A seal assembly seals a first portion of a machine part relative to a second portion of the machine part. The seal assembly includes at least one seal element that contacts the machine part or contacts a component connected with the machine part or that extends with a gap relative to the machine part or to the component connected with the machine part. At least one of the seal element, the machine part and the component connected with the machine part is provided or coated with a material, which has super hydrophobic properties, in the area of the seal element.