Taking A Fresh Look At The 39.5mm Glashütte Original SeaQ
It’s hard to believe that the Glashütte Original SeaQ debuted back in 2019 as part of the Spezialist collection. The watches were added to the permanent catalog, honoring the brand’s Spezimatic Type RP TS 200 from 1969. Since the initial release, new dial colors and materials have been added. For the smallest offering in the lineup, the 39.5mm model, new strap options and a display case back are now available. Plus, the brand will retrofit the display case back into previously purchased models for a relatively nominal fee. Let’s take a fresh look at this wearable classic diver.
There are several options on the market with skin-diver cases, but none are as lovely as the Glashütte Original SeaQ. The watches add high levels of finishing and an in-house caliber. But is this a dress watch in tool-like clothing? Hardly! The SeaQ has a 200m depth rating, ample lume, and a unidirectional ceramic bezel. Now, Glashütte Original has decided to breathe some new life into this watch with fresh straps and a display case back.
The 39.5mm Glashütte Original SeaQ
Glashütte Original delivered three SeaQ models to our HQ. The 39.5mm stainless steel SeaQ is available with three dial colors. Dark green, dark blue, and black are equipped with matching ceramic dive bezels. Interestingly, the non-black options have white luminous details, whereas the black model tends toward a pure retro look with aged Super-LumiNova. Dimensionally, the pieces have a 47mm lug-to-lug and a 12.15mm thickness.
Now showing off the 39-11
Unlike other models in the SeaQ collection, the 39.5mm version has always sported an all-metal case back. Normally, we’re fine with this choice, and it recalls the original ’60s version. However, when a movement is as attractive as the in-house automatic 39-11, it’s a shame not to show it off. Now, the stainless steel versions are available with a sapphire-equipped display case back. If staying true to the original is important, the all-steel case back is still available for a €300 savings. There’s more, though!
Glashütte Original is aware that buyers of the 39.5mm SeaQ from the past six years may look on with a bit of envy at the sight of a display back. Therefore, the brand is offering a service to replace the old one with the new sapphire version. There’s a €300 fee, but the watch will undergo strict pressure testing to ensure the 200m water resistance rating. Plus, the original serial numbers will be transferred to the new case back so that all original paperwork is consistent. Finally, owners will be able to keep their original solid case backs. It’s a nice and thoughtful service from a brand owned by a large conglomerate.
Let the SeaQ movement shine
I’m normally not as fussed about automatic movements compared to their manual-winding counterparts, but the 39-11 is a pretty sight. The caliber features anglage, a traditional Glashütte swan-neck adjustment, and a gold-plated “double G” on the skeletonized rotor. Underneath, the characteristic three-quarter plate is adorned with fine striping. Again, a display back often shows off a disappointing view, but the SeaQ movement deserves the spotlight. In addition, expect approximately 40 hours of power reserve and a frequency of 28,800vph.
New strap colors — perfect for summer!
Initially, Glashütte Original offered the 39.5mm SeaQ with a rubber strap or stainless steel bracelet. Now, as a no-cost option to the rubber, there are five textile straps in different colors. Black, blue, and gray have been available for some time, and orange and green are now joining them. Happily, these straps all tick the sustainability box and are made from recycled fishing nets. More than that, they’re comfortable and perform well in a wet environment. Not only are the straps strong, but they also dry quickly and shouldn’t fade.
SeaQ buyers appreciate options. Therefore, the textile straps are available with a push-button butterfly clasp or a simple pin buckle. The butterfly clasp is €300 more, and the pin buckle is standard. Regardless of the choice, both are signed and have a mix of brushed and polished surfaces.
Nice on the wrist
As a longtime watch collector, I’ve seen trends come and go. NATO straps were an all-encompassing trend 10 years ago. They have their place, but I never got on with the ungainly lump of material on the side of the wrist or the stack of layers running under the watch. A two-piece textile strap obviates these concerns. Plus, the SeaQ is a luxury watch, so why not pair it with a cleaner, more fashionable strap?
The new straps look great and are immediately comfortable and pliable on the wrist. It also helps that the watch case is thin and doesn’t overwhelm the strap. There’s no need for break-in, and they seem crafted well enough to avoid fraying. The buckles are also nice. The folding version is the more luxurious option, while the pin buckle adds ease of adjustment in the water or during hot spells when the wrist swells. Choosing the color and buckle would likely depend on one’s use case and dial tone. Also, and this is probably obvious, the straps can be ordered individually from Glashütte Original or at an authorized dealer.
Final thoughts
Perhaps the addition of a display case back and new straps doesn’t seem huge. Then again, the 39.5mm SeaQ has such a classic profile that it needs little in the way of updates. Therefore, little tweaks like this are welcome and also offer existing owners the chance to stay current. With pricing between €9,900 and €10,400, depending on the case back and clasp, the watches offer a distinctive choice among the sea of typical divers. Now there’s a bit more optionality to make them that much more interesting. If you currently own a SeaQ, is the new display case back interesting? If you don’t own one, do these updates make the watch more desirable? Let us know in the comments section below.
