A brand more often associated today with classical German watchmaking, Glashütte Original surprised the horological world in 2019 with the introduction of its Spezialist Collection. While the line is sure to expand with other sporty watch types, it debuted with a dive watch referencing a historical model from the brand’s archives. The Spezialist SeaQ — which was first introduced in black with moderate sizing and distinctive looks, is now available with a cool blue dial.
While easily overshadowed by other 50th anniversaries of 1969 watchmaking achievements, the SeaQ pretty faithfully recreates the design of a dive watch made in that year called the Spezimatic Type RP TS 200. The modern Spezialist SeaQ has a steel case measuring 39.5mm by 12.1mm with 200m of water resistance and is powered by the in-house 39-11 automatic movement offering 40 hours of power reserve. The crystal is sapphire and the bezel insert is ceramic, as should be expected at this price level. The production SeaQ also features a sapphire exhibition case back, while a limited edition called the SeaQ 1969 has a solid engraved case back along with some minor differences from the production model, such as lume color.
Also joining the SeaQ collection is a bolder 43.2mm-wide model, water-resistant to 300m, and featuring the brand’s signature complication, the “panorama date.” The Glashütte Original Spezialist SeaQ is distinctive-looking among the many other vintage-inspired luxury dive watches out there, but it's also in a very competitive space, with prices starting around $10,086.
