Glashütte Original SeaQ red gold
The Glashütte Original SeaQ red gold is housed in a 39.5mm case and is the latest subaquatic creation from Saxony. This new watch features modest case proportions, a luxuriously appointed housing made of noble metal, a ‘manufactory movement’ and is water-resistant to 200m.
Modern diver’s watch
In 1932, Omega released the ‘Marine’, the first divers’ watch intended for commercial use. Much later, in 1953, Blancpain unveiled the Fifty Fathoms, described by the brand as ‘the first modern diver’s watch’. Later in 1953, Rolex unveiled its first subaquatic model, the iconic Submariner.
Setting aside semantics, there is no arguing that divers’ watches are hugely popular. The prerequisites for a divers’ watch include extraordinary water resistance, a unidirectional bezel, luminous markings and a high quotient of robustness.
Few owners will use their divers’ watch in anger. Indeed, most Jacques Cousteau wannabes won’t venture any deeper than their local swimming pool will allow. However, this is irrelevant as the attributes synonymous with divers’ watches are equally valid on terra firma.
Spezimatic Type RP TS200
Glashütte Original’s first foray into making divers’ watches can be traced back to 1969 and the release of its legendary model the Spezimatic Type RP TS200. This was produced by VEB Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe (GUB), a state-owned company that operated during the DDR era. In 1994, a few years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, GUB was privatised and subsequently became Glashütte Original.
The Manufactory, based in Saxony, has gained an enviable reputation for making supremely refined, luxury watches. While its portfolio is diverse, it has gained a strong presence within the divers’ watch segment.
Glashütte Original SeaQ 39.5mm
With its latest creation, the Glashütte Original SeaQ 39.5mm, the German marque has gentrified the divers’ watch by offering it in an über-luxurious red gold model. Furthermore, the hockey puck dimensions often associated with divers’ watches have been set aside in favour of a narrow waistline, measuring just 39.5mm in diameter.
Historically, divers’ watch convention has seen models equipped with solid casebacks. However, now the lovely people in Glashütte have chosen to indulge owners with sublime views of the beautifully crafted movement, courtesy of an exhibition case back. Other notable highlights include a black ceramic bezel inlay and a useful degree of water resistance (20 bar or 200m).
Sporty and elegant in red gold
When the Glashütte art of watchmaking encounters an unfettered love of adventure, the result is a genuine Original: the latest SeaQ model favours the play of contrasts. For the first time, this 39.5 mm version of the outdoors specialist opens up the case back with a sapphire crystal to reveal the finely finished manufactory movement. And the combination of classic black and refined red gold turns the SeaQ into a sporty and elegant everyday companion – although it’s anything but ordinary.
A genuine family matter
The SeaQ family makes sophistication look easy: the watches render the fine art of German watchmaking suitable not just for everyday life, but for off-road adventures as well. With water resistance up to 20 bar, robust workmanship and precious materials, they rise to any challenge. As diver’s watches compliant with the relevant DIN and ISO specifications, all SeaQ models are subjected to an elaborate, multi-phase set of tests at the manufactory. They then go on to accompany their owners with confidence wherever they are – underwater, in the countryside or the urban canyons of the big city.
Adventurer in a tuxedo
The latest member of the SeaQ family is presented as a stylish and confident all-round player in a 39.5 mm red gold case, water resistant up to 20 bar (200 m). The shimmering precious metal is set off nicely by a galvanic black dial with sunray finish and a unidirectional counterclockwise rotating bezel with black ceramic inlay. Striking indexes, numerals and hands with Super-LumiNova® coating allow the wearer to check the time in the dark as well. Completing the look is a black rubber strap or – for an even more urban look – a grey synthetic fabric strap, both fitted with a red gold butterfly shape folding clasp.
Movement with style
Contrasts define the design of this SeaQ. Timeless black meets the warm glow of red gold, genuine sportiness joins mechanical perfection. For the first time, the mechanical heart of the SeaQ can be admired through a sapphire crystal case back, which reveals the robust Calibre 39-11 manufactory movement with automatic winding. Along with the hours, minutes and seconds, it also drives the date display at 3 o’clock. It goes without saying that this finely finished Glashütte manufactory movement is hand-crafted, decorated and regulated in the manufactory’s own workshops.
The new SeaQ in black and red gold is available from May in all Glashütte Original Boutiques and from selected dealers worldwide.