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I had the pleasure of photographing the Mühle Glashütte Sea-Timer BlackMotion for the German manufacturer some time ago. I was enthusiastic about the black sports watch from the very beginning, which is why I decided to present the timepiece to you in detail once again! May I present: the Mühle Glashütte Sea-Timer BlackMotion!
An all-rounder with a WOW effect?
Because of my watch photography for Nautische Instrumente Mühle-Glashütte, I got to know the collection of the long-established brand from Glashütte in Saxony in all its versatility. From genuine operational watches like the Mühle Glashütte Seebataillon GMT to functional luxury watches like the Mühle Glashütte Teutonia II Kleine Sekunde, the traditional manufacturer offers a range of watches for every occasion and every taste. What all wristwatches have in common is their maritime design and outstanding functionality. With patented technical innovations, the Glashütte brand continues to set standards.
My current favourite watch from the manufacturer – and admittedly this can change from time to time – is the Mühle Glashütte Sea-Timer BlackMotion. Currently the only watch in the Sea-Timer collection, the model with the reference number M1-41-83-NB stands out with its black, reduced and sporty design. According to Mühle, the functional watch is best suited for active people who appreciate a reliable and durable watch on their wrist in their fast-paced everyday life. However, it still has to prove that in this watch review.
To fulfil this promise, Mühle Glashütte has equipped the Sea-Timer BlackMotion with a number of technical refinements that affect both the outer design and the inner workings. You will find out exactly what these are later in detail. In any case, I am extremely curious about the black timepiece. Will the watch be able to repeat the “WOW effect” of the first time?
Unboxing of the functional watch by Mühle
Mühle kindly sent me the Sea-Timer BlackMotion a second time a few days ago. The dark blue packaging already gives it away: the manufacturer is aware that first impressions count. From the double bottom of the packaging, I pull out the instruction manual and the warranty card. The dark grey, shimmering box itself has an interesting surface and looks chic. Then I take out the black watch and remove its protective film.
Lovers of black watches get their money’s worth when they see the Mühle Glashütte Sea-Timer BlackMotion. The timepiece is a real black beauty. The dark case not only looks very reduced, but also perfectly finished. In any case, the surfaces feel incredibly good. I turn the sporty timepiece and look at all facets of the watch: the black bezel, the transparent case back and the practical textile strap. All of this contributes to the “WOW effect” I just described, which the Mühle Glashütte Sea-Timer BlackMotion triggers in me.
The Mühle Glashütte Sea-Timer BlackMotion on the wrist
I put on the Mühle Glashütte Sea-Timer BlackMotion. The watch looks very sporty and technical on the wrist. At the same time, it is extremely elegant. Mühle-Glashütte has achieved a remarkable balancing act, making the Sea-Timer BlackMotion a real daily rocker for everyday wear. Can you wear the watch in a meeting after your early morning workout? This question does not arise with the Mühle Glashütte Sea-Timer BlackMotion.
With a diameter of 44.00 millimetres, the functional watch cannot be overlooked. Nevertheless, the black colour makes the BlackMotion look a little more compact than it really is. The low case height of only 12.50 millimetres is astonishing. It is remarkable to accommodate an automatic movement here.
Groundbreaking case materials
The Mühle-Glashütte Sea-Timer BlackMotion doesn’t exactly look like a conventional stainless steel case. The reason for the unusual, dark appearance lies in the manufacturing process. In the Glashütte workshop, Mühle gives the case a so-called TiC coating. TiC stands for titanium carbide. This coating is applied to the stainless steel case using the PVD process. The function of the black look: TiC makes the case even more resistant to scratches, impacts and other influences to which we expose the watch every day. Especially for the active and sports enthusiasts among you, the coating is actually a must-have.
The six-fold case back breaks up the dark colour design. In its centre, a circular viewing window provides a view of the fascinating automatic calibre inside the Mühle- Glashütte Sea-Timer BlackMotion. Mühle claims water resistance up to a pressure of 30 bar. This means that the Seatimer BlackMotion beats some divers’ watches.
On the front, the black functional watch not only impresses with its bezel, but also with the watch glass. It is made of resistant sapphire and has an anti-reflective coating. With an anti-reflective watch glass, the dial can be read even better.
Reliable thanks to a modified movement
When I wind the movement for the first time, I notice the stylised mill that the company from Glashütte has engraved on the surface of the black crown. In my opinion, a harmonious, loving detail. The screw-down crown is in an unusual position. Its positioning at 4 o’clock serves to improve functionality. In everyday life, the crown is less annoying on the wrist, which increases wearing comfort. With protection on both sides, the crown is also protected from sharp objects.
Inside the case works a Sellita SW 200-1, which was modified by Mühle before installation. The brand connoisseurs among you will know that this luxury is customary at Mühle. This watch is also equipped with the well-known and patented woodpecker neck regulator. It is a shockproof fine adjustment that enables the movement to run very precisely. Its shape is reminiscent of the head and neck of a woodpecker, which is where the name comes from. Mühle certifies that the movement has a power reserve of more than 38 hours.
Dial and bezel of the Mühle Glashütte Sea-Timer BlackMotion
I am still thrilled by the design of the dial of the Mühle Glashütte Sea-Timer BlackMotion. Its minimalist, timeless and at the same time sporty-casual design is simply unsurpassed. Basically, it consists of two black, circular areas, the inner one lacquered and the outer one matt. This gives the dial structure. In contrast, the applied hour indices have been designed in white, which makes it possible to read the time perfectly. This is even better in the dark, where the dial shines in blue thanks to the indices and hands with SuperLuminova. At 4 o’clock, there is a circular date window that can be adjusted by quick correction.
The bezel of the Mühle-Glashütte Sea-Timer BlackMotion is bidirectional, i.e. it can be turned on both sides, which distinguishes it from a diver’s bezel. In everyday life, this is an advantage because you have to turn the bezel much less to synchronise it with the time. The turning itself, by the way, is a real dream for all watch lovers. Rarely do clicks engage as cleanly as those of the Mühle-Glashütte Sea-Timer BlackMotion! Printed on it is a 60 scale, an important feature for sports watches.
A strap for all purposes
Let’s take a look at the strap. Here, the designers from Glashütte opted for a flexible textile strap, which was a good decision for a sporty watch like the Sea-Timer BlackMotion. While the robust upper side is armoured against dirt and water, the underside convinces with a very soft cover that feels pleasant on the skin. I, at least, had nothing to complain about in terms of wearing comfort over the past few days!
The black pin buckle with engraved Mühle Glashütte lettering rounds off the bracelet and the entire watch very successfully. Mühle states that the lug width is a tidy 22 millimetres.
My conclusion on the Mühle Glashütte Sea-Timer BlackMotion
Even after an extensive review and further watch photography, the Mühle Glashütte Sea-Timer BlackMotion remains for me one of the best watches in Mühle’s model range. The black functional watch is a real sportsman. The wristwatch can be worn without hesitation during all sporting activities. And not only that – the timepiece also cuts an excellent figure in the office thanks to its chic and sporty design. There is definitely no need to compromise with this watch – these are the characteristics of a true all-rounder!
Mühle-Glashütte charges a price of 2.200,- euros for the Sea-Timer BlackMotion. Considering the very good product, this is more than fair. All important links can be found below!
More about Mühle-Glashütte and the Sea-Timer BlackMotion
Here you can find the watch in the shop
Mühle-Glashütte 29er Casual Review
Teutonia II Kleine Sekunde Review
Mühle Glashütte Seebatallion GMT Review
Instagram Reels
On the wrist in Denmark: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CWYnehQFSDs/