The Glashütte Original SeaQ Chronograph.

Combining a chronograph function in a watch meant to go 30 meters under water has always been a challenge for watchmakers. Pushing the chronograph buttons invites the possibility of allowing water to creep into the case, thus damaging the movement. It requires a series of gaskets and seals, and a whole lot of testing to get it right. Glashütte Original has mastered the challenge with its new SeaQ Chronograph, the brand’s first divers watch to be equipped with a chronograph movement. Although Glashütte has had other chronographs in its line, this is the first time the SeaQ has been made available with a short-term measurement function.

The Glashütte Original SeaQ Chronograph.

The SeaQ has all the qualities of a dive watch, including a unidirectional rotating bezel, and large numerals and hands that are coated with Super-LumiNova for high visibility under water. The case is large – 43.2mm – which makes room for the large markings. The dial is PVD blue, with rhodium-plated appliques, and it is covered with an anti-reflective sapphire crystal. The watch has been tested according to the DIN 8306 and ISO 6425 standards for diver’s watches. The bezel is ceramic, which is scratch-resistant, an important feature since the bezel will be frequently handled to time dives, and it is the first line of defense against collisions with coral protrusions.

Glashütte Original SeaQ Chronograph on a gray fabric strap.

The movement, automatic caliber 37-23, is a flyback chronograph with a 70-hour power reserve. It has central hour, minutes and chronograph hands, a small seconds with stop-seconds function for accurate setting, a 30-minute totalizer and, at 6 o’clock, a large date window. The Sea-Q, part of the brand’s Spezialist collection, comes with four strap options: blue rubber, gray or blue synthetic fabric, or a stainless steel bracelet. The multiple strap option, once the purview of fashion watches from the 1990s, and usually on ladies’ watches, is fast becoming a standard issue on men’s luxury watches (priced over $10,000). It is priced at $13,900 with a rubber or synthetic strap, and $14,800 on a metal bracelet.