I have both the 39.5mm and the 43.2mm panorama date in black on the green cloth strap, Both are great watches. The bigger one is good for the office with great wrist presence. The movement is beautiful and it has a 100 hour power reserve if that's important to you. The smaller version is great for weekends with the retro look. It's not a Rolex- its something much better- you can't compare the finishing and the movement. It compares to the Blancpain 50 Fathoms. You can buy these for at least 30% off. BTW, most watches can be had for 20-30% off at ADs except the sport watches of Rolex, AP, Vacheron, and Patek, Total bargains but not for everyone. Why every Rolex fanboy has to justify their submariner I'll never know.
oddly, the closed caseback is appropriate for a "dive" watch and historically accurate to the vintage original. Also, the back finish is sublime. I do miss seeing the movement, but agree with GO's decision. Furthermore, if the exhibition back increases the thickness, this would also remove the proportions that make this watch special. I bought one and the 'feel' is special...
I appreciate the closed caseback and the deep engraving on it. I like it better on a tool ( although luxury ) watch such as this. This is a watch for enthusiasts as Teddy mentioned.
@@johng5219 and also, they did not cut a single corner. Every watch I see in this category either has terrible lume, a non-micro adjusting clasp, or something else that just makes the product seem less special. The SeaQ gets the most wrist-time in my collection!
Totally agree with that shade of blue, it is mesmerizing. And hiding that beautiful movement; must be one of those "we did this just for the watchmakers" things, perhaps?
I totally agree about the case back. A display caseback would elevate this piece to the level of its big brother and might just be the reason to choose it over a submariner.
I was talking to my local AD and he said something very similar: He KNOWS brands like Glashutte Original and even Grand Seiko are well worth the price. But his problem is convincing wives and grandparents who come into his store looking for a Rolex as a gift that these are just as good (or better, in many ways). So you hit the nail on the head saying it's definitely an "Enthusiast's Brand". Personally I'd go for the larger 43mm size, but both sizes are gorgeous. Thanks, Teddy.
Good take and true. This is a wonderful watch it’s in a competitive range for price and when people save up many want status. This watch doesn’t have that as much as others but it is still phenomenal. If this was able to get closer to Seamaster pricing it would be considered much more.
Totally agree. It leaves the GOs and Grand Seiko's affordable so I'm okay with that. When I see a Rolex on a wrist I'm thinking it's a fake or they don't necessarily even like watches. When you see a GO or Grand Seiko, you know they love watches.
Of course !! Rolex makes 1 mio watches 100% machines used for them vs GO ...... a real watchmaker. I give u a small story. When Omega had problems with the Co axial swatch group used GO watchmakers to solve the problem. Booom !
I own one and I have a few Rolex pieces too. The quality of this piece is at another level but brand recognition is at the bottom. It is the kind of watch you have to see it in person to appreciate it. I feel that it is worth every penny.
I own this awesome watch. Black with a gray textile strap. Got a black rubber strap from B2 straps of Switzerland, which is the other OEM strap for the SeaQ. The watch has an amazing retro look but most importantly this is one of the most accurate mechanical watches I have ever seen. No exaggeration! The watch runs fast by 2 seconds per month!!! This borders a high end quartz movement performance. Mind blowing. And considering it can be found pre owned for around $6000 ot even less, tris is one of the best bargains in luxury diver watch niche. A watch for real enthusiasts.
Purchased a 39.5mm in Blue with a fully brushed bracelet from the AD. Choice was between the Explorer 1 new or the GO. The GO is visually more interesting, finished to a much higher standard, and has a vibrant dark blue dial with personality that dances in different lighting. On a time graph is meets or exceeds the accuracy of my GMT Master 2 in all six positions - yes, better than +/- 2 seconds/day. Best of all, I can wear it anywhere on a rubber or leather strap because it does not attract attention until someone gets up close - then, it is a dazzler. I do believe that this watch will be much more popular in the next few years as GO picks up their marketing and probably releases a version with a black dial with white markers and a white dial with black markers.
The more people ignore this brand, the more I like it. I am tempted to sell my Sub, buy this watch and pocket some cash. I really like the simple design. The two tone is beautiful. Keep up the good work.
Though the 39mm would fit me better, I purchased the 43mm SeaQ mostly because I wanted to see the movement- especially at this price point. In addition, I like the panorama date. I’m very pleased with it!
Hi Teddy. Great content as always, detailed review, informative comments. I am lucky to own its bigger brother for over one year now, cherish it every day. The bracelet, as you mentioned, is amazingly overengineered and a little known (or little mentioned) functionality is that the 7mm adjustment can be deployed one-handedly (increase AND decrease lenght) with the watch on the wrist. Cheers!!
As always; you nailed it! Great review. I would only add this watch boast ISO Certification too; it’s a true divers watch meant for the Open Sea. I agree, finishing not quite on par with Blancpain FF, or Lange, but certainly far above Omega, Breitling, and Rolex. Grand Seiko and JLC might be the only legit competitors here. However, GOs design queues and finish really showcase how much they’re coming into their own. It looks nothing at all like a homage; they’re definitely diving into their own swim lane; pun intended.
GO's finishing is better than the BP fifty fathoms IMO. Movement finishing is also better than JLC. JLC has the better case finishing. BP Fifty fathoms has the better movement.
After being a Rolex Submariner owner for decades, I bought a Sea-Q , 43mm, a couple of years ago. I ended up selling it after about 6 months. I couldn't get used to the dial . It's almost hard to put my finger on , but there just seemed to be something unbalanced about the dial every time I looked at it . No question that it's an extremely well made watch . Just found that it wasn't for me . Great video tho . Nice to see Glashutte getting some love .
The big date window is polarizing: Either you love it, or you hate it. I'm in the former camp, but I can understand how annoying it is to other people. Very German of G.O. to put practical utility above symmetry and popular aesthetics. It's even more of an enthusiast's watch than the 39.5 version.
Love everything about this, even the brushed end links. I don't understand the need so many men feel to dress up like a fictional British superspy from the '60s.
I assume you’re referring to the Seamaster Diver 300. I couldn’t care less about the Bond connection. I just think it’s a great watch and an amazing value for the price. I’m sure most owners feel the same.
Finally saw this one in person today, alongside offerings from nearly every major brand + Rolex etc - absolutely stunning. By far one of the most attractive watches in the store, and is now on my personal list
I recently traded up for the reed green model and it is an astonishingly beautiful watch. Your review was right on point and I can't think of a better dive watch for the price point. Furthermore the fact that it's not a Rolex means that authorized dealers are more willing to work with clients on a purchase price. So I think it's a win-win. And yes, too bad they didn't show the movement. I'm really not certain why they did that.
Exhibition case back is NOT worth it, as it usually makes the case thicker. That’s what happened with the new Black Bay 58. Solid case backs are good enough for Rolex, they should be good enough for GO
Off to see the green version tomorrow and if it looks as good as the blue, I will buy it. Have a Rolex, so this is a great addition to the collection. Love GO!
It is a shame. Sapphire doesnt really add much thickness at all. The reason a closed caseback is fine for Rolex is because their movements are nowhere near as beautiful as this. This is high horology. Totally different concept.
Agreed. It's amazing looking. I settled for the black dial Panorama because of the price difference and I don't know if I could pull off wearing such a beautiful watch. The grey dial is really nice with the gold accents.
I’ve tried this in person and it is a beautiful watch. For me, there are only two negatives, the 40-hr power reserve and the the polished center links, which could show scratches easily. The rest of the watch is perfect.
With the exception of the date placement (I wish it were more outward like the vintage piece it portrays) this might be one of the best looking dive watches to my eyes. I love the classic 4 and 5 digit subs, but I'd take this over any 6 digit reference any day. Beautiful diver and great video.
It’s certainly a stunning watch, but for the money they ask I think they have to increase the power reserve up to 60 hrs at least. Also opening the case back would add sweetness to the deal.
Love these. To me, they are so, so much more classy than Rolex, Omega and Tudor. Going to try on this and the Panorama Date this weekend and pull the trigger on whichever I like better. I've been pining for months. I actually don't like that the center portion of the bracelet is polished; for that reason, I'll be getting either a cloth or rubber strap.
Teddy, As always, fantastic video. I most appreciated the back history you highlighted here which to this consumer is what makes G.O. worthy of my attention. It's the stories we watchheads tell when someone notices our wrist that makes this hobby so enjoyable. As you've said countless times, "watches are conversation pieces." I'd wear this brand like a boss. Lastly, I couldn't agree more. It's the under the radar brands with either rich or new histories that keeps me searching and coming back for more tick tock. Thank you for the great horological content. Monty
I love it, blue and green itirations. Unfortunately the black dial is not as nice as the 58 black dial. The blue dial however is much nicer than the blue 58. Bracelet is in a totally different league mind. Does double the price equate to double the pleasure? Expensive if you want the black dial. Blue justifies price better. Green vs hulk, no brainer considering hulks price.....Only my humble opinion guys. Great review Teddy as we've come to expect
Definitely a much better watch than the cache brand(Rolex) that is not even available when you want it! As you said, it’s a watch for the enthusiast and I will say the connoisseur, being a tall and big guy I will go for the Sea Q Panorama Date because I’m a fan of the big date and I want to see the movement! Nice video, keep the good work my friend!
I'd tweak a few things about it, but it's such a stunning looking and impecably built piece that even someone as perfectionist as i am can only wish he'll once get to own! Unless something more appealing comes out by the time i can afford it 🙂 It ticks soooo many boxes in my book, and the 4-5 things i'd change are so insignificant compared to the general value of the watch that i wouldnt think twice to buy it if i had 10k usd to throw on it right now! My biggest complaint would probably be not having at least a 80h power reserve with a gauge on the dial, and that kinda says it all about how much i love this watch! Thank you for a nice, detailed video about it, Teddy! I had noticed this piece a few weeks ago and im so happy to see it caught your attention as well! Cheers!
A great review Teddy. I love this watch but as you state the price is for the enthusiast and I'm OK with that. I assume production volumes are low compared to some perceived luxury brands so that would explain the higher price point to a degree. The lack of a display case back while being a nice addition for me is certainly not a deal breaker if I was in the market. I have a few watches with display case backs and I'll look at the movement when I put the watch on and often not look at it again until I take it off. That bracelet is a brilliant addition to the watch, the on the fly micro adjustment is fantastic.
I saw the glashutte showroom once when I had a layover in an airport in Germany (can't recollect which one). Knew their name before, but just loved the watches they had on display there!
The prices of Glashütte Original make me smile. As Teddy says, it was a nationalized concern known as GUB Glashütte (Generell Uhren Betrieb Glashütte?) during the days of Communist East Germany. I believe the dial of the SeaQ is very closely based on a dive watch they made around 1970... Neither their price or performance set too many pulses racing back then. But Capitalism has cured them!😁
The problem I have with this watch is that the 1969 Spezimatic that this watch is based off of is a copy of a popular big numeral design from a lot of affordable French dive watches of the mid 1960s. I'm thinking of brands like SOUS MARINE, SEFICO, EZOR and AURORE, to name a few. So you're paying Rolex level prices for a luxury German watch that is imitating affordable French divers. These days, if you like that look and can stand a Miyota movement, you can check out microbrands like LE FORBAN and WOLBROOK to get it at a fraction of the price and probably more in the spirit of the original divers it was inspired from.
There are a lot of things I like with this one, the dial particularly! I do however which the integration of the bracelet looked a bit more "thoughtful"
Thanks for a Glashütte Original review! The blue dial Pano Senator Moon Phase is a watch I’d love to own one day. Nice to see another option from G O. But the closed case back is a big disappointment.
Thank god at least one watch maker uses numbers for it's sub watches, I love it and can even put up with the Date @ 3 with that dial, would I buy one, yes but a bit out of my price range
Display case back + Fully brushed bracelet + Black/Charcoal dial with the white gold applied indices of the blue model. Then it would be perfect for me. Currently discounts run at 15-20% off RRP.
I know the Black Bay 58 gets mentioned all the time by just about every RU-vidr, but I didn’t like it as much as I liked the Pelagos. I liked the Pelagos enough to go ahead and buy it. It’s as comfortable as either of my Rolexes and is lighter, because of the titanium. It’s become my go to watch, over the dozen other divers in my collection.
Great video and nice watch but there is one in my watch group that someone is trying to sell that is nearly new and it is plummeting in value🙄 Already fallen 35% and no interest yet. Most well priced watches in our group go within a day and this has already been for sale for weeks so be very careful when you buy one and be sure that you want to keep it or you'll take a significant bath. Cheers
Unfortunately it's a price thing. Being on an average income means that if I decide to own a "luxury" watch, it will involve at least 2-3 years of saving ... So I would need a more versatile piece like the Explorer - which will work in most situations... However, between this SeaQ and the new Sub no date ( at grey market prices of 20-25k) - I would definitely go for the SeaQ. Absolutely love the look of it, the arrow hand, the blue, the markers... Stunning
SeaQ Panorama Datum for just a little more but more inclined to get a Seventies flyback Chrono with cushion case and a sunburst blue dial. GO is pricey and soft so better get it on the grey market or second hand. Funny that I was more intrigued by the clean design of the Mühle.
Great video once again Teddy. You’ve basically reviewed my top two favorites this week (aqua terra and the SeaQ). I know you already made a video of the Zenith Defy Classic, but how about reviewing the skeleton version? Preferably the ceramic one haha. Take care
To me for a simple steel watch from a revived, relatively unknown brand, which should be trying harder, this price is quite dear. It is more than a Bancpain or an Omega which are much more established.
I love GO! I agree that this should have a sapphire caseback, as should any watch with a beautiful movement. As others have noted, Rolex movements are not worth looking at, so they thankfully hide them. The sapphire caseback Tudors are rightfully mocked, as the Kenissi movements are less attractive even than Rolex movements.
Teddy, does the 43 have the same dial color and pop as the 39.5? I realize it’s thicker and has the date added but wanted to make sure it has the vivid blue if the 39.5.
all they need is to fix the endlink to match with the bracelet, and a display caseback, and then this would be the perfect luxury dive watch. it is d@mn near perfect already though.
I’m not sure it’s underrated, I just think there’s a few reasons it isn’t as popular as perhaps it should be... 1) it’s pretty expensive for a diver 2) it’s a high horological brand that doesn’t hold the same brand cache as Rolex or Patek in the eyes of a lot of its target audience 3) it looks a little too similar to a Longines Hydroconquest (not that I don’t respect that watch...but it’s 15% of the price) I love it though and would buy it if I could afford to.
