For 2019, Glashütte Unique, the Swatch Group’s German outpost within the small Saxon city of Glashütte, has launched the Glashütte Unique Spezialist SeaQ 1969 watch in two variations, one restricted, and considered one of basic launch. Each the restricted and limitless variations are designed with excessive performance in thoughts. The wonderful dial legibility is beneficial beneath the waves or simply as a every day put on, and the superlative German manufacturing one expects from Saxony’s horological hotbed is certain to maintain your day operating on schedule.
Each watches are powered by the Calibre 39-11. These three-handed fashions are joined by a small date at three o’clock in distinction to the simultaneous launch of the Glashütte Unique SeaQ Panorama Date. The 39-11 is an automated motion that has been examined to satisfy each the DIN 8306 and ISO 6425 requirements for diver’s watches. The motion has an influence reserve of 40 hours and an working velocity of 28,800vph (4Hz). Though not breathtaking, these figures are greater than ample for the duties this watch can be anticipated to carry out.
The case of each fashions is constructed from uncoated chrome steel, which has been polished, brushed, and topped with a rotating “count-up” timing bezel. Each watches are water-resistant to 200 meters. With a pleasingly conservative diameter of 39.5mm (and a peak of 12.15mm), this watch is true to the supply materials — the SeaQ 1969 that impressed each fashions on the unique’s 50th anniversary.
Nevertheless, solely considered one of these items pays homage to the unique in its identify, and that’s the restricted mannequin. Ref. 1-39-11-01-80-## (with the ultimate two numbers denoting strap/bracelet/buckle alternative) is proscribed to only 69 items and most noticeably differentiated from its limitless brother (reference 1-39-11-06-80-##) by the lume coloration of the palms.
Though no official pack pictures exist of the case again, it has been very properly adorned with a trident (a powerful-looking trident) that has been merged with the Glashütte emblem and is surrounded by 20 waves — one for every of the bars this watch can stand up to. Glashütte Unique managed to keep away from the headache of becoming 30 waves on the caseback of the SeaQ Panorama Date by giving it a sapphire show again. Though it’s alway a disgrace to not see the properly completed actions of GO, the caseback is an distinctive instance of its sort, whereas additionally making good sense for this watch from a utility and homage perspective.
On first look, this watch — which could be very a lot meant for the ocean — struck me as similar to the not too long ago launched TAG Heuer Autavia Isograph by way of proportions, silhouette, and basic mien. Nevertheless, having appeared it over some time longer, I believe this watch hangs collectively much better and appears top-notch by way of ending (as one would anticipate for roughly twice the value).
With so many reference numbers to wade by, it’s a blessing that Glashütte Unique stored the pricing so simple as it may very well be by not including a premium to the restricted. The value for each fashions is €eight,500 on a strap with a buckle, €eight,800 Euros on a strap with a deployant clasp, and €9,700 Euros on the matching metal bracelet. glashuette-original.com
