Muhle Glashutte SAR Rescue Timer review

This is a quintessential tool watch created to the exacting specifications of the German Search and Rescue Corps. As such it has a series of design traits that make it the perfect tool for the tough environment it is meant to be used in.

Starting from the 1,000m water resistance ensured, among other things, by a 4mm sapphire crystal, it features a hard rubber bezel, a semi-recessed crwon at 4 o'clock and hooded lugs to ensure that the case non only will survive a strong shock, but will also not snag on any pointed object.

The finish is bead blasted throughout which results in a particularly high scratch resistance.

Great care is placed to ensure high legibility at a glance, with bold triangular markers at the cardinal points, a largely clear dial and contrasting hands, the date is at 4 o'clock and, carrying on the knock-proof, snag-proof theme, it is magnified by a cyclops on the inner surface of the crystal. This reference has the optional fully-lumed white dial; it looks cool but I would not recommend it over the "standard" black dial, which is much more legible in the dark.

The movement is a non-chronometer ETA which is enhanced by Muhle's patented "woodpecker neck" regulator. Timekeeping is good but not to COSC levels in my example.

I guess that looks-wise it's a marmite watch, so you either like it or loathe it, but despite its considerable bulk - 42mm dia and 13,5 mm thickness - the clever shape of the case, with curved inwards sides and pronounced scallop under the caseback, makes it wear way smaller than a similarly sized Tudor Pelagos.

The watch comes as standard with a three-link bracelet with rubberized centre links and/or a rubber strap with a deployant clasp, which means that you need to regulate it by cutting. This is quite nerve-wracking and ultimately means that you err on the side of caution and are left with a loose strap.

All in all, if you like the looks, at around 2,000 USD this is highly recommended.