VIDEO: The Glashütte Original SeaQ Chronograph is an elevated diver that stands out from the pack
Zach BlassWhen we think of dive watches, our minds typically wander to Swiss and Japanese creations. But do not sleep on the Germans, they definitely know their way around a dive watch as well. Glashütte Original caught the attention of sports watch enthusiasts looking for something different when they unveiled their SeaQ diver, a revival of their very own dive watch from 1969 – the first diving watch from Glashütte: the Spezialist SeaQ. Now, Glashütte Original has expanded their dive watch offering with a first for the brand, a chronograph dive watch. Let’s dive into the new SeaQ Chronograph.
The stainless-steel dive watch comes in a large 43.2mm case, with nice heft on the wrist, and although it is a chronograph it is rated to 300 metres of water-resistance – tested using DIN 8306 and ISO 6425 standards. Geometrically, the case has relatively compact and squared-off lugs that camber around the wrist and mitigate its presence on it. Mixed satin and polished finishes insert a degree of elegance into the watch, which, of course, at its core is very robust.
Fittingly for an ocean-themed timepiece, this first-ever chronograph diver for the brand is outfitted with a blue ceramic bezel insert and a PVD blue sunburst dial. Situated beneath a domed sapphire crystal, which gives it the sort of dramatic warped effect that collectors love about vintage watches, the dial conveys the running seconds at 9’, 30-minute elapsed minutes register at 3’ and a double-window calendar date complication at 6’ with two dial-matching white on blue discs. The indications are highly legible, with luminsicent coatings found on the central pencil-shaped hours hand, broad arrow minutes hand, sub-seconds hand on the running seconds register, applied hour indices and numerals, and the triangle indicator on the timing bezel. The only lume-less elements are tied to the chronograph functionality – the central chronograph seconds hand and the smaller hand found on the elapsed minutes register.
Four configurations are available to choose from. You can purchase the watch on a blue rubber strap, grey synthetic fabric strap, and blue synthetic strap with pin/buckle or folding clasp closures. The fourth configuration, which we have in hand, is a case-matching, stainless-steel bracelet. The bracelet has the advantage of offering a fine adjustment folding clasp, which can be incrementally enlarged or shortened at the wearer’s discretion. Unlike the case, the bracelet has a full tool-watch vibe with three-piece links that are entirely brushed on their front end. Interestingly the screws used to add/remove links are found on the underside, rather than the topside, so the flanks of the links will appear clean and crisp.
Inside, visible beneath an exhibition caseback, you’ll find where a ton of the value of this watch lies. The in-house calibre 37-23 is finely decorated in German-style with Glashütte stripes, blued screws, and a polished swan neck regulator on the balance. The central winding rotor is striped and openworked, with a gold GO logo medallion. Technically speaking, there is a lot to like about the automatic calibre as well. It offers 72 hours of power reserve, and utilises a silicon hairspring to resist against magnetism.
Considering the saturation of dive watches, it is nice to have watches like the SeaQ Chronograph that offer a distinct proposition within the ubiquitous category. So, if you are craving a dive watch for your collection – but want something different – you may not need to look further than this.
Glashütte Original SeaQ Chronograph pricing and availbility:
The Glashütte Original SeaQ Chronograph is available now for purchase worldwide. Price: A$20,450 /$13,600 USD (rubber or synthetic strap), A$20,900 / $13,900 USD (rubber or synthetic with butterfly clasp), A$22,300 / $14,800 USD(bracelet).
| Brand | Glashütte Original |
| Model | SeaQ Chronograph |
| Reference Number | 1-37-23-02-81-33 (rubber strap) 1-37-23-02-81-34 (grey fabric strap) 1-37-23-02-81-36 (blue fabric strap) 1-37-23-02-81-70 (metal bracelet) |
| Case Dimensions | 43.2mm |
| Case Material | Stainless steel with ceramic rotating bezel |
| Water Resistance | 30 bar |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire crystal on both sides |
| Dial | PVD blue sunburst dial, rhodium-plated indices |
| Strap | Blue rubber strap with pin buckle or folding clasp Blue or grey synthetic with pin buckle or folding clasp Stainless steel bracelet with micro-adjustable clasp |
| Movement | Calibre 37-23, automatic, 70-hour power reserve, flyback chronograph with grande date |
| Price | A$20,450 / US$13,600 (rubber or synthetic strap) A$20,900 / US$13,900 (rubber or synthetic with butterfly clasp) A$22,300 / US$14,800 (bracelet) |