeaQ limited editions just for North America (live pics)

Zach Blass

• Glashütte Original brings vivid turquoise dégradé dials to the SeaQ collection for the first time.
• Two limited editions – a 39.5mm SeaQ and 43.2mm SeaQ Panorama Date – are available on either a bracelet or synthetic strap.
• Each is limited to 100 pieces and available exclusively in Canada, Mexico, and the USA.

During the COVID years, turquoise dials surged in popularity, often becoming the most sought-after models from any brand producing watches with them. Though now an increasingly common colour offered by watchmakers, there is still a healthy appetite for the hue being incorporated into a dial and many collections across brand catalogues still yet to debut a turquoise dial variant. Today the day has come for fans of Glashütte Original and its SeaQ dive watches – but there is just one catch. The two debuting references are limited to 100 pieces, and will be exclusively sold in Canada, Mexico, and the USA: the Glashütte Original SeaQ ‘Northern Tide’ Limited Editions.

To ensure wrists of all sizes can stand to get in on the action, the Glashütte Original ‘Northern Tide’ Limited Editions come in the form of both SeaQ and SeaQ Panorama Date models. The SeaQ is a tad more wrist-approachable, its 200-metre water-resistant stainless steel case 39.5mm in diameter, 12.15mm thick, and a nice, more compact lug-to-lug span of 47.2mm across the wrist. On the other side of the coin, the 300-metre water-resistant SeaQ Panorama Date commands a larger presence, with a steel case measuring 43.2mm in diameter, 15.65mm thick, and 51.5mm lug-to-lug.

Regardless of size, both models have their dégradé turquoise dials framed by a black ceramic bezel insert with a full 60-minute timing scale. They also share a set of applied hour indices that alternate between batons and Arabic numerals, and a central handset with broad, ample Super-LumiNova fillings for legibility in darkness. But, of course, the key difference between the smaller SeaQ and the larger SeaQ Panorama Date is the manner in which the date is displayed. For the SeaQ, you have a more conventional calendar expression at the 3 o’clock position with a black-on-white disc, while the SeaQ Panorama Date has the brand’s signature date complication inspired by the legendary Five-Minute Clock (Fünfminutenuhr) in the Semper Opera House in Dresden, Germany, near the manufacture.

For the Panorama Date, Glashütte Original opted for an inverted white-on-black colour scheme, which some might debate, but is ultimately a decision I agree with. Whereas the 3 o’clock-positioned calendar complication is situated in a manner that replaces a white-filled hour index, the 4:30-positioned Panorama Date does not, and instead attempts to pair with a dégradé effect of the dial.

Both watches are available on a case-matching three-link bracelet, which notably includes a fine micro-adjustment system in its clasp, and are offered with an additional black synthetic strap – each armed with its own folding clasp. They also each exhibit their movement via the caseback, but the SeaQ is driven by the 40-hour in-house automatic calibre 39-11 while the SeaQ Panorama Date is armed with the 100-hour in-house automatic calibre 36-13. While there are differences in endurance and the amount of gold elements used in the openworked winding rotor, both calibres are assembled, decorated and regulated by hand by Glashütte Original’s exceptional watchmakers and artisans.

There are clear trade-offs between the pair. The SeaQ is more wearable for most wrists, but has a lower depth rating and power reserve. The SeaQ Panorama Date, on the other hand, is noticeably larger, but has a higher depth rating, power reserve, and the incorporation of the very distinct and intricate Panorama Date complication. Ultimately, each is a strong candidate for your watch box, but the stronger option between the pair is decided by your wrist size and preferences. The collection overall has always intrigued me, as the SeaQ is really the ultimate expression of a dive watch crafted with premium Glashütte watchmaking. And, horology lovers will always appreciate the fact that 95% of the movement components are made by Glashütte Original themselves – a moment where in-house truly has no asterisk next to the claim.

Glashütte Original SeaQ ‘Northern Tide’ Limited Editions pricing and availability

The Glashütte Original SeaQ ‘Northern Tide’ Limited Editions are available now, limited to 100 pieces each and exclusively available in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Price: US$13,000 (SeaQ), US$15,500 (SeaQ Panorama Date)

Brand	Glashütte Original
Models	SeaQ ‘Northern Tide’ Limited Edition SeaQ Panorama Date ‘Northern Tide’ Limited Edition
Reference	1-39-11-21-60-70 (SeaQ) 1-36-13-08-80-70 (SeaQ Panorama Date)
Case Dimensions	39.5mm (D) x 12.15mm (T) x 47.2mm (LTL) (SeaQ) 43.2mm (D) x 15.65mm (T) x 51.5mm (LTL) (SeaQ Panorama Date)
Case Material	Stainless steel
Water Resistance	200 metres, screw-down crown (SeaQ) 300 metres, screw-down crown (SeaQ Panorama Date)
Crystal(s)	Sapphire front and back
Dial	Matt turquoise lacquer, black dégradé effect
Strap	Stainless steel three-link bracelet, folding clasp, fine micro-adjustment Additional black synthetic strap, folding clasp
Movement	Calibre 39-11, in-house, automatic (SeaQ) Calibre 36-13, in-house, automatic (SeaQ Panorama Date)
Power Reserve	40 hours (SeaQ) 100 hours (SeaQ Panorama Date)
Functions	Hours, minutes, seconds, date (SeaQ) Hours, minutes, seconds, Panorama Date (SeaQ Panorama Date)
Availability	Now, limited to 100 pcs. each
Price	US$13,000 (SeaQ) US$15,500 (SeaQ Panorama Date)