Glashütte Original turned heads in 2019 when it launched the SeaQ dive watch, mainly because it finally bridged two eras in the esteemed German watchmaker’s history.
Aesthetically, the SeaQ line draws inspiration from a watch launched in 1969: the Spezimatic Type RP TS 200. The original diver was a tool watch through and through, with few signs of the refinement and elegance that define Glashütte Original today.
The revival honored that classic simplicity while layering on the premium craftsmanship and detailing expected of Glashütte Original today. Since that launch, Glashütte Original has steadily elevated the SeaQ line to new levels of precision and sophistication.
The new SeaQ Chronograph equipped with a “Silver Screen” dial is the pinnacle of these efforts.
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Glashütte Original SeaQ Chronograph “Silver Screen”
The galvanic silver surface recalls the luminous screens of old movie theaters, where a thin layer of silver paint enhanced contrast and definition.
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Much like a carefully composed black-and-white film, every element of this watch is deliberate and purposeful. The round, 43.2mm stainless steel case provides a substantial frame befitting of a sports watch but is paired with shorter, integrated lugs to sit comfortably on the wrist. The watch also meets ISO 6425 and DIN 8306 standards, meaning it’s fully certified as a diver’s watch and water-resistant up to 300 meters.
Atop the case is a unidirectional rotating bezel with a sleek, scratch-resistant black ceramic inlay. This bezel serves a practical function for divers and adventurers and adds to the bold visual contrast that defines the watch.
Where the SeaQ Chronograph truly shines, however, is on its dial — what Glashütte Original fittingly refers to as the “Silver Screen” dial. The galvanic silver surface recalls the luminous screens of old movie theaters, where a thin layer of silver paint enhanced contrast and definition. On the SeaQ, this effect reduces light dispersion better than a typical pure white dial, ensuring that the black hands, indexes, and subdials stand out clearly, even in brighter light. Each of the applied indexes and hands is also coated with Super-LumiNova®, which enhances legibility in dark conditions.
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Details with depth
The best black-and-white imagery highlights details that might otherwise go unnoticed. The SeaQ Chronograph follows suit. The 30-minute counter and small seconds subdials, located at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock, respectively, are carefully lathe-cut and given a vinyl-like finish, complete with circular grooves, in a subtle nod to the tactile quality of vintage records.
At 6 o’clock, the watch features a Panorama Date complication. The date window is framed with a subtle step and presented with white numerals on a black background, furthering the black-and-white theme while maintaining exceptional legibility.
A fluted signed screw-down crown and polished chronograph pushers add another luxury touch to components that wearers will both see and feel.
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Precision meets perseverance
The SeaQ Chronograph is powered by Glashütte Original’s in-house integrated automatic flyback column-wheel Calibre 37-23 automatic chronograph movement. Designed for precision and reliability, it offers a power reserve of up to 70 hours and the ability to stop, reset, and restart the chronograph’s stop second with a single push.
The silicon balance spring ensures that the movement remains unaffected by magnetic fields and temperature fluctuations, making it ideal for everyday wear, whether navigating city streets or exploring rugged terrain.
Flip the watch over, and through the sapphire crystal case back, wearers can admire the movement’s distinctive Glashütte stripes, beveled and polished edges, and polished and blued screws. Even the rotor is skeletonized, revealing the refined tool watch’s intricate workings.
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Averse to typecasting
A robust selection of strap options allows SeaQ Chronograph owners to assume various roles as needed. There’s a classic black rubber option for adventurous outings and a stainless steel bracelet for dressier functions. A bold, orange synthetic strap is included for a sportier vibe. Optional green rubber and gray, blue, and black textile straps are also available for an even wider range of looks.
In a world saturated with color and noise, the Glashütte Original SeaQ Chronograph offers a refreshing return to simplicity while embracing versatility. Its black-and-white design is a testament to the power of reduction — proving that sometimes, saying more with less is the ultimate luxury.
Like the silver screens of old, this watch invites you to slow down, appreciate the small things, and immerse yourself in the present.
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Glashütte Original SeaQ Chronograph “Silver Screen”