The Mühle-Glashütte S.A.R. Rescue-Timer Nautical Blue is a robust and visually striking timepiece, continuing the legacy of a watch designed in collaboration with the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS). This new iteration brings a fresh, maritime aesthetic to a model renowned for its durability and functionality.
Mühle-Glashütte, a company with roots tracing back to 1869, initially focused on producing precision measuring instruments for the watchmaking industry in Glashütte, Germany. Over time, the company evolved, eventually transitioning to nautical instruments and marine chronometers. The relationship with the DGzRS, beginning in 2002, solidified Mühle-Glashütte's position as a maker of reliable, purpose-built watches for professionals working in demanding maritime environments.
Courtesy of Mühle-Glashütte
The S.A.R. Rescue-Timer itself was born from direct feedback from the coxswains of the DGzRS, the captains responsible for rescue operations in all weather conditions. These rescue workers needed a watch that could withstand extreme conditions, prioritize readability, and offer unfailing reliability. Early discussions dismissed features like a GMT function, focusing instead on the core essentials needed for coastal rescue missions. The result was a watch stripped down to its most critical elements, optimized for performance under pressure.
The Nautical Blue version of the S.A.R. Rescue-Timer retains the fundamental design and robust construction that has made the model a favorite among professionals and watch enthusiasts alike. The case, constructed from stainless steel, measures 42mm in diameter and 13.5mm in thickness. This size provides a substantial presence on the wrist without being overly bulky, striking a balance between visibility and wearability.
The most noticeable feature of this new version is, of course, the nautical blue dial. This deep, oceanic hue instantly evokes a sense of the sea, further reinforced by the bright white markers and hour indices. The contrast between the blue background and the luminous white elements ensures exceptional legibility in all lighting conditions. The hands, generously coated with Super-LumiNova, glow brightly in the dark, essential for nighttime operations or low-light environments.
Courtesy of Mühle-Glashütte
Protecting the dial is a remarkably thick sapphire crystal, measuring a full 4mm. This is significantly thicker than the sapphire crystals found on most watches, providing exceptional scratch and impact resistance. A unique feature of this crystal is the integrated magnifying lens over the date window at the 3 o'clock position. Unlike externally applied cyclops lenses, this magnifier is ground directly into the underside of the crystal, maintaining a smooth, flush surface that is less prone to damage.
Encircling the dial is a blue rubber bezel. This soft rubber material serves a dual purpose. First, it provides an additional layer of protection for the watch case against impacts. Second, and perhaps more importantly in the context of rescue operations, it minimizes the risk of injury to anyone the wearer might be assisting. Sharp edges on a watch case can be a hazard, and the rounded rubber bezel mitigates this concern.
The case back is solid, contributing to the watch's impressive water resistance rating of 100 bar (approximately 1000 meters). This level of water resistance far exceeds the needs of most wearers, even professional divers, and highlights the S.A.R. Rescue-Timer's commitment to durability. The screw-down crown, positioned at the 4 o'clock position, further enhances water resistance and is thoughtfully placed to avoid digging into the wrist during active use.
Courtesy of Mühle-Glashütte
Inside the S.A.R. Rescue-Timer Nautical Blue beats the automatic SW 200-1 movement, modified by Mühle-Glashütte. A key modification is the addition of Mühle's proprietary "woodpecker neck regulation" system. This unique fine-adjustment mechanism enhances the movement's shock resistance, ensuring accurate timekeeping even under extreme conditions. The movement also features a stop-second function, allowing for precise time setting, and a quick date correction for convenience. It boasts a power reserve of up to 41 hours.
The watch is presented on a stainless steel bracelet with a butterfly clasp. The bracelet is robustly constructed, complementing the overall tool-watch aesthetic of the S.A.R. Rescue-Timer. The clasp ensures a secure fit, important for a watch designed for active use.
The development of the S.A.R. Rescue-Timer was a collaborative effort, with input from the very people who would rely on it in life-or-death situations. The sea rescuers' priorities were clear: robustness and readability. Early suggestions of a GMT function were dismissed, as the watch's primary use would be for coastal operations where a second time zone was unnecessary. The focus was on creating a watch that could perform flawlessly in the harsh and unpredictable environment of the sea.
Hans-Jürgen Mühle, who led the family business in 1970, played a significant role in the design, particularly the development of the distortion-free magnifying lens ground into the sapphire crystal. His background in precision mechanics and optics allowed him to create a lens that enlarged the date without compromising the structural integrity of the crystal.
Courtesy of Mühle-Glashütte
During the testing phase, the watch was subjected to pressures far exceeding its stated 100 bar water resistance. In fact, the case back only began to deform at a pressure of 250 bar, demonstrating the extraordinary resilience of the construction. The sapphire crystal, at 4mm thick, remained intact and waterproof, underscoring its exceptional strength.
The supervisors overseeing the testing of the S.A.R. Rescue-Timer by the sea rescuers emphasized the importance of putting the watch through its paces in real-world conditions. Their instruction to the rescuers was direct: "There is one thing you as experienced seamen should not do in your rough everyday working life, however: take it easy on the S.A.R. Rescue-Timer in any way! So: put the watch through what you put yourself through!”
The partnership between Mühle-Glashütte and the DGzRS extends beyond the development of the S.A.R. Rescue-Timer. It's a close, ongoing collaboration marked by annual donations and support through special edition watches, with proceeds benefiting the work of the sea rescuers. Thilo Mühle, the current CEO and fifth-generation leader of the family business, is a full member of the DGzRS's decision-making body, highlighting the deep connection between the two organizations.
Courtesy of Mühle-Glashütte
The S.A.R. Rescue-Timer Nautical Blue, reference M1-41-02-MB-II, is not only a reliable timekeeping tool but also represents decades worth of history for the brand. The watch showcases the brands partnership with the German Maritime Search and Rescue Society. The timepiece is both incredibly functional for a sea rescue setting and stylish. The partnership of the two entities resulted in a long lasting and very reputable watch.
The Mühle-Glashütte S.A.R. Rescue-Timer Nautical Blue is priced at 2,250€, inclusive of all taxes. This price point reflects the watch's robust construction, high-quality materials, and the specialized features developed in collaboration with the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service. The watch is currently available, continuing the legacy of a model that has proven its worth in the demanding world of maritime rescue.
Case: Stainless steel. Ø 42.0 mm. Height 13.5 mm. Rubber bezel. Non-reflective sapphire glass. Screw-down crown. Water-resistant up to 100 bar.
Movement: Automatic. SW 200-1, version Mühle. Woodpecker neck regulation. Stop-second. Date quick correction. Power reserve up to 41 hours.
Dial: Nautical blue. Hands and indices covered with Super-LumiNova.
Strap: 20 mm. Metal bracelet with butterfly clasp.
Price: 2.250€ (All taxes included)
Reference Number: M1-41-02-MB-II
Notes: Developed in collaboration with the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS). Features a 4mm thick sapphire crystal with an internally ground magnifying lens for the date.