A few thoughts and impressions of the Seiko MarineMaster

[S.L]

<center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/Review%20pics/89ee6c43.jpg" border=6> </center>
</center>

This watch has been in my possesion for a little more than one week now and this is an attempt to summarize my impressions so far.

<b><u>First impressions</b></u>
<img src="http://bestsmileys.com/love1/1.gif">
A few years ago I decided that it was about time that I got myself a ?real? watch.
After many hours of research, mostly on the net, I thought that I had reached a decision: I would get myself a Rolex Seadweller.
But when I went to the local AD to try it on for the first time I discovered to my disappointment that the SD was smaller IRL than I had expected.
It was just not for me?

The Seiko MM hsa, like many other brands/models, borrowed design influence from the classic Sub/SD looks.
There are of course many differences between the MM and the SD, and size is probably the biggest one. In comparison the MM is, as stated previously, a SD on steroids.
Hence, a perfect watch for me

I had been thinking about the Seiko MM for quite some time but never ?pulled the trigger? mainly because I had not seen any for sale within the EU.
It is not a cheap watch and the risk of getting hit with duty and custom fees prevented me from buying one from Japan or a used one from USA where there seems to be quite a few up for sale from time to time.

But for a little over a week ago I was contacted by Sanjay (Sparmar1) who was planning to put his up for sale and wanted too see if I was interested.
The combination of a reputable seller from the forum and no risk of duty fees made it an easy decision indeed .

The MM arrived shortly thereafter and it has been a very nice acquaintance so far.
Here are a few impressions that I hope you might find interesting.

<b><u>Packaging</b></u>

It?s not very important to me personally how big and fancy the watchbox is.
But sure, a nice packaging is always a bonus, but I?d rather pay for the watch than the box.
This is how the MM was delivered,

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/e019310b.jpg"border=6>

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/7220dff0.jpg"border=6>

Apart from the watch itself on the ss bracelet, a rubber band and a spare clasp was included. Not sure if all MM?s come with a spare clasp but if they do, way to go Seiko!

<b>In summary:</b>
+ Adequate packaging
+ The included rubber strap and the extra clasp!

<b><u>Case, Bezel, Crystal</b></u>

The case is smooooth!
Shape and lines are beautifully finished, and like the Certina DS-3 a mix of brushed/polished surfaces.

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/21a57d3f.jpg" border=6>

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/Review%20pics/647e846e.jpg" border=6>

It is a big watch but not as huge as you might think before handling it in person.
Measurements are 14,6mm thick and 44mm diameter w/o crown.

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/Review%20pics/8b4202cd.jpg" border=6>

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/Review%20pics/2500e6b8.jpg" border=6>

The case is monocoque.

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/Review%20pics/de67dd04.jpg" border=6>

It has a large and easy to operate screw down crown.

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/Review%20pics/cb2dd61d.jpg" border=6>

Bezel is typical diver 0-60 unidirectional.
The shape makes it quite easy to grip and I find it is easy to read at a quick glance.
Numbers on the bezel are not lumed.

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/Review%20pics/4771d0d1.jpg" border=6>

The crystal is Seiko?s own Hardlex which is a mineral glass and thus cannot be polished.
There are many debates regarding pro?s and con?s of different crystals to be found on the net so I wont go into any more detail about it here, apart from stating that I would personally have preferred sapphire.
I?m not quite sure but I think the crystal is AR coated on both sides.
Again, this seems to be a hot topic for some but I have never experienced any problems with scratches on the outer AR coating on other watches that I?ve owned.
And, if it is scratched, it is fairly easy to polish away the entire outer AR coating.

<b>In summary:</b>
+ Case shape
+ Bezel design
+ AR coating
- Bezel moves a little to easy for my taste
- Crystal, would have preferred sapphire

<b><u>Dial, Hands</b></u>

The dial looks, as previously mentioned, a lot like the classic Sub/SD dial but now we are talking about a real ?Maxidial? .

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/Review%20pics/e17e1b86.jpg" border=6>

Seikos "Lumibrite" definately does the intended job!

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/2c56edf7.jpg" border=6>

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/Review%20pics/8a07d9b3.jpg" border=6>

A small detail is that the date disc is not really white but actually something a bit like brushed metal.
The lume indices are surrounded by polished metal. This looks good and it harmonizes well with the polished parts of the case.

Hands are large and has plenty of lume.
They have a brushed finish on top and polished edges.

<b>In summary:</b>
Dial and hands are near perfect IMO but if there is something to complain about it is that the hands are dangerously close to suffer from ?SHS? (Short Hand Syndrome).

<b><u>Movement</b></u>

The engine is the inhouse Seiko ?8L35?.
It can be hacked and wound manually.
If I have been correctly informed this movement can be found in some Grand Seikos, albeit with a much higher finish.

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/Review%20pics/ff7af32f.jpg" border=6>
<b> Borrowed pic courtesy of International Watch Works (IWW) </b>

My watch has been running at a stable +3 seconds/day the last week which is more very good in my book.

The date does not shift instantaneously, but starts moving at approimately 23.15 and completes the shift at midnight.

<b><u>Bracelet, Clasp, Diver extension</b></u>

Bracelet is 20mm and has a brushed finish apart from the outer part of the middle links.
It is held together with pins.

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/Review%20pics/3099e25f.jpg" border=6>

The middle links are also slightly higher than the outer. This gives some ?depth? to the bracelet when looking at it.

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/Review%20pics/cf0d54db.jpg" border=6>

The clasp and divers extension is a real treat!

Really nice and thick clasp,

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/Review%20pics/b42ac8ec.jpg" border=6>

From what I understand this clasp is the new and updated version, apparently there was some problem with the old version (hich was of a lighter colour).

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/Review%20pics/2951900b.jpg" border=6>

The diver extension is released by opening the clasp to the maximum, this pushes down a pin and releases the extension.

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/Review%20pics/5ecaa748.jpg" border=6>

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/Review%20pics/14ccb5ed.jpg" border=6>

<b>In summary:</b>
+ Bracelet seems to be very solid and the brushed/polished combo looks really good
+ Thick and sturdy clasp
+ Smart and extremely adjustable divers extension
- Pins instead of screws makes the bracelet a bit tricky to re-size
- For a watch of this dimension I would have preferred a 22mm bracelet width


<b><u>A few comparison pics</b></u>

Here are a few comparison pics that might be of help in order to get a feeling about the size of the MM.

In mixed company:

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/Review%20pics/a712acad.jpg" border=6>

Alongside Dreadnought:

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/Review%20pics/543febba.jpg" border=6>

Alongside Ploprof:

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/Review%20pics/6ecc5d74.jpg" border=6>

Between Dreadnought and Marathon SAR:

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/Review%20pics/ba005b40.jpg" border=6>

On the wrist next to the SAR:
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/85da97a3.jpg" border=6>

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/42aabef2.jpg" border=6>

Link and thickness compared to the SAR:

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/81426b27.jpg" border=6>

Compared to a Tissot Seastar:

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/1a403c31.jpg" border=6>

In summary I?m extremely glad that I got the opportunity to buy this watch.

One potential downside is that you have to ship this watch to Japan for authorised service if needed.
However, I read a price quote for this recently on a swedish watch forum and the cost incl. shipping was no worse than taking a IWC AT or a Breitling/Omega for a service at a local AD here in Sweden.
Dont have the exact amount though.

I understand and respect the reluctancy that many might have before departing with a considerable amount of money for ?a Seiko?.
But for those who are thinking about it I recommend you to try it out for yourself!
My guess is that you will be positively surprised for how much quality you get for the money.

In terms of quality I hold the MM at the least on par with the Breitlings I have owned.
I would say that this watch is a worthy opponent/alternative to the Superocean and the Omega Planet Ocean.

There is probably a ton of things I have forgotten in this first attempt of a review, let me know if you have any questions!

Thanks for looking.

/Stefan

<center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v197/stampe/Seiko%20MarineMaster/9b9c21c6.jpg" border=6><center>

[rfrazier]

Informative review! Thanks.

Best wishes,
Bob

[Gert]

I agree with Bob, jätte bra, Stefan

Regarding the bezel insert on this handsome watch: It looks a little shiny. Is it a regular Aluminium insert, or something special?

Cheers,
Gert

[Neil.C]

Very good review Stefan.

Apparently Seiko replaced the clasp but why the different colour?

Looks very odd.

[Mrcrowley]

Great Sefan.

I had a Landmaster a while back. Great watch but it eventually had to go. I look at these & think mmmmmm. However still not got round to it.

[sparmar1]

Super review of an amazing watch Stefan I would agree that it is the equal of an Omega or Breitling...to be fair the quality is easily as good as my Sea Dweller too!!

Whilst I sold this one because I thought it was too similar to my incoming 600M SD, it really is very different in many ways and worthy of comparisom alongside it's bigger brother. I will be getting another when funds allow.....

I like the Japanese way of doing things, their culture, their cars (some of them anyway, S2000!!!!), and the absolute sense of quality that is imbued in most of their products, the MM is like that, it really is a very special watch.

Great pics too Stefan, I'm glad you are enjoying it
Sanjay

[S.L]

Thanks for the feedback guys, much appreciated!

... Regarding the bezel insert on this handsome watch: It looks a little shiny. Is it a regular Aluminium insert, or something special?

Not sure, your guess is as good as mine I'm afraid.

... Apparently Seiko replaced the clasp but why the different colour??

One theory is that the clasp is titanium and maybe this model has been updated with a similar clasp and divers extension as the new 600M SD MM?
I've seen pics of older MM's that had a different extension also.
Sanjay, what's your thought on this since you have experience of both watches?

/Stefan

[sparmar1]

Stefan,

To be honest with you, the clasp looked similar in colour to the bracelet from memory, but on the underside it will tell you what it's made of, the 600M is Titanium + St.Steel and I think the MM was just Stainless Steel. I would have thought the outer part of my clasp is the Ti with the diver's extenson being Steel.

HTH,
Sanjay

[S.L]

... but on the underside it will tell you what it's made of...

Of course you are correct, it is SS.
My mind dont work so fast today, it was a good party last night .

Cheers
/Stefan

[Chisholm]

Excellent review of a "bruiser" of a watch. I would love one but can't afford it, so I have to make do with three much cheaper "bruisers" of my own!




Cheers,
Martin

[Crusader]

Great review, Stefan, of a great watch.

Oh, and Martin: don't feel bad or inferior about the OM ... I had the opportunity to see one at the recent WUS-WIS meeting, and next to the Tissot PRS-516, it wa sthe watch which surprised me most - despite the grooves on bezel and case. It is a winner of a design, both in lines and colors.

[S.L]

The MM is no longer with me .
But since a few people seem to find their way to this post every now and then I thought I'd update it with various pics taken after my original post.

Hopefully they can add value for someone still on the fence regarding this watch.



























/Stefan

[redmond]

stefan thanks for the pics