Glashütte Original SeaQ Panorama Date
The Glashütte Original SeaQ Panorama Date reference 1-36-13-07-83-33 features a reed green dial, a large date display, a Manufacture movement and comes supplied on a green rubber strap. Angus Davies recently enjoyed a few days wearing this model and recounts his experience.
Legibility
Visiting my local optician is an annual ritual that I dread. It’s always the same. I sit on a chair in a darkened room and stare ahead. A lens is positioned adjacent to one of my eyes and the optician repeatedly asks: ‘One or two?’ ‘Better or worse?’ Every time I reply in haste, my inner voice questions my response, introducing a dose of doubt. Was it one or was it two? The uncertainty nags away. However, one thing that is beyond question is that when presented with several rows of letters, my capacity to read the lower lines diminishes with each passing year. Yes, there’s no escaping the fact I’m getting old!
My age-related myopia has led me to appreciate the importance of legibility, especially when it comes to watches. While I always appreciate style, craftsmanship and mechanical excellence, I also value timepieces that present information in a simple-to-read format.
Glashütte Original Spezialist
Recently, the lovely people at Glashütte Original sent me one of their aquatic-themed Spezialist models, the SeaQ Panorama Date. I’ve previously worn a 39.5mm version of the SeaQ with the customary date display positioned at 3 o’clock, however, the SeaQ Panorama Date is larger, measuring 43.20mm in diameter. More pertinently, the Panorama spec model presents the date in a simple-to-read, widescreen format. No squinting is necessary, this indication shares the same lucid qualities as the extra-large print books I regularly borrow from my local library.
DIN 8306 and ISO 6425
The Glashütte Original SeaQ Panorama Date incorporates many of the design codes typical of divers’ watches, but it also features said big date, a sumptuous varnished dial and is endowed with an exquisite automatic movement. The watch ‘meets all the requirements that DIN 8306 and ISO 6425 place on professional diving watches’ and is water resistant to 30 ATM (300m).
Like many horophiles, I have a predilection for divers’ watches, appreciating their readability, robustness and all round practicality. Originally intended for professional use, these former utilitarian objects have since become increasingly luxurious. However, I can think of few other divers’ watches that are quite as luxurious as the SeaQ Panorama Date. Allow me to elaborate.
Varnish reed green dial
The varnish reed green is produced in-house at the company’s dial facility in Pforzheim and exudes quality and refinement from every angle. Personally, I would describe the hour and minute hands as plongeur-style, however, the German marque has added a prominent triangular tip to the minute hand, enhancing readability and adding a delightful dash of flair. The centre seconds hand is equipped with a counterweight in the shape of the brand’s ‘Double-G’ logo and features a luminescent lollipop.
Glashütte Original has chosen to apply two forms of index to the dial surface: Arabic numerals for even hours and batons for odd-numbered values. Both the hands and indexes produce an attractive blue-green emission in dim light.
Panorama Date
As previously stated, the brand also offers a version of the SeaQ with a regular date window at 3 o’clock, which is a bit cheaper. This model employs a single date disc to indicate all 31 date values.
However, in my opinion, the widescreen format of the Panorama Date justifies the price premium. Two discs, one for tens and the other for units, impart meaning in a highly lucid format. But beyond this notable legibility, I love the idea of the two discs performing a choreographed dance, a feature that serves to showcase the Manufactory’s extraordinary expertise.
Unlike some other large date display models from rival brands, the discs sit at the same level and shun any framework. Indeed, the discs on the SeaQ Panorama Date are separated with a faint arcing line that’s only visible when viewed at close quarters.
Sapphire crystal
Protecting the luxurious dial is a prominent sapphire crystal that sits above the bezel and is endued with a curved edge. When viewed from the side, this glazing slightly distorts the appearance of the indexes and minute track. However, this is not a criticism but an endearing characteristic, with the sapphire crystal charmingly playing with depths. Rest assured, the dial is eminently legible when viewed from the front.
A pane of sapphire crystal is also fitted to the rear of the watch, affording sight of the exquisite Calibre 36-13 movement.
Diving essentials
As previously stated, the Glashütte Original SeaQ Panorama Date fulfils the requirements ‘that DIN 8306 and ISO 6425 place on professional diving watches’. The bezel is unidirectional, marked with a count-up scale and includes a ceramic insert that promises to retain its showroom-fresh appearance for many years to come.
The screwed crown contributes to the model’s useful 300m water resistance. When it is unscrewed, a small red circlet comes into view, reminding the wearer that it must be tightened to prevent ingress of dust or water.
My press sample came on a green textured rubber strap paired with a folding clasp. This arrangement conferred an agreeable wrist fit. Personally speaking, I would opt for the pin buckle option as it shaves a few pfennigs off the price, helping to conserve my ‘watch budget’ for future purchases. The brand from Saxony also offers bracelet and ‘robust fabric’ alternatives.
Although the SeaQ Panorama Date is a highly practical watch it does not eschew sophisticated touches. For example, the case is appointed with sensible straight brushed surfaces which are tastefully enlivened with gleaming bevels. This interplay between two contrasting finishes serves to reinforce the overall perception of opulence.
Calibre 36-13
The Calibre 36-13 embraces both modernity and tradition.
Silicon hairspring
The self-winding movement features a silicon hairspring. This glass-like substance, widely used in the electronics industry, is produced in a dust-free laboratory to infinitesimal tolerances.
Silicon (sometimes referred to as silicium) is a friction-free material, not liable to corrosion nor affected by magnetism. Moreover, silicon is unaffected by changes in temperature. It can also be made into elaborate shapes that were previously impossible to realise. This has allowed watch brands to make components with optimised geometry, delivering a number of benefits.
In this instance, the use of a silicon hairspring is said to deliver superior precision. Indeed, the German marque states the watch is ‘subjected to an intensive 24-day test that goes beyond the strict requirements of the German chronometer standard’.
Free sprung balance
A free sprung balance is yet another refinement found on the Calibre 36-13. Whereas an index-regulated balance involves changing the effective length of the hairspring by moving the index/raquette, the length of the hairspring on this model remains fixed. With a free sprung balance (sometimes termed a ‘variable inertia balance’), the rate is adjusted by moving weights affixed to the rim of the balance. In this instance, there are four screws (inertia weights) positioned on the edge of the balance wheel.
Once adjusted, a free sprung balance will not require regulation as often. Moreover, the rate can be fine-tuned more precisely, further heightening precision.
Beat error
Glashütte Original has fitted a traditional swan neck to the Calibre 36-13, however, this is not used to alter the rate. Instead, this device is used to ameliorate any beat error, ensuring the impulse pin sits equidistant between both banking pins, ensuring anchor symmetry.
Movement finishing
A 21-carat gold mass hugs the edge of the oscillating weight and runs in a trottoir adorned with colimaçon. The skeletonised oscillating weight grants sight of a three-quarter plate adorned with Glashütte ribbing ( a striped motif), bevelled edges, polished steel parts, and many other nuanced details. Protracted finishing is manifest throughout.
Hacking seconds
A hacking seconds allows the wearer to halt the motion of the balance, a useful feature when synchronising the SeaQ with a reference clock. Lastly, the Calibre 36-13 will run autonomously for up to 100 hours.
Closing remarks
From time to time, my non-watch-loving friends pass comments on press samples strapped to my wrist. The Glashütte Original SeaQ Panorama Date attracted attention primarily due to the verdant tones of its dial and bezel. However, when I began to point out the large date display and legible indications, it was interesting to see how they became increasingly drawn to this remarkable divers’ watch.
Sadly, for most non-geeky-types, the technically brilliant Calibre 36-13 may not prove as captivating. This is a shame because the self-winding movement proffers chronometric levels of precision, a decent power-reserve and incorporates some of the finest craftsmanship you’ll find in the industry.
However, whether or not a non-expert is able to appreciate the mechanical virtuosity of this watch, they will undoubtedly appreciate its handsome dial and, especially, the simple to read, no bifocals-required indications. Indeed, this dial is not ageist, it promises to be readable for decades to come.
Further reading
https://www.glashuette-original.com/
Video
Technical specifications
- Model: Glashütte Original SeaQ Panorama Date
- Reference: 1-36-13-07-83-33
- Case: stainless steel, diameter 43.20mm, height 15.65mm, water resistance 30ATM (300m), sapphire crystal to the front and exhibition case back.
- Functions: Hours, minutes, centre seconds, Panorama Date
- Movement: Calibre 36-13, self-winding movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4Hz), 39 jewels, power reserve 100 hours
- Strap: Green rubber strap with fold fastener
- Price: £10,900 (RRP as of 25.5.2023)