Muehle Glashuette Seebataillon GMT
Angus Davies gets “hands-on” with the Muehle Glashuette Seebataillon GMT, a watch with an exceptionally legible dial and tangible solidity.
This detailed review of the Muehle Glashuette Seebataillon GMT includes live images, specification details and pricing.
Complicated timepieces are very appealing. A watch with a myriad of functions can provide a fascinating visual spectacle and wonderfully example the prowess of a master watchmaker. However, there are occasions, when horological brevity is required.
Mühle Glashütte created its S.A.R Flieger-Chronograph for the rescue workers of the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (Deutsche Gesellschaft zur Rettung Schiffbrüchiger). This timepiece was familiar to naval rescue pilots and led to the brand being approached by the German Navy to produce a new watch, the “Seebataillon”, meaning Marine Battalion.
The Seebataillon of the German Navy “protects various naval units, their institutions and their assets on land, around ports on the high seas”. The resultant watch, worn by soldiers of the Seebataillon, is available for sale to the general public.
With the Seebataillon GMT, Mühle Glashütte has fused the appearance of a diver’s watch, albeit the model is not marketed as such, with a GMT. The resultant timepiece exhibits a cohesive design, legible display and robust character. On seeing the watch recently, I felt a strong urge to try it on and appraise its form.
The dial
To understand the intended role of this watch, imagine being in a potentially life-threatening situation and needing to interpret time quickly. A pre-requisite for this watch is a user-friendly dial which imparts information easily. There is an inherent risk in confusing detail or showing superfluous functions.
The dial of the Muehle Glashuette Seebataillon GMT delivers time in a clean and succinct manner. The hour and minute hands are large and, along with hour markers, feature Super LumiNova treatment ensuring ease of read-off in restricted light.
A second time zone is displayed using a yellow triangular-tipped hand in conjunction with a 24-hour scale depicted on the inner-flange. Mühle Glashütte should be congratulated by incorporating the additional hour hand without overburdening the wearer with a confusing display.
A central sweep seconds and date aperture completes the inventory of functions.
The result is a very clean and legible appearance to the dial. The combination of black, blue, white and yellow details do not fight with each other but deliver a harmonious and handsome aesthetic.
The case
The first thing you notice when you place the Muehle Glashuette Seebataillon GMT on the wrist is its relatively low mass. The case is constructed of titanium and, despite having generous proportions, with a case diameter of 44 mm, it feels light and comfortable to wear.
A notable element of the design is the positioning of the screw-in crown at 4 o’clock. With a “form follows function” design characteristic, the crown does not gouge the skin or restrict hand movement courtesy of its position on the case band. This latter attribute, I suspect, would be especially important to the German Navy when procuring the Seebataillon GMT .
The bezel is bidirectional, hence it would not prove suitable for diving use. However, it shares many of the appealing attributes of a diver’s watch with a water resistance of 300 metres and a robust mien that will appeal to many men.
An exhibition case back reveals the self-winding movement.
The black rubber strap is combined with a stainless steel folding clasp and features an extension.
The movement
Housed within the case of the Muehle Glashuette Seebataillon GMT is an ETA 2893-2 self-winding movement, well known for its reliability.
Mühle Glashütte has personalised the movement with its woodpecker neck regulation device and its own oscillating mass. Blued screws feature on the movement, a respectful nod to watchmaking tradition and reaffirming the sense of quality.
Closing remarks
Mühle Glashütte has produced a professional watch which should appeal to many men with its über-masculine appearance, robust styling and practical ownership proposition.
The German watch company has produced some very attractive models in recent years and the Muehle Glashuette Seebataillon GMT proves to be no exception. Its blend of attributes and competitive retail price of £2450 make a strong case for ownership.
Technical specification
- Model: Mühle Glashütte Seebataillon GMT
- Reference: M1-28-62-KB
- Case: Titanium; diameter 44.0 mm; height 12.7 mm; Water resistant to 30 bar (300 metres); sapphire crystal to front and rear
- Functions: Hours; minutes; central seconds; date; GMT
- Movement: ETA 2893-2; self-winding; frequency 28,800 vph (4Hz); 21 jewels; power reserve 42 hours.
- Strap: Rubber strap with stainless steel safety clasp and extension
- Price – £2450 (RRP at the time of writing – 1.3.2014)
Acknowledgement
I would like to thank CW Sellors Jura, for kindly providing access to this remarkable timepiece.
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