Glashütte Original SeaQ Panorama Date Red Gold

Solid Gold

The SeaQ was a bold and interesting move for Glashütte Original. Its 2019 launch added a decidedly sporty facet to an otherwise sophisticated catalogue. But the release was not without a certain provenance. Deep in the archives the brand found the Spezimatic Type RP TS 200 from 1969. The Spezimatic was a bit of a rare bird and never produced in large quantities, but it would prove to be an inspired model upon which to recreate the The SeaQ.

Glashutte Original SeaQ Panorama Date in Red Gold @calibre321

Since then, the popular collection has grown to include a number of iterations—not the least of which is the luxurious SeaQ Panorama Date in Red Gold. After all, if anyone can pull off a solid gold dive watch, it has to be Glashütte Original.

ISO 6425 and DIN 8306 certified @calibre321

Key Features of the Glashütte Original SeaQ Panorama Date

The SeaQ Panorama is a beautiful watch. The sapphire domed crystal has a life of its own. The 18kt red gold, finished appropriately in a fine mix of matte brushing, is more akin to bronze and feels substantial in the hand and on wrist. At 43.2mm in diameter and 15.64mm in height, the SeaQ Panorama Date is not a small watch. And the fact that it is rendered in precious metal means that it is not light either. However, its size is an extension of its rather unique function—the Panorama “Big Date.” But more on this technical feat later.

Glashütte Original SeaQ Panorama Date Red Gold Review — Galvanised black dial with crystal distortions @calibre321

Despite being a particularly extravagant rendition of a tool watch, the SeaQ bears all the hallmarks of a solid diver. The unidirectional, elapsed time bezel is a snappy 120 clicks with absolutely no back play. The bezel edge is finely geared and easy to grip. The insert of polished ceramic is virtually scratchproof and fully graduated in starkly contrasting white. And the case sports a set of partial guards which wrap securely around the oversized, screw down crown. Together with the screw down case back, the SeaQ offers up 300m of water resistance. More specifically, the watch meets, and surpasses, both ISO 6425 and DIN 8306 standards.

Beneath the sapphire crystal, there is a deep galvanised black dial with a mesmerising sunray texturing. The highly legible applied markers and numerals, surrounded as they are by red gold, offer up beautiful distortions at the edge of the sapphire dome. The sword and arrow hands are emblematic of mid-century skin divers, and like the numerals, have been treated in a ghostly blue BGW9 Super-LumiNova. There is very little text beyond the signature and the timepiece’s water resistance rating; however, there is an unmistakable date aperture in place of the numeral at four.

This Panaroma, or “Big Date,” feature can be a bit divisive among enthusiasts; however, it is quite a technical achievement. The oversized numerals, which operate independently of each other, are printed on two concentrically arranged discs positioned on the same plane. This provides seamless legibility. To support this font size any other way, you need only to image how large the date wheel would have to be if it were printed on only one disc, for instance. The calibre’s jumping date mechanism ensures a precise changeover at midnight.

If you like what you see from above, however, just wait until you get a glimpse of what the SeaQ has in store underneath. I am not normally a fan of the exhibition case back when used on a diver. For one, it does have an impact on water resistance, but also, generally speaking, the movement in a dive watch is a workhorse and not specifically well-decorated. This is not the case here.

The Calibre 36-13 is an automatic 4Hz movement with an impressive 100-hour power reserve. But equally impressive is the finishing. The in house, German-made calibre has gorgeous bevelled edges, polished steel, thermally blued screws, and a skeletonised rotor that offers up almost as much vista as the piece of sapphire protecting it. The signed oscillation weight is also 21kt gold.

The SeaQ has a choice of three straps. Here it is featured on 21mm textured rubber. The clasp is a bi-folding deployant style in matching red gold. It can also be purchased on synthetic sailcloth in grey or black.

SPECS

Case	Red Gold 43.2mm Diameter 15.64mm Thick (excluding crystal) 21mm Lug Width Screw Down Crown & Case Back Unidirectional Bezel /w Ceramic Insert 300m Water Resistance
Dial & Crystal	Double-Domed Sapphire Crystal Galvanised Black Dial Sunray Finish Applied Indices Panorama Date Window Sword & Arrow Handset Super-LumiNova
Movement	Calibre 36-13 21kt Gold Oscillation Weight 41 Jewels 28 800bph 100-Hour Power Reserve
Strap	Textured Rubber Strap /w Red Gold Bi-Fold Clasp

Glashütte Original SeaQ Panorama Date

Final Thoughts

If you have both the wrist and the wallet for it, there are only a few other gold divers out there with these kind of specs. I find the robust rubber strap and gold clasp to be an excellent counterweight for this piece. The inert quality of gold will keep the watch looking pristine for years, as well, at the same time that its matte finish keeps it from appearing ostentatious. The vibe is one of luxury, but not excessively so. To the untutored eye, this watch could easily pass for an elegant bronze diver. But up close, the quality is obvious. The movement is beautiful. The crystal, immaculate. The SeaQ is a watch of distinctive character in every way.

Pricing & Availability

The Glashütte Original SeaQ Panorama Date in Red Gold retails for $26 100USD. For more information, please visit the brand websi te.

About the author

Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.

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