The Glashütte Original SeaQ Chronograph and its Elegant “Silver Screen” Dial

The SeaQ series, part of Glashütte Original’s Spezialist collection, made its debut in 2019, representing the German brand’s interpretation of the classic diver’s watch and drawing inspiration from the Glashütte Spezimatic Type RP TS 200, originally introduced at the end of the 1960s by the East German GUB (Glashütter Uhrenbetriebe). While the vintage Spezimatic models were affordable, robust and functional, the modern Spezialist line, which includes the SeaQ time-and-date models closely resembling the original Spezimatic RP TS 200, as well as the SeaQ Panorama Date and SeaQ Chronograph, is positioned in the luxury segment with a focus on high-end presentation. Despite their refined appearance, the SeaQ timepieces adhere to the rigorous standards for diver’s watches and are crafted with the meticulous attention to quality that has become synonymous with the Glashütte brand. The recent SeaQ Chronograph is an excellent sports watch, to say the least, so let’s take a closer look at the new Silver Screen edition.

The new SeaQ Chronograph reference – or rather, references, as each standard strap and buckle option receives its own designation – are quite similar in characteristics to the 2022 model with the blue PVD dial. The 300m water-resistant case is made from stainless steel and measures 43.2mm in diameter, with a thickness of 16.95mm and a lug-to-lug span of 51.6mm. The dimensions suggest a difficult-to-handle kind of watch, yet it wears more comfortably than expected. The integrated short, curved lugs enhance wearing comfort, though those with smaller wrists may want to look elsewhere. For those not deterred from trying it on, it must be noted that visually, part of the thickness is due to the domed sapphire crystal, the unidirectional bezel with its scaled black ceramic insert, and the caseback. 

Still, as seen and felt, the thoughtful design ensures the SeaQ Chronograph is far from cumbersome and balances well form and function. This perception is enhanced by the brushed finish of the case with bevelled, polished edges; the fluted signed screw-down crown and the rounded, octagonal bolt-like chronograph pushers are also polished.

The distinguishing feature of the new SeaQ Chronograph is its in-house handcrafted “Silver Screen” dial, inspired by vintage cinema screens that used silver paint for enhanced optical effect. The main surface of the dial is matte silver, and the two sub-dials – a 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock and running seconds at 9 o’clock – are eye-catching. Each has an azure centre, with black rings featuring a vinyl-like finish that makes them pop against the silvery-white background.

The panorama date aperture, framed with a subtle step, is positioned just above the 6 o’clock marker.  Another prominent feature is the bold black set of hands, all treated with Super-LumiNova, which extends to the mix of applied black-framed indices. The sub-dial hands are also black, with the running seconds hand in a lollipop style – a nice touch – while the central chronograph seconds hand carries a double G counterweight, adding to the brand’s distinctive design.

The markings are crisp, the fine details impressive, and legibility is excellent. The domed sapphire crystal adds a cool distortion effect when the dial is viewed from an angle, making it quite an engaging experience. Overall, the dial’s high-contrast nature and craftsmanship create a striking and functional presentation.

The functions are entrusted to the in-house, integrated automatic flyback column-wheel chronograph calibre 37-23, which operates at 28,800 vibrations/hour frequency and has about 70 hours of power reserve. The movement is on display via the transparent caseback; the decorations include Glashütte stripes on the skeletonised rotor with the double-G symbol and the ¾ plate; there are gold engravings, and the blued screws are clearly visible. This calibre is equipped with a silicon balance spring, so it is not subject to temperature changes and magnetic fields and features improved shock resistance.

Glashütte Original offers two standard strap options for the SeaQ Chronograph “Silver Screen”: a synthetic orange strap or a black rubber strap, both secured with either a pin buckle or a clasp. Alternatively, you can opt for a stainless steel bracelet with a fine adjustment mechanism for a more tailored fit. Additionally, there is a variety of optional straps available for further customisation. Pricing begins at EUR 15,300 for the strap version, and the bracelet model with a folding clasp is priced at EUR 16,500.

Thoughts

Should you consider buying one, you’ll thoroughly enjoy your SeaQ Chronograph Silver Screen as long as you have wrists large enough to feel comfortable with it. The watch is tested to meet DIN 8306 and ISO 6425 standards for diver’s watches, meaning it’s fully capable of handling underwater conditions, and it is built to perform without compromising on style. Finding a diver today who depends on a mechanical watch, let alone a flyback chronograph for deep-sea adventures, might be a challenge, so think of a SeaQ Chronograph as a superb sports watch designed to handle water-based activities with ease.

For more details, please consult www.glashuette-original.com.