Hands-On With The Glashütte Original SeaQ: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly

No watch is ever perfect but this Glashütte Original SeaQ is oh so close that I think I'm willing to forgive its small (and possibly legitimate) shortcomings.
Could this be the perfect classy high-end daily diver? It surely fits like a glove.
TIMESTAMPS BELOW:
00:00 Intro
00:30 SeaQ collection
03:56 The good
11:07 The bad
15:40 The ugly
=====
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[@alamedala]

I just bought the green seaQ on bracelet a couple weeks ago and to my surprise the bracelet is now all brushed. Asked the AD and they said Glashutte updated the bracelet 😊

[@fraybentos9854]

This is so awesome, and might be the revelation that pushes me over the top to get one lol

[@timmanion7459]

I've been wearing some model of Rolex Submariner since 1968 when I purchased my first sub. A 5513 , purchased in the main PX in Da Nang, when serving in Vietnam. That watch and the Tudor Submariner that I was actually issued started me on this now , decades long, love of collecting watches. I've worn some model of Rolex Submariner ever since . About 18 months ago I purchased a Glashutte Original seaq 43mm. I wore that watch for about 3 months trying to get used to it . There was something about the dial that I found , to me , unbalanced. I just couldn't get used to looking at it . I ended up selling it to a friend of mine and he loves that watch . There's no doubt that Glashutte Original makes an excellent peice. Just not for me .

[@michaelhammond7483]

One of the best lines I've ever heard in a watch review: "So which one would I regret buying?" What a wonderful way of tossing one's perspective. Thanks!

[@jtpalooki7757]

2 years later.. time to scour the secondary/ used market for my SeaQ pan!..🤞🤞

[@ihopetowin]

You are making good and thorough reviews. Subscribed.

[@luizg.6331]

Thanks for this review! Very honest and detailed. I bought a SeaQ black dial this weekend and I am loving it. I think the pros outweigh the cons by a large. I tried the Panorama and it didn’t fit me well. No regrets with my purchase. And I like the stealth wealth argument!

[@TOKKANTE]

GO recently released the rose gold version of the 39.5mm SeaQ with an open caseback and they put back the gold rotor mass in it too! Sure, it's the rose gold and way too expensive for my taste but I'm thinking it must be coming to the stainless steel versions in 2023.. That means it's getting even closer to perfect! I could probably get those PCL brushed...

[@DieNWOsiehtalles]

@@TOKKANTE That would be awesome

[@siobhancrowley8777]

Love your vids, love your style, your knowledge & enthusiasm for German watches. Subscribed. You always go the extra mile & tell a bit on history/horology of watches. Like TGV on The Urban Gentry. So I wish you 500k subscribers , like him. I love both the GO SeaQs with blue & green dial. They are real stunners, imho. Greetz from Germany

[@Beechnutlk]

Really impressive videos. Many thanks…

[@user-jg3kc3ce4w]

I own the pano date. It is simply gorgeous

[@abdulrahmanshiker3357]

Thanks for sharing

[@Sandbag1300]

Thank you for the review. I picked up a blue 39.5mm with an all brushed bracelet at my AD last weekend. I chose this watch over an Explorer 1 because the dial is vibrant and more interesting, it is finished significantly better, and the blue color has a personality that changes with the lighting. Best of all, with a rubber or leather strap i can wear it anywhere and no one will know what it is until they see it up close. I can wear this watch on the beach and in the Boardroom. Up close it is stunning. On a time graph, it keeps better time than my GMT Master 2 in all six positions - better than +/- 2 seconds a day. I believe over the next five years this watch will become more popular especially if the brand comes out with a black dial with white markers and a white dial with black markers. Regarding the movement, I am fairly certain that GO does not have Companies in China provide any movement components like, maybe, an ETA movement may include - to cut costs.

[@axisofadvance666]

What's your take after having owned and worn it for the past 7 months? Is it your daily or is it in a rotation?

[@hellper198]

Excellent video! You didn't pull a single punch. I look forward to "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" becoming a video series. I would suggest you get the model you are comfortable wearing and can wear the most often.

[@TOKKANTE]

Oh thank you, you're the second person saying this! If I do this as a series, I'm gonna get a lot of brands upset! Although to be fair, I did say all this to the boutique manager as well, so it should be no surprise (to him at least).

[@TwentyOne_Five]

0:32. Thank you for posting. Almost all KZbinrs who post about this topic are uninformed.

[@dgarrido3381]

Your reviews are awesome 👏

[@TOKKANTE]

Thank you for watching it!

[@edjustice7755]

Very nice review Ben! I have always like the GO watches, they pack a lot of value and in some cases a poor man's Lange haha. Actually, I like it on rubber and there is a nice grain texture as well. That steel bracelet with the micro adjustment without removing the watch is what all should use. IWC has also implemented this type of adjustment on some Pilots. Understand your dilemma, I would go with the Pan date myself would regret not getting it, but in the end you buy what you like.

[@TOKKANTE]

Yes, I'm gonna make a video about GO as a brand, it's one of my favorites and I feel I have to defend them, too many people tell me "just buy a Lange, it's a poor man's Lange, etc." Yes, that micro-adjust system that GO, IWC and Lange use (Odysseus) come from the same manufacturer in Switzerland. GO was the first but now others use it as well.

[@user-qx2ob2up4m]

Great review!

[@TOKKANTE]

Thanks for watching it!

[@MrPoum70]

Very good video

[@claudtalkz2194]

Great review. So informative and you're charming... cheers from Brooklyn NY...

[@TOKKANTE]

Thanks! I think you mean the watches are charming hahaha

[@patrickol4300]

El cheapo.. funny ! Great reviews, thank you.

[@TOKKANTE]

haha yeah that's probably not proper English but you get the idea!!

[@patrickol4300]

Funny, 😉😆😆😆😆😆for sure !

[@user-nj4mi4iy4j]

Go with the pano date. No question. You will get used to the size and heft. I have the GO seventies chronograph and it’s big ( not as big as the SQ) but as thick I believe. Wonderful watch and size at 40 mm.

[@Udansha]

Love my GO pano, blue dial.. worth every penny I spent

[@johnnyguitar6697]

Nice in-depth review. Personally none of the downsides you mentioned would bother me: - bracelet is a non issue as I would get it on the synthetic strap and probably alternate with a Tropic style from Joseph Bonnie (which is actually extremely comfortable and breathable in hot and humid weather - you should try) - lack of sophistication / power reserve in the movement: I can live with this as it is a time tested and stable movement - double date: would clutter the dial in my opinion - gold mass for the rotor: couldn't care less as long as tungsten does the job, which it does hence all of the brands switching to it I wouldn't consider the Panorama Date for a second. All those bells and whistles don't mean much to me if I'm never wearing the watch because of its size and thickness. I'd much rather get a watch with some limitations, but that I enjoy having on the wrist.

[@TOKKANTE]

You know you're just pushing me in the direction that I'm already leaning towards, huh! I've been thinking about this even since publishing the video, can't seem to get it out of my mind and I also think the best one is the one you wear (like "the best camera is the one you have with you" thing, i.e. your iPhone most of the time even though it's not the best camera). I think the Panorama Date is out of the running too, it wouldn't be a daily and I would rather go Fifty Fathoms first for such a size I guess (the FF is even thinner at 15.5mm). The tungsten rotor does the job of course, it just annoys me that they actually changed it just for this watch while they had lots of gold rotors already for that movement! Gold does the job too, why change it when you're a "high horology" brand... I wonder if they would ever do a slightly different version though besides a different dial color. At the end of the day I still really like it!

[@Sandbag1300]

I just purchased the tropic strap directly from GO. It is custom made for the brand and thicker and more substantial than any other Tropic strap I have seen. Very nice. About $168 USD.

[@DigitalPRCourses]

Good video man. Very good.

[@TOKKANTE]

Thanks for watching it!

[@bbrebozo6417]

You gave the best comparison of these two models. Made up my mind. I got the panorama datum on a strap in blue even though I really like the green dial. The panorama date is the value choice because of the movement.

[@TOKKANTE]

Thank you and yes, that's true if you have the wrist for it! I really can't wait to see what other versions they will be releasing in 2022.

[@bbrebozo6417]

@@TOKKANTE a strap makes a larger watch more wearable. Finding additional 21 mm straps is more challenging but not impossible. B2 strap has them, zenith makes a nice blue caoutchouc strap with perforations.

[@patrickol4300]

Great review, thank you!!!

[@impexRQ]

What a great video and what a honest review. I had several Rolex including the submariner and SD43 (even if you look at my profile picture, I’m wearing my GMT Master BLNR) but I felt in love with the SeaQ panorama datum (black dial) and I can tell you easily… it’s just miles ahead from any Rolex diver . I adore the lume - it’s incredible outstanding and I love the panorama datum complication. The accuracy is even better than any of my Rolex, the extension system is also way better than Rolex. But as you, the Glashütte SeaQ Panorama Datum Wears a bit too tall and big for a daily (sometimes) … the perfect size would be the SeaQ 39mm but if they have added the Panorama datum and the movement as the bigger brother … it has been easily the best diver in the market (even top of the Blancpain FF) … I’m a new subscriber to your channel as I like your honest opinion and your knowledge

[@TOKKANTE]

Thanks Rodrigo for watching and for the sub! Yes, you summarized perfectly, we want the features of the Panorama Datum but in the body of the 39.5mm SeaQ.... We always want what we can't have, don't we?! That would be perfect but it's not meant to be and it's very frustrating... Check out Marc Goldberg who did a good review of the Panorama Datum just a few days ago (like you a big Rolex guy but he loves it!) and Adrian from Bark & Jack just showed a preview of his next review and it's the green and bicolour SeaQ 39.5mm.

[@ashfishpool8834]

Excellent review Ben. A handsome watch but I still think the Fifty Fathoms is the best high horology diver and you get an exhibition caseback as well. Please do more The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

[@TOKKANTE]

I also realized while editing that I kept mentioning the FF and even though it wasn't scripted, maybe unconsciously I also know that if I were to go for the big one, then might as well go for the FF.... I tried the blue titanium version and love the piece but it's also oh so big! So, staying with GO, I keep thinking the smaller 39.5mm might serve well as a daily.

[@ashfishpool8834]

@@TOKKANTE I have the blue titanium version and it is stunning, incredibly light and I don’t find it overwhelming on my 17.5cm wrist, Having said that the 39.5mm GO would be a great daily wearer

[@Madmanmarque]

I have the Sport Evolution Pano since 2009 and just purchased the SeqQ Pano. I have big wrists and the Pano looks perfect for me. The SeaQ just looked too small. I agree the bracelet should have been brushed but I can live with that. I also thought about the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms but thought it wore much bigger on my wrist than the GO. Of course the Blancpain has more heritage but in the end it comes down to what I like on my wrist. The GO also has the advantage that you will probably never see another one on someone else's wrist.

[@TOKKANTE]

I envy your big wrists lol! That would make choices easier, and this case an easy win for the SeaQ Pano indeed. To be fair, I also never see anyone here wearing a FF but that may be due to the fact that in HK people are mostly obsessed with Rolex anyway (I have seen slim Chinese women wearing a Deepsea, no problem!)

[@kotch31pui]

Finally, they seem to listen to your comment re the brushed endlink, as they instead have polished ones on their new green model just launched in 2022. It do look much better.

[@TOKKANTE]

Haha I doubt this is why but yes it was an easy fix!

[@attila2246]

Where did you try it on? I went to several GO stores in Times Square and Harbour City and they never have any Seaq to try on. I won't order one without being able to try it on my wrist!

[@kingofpentacles3213]

Tungsten may be less expensive than gold, but it’s also harder, denser and more difficult to mill than gold. IOW, more time is put into a tungsten rotor than a gold rotor, and the tungsten rotor will function better.

[@allenlow8705]

Awesome review & insights! IMHO, I’ll go for the fifty fathom at that price point. If I get a GO, it’ll be their Panorama Date even if it’s bigger but that’s just me. Still hoping to see your review on the Longines

[@TOKKANTE]

Isn't it annoying how they refuse to put the pano date in the smaller 39.5mm version?!! I totally get what you mean, it'd be a regret maybe to get it and still want a pano date... For the budget of the pano date though, I'd also go FF I think, for the history, for the movement, for the looks, etc... The more I think about it, the more it's hard to convince myself. The Longines is being serviced and coming back Sep. 15, will do a video later!

[@allenlow8705]

@@TOKKANTE It's unfortunate that it's not produce in a 39.5, they would have attracted a lot more buyers. The FF is the way to go for that budget, IMHO. Of course the pano date is an awesome watch too but it's a little too dressy. Looking forward to that review. Have a great weekend ahead.

[@TwentyOne_Five]

1:51. The 39.5does not take after the original 36mm. Rather the current “smaller” one being 39.5mm is massive compared to the original.

[@Sleeken1]

Great review! I agree on all points - especially disappointed with the closed caseback and lack of a gold rotor. I much prefer the features of the Pano Date but the size is too much for me. Personally I'll wait for future releases.

[@TOKKANTE]

Yup, same here... I can't help thinking (hoping? Wishful thinking?) that they will upgrade the movement in 2022/23 with 70 hours of PR (they've done it for the chronograph) and that they MIGHT, just might, make a no-date version with an open caseback (probably a boutique limited edition)? Then I'd try to make THAT happen!

[@Sleeken1]

@@TOKKANTE That would be an amazing combination! I love the GO I own but the movement practicality (power reserve, winding efficiency, antimagnetic properties) is easily trumped by a much cheaper Omega. Hopefully they consider these factors in the future

[@gregandark8571]

@@TOKKANTE in 2022 this watch (SeaQ) is still 10k?

[@AudiolandCH]

@@gregandark8571 On the strap you can get the black or green for around 6500k

[@michaelphillips5263]

Enjoy your video. A question if I may: in your experience, what kind of discount on a GO Sea Q is it reasonable for you to ask/expect from a GO AD?

[@TOKKANTE]

I was offered 25% in HK. Now I don't know if the same goes everywhere but I have heard that even GO boutiques will give some discounts, so if a brand boutique gives a discount, an AD has to give a bigger discount! I have also seen GO SeaQ at 25% discount at grey dealers, which I feel is not enough, the grey price should be 30% minimum otherwise just buy at an AD.

[@jameshoward9700]

Great, detailed review of this very interesting watch. I'm also on the fence with it, but coming around. My point of contention is the bracelet's polish and mismatched end links.The case/dial/bracelet quality just about make up for the nicely finished (but slightly pedestrian) movement. Basically, what we're all waiting for is a standard production, 40mm B50F!

[@TOKKANTE]

Yes, you got that right, and when is that coming??!!! Did you see the new Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Titanium? Around USD14K though...

[@jameshoward9700]

@@TOKKANTE Yes, a beautifully crafted piece, but for me still too big for a casual, daily diver with its abundance of negative space. Skin Divers struggle to scale over 40mm. I'd love to love a Bathy, but just can't! Now, the 50F, a different matter.

[@TOKKANTE]

@@jameshoward9700 Yeah, one of my dream FF would be the Mil-Spec, "standard" limited edition, or the HODINKEE edition!

[@jameshoward9700]

@@TOKKANTE Yes! I'd add the Nageurs de Combat, but in 40mm. It seems so simple, doesn't it? So why can't Blancpain just make them??!!

[@TOKKANTE]

@@jameshoward9700 I think it's because of the movement. They cannot fit the 1315 inside a 40mm case, so they need to use the much more fragile 1350 which was designed for dress watches. The 1315 was specifically designed to be tougher for sport watches. I think they can't release a standard 40mm with a "lesser" movement, so they need to come up with a new movement to fit a new 40mm case. Just my thoughts.

[@judgetk3309]

Very thorough and well done review! I've had the blue-dial & silver case model (don't like the blue/selver/gold variant and not fully convinced with the new green-dial model, either, mainly due to the nylon fabric strap colour that goes with it). I chose the stock blue nylon fabric strap on my Sea-Q, which not only is, in my view, the smartest looking one, but it's actually, in my case, pretty comfortable. To my surprise, the strap turned out to have excellent build quality, better than I expected - mine still looks as good as it did on day one. Been wearing my Sea-Q daily since I got it 5 months ago because it instantly became my favourite watch in my collection. The 39.5mm size is simply perfect (anything bigger looks rather crass to me). The understated qualities of the blue-dial Sea-Q appealed to me straightaway the moment I saw it. No regrets on my purchase. Initially, I did wish the watch came with a clear case back, but I've grown to appreciate the solid case with its perfect alignment, which only adds to how wonderfully understated this watch is...for a diver's watch, that is. Once again, well done!

[@TOKKANTE]

You know, it's comments from owners like you that keep me thinking about the SeaQ all the time.... I still think about this green SeaQ and it's living inside my head!... I bet I also can live with the closed caseback because it's a nice one, which means maybe I can learn to live with the tungsten rotor mass too if I can't see it... I think little by little I'm coming to peace with it and may just get it in the end... I just tend to over analyse everything, can't help it.

[@MrPoum70]

One month ago , i buy the 39,5 green very beautifull

[@michaelphillips5263]

Excellent review. Struggling with whether or not to pull the trigger on the GO Seq Q -- looks to me like the bigger panorama date model is FAR superior to the 39.5 mm. Display caseback, silicon hairspring, 100 hr power reserve. Would prefer a smaller diameter watch, but think GO has dropped the ball on the smaller diver. Probably going to go with the new Omega Seamaster 300.

[@TOKKANTE]

The movement is too big to put in the smaller SeaQ, and at the same time the smaller movement is not going to be updated in my opinion. If I could find one half off then I could justify, but otherwise it's normal to want the latest tech, right?! I found the SeaQ at 25% off brand new (grey) but still not good enough deal I feel. I tried on the Seamaster 300, it's nice for the price, but the GO is easily a class or two above (just the dial alone!)

[@michaelphillips5263]

@@TOKKANTE Great explanation. Helps a lot.

[@Eliehbk]

Hey Ben, thank you for your amazing review of the watch. If you get the chance to chose between a green dial GO 39.5 vs. a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe 38mm for everyday, one watch collection, which one would you go for? thanks!

[@TOKKANTE]

Thank you! I would still go with the GO 39.5 for 2 or possibly 3 reasons: the adjustability of the bracelet clasp which is very welcome for an everyday watch (not on the Blancpain), and the bezel which is slightly off on the Blancpain (it's slightly too wide compared to the 43mm version, the proportions seem "off"). The bezel thing is subjective but when you compare it to the 43mm, you can see what I'm talking about, it should be thinner!. Then the 1350 movement on the Blancpain is technically superior and better finished BUT it is an older dress watch movement which was not made for sports watches and is a lot more delicate than the 1315 on the bigger 43mm (that one was developed in response to that concern, and was made to be a sports watch movement from the start). So if you're not rough on it, that should be fine of course, but if you wanted a no worry tough sport movement, I'd go GO, or consider the 43mm Blancpain.

[@Eliehbk]

@@TOKKANTE oh wow, thank for the detailed reply, I really appreciate it. The problem with the 43mm BP is that my wrist is 16.5cm and prefer discreet watches. I think the 39.5mm GO is a better fit for me. Interesting what you said about the movement being delicate, I heard here and there that it isn’t very reliable.

[@Eliehbk]

PS: I am not a bracelet person, so would get the GO on a textile anyway.

[@TOKKANTE]

@@Eliehbk Noooo, the 43mm is 13.5mm thick (13.45mm i believe) unless you mean on a NATO, so not the slimmest but acceptable for a diver. But of course the 38mm is under 11mm so I understand those are sweet proportions!

[@ccw5886]

I have the Panorama datum with a blue dial and beige strap. I absolutely love it and it wears like a 41. Lastly, it gains 1 second every 72 hours!!. I have owned so many watches including subs and and pro Omega but this is another league.

[@TOKKANTE]

I keep hearing about the good accuracy of their movements even though they are not certified chronometers since they are German. With larger wrists, I would pick that one too but as it is, it wears like a huge 41 to me!

[@ccw5886]

@@TOKKANTE I have a 7 inch wrist and on canvas is like a 40 to me. I would not wear on the bracelet and see it with its polished middle links as way too blingy. Much more toolie on canvas and very light

[@TOKKANTE]

@@ccw5886 That could be the solution indeed... I know someone in HK who just bought the SeaQ 39.5mm also on the nylon strap for the same reason. I prefer bracelets usually but if they're not gonna make a brushed one, then that could be an option.

[@matthewsims3806]

I just ordered the Reed Green version today! I've owned several nice watches with the intent to flip them, but this is the first watch over $7000 I've ever bought for myself. I'm a little nervous to be honest. I was deciding between this and a BB58. I have the savings for this, but I'm nervous about how the green is going to look in person. I know the BB58 can go with pretty much every outfit, I'm hoping the SeaQ can as well. I'm also very excited to see the finishing in person. Great finishing always sticks with me after the honeymoon period wears off. It's the small details that can catch your attention years after owning a watch.

[@TOKKANTE]

You took the plunge without seeing it in person? That's courageous of you! But I can assure you that you won't be disappointed compared to a BB58. It's on a totally different level (for twice as much so it should). I also feel the green would go with everything much more than the blue. The blue is nice but much "louder" if you see what I mean. Oh I'm jealous now, now I need to see what deal I could get on it...

[@matthewsims3806]

@@TOKKANTE Courageous or stupid. I live in rural MN - the closest AD is a 6 hour drive away in Chicago. It just wasn't possible to get there. It arrives tomorrow!

[@TOKKANTE]

@@matthewsims3806 Oh then it will go well with MN's lakes and forests lol! I grew up in the French countryside as well, literally surrounded by the forest with only one road going to town, about 1.5 hours away from Bordeaux. Now in HK with all brands and watches under the sun available right here for you to try, we are watch-spoiled here. Oh the excitement! Hope you love it!

[@tiderider]

Matthew, did it arrive? . I can't decide which SeaQ to purchase.

[@matthewsims3806]

@@tiderider yes! The green is amazing in person! In typical indoor lighting it looks close to black which I'm really happy about. It goes with pretty much any outfit. It's subtle, while still being unique. The finishing and accuracy have been amazing. I'm really happy with the purchase.

[@thadpasquale]

Great video... many of your negatives are why I went with the Pano Date big brother in blue on a bracelet. But you are right, it's not an everyday watch...that's ok though right? I like to rotate.

[@TOKKANTE]

Yes, in that case I agree, problem solved! Lucky you! But I kinda was looking for that perfect "put it on and forget it" daily driver diver... My friend got a BB58 blue recently and loves it (I know, how surprising) and maybe the 39.5mm could do that but I kinda want to know what other versions they will come up with! The boutique manager told me there's no new version coming out for 2021, there will be no sapphire caseback and no panorama on this model (confirmed by German HQ apparently because this model is supposed to be the vintage-inspired version).

[@thadpasquale]

@@TOKKANTE I understand...I could never recommend the larger one in that case. I wish the brand was a bit more progressive in a certain sense...how about the Bathyscaphe? Seems to check a lot of your boxes and to my eye is a more versatile every day watch than even the Tudor or the GO.

[@TOKKANTE]

@@thadpasquale They're not Germans for nothing, right?! I love the Bathyscaphe, talked about it in a previous video, but the bracelet version is REALLY heavy, while the blue dial ceramic version (which I LOVE) has no bracelet option..... By the way, did you know GO uses a different type of 316L steel for the bracelet only, it's lighter so that the watch is more wearable? One of those things they don't even advertise but the manager told me they did otherwise the Pano version would be way too heavy.

[@thadpasquale]

@@TOKKANTE I didn't know that, very cool. The bracelet and the polished center links are why it took me some time before pulling the trigger on it. It's very comfortable and I've come to value the polished center links as I think they balance out the dial which isn't subtle at all. All that said, the watch is hefty and wears pretty big... could never be a daily for me. I think you should go for the Bathyscaphe on sailcloth :-)

[@denniskai2331]

Look of the watch is a plus -- but, for the money you'd expect a better power reserve and daily accuracy. I have a hard time getting past all the different fonts used (bezel, hour markers, text on the dial. It feels overpriced for what you get. If it was 1/3rd as much I'd be really tempted.

[@TOKKANTE]

The accuracy is actually really good with GO movements and what I've heard from owners as well but the power reserve is due to the older architecture yes. I guess not an issue if you wear it everyday. The rest of the aesthetics really depends on personal preferences indeed. Did you mean 1/3 less? That's probably possible I think after a while if getting it pre-owned. Now if you meant 1/3 of the current price... that's gonna be a little harder!

[@matthewdavis8199]

I own a 39.5 in blue. Personally I think the date window should be closer to the edge of the dial, and I really wish the bracelet tapered.

[@TOKKANTE]

Yes, that's a movement issue again since it will dictate where the date can be located on the dial. I'm still hoping they will refresh or improve the 39-11 but I don't hold my breath because I think they're not investing in this movement anymore. There's probably a new one in development.

[@waterfordrs22]

@@TOKKANTEalso likely a reason behind the solid caseback- the movement doesn’t fill the case sufficiently.

[@thomasbonass7239]

do these come with just a 2 year warranty from new ?

[@mrpomm5900]

I'd be a buyer of the present SeaQ at $7500. When it is upgraded with the better more modern movement, I'd be a buyer at MSRP.

[@TOKKANTE]

I'm with you, also why I'm putting it on hold. Either I could find one a lot cheaper, or I'm waiting for an upgrade. I think 2022 has to see some new versions at least, maybe a no date with all brushed bracelet?!

[@purangesmith9053]

Get a 39mm in green, because I’m trying to justify the price over a heritage seamaster 300 in blue. But I agree the seaq pano is the watch I want too , it looks fantastic with great specs, however it is just too big, best part of 16mm thick , wow.

[@TOKKANTE]

Such a shame isn't it... who knows maybe 2022 releases will see a 41mm SeaQ Pano? We can only dream!

[@chickendipperskiep]

Great review, based on your negatives.. ‘cheapo’ its should been less expensive

[@TOKKANTE]

Well I'm not sure how much a gold rotor costs but it can't be that much seriously... it's very small and they could even use 18K gold instead of 21K to save a buck or two, but I feel the gold rotor should be included!

[@ivarito8361]

Hi any sugestión for a minimalist style watch, slim 100m water-resistant Diameter between 37-40 mm no sunburst dial and a nice brushed bracelet Under 5k

[@hunterphan5506]

Ben made a video on 5 great German divers under $5,000. I’d check that one out.

[@TOKKANTE]

When you say "minimalist" I'm assuming you don't necessarily mean a diver watch? I would recommend the always excellent Sinn 556, 38.5mm, 200m water resistance, several choices of dials and even 2 different brushed bracelets. Really can't go wrong for around 1,500 and one of the best buys in that segment!

[@robertlock6041]

I would also suggest Sinn. But also look at a Citizen Ecodrive diver. They're reasonably priced and ISO 6425 compliant. Whatever you choose, I suggest that you ensure that you're satisfied with the service provided by the manufacturer.

[@yashara1e]

Oris diver 65 BB 58

[@robertlock6041]

@@yashara1e Excellent choices.

[@rickjason215]

Great review. I knew most of the stuff you discussed, because I have a severe mental problem with watches. Yes, it is a much better watch than a machine stamped out Sub, but I am sick of divers and not going to buy either. I agree with you, that I want to see the movement. If You dress up a movement, show it and don’t replace gold with what amounts to pot metal. If I am paying for high horology, don’t try to trick me to save a buck. Those of us that are watch nuts are going to know the gold is gone. The casual collector will eventually find out when he shows off his watch to an avid collector and the whole experience will be ruined.

[@TOKKANTE]

Haha it is a sickness we have... The boutique manager was smiling and telling me "I know, I know!" when I complained about it because he probably only hears this from nuts like us.... If you're sick of divers, he told me there are 3 more GO coming out this year, and I guessed only 1: a Senator perpetual with a salmon dial, limited to 30 or 100 (can't remember now) and said 2 customers had already ordered and paid for it even before the announcement (must be super VIPs).

[@macoyupadoodle]

I love GO and have one from the senator line . These are my goals when it comes to GO. 1) It has to have the gold rotor weight. 2)It should be a bit big-ish , or larger than the norm (im a big guy) , 3) Lastly the panorama datum featured in the model is a must as it is one of the major signature complication of GO . Though the solid caseback was done beautifully, i agree with you about the non gold rotor weight . My personal critique is it should have a full balance bridge (overkill, but gives you more peace of mind ........and is a sport watch) Rolex is a good watch and i like it not because of the name but because of the robustness of its movement but i do prefer the Sea Q more . I would get it on a bracelet and buy a rubber strap as an extra.

[@TOKKANTE]

I do agree with your points 1 and 3, I'm glad I'm not the only one who cares about that gold rotor weight! I also feel it's a shame to get your 1st GO and it doesn't have that brand-defining panorama date. For the balance bridge, yeah it's be nicer but the GO movements were not designed to be sports watch movements from the ground up (as are Rolex movements), so that makes sense. That would be an opportunity for them to design a new one though if their SeaQ line really takes off. Hope they're working on that!

[@sergeyzerkin8029]

Not true at all … the double date only came to existence recently … yeah it looks good but I personally don’t like it as it takes a lot of space and catches too much attention … glashutte regardless what these KZbinrs say copying each other have no clue about watch making or history of it. I also don’t like that you can see the numbers being devided by different discs … and the problem , just so you know, the double date makes the watch much thicker … if you look at senator excellence.. the no date is 10 mm the date is 12 mm … it eats away 2 mm .. I guess it’s alright if the watch is 10 mm but not for this diver making it almost 16 .. it’s a joke

[@sergeyzerkin8029]

@@TOKKANTE okey later in the video you aso mention the pan. Datum … LOL .. I didn’t mean you with the comment about KZbinrs

[@TOKKANTE]

@@sergeyzerkin8029 You're right, the panorama datum may be recent but it has indeed become a sort of "signature" complication of GO, and yes, you pay a price for it with the extra thickness but they should be able to manage a thinner diver even with the pano datum, e.g. the GO Sport Evolution of 2008 had the pano datum and was only about 13.4mm, similar to a Seamaster 300M and that's acceptable in my book. This SeaQ Pano Datum we can all agree is too thick! I love the Senator Excellence by the way, I always keep an eye on the pre-owned market for it but they're not exactly cheap still... As for seeing the two discs being divided, I'm not sure if that's worse than Lange which gives you a frame so you can't see the 2 discs BUT they are on 2 different levels and that's pretty noticeable too (that was designed by JLC by the way and gifted to ALS when it was "reborn")! I do love watchmaking history but if you go too long about it in a video, you can see in the KZbin analytics that viewers just click out and leave because most don't care about it.... so it may also explain why most KZbinrs don't talk about it (it's a vicious cycle).

[@waterfordrs22]

Great watches, would only be interested at buying one pre owned at a price that made sense. GO may be a high horology watch, I’m not sure I’d describe this watch as high horology. There’s no complication, not that a skin diver is expected to have one. It’s finished nicely, but as discussed elsewhere, the date window placement is underwhelming. The minute hand looks clunky, the bracelet other than the clasp looks clunky. I’m not one to worry about power reserve, a watch like that should be a daily wear making it that much less an issue. That said, forty hours is simply unimpressive. I’ll also mention I find super long PR’s quite overrated for the simple reason that to get to full reserve, you likely have to spend a lot of time manually winding the watch anyway. If you wear it enough to fully wind it, by definition, you don’t need the reserve. If you do need the reserve - the watch isn’t getting action. - sixty to seventy hours is a good compromise. The watch does have nice proportions. Making watches too big and too tall seems to be a SWATCH Group hallmark. This avoids that. I would prefer one of the less common smaller versions of the Fifty Fathoms or Bathyscaphe. I’d also suggest the Polaris is one of the best high horology divers, particularly the no date version.

[@tiempodesobrahn]

agree GO not yet there with this one

[@TOKKANTE]

I'd say it depends, if you've got the wrist for it, then they are there with the SeaQ Panorama Date. Still a bit thick but if you're got like 7.5" wrists then I guess you can pull it off nicely. It's the smaller SeaQ that needs just a few tweaks.

[@cedarcanoe]

One day, I hope. My grail.

[@TOKKANTE]

Which version do you prefer? I have to say I was impressed by the bicolor as well (very elegant and not in your face) but it doesn't come on a bracelet and never will according to the boutique manager. That green though, I think it's something different (from black and blue) while being very discrete.

[@cedarcanoe]

@@TOKKANTE the green. I like especially because it is a plain colour and not sunburst. Ps. I live the dial layout of my original seaQ

[@cyriloblouk6405]

I have the Panorama date version and love it. I have owned over 100 watches in 35 years and its by far my favorite. And its been accurate to +0.35 per day, I have 6.8 inch wrists and it wears fine. I do like slightly larger watches, but I believe it wears smaller than its size because of the downturned lugs that hug the wrist and the domed crystal back that sets inside the indent on my wrist. I don't really understand all the concern about size these days. The standard Seamaster isn't much smaller, and Planet Ocean come as large as 45mm. Rolex's SeaDweller is about the same size, Breitling makes huge 48 mm watches. I consider this midsized for a diver. Its not a monster like a Rolex SDDS, or a Breitling Avenger Seawolf. But its not small and timid either.

[@TOKKANTE]

In terms of diameter yes I agree, it's not small but it's wearable. But it's the thickness that doesn't help as a daily driver though: 15.75mm is really pushing it (that's also why the Planet Ocean and even one of my faves the Grey Side of the Moon are out too). Of course it's a personal preference and you may be fine with the thickness. I realize some of it is the crystal, but since wearing the IWC Spitfire for the last 2 months at 10.6mm thin, I find this so comfortable in part because it's so thin!

[@cyriloblouk6405]

@@TOKKANTE But a good portion of the thickness is the double domed sapphire on the front and the domed on the back. The back settles nicely into the indent on the wrist. Compared to a Rolex Sea Dweller, Planet Ocean, or Breitling divers, its not really that thick. But if you wear cuffs, it probably won't go under... My daily wear is shorts and a t...or on a cold day in Southern California, I might put on jeans and a light jacket. It is perfect for my daily wear.

[@richardvacanti4265]

Lol my hole collection is only worth about $2000. With a absolutely beautiful movement I would want a See-through case back . How many people are really going to use this for a dive watch. Not me so put the see-through case back on.A real dive watch that’s made exclusively for diving is much different yes this is certified and can handle the pressure but it’s still not a professional dive watch. It’s something you can wear when you dress up or whatever. A real dive watch you don’t wear to the office. I know this sounds crazy but if I were to buy this watch I don’t care I would wear it every day even with jeans and T-shirt if I spend that tone of money I want to use and I want to look at and feel good wearing it I don’t want it sitting home in a stupid watch . And I think this is way better than a Rolex submariner. God I wish someday I could afford a watch like this.

[@TOKKANTE]

I can't afford most of the watches on my wish list either (I just did a video on the Patek 5178G which I will never own) but that doesn't stop us from being interested in them. Most of the time this is just a theoretical hobby for me but I just love studying the topic and learning about horology. Yes, NO ONE EVER will use this as a dive watch but as a luxury item, you want to know that it CAN do the job because if it can't even do it, then what's the point of building a dive watch?! I would also want to wear it everyday with jeans and t-shirt (my usual attire) which is why the polished center links bother me...

[@riojimatsuoka]

You live in Hong Kong?

[@TOKKANTE]

Yes! And it's been 17 years!

[@riojimatsuoka]

@@TOKKANTE same here!

[@TOKKANTE]

@@riojimatsuoka HK is a paradise and curse for watch lovers... So many watches, not enough money to buy them all!

[@riojimatsuoka]

@@TOKKANTE I'm aware xD. There are these underground passage ways on the Kowloon side where you have windows just filled with e.g. Panerai only. It looks like someone just dumped buckets of watches.

[@TOKKANTE]

@@riojimatsuoka This is where Panerais go to die lol.

[@nomanor7987]

The SeaQ is only 200 meter water resistant versus a Sub at 300.

[@TOKKANTE]

Correct, but what difference does that actually make in your daily life? I suspect none lol! I assume this is a deliberate choice to keep the vintage-inspired theme of the original SeaQ because I have no doubt GO could easily make this 300m. Same as the Tudor BB58 at 200m because of the vintage theme.

[@gilbertrose7147]

Great analysis! I love the GO Pano date but with my 6.5 inch wrist I fear it’s too big for a daily wear…makes me cry because it is absolutely beautiful. The smaller GO (for all your reasons) is just not the same. That is too bad because it fits me perfectly (just like my Submariner). The thing is that the quality difference between the GO and Rolex is painfully apparent. Hell, a Grand Seiko beats Rolex. I wish the FF excited me but it doesn’t. I’m soo pissed-off at Rolex. This whole re-education on watches for me only started because I couldn’t get a GMT 2! I would have been happy with that but now my esthetic eyes have been opened!

[@TOKKANTE]

We're in the same boat re: GO but Germans are very stubborn and according to the Boutique Manager, they've heard my complaints from many other customers and passed them to HQ, but GO says they will NOT change the SeaQ because it's meant to be the vintage reissue of the original, therefore no see-through caseback or Pano date on the horizon. So I still don't know what to do... Did you see Marc Goldberg's review of his new SeaQ Pano Date? Such a Rolex fanboy but he actually made a very good, honest and positive review of it. Maybe this whole Rolex situation is good for other brands, they get more attention this way. I think Rolex is a box to tick as a collector, something we all must have, but then we can move on beyond Rolex to other brands, there's so much more out there!

[@gilbertrose7147]

@@TOKKANTE Good morning and thanks for the reply! Yes, the Germans can be stubborn but my wife is of German ancestry, I prefer German cars (had many VWs, one Porsche, one BMW), two BMW motorcycles, and have a Sinn 857 UTC-and there is a thinking of precision and over engineering that I like! I saw that Marc Goldberg piece on GO and I like the way he thinks. Yes, ever he was smitten with the GO! Marc, however, does have slightly larger wrists than me. We will see…it’s a journey! Take care-Gil Rose

[@TOKKANTE]

@@gilbertrose7147 I think Marc has giant 8" wrists or something!! No wonder it fits him! Oh you are also a Sinner, then we think along the same lines...

[@MegaAtlacatl]

So in other words if you want a classic looking diver for a fair price get the Oris 65 and if you want a high horology diver u can either get on the wait list for submariner (or pay a premium), but Seamaster 300 or if u want to be different get the G O panorama date. It really sounds to me like the G O SeaQ is just an over an overpriced diver (by about $7k)

[@TOKKANTE]

I think the Oris 65 is good value for its category and you can even get a better price than retail, but you must be aware of what it is and set your expectations accordingly. The Sub and Seamaster are not high horology, "just" luxury horology, still fairly mass produced and not hand finished. The GOs are true high horology divers and you can feel the difference once you handle them in terms of quality, finishing etc. However, I do agree that I wouldn't pay full retail price and the way to go is to find them at a discount either on the grey market or pre-owned (so let's say overpriced by 3k, not 7).

[@BuckFush08]

For someone who cannot differentiate the quality and workmanship differences between an Oris and a Glashutte Original, I would recommend sticking with the Oris, or perhaps a nice Seiko? GO is certainly not for everyone.

[@sergeyzerkin8029]

There is absolutely nothing that this watch has higher than the sub. Like without just throwing words .. please name the aspects which are better ? Like let me start the finishing of the case is better on the seaq.. but I would say the movement is better from Rolex, the the clasp is equal ( but I still prefer the Rolex ) the bezel is no doubt better at the Rolex … the bezel pearl ok the Rolex looks much cooler than glashutte … the dial of the Rolex is also nice … I honestly don’t see why you say it’s “better” … like Rolex probably has better design and quality than the patek aquant ( not talking about the finishing of the movement … but then again there are many watches that beat patek like lange and Lang and Heyne which beat patek and cost much less )… I don’t see anything on the Rolex made with less quality than this glashutte. The hands are sharp, and nicely polished .. the bracelet clicks well … I don’t see anything…

[@TOKKANTE]

I totally understand if you feel that you prefer the Sub, and I'm sure you're not the only one! But there are aspects that are objectively better on the SeaQ and it's mostly around finishing (by hand) and attention to details. If you have the opportunity to got to an AD and compare both side by side (might be hard to find a Sub at an AD!), you will see that the brushing and polishing and overall finishing on the SeaQ is several steps above the Rolex. The dial is also more detailed in both texture and quality, and the numerals an hands are much better finished than the Rolex ones (it is well known that the plots and hands on Rolex are often scratched and not very well finished, you can find many video on KZbin showing macros of this, and those on my Datejust are also scratched). The bracelet of the SeaQ has hidden bayonet style screws on the underside vs screws showing on the sides of the Rolex so it is better constructed (although I love the Rolex Oyster as well, very good, but just the construction of the SeaQ one is better). The clasp on the Rolex is better in the way that it offers more adjustment (20mm vs 8mm) but the SeaQ clasp is better in the way that you can actually adjust it without removing the watch, while wearing it (so it's up to you which offers more convenience). The movement of the Rolex is definitely better technically, I absolutely give you that one, but the SeaQ movement is much better finished and partly finished by hand (that's the point of High Horology, movement are sometimes inferior and not hacking for example, but it's about the finishing) - I still hope they will update the movement though. Bezel, yes, not many other bezels come close to a Rolex bezel (Panerai, Fifty Fathoms...) so Rolex has it here but this one is also very good, go try it out! Overall, it's about High Horology vs luxury horology, the Sub is very nice and the SeaQ is more special.

[@sergeyzerkin8029]

@@TOKKANTE I have the hulk, and I have seen many glashutte, journe, lange etc … I absolutely love that senator excellence watches .. my fav is the black dial with 12 Arabic numbers … also like the moon pause with big date on a braclet… and yes glashutte just like many other Germans make incredible dials … grand Seiko and the Germans- Moritz G, Lang Heyne, a lange … they all have incredible dials but in the end there is nothing objective. As to me the hulk looks 50 times better than the green sequa. And the sarb033 looks 20 times better than explorer… these things are not objective they can never be. But you know what I will tell you ? Rolex is worlds apart from great brands like grand Seiko and glashutte in terms of the braclet meeting the case and the quality overall of the braclet. Can’t explain why but Rolex just has some magic … and there is a reason why some top watch makers collect Rolex. But again if you want a sport watch it has to be Rolex or royal oak … all subjective to me … it doesn’t mean omega or Nomos are bad …and I do agree the big seaq the details look phenomenal… but the watch is jsut too big lol same with 50 f … unless they make them in 40 mm you can forget about this brand

[@TOKKANTE]

@@sergeyzerkin8029 True about Rolex bracelets, and I always wonder WHY other brands can't learn a thing or two from Rolex in that regard. What I love, and you mentioned this, is the super tight tolerances between the Rolex end links and the case, that's something that a lot of other brands can't match. I guess part of the reason is that they are made in-house while a lot of other bracelets are outsourced. When I was a recruiter, an Omega candidate once told me that some Omega bracelets are actually made in a Zhuhai, China factory... Just this week I was looking at the Seiko SPB143 that seems to be very popular and again, look at those huge gaps between the bracelet and the case!!! So yes, Rolex bracelets have something special and are very well engineered although in terms of comfort, I have heard from many collectors that IWC bracelets are the most comfortable ones (and yet I just bought an IWC without the bracelet...). I would love the 40mm Fifty Fathoms Tribute to Mil-Spec but too expensive and I would prefer the 1315 movement instead of the 1350 it comes with. I bet the next version of the standard FF will be smaller, they have to be working on that!

[@robertlock6041]

Hi Ben, it sounds to me that although GO is a premium brand, this particular model is a cynical con... There are better luxury dive watches out there...

[@TOKKANTE]

Hahaha, a "cynical con" now that's a bit harsh, isn't it?! No watch is perfect and I could probably find fault with any other watch (don't we all) but in that size though, at 39.5mm/12.15mm thin, I really don't know what else directly competes at that level of craftsmanship - I would say the smaller 40mm Blancpain FF but that's even more expensive...

[@robertlock6041]

@@TOKKANTE I take your point Ben... I just don't know if this is a dress watch pretending to be a tool watch or a tool watch pretending to be a dress watch. Yes, it's beautifully made, it's that I don't know who it's aimed at. I probably was too harsh, but I feel that there are better ways to spend the asking price. But with people paying massively over list prices on the gray market, it seems that the concept of value has stumbled somewhat... Nice video and review though, thank you as always 😊

[@TOKKANTE]

@@robertlock6041 I think it's not even pretending to BE a tool watch, it's just pretending to LOOK LIKE a tool watch hahaha

[@yashara1e]

Bracelet is definitely behind rolex. How do you want to make this your daily with those PCLs, you know this will get nasty soon. Bracelet is the biggest let down and then the movement also is old with low PR. Go with black or green sub if your budget allows and call it a day or get the fifty fathom, sorry but I don't see the value in GO with these shortcomings, even the big version is unwearable with that case height and also same quality bracelet as this one. The package is not complete don't try to convince yourself

[@TOKKANTE]

Thanks for your advice! Yes, it's true that the movement in the 39.5 SeaQ is older now but it is a traditional high horology hand-finished movement, like you would find in a Girard Perregaux for example (the Laureato comes to mind, not a high-tech movement either but high-horology finish). The Rolex 3235 is obviously more high-tech (and I do like that to be honest!) but it's definitely not a high-horology beauty.... Right again on the Pano Date, I think it's just very thick (not so much too big at 43mm). One thing I'd have to disagree though is on the bracelet: the PCL are cosmetics so tastes may vary (I'm not a fan), but in terms of construction, it is a superior bracelet to the Rolex oyster (I have that also). The way the screws are constructed on the undersides, how the links fit together and the nice and slim wearability of the clasp (only 8mm vs 20mm but it's plenty for non-diving purposes), it is comparable to a Blancpain FF X-33 bracelet which is also superior to Rolex (although the clasp there is non-existent with no micro adjust). I don't want the sub as a daily just because they are just EVERYWHERE here in Hong Kong (nothing against it, it's just too common here), but I'm starting to wonder whether I should just go with an Explorer 39mm instead! How may times do I hear the Explorer is the perfect watch? Maybe it's true....

[@yashara1e]

@@TOKKANTE I have not seen this watch in person neither its bracelet but I always thought rolex has the most robust bracelet, what you are saying about GO bracelet better than rolex is new to me and for sure I will check myself. Thanks for info. I have explorer 39 and it really is one of the perfect watches as a daily, however for me it's lack of date make it not very useful so Im looking at a sub for daily, subs where I live are not that common so I can see how it can affect your decision being more common in HK. But honestly maybe being perfect daily is one of the reasons it's so common... Also if having a high finish movement is important being able to see it is half the fun

[@jamesmustin7289]

I am not impressed . The watch looks like it could be any price.

[@MartinBrownFFD]

Massively overpriced. Shame. 40 hours. You must be joking.

[@TOKKANTE]

40 hours is a bit behind average nowadays however remember that this is not the only consideration in a luxury watch! For example, as a daily wear, then it doesn't matter at all. Also, once you handle one in your hands, you understand the quality and finish and it is not overpriced if you can get it at some reasonable discount.

[@jc51373]

you need to show more watch shots. No one wants to see your face for the majority of the review.

[@TOKKANTE]

Yes, point taken, which is why my more recent videos have been more off camera types. The reason though was not because I want people to look at me (haha), it's because I don't have those pieces on loan so I can't film so much footage to cover all my commentary.

[@jq2639]

Overpriced.