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The Atlantic Seagold Limited Edition is visually the epitome of pure luxury. But how appealing is it really to wear a gold watch on your wrist? Is it a noble companion on special occasions or an swanky status symbol? These are the questions I want to answer in today’s watch review…
The myth of gold
What would the ultimate watch look like? Far from various functions and breathtaking measurements, rather in terms of material selection. And when it comes to materials, gold is the ultimate. The precious metal has always held a special fascination for us. Such a great one that people in history started wars, crossed oceans or had themselves buried with their riches made of gold. Gold has not lost its effect. It still stands for power, tradition and permanence. In times of crisis, it is considered a safe investment. Last but not least, it retains its luster through slow oxidation and corrosion resistance. Gold should therefore be an ideal material from which to make watch cases, shouldn’t it?
The traditional Swiss manufacturer Atlantic has an answer to this question. Okay, an entire collection. When it comes to gold watches, Atlantic’s Seagold timepieces are one of the first places to go. With a 14-karat gold case and various dial tones, the collection offers timeless classics. Atlantic unveiled the crowning achievement of the series in December 2021, just in time for Christmas.
In a limited edition of 188 pieces, the new Seagold with reference number 96740.65.35 (8770) is said to be the perfect gold watch from Atlantic. What’s new is the completely redesigned dial, which is now adorned with a small seconds at 6 o’clock. However, I am primarily interested in whether gold is the perfect material for watch cases and whether gold watches really have such a high appeal as they are said to have!
Don’t spill it, make it big!
Delivered in a luxurious wooden box, it becomes apparent even before opening it that the Atlantic Seagold Limited Edition goes far beyond the premium standard of “usual” watches from the Swiss brand. Important: in addition to the certificates, the box also contains a second calfskin strap, which you can change with a quick release. So the scope of delivery is appropriate for the occasion.
A literal “occasion” is also the Atlantic Seagold Limited Edition itself. The gold wristwatch is a real eye-catcher and stands out among the numerous stainless steel representatives. Nothing against stainless steel watches, but a solid gold watch is simply special. Even I, as someone who was previously skeptical about the subject of gold watches, have to acknowledge that without envy. I turn the timepiece in my hand and run my hands over the surfaces of the case. The precious metal feels exceptionally good. This watch immediately conveys a certain value, a luxurious feeling.
The Atlantic Seagold Limited Edition on the wrist
My test model literally shines with a reduced, timelessly beautiful design. The perfectly formed look is functional, classic and never obtrusive.
This is also true when worn on the wrist, on which the Atlantic Seagold Limited Edition does not appear swanky due to this design. A legitimate concern that many have before buying a gold (or gold-colored) wristwatch. So here the question from the introduction should be answered. The fact that the Atlantic Seagold Limited Edition looks so style-conscious, elegant and timeless is also thanks to the calfskin strap. It cuts a fine figure on the wrist and has a very classic look.
When is the best time to wear a gold watch? Well, this question is not so easy to answer. I wouldn’t want to wear the Atlantic Seagold Limited Edition as a daily rocker at work. The watch should be something special in my opinion. Besides an additional possible function as a value investment or family heirloom, upscale occasions are the perfect times to wear the Atlantic Seagold Limited Edition on your wrist in style.
However, there is one thing you should be aware of before you buy: wearing gold will polarize you, there is no way to avoid that. An Atlantic Seagold Limited Edition will not please everyone, nor does it have to.
The gold rush
One of the most exciting aspects of the Atlantic Seagold Limited Edition might be its case. With a diameter of 40 millimeters, the watch still has a fairly compact size and therefore fits small and medium-sized wrists. The case height is 10.8 millimeters, which is surprisingly flat, especially considering the automatic movement inside the watch.
Manufactured, the case is made of 14-karat solid gold. No plating, no alloy, just pure gold. The high-quality first impression can be confirmed by a closer look at the case. The finish is first-class, there can be no two opinions. This is best demonstrated by the polished surfaces of the bezel and case back, which look very elegant.
As it’s common with Seagold models, Atlantic has once again included a transparent caseback. Admittedly, one is somewhat pleased about the color change due to the visible automatic movement. Important: in the brushed rim, Atlantic has engraved, among other things, the serial number. So you know which of the 188 pieces you own. The Atlantic Seagold Limited Edition is water resistant to a depth of 50 meters. So it can withstand water splashes.
As you would expect in this price segment, the Atlantic Seagold Limited Edition is equipped with resistant sapphire crystal, which is particularly durable.
What powers the Atlantic Seagold Limited Edition
The automatic movement can be easily wound via the discreet crown thanks to its fluting. Its movement, which you can admire through the transparent case back, is a Swiss Sellita SW261-1. The automatic caliber from the SW200 family is one of the more powerful ones. With 31 jewels, it comes up with a solid power reserve of 42 hours. In my test for this watch review, it shines with precision and longevity. A special feature is the decentralized small seconds at 6 o’clock – a unique selling point in the current Seagold collection.
Dial and bracelet
The dial of the Atlantic Seagold Limited Edition has undergone a careful redesign. A slightly highlighted center gives the dial more structure and makes it look more interesting. Once again, the small seconds at 6 o’clock is recessed. The discreet, wedge-shaped indices are easy to read and match the likewise tapered hands.
All elements were placed with sensitivity so that the dial gives a very pleasant and harmonious composition. This aspect should not be neglected, especially in a dress watch like the Atlantic Seagold Limited Edition. To mark that the watch is the limited edition, the name lettering was printed discreetly but legibly below 12 o’clock.
Atlantic makes its customers happy with two bracelets at once. Both are made of calfskin and differ mainly in their color scheme, black and brown. The wearing comfort is very pleasant and convinces all along the line. With the quick-release fastener, it will only take a few seconds to change the two bracelets in the future.
My conclusion about the Atlantic Seagold Limited Edition
Either you like gold watches, or you don’t. I think each of us has an opinion about the golden timepieces. For the lovers among you, I can give a clear recommendation – the Atlantic Seagold Limited Edition. Atlantic’s new model is definitely worth to be shortlisted. The basis for my test conclusion is the good workmanship of the high-quality material. Without it even a gold watch would be worthless. Atlantic has done a flawless job here. However, I find the design at least as successful, which looks exciting, but never thick, but always comes along stylishly.
But even if you haven’t liked gold watches so much so far – the Atlantic Seagold Limited Edition is the model that could change that.
The new watch will be available online and at authorized retailers worldwide from December 2021. Atlantic does not give an exact price, but it will be around 3,150 Euros. Be aware, however, that it may be subject to strong fluctuations. This is due to the constantly changing gold price. All further links can be found below!
More about Atlantic and the Seagold Limited Edition
Here you can find the watch in the store
The Atlantic Seagold collection at a glance
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