Hands-on Review: Glashütte Original SeaQ Panorama Date

Our review of the Glashütte Original SeaQ Panorama Date. We recently had the pleasure to wear the SeaQ Panorama Date for an entire week and we are now happy to share our impressions. In particular we tested a prototype version with blue dial and bezel equipped with a metal bracelet (ref. 1-36-13-02-81-70). The price of the SeaQ Panorama Date is Euro 11,000 with strap or Euro 12,200 with the steel bracelet, totally in line with the high standards of excellence of a pure Manufacture like Glashütte Original.

Last May, Glashütte Original introduced a new collection named “Spezialist”, initially comprising two diving watches, the SeaQ and the SeaQ Panorama Date (you can follow the link at the end of this article for an overview of the entire collection).

The inspiration for these new models came from the “Spezimatic Type RP TS 200”, the brand’s first diver’s watch created in 1969.

We recently had the pleasure to wear the SeaQ Panorama Date for an entire week and we are now happy to share our impressions. In particular, we tested a prototype version with blue dial and bezel equipped with a metal bracelet (ref. 1-36-13-02-81-70).

We can immediately say that we enjoyed the watch a lot and that we found it extremely comfortable on the wrist, quite surprisingly considering its large size. In fact, the stainless steel case has a diameter of 43.2. mm and it is 15.65 mm thick, if you include the domed sapphire crystal. Also thanks to the bracelet extension button integrated in the folding clasp (we will describe it later), this is one of those rare watches that you would never take off.

Alternating satin-brushed and polished surfaces, the case is characterized by crown protectors and the unidirectional, counter-clockwise rotating bezel featuring a ceramic inlay which makes this highly exposed element exceptionally scratch-resistant.

The bezel rotates with a perceptible and precise click and is enhanced by a blue Super-LumiNova coated triangle to mark the dive start time.

Super-LumiNova is also used for the applied hour markers and the hands, making the indications perfectly readable in any light conditions. The large Arabic numerals contribute to legibility at first glance while also lending character to the timepiece.

Another distinctive element of the eye-catching sunray blue dial is the big aperture at 4 o'clock displaying the date by using two large numerals (Panorama Date). Evidencing the attention that the German watchmaker pays to even the smallest details, the two numerals defining the date are not separated by a central vertical bar. This is possible thanks to the fact that the two concentric display discs are mounted on the same level, a more complex solution to achieve but one which offers the benefit of enhanced legibility and elegance.

It must be noted that even dials are in-house produced at Glashütte Original. This is pretty rare among watch industries as most of them rely on external suppliers for dials. The German brand makes them in a dedicated manufactory in Pforzheim, a city rich in the traditions of jewelry making around 600 km east of the headquarter.

The SeaQ Panorama Date is a professional diver's watch but it displays outstanding finishes from any side you look at it. Instead of a solid case back, the screwed sapphire crystal case back showcases the automatic Calibre 36-13 with the typical Glashütte three-quarter plate architecture. All components are meticulously finished with decorations and aesthetic refinements like perlage, sunburst finishing, stripe finish, bevelling, and polishing.

Beating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), this movement delivers first-class accuracy and stability thanks to the innovative silicon spiral and the single spring barrel ensuring a power reserve of more than 100 hours or more than 4 days.

Other details demonstrating the quality of Calibre 36-13 are the swan-neck fine adjustment and the skeletonized rotor with its 21-carat gold oscillating mass.

The movement is optimally configured for this model. In fact, the bayonet mounting ensures that the movement is anchored in the larger case for particularly effective shock-resistance.

All functions can be comfortably controlled via the crown: position 1 to wind the watch, position 2 to set the date, and position 3 to set the time of the day.

Thanks to a screwed-down crown, waterproofness is guaranteed up to 30 bar, approximately 300 meters / 1,000 feet.

The stainless steel bracelet is perfectly executed and very practical thanks to its folding clasp featuring a comfort extension button, adorned with the distinctive double G-logo, which allows the bracelet length to be increased by approximately 5 mm.

The double G-logo is a recurring element that is also used to decorate the central seconds hands, the crown and the rotor of the movement.

For further versatility, the SeaQ can also be matched to nylon mesh or rubber straps. The SeaQ Panorama Date is also available with black dial and bezel (ref. 1-36-13-01-80-70).

Those who are looking for a top-quality diver's watch with no-compromise finishes, an innovative manufacture movement and a refined look with more character than most watches in the same category, will certainly appreciate the SeaQ Panorama Date. Its price - Euro 11,000 with strap or Euro 12,200 with the steel bracelet - is totally in line with the high standards of excellence of a true Manufacture like Glashütte Original. glashuette-original.com

Suggested reading:
- SeaQ Collection presentation article
- Our visit to the Glashütte Original manufactury