So I liked the Glashutte Original SeaQ when it emerged from the depths of the German manufacture. Early commentators either celebrated the model or took issue with its oversized Arabic numerals and its big date at 4:30 but, having a certain proclivity to dive orientated product, it was interesting.

Our paths crossed on an Edinburgh high street. From the moment I picked up the Glashutte Original SeaQ … I loved it. The instant steel heft, the brushed curving case side, the liquidity of the numerals through the distortion of the Sapphire … it provided a compelling package and a world away from the ubiquitous .. the common .. the feeding frenzy.

A pandemic inconveniently delayed my plans to pick up the Glashutte Original SeaQ but as weeks and months passed, out of this brave new world came a couple of new versions. I had flipped between the blue and the black dial (black was winning) but suddenly sunburst grey with gilt highlights … Hello! Could this grey dialed beauty finally suppress my subconscious need for the Pam 605 (jury’s still out).

So I bought the Glashutte Original SeaQ on the material strap and the sublime folding clasp .. I did love the bracelet on the other models and you could buy as an extra but settled for the material and it’s awesome. It’s comfortable but has a certain rigidity that allows you to pull the case close to your wrist. The dial is breathtaking and the gold highlights subtle. The case back of the Glashutte Original SeaQ shows a ridiculous level of finish and here its size is perhaps a positive as you’ve increased access to a mechanical wonderland.

So I love the Glashutte Original SeaQ … I know some will never reconcile the lack of Rolexesque value retention, for some the aesthetic causes problems, for some the mere mention of 43mm will bring down the shutters but for me – I go to put it on the wrist, the clouds part and the heavenly host start laying down a beat. It’s tank tough, it drips quality, and did I mention the dial?