Is the Seiko SLA023 Marinemaster worth 3400€ ??? | Review
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- The Seiko Marinemaster is one of the brand's most iconic modern pieces but is the Seiko SLA023 worth 3400 €? A question I kept asking myself ever since it was released. If you are considering getting yourself a Seiko Marinemaster but you're not quite sure whether it's worth the hefty price tag of a Tudor Black Bay then you should watch this video until the end.
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Newer models have the index at 3 because lume a all minutes is required for the most recent update to the ISO certification. The watch in this video would only pass ISO certification for a previous version of the spec because there is no lume at 3:00.
I see. Thank you very much for letting us know.
Hmm, i was wondered why that was. Thanks for clarifying. I have the MM300 without the lume at 3oclock, and saw another mm300 with the 3oclock lume. I started to think, is my watch a fake because it doesnt have the 3oclock lume!?
@@c2pascual Interesting
It is a unique watch. Have a high beat version of it. Gorgeous watch. I wear it on a bright orange dassari rubber strap. It is easy to get lost in that dial.
I may have it regulated because it runs a bit fast.
I have a few divers with the 8L35 movements. -2,-2-4 seconds a day. Can't complain about those.
I think if you can get a marine master for less than retail, great value for a truly unique diver.
At 3 o clock there is tha Date! Not lume!
As a proud owner of the SBDX001 i can say it worth the cost for the long run. A beatiful watch.
I wore my Marine Master (Seigaiha blue one) very hard for over a year. I worked a blue collar job, doing IT rack and stack installs all day, sometimes 50+ hours per week, and guess what? Not even a scratch on the thing. Its a hard wearing watch that can go toe to toe with the best from other brands. Unlike cheap Seikos, it also has an excellent movement, never had any problems with time-keeping either. 10/10 recommend.
Agree. It's an exceptional watch in every way.
I have the sla047 had it just over a year and I love it, still looks just as good as the day I brought it. life time keeper for sure!.
MM300 worths every penny. I have mine (SLA021) for nearly 4 years now. It is a keeper without a single doubt.
Exactly how I feel about it.
Is the SLA021 discontinued, or still in production?
I've heard rumours that it's discontinued, but nothing official.
@@lockhandle8276 You can still buy it.
@@inspector1973 thank you so much for your time. I have one other question. Where did you buy your SLA021 from? And where should I buy it from, if Seiko has no authorised dealers in my country? Is Chrono24 a good website for this?
A fabulous, classy watch. I had one 18 years ago, the first version that had 'Marinemaster' on the dial. Wish I had never sold it.
They should've never removed the "marinemaster" from the dial.
Get that model back, u only live once. Enjoy it
@@TheBoldHairspring true
Great video. Have it for almost 2 years. Also had two Tudors. The finishing is just great. The Tudor, especially when you look between the lugs, looks a little bit unfinished compared to the MM. the longer you’ll own the MM the more you’ll love it
Thank you! After 3 months I already like it more than almost any watch I own. There's just something very cool about it.
I had some hands on time a few weeks ago with this one.
I liked it but when I compared it with my Sumo and then considered the price I struggled to love it.
But I also know that having it on wrist longer term is very different to a few minutes in hand.
Great video as always.
Thanks James! I completely understand that people struggle to justify the price of it. For two years I felt the same but now that I finally got it, I'm glad I did. By the way my Helm Khuraburi is arriving soon. I've watched your video about it a couple of times already. It's a re-buy for me but still very excited.
The sumo its so close with MM300 ...my opinion..and so more cheap
I've had my SLA023 for about 5 months and I definitely think it's worth it. The model goes back over 50 years. The monobloc case and depth to the dial make it a undeniably unique design. The polishing 8hz beat rate and ceramic bezel definitely set it apart from my other Seikos... Although in the wild the features are not that hard to come by. The value is relative - its the expensive house on a modest street. If you compare it to more expensive watches it becomes more compelling. Also you should be able to find a good discount at retail on this one or the SLA021.
Exacly! The more I own it the more I like it. It's hard to explain to people but it's a phenomenal watch.
Seiko has been making watches for over one hundred years, and are one of the original true horological manufactures with real dive watch pedigree.
Seiko 100% has parity with Omega and Rolex in the dive watch arena, and I trust a Seiko diver (let alone a flagship model of theirs like the MM300) to every meter of its depth rating. If anything they have been proven to overperform and hold up beyond their depth rating (can search videos of Tuna models going way deeper than their rating).
And with incorporating the heritage of Japanese craftsmanship, many upmarket Seiko models including the MM300’s have finishing that punches well above their pricetag.
I’ve owned the brand for 15+ years now and I’m still enamored with them. It’s less common nowadays but you used to hear people say, who were only familiar with Seiko mall quartz watches, “yeah, but it’s just a Seiko.”
Well, that’s exactly why I own about 20 of them. “It’s just a Seiko” is exactly right, it’s just a spectacular watch with pedigree and passion.
I own an SBDX017 which was my personal favorite MM300 model, and I just picked up the SLA023 now that they’ve been discontinued. Iconic Seiko models, all.
That seconds hand, when you see it can't be unseen, the difference in finishing is something very apparent
It'll get better over time...trust me
Once you're past 50 years or so your eyes won't be able to notice anymore :)
I really really like the quality of your videos. The color and aspect ratio is very true to life and you also make astute points because you own the watch.
Thank you Chris! I really appreciate it. As I said DM me on Instagram anytime if there's anything I can help you with.
The 023 has always been my favorite of the mm300’s too. And call me crazy, but Seiko is much more interesting of a brand to me than Grand Seiko.
Holy shit. Placing the folding part of the clasp in the middle of the wrist was a game changer tip! Thanks for that!
Hi Bruno! You're welcome. Glad that it helped you 😊
I totally agree with you about this watch, she is an absolutely beauty!!!
I have a black one myself and it is the favorite of my collection!
If it weren't so precious, I wouldn't wear any other watch!
The more I own it, the more I like it, and owning has made me sell quite I few watches that I don't wear often xd
The marinemaster is a great watch. I compared for two month watches in that price range and the seiko turned out best for the money (for me). The watch is shiny, heavy and all in all a fat Lady. I got scratches on mine but they make her more likeable after you get Use to it. A dissantvantige is, that they get rated way under their price from people with less knowledge but i can live with that
I love the bracelet! Top quality build and finishing. It perfectly balances the watch and brings the asthenic down from a full tool to an elegant superb diver. I feel that it almost mutes the visual intrigue of the case and allow one to focus on the bezel and dial. I love it!
Got this one as well as the SLA021. Very well made watches.
Absolutely 💪🏻
I bought a crafter blue rubber strap for my skx a while back and the rubber split at the buckle after a couple of months. They did replace it but with no warranty on the replacement.
Hopefully the replacement you got will last longer. I'll give them a try next year.
Seiko watches always look solid IMO.
They sure do 💪🏻
I love the Seiko MM’s. Such an interesting look which is rugged and beautiful at the same time. There really isn’t anything else like it. And that lume is otherworldly good. Nice review!
Couldn't agree more. Thanks for watching!
get the crafter blue strap for this one - best strap by far, way better than hard oem rubber strap it comes with and looks way better than a strapcode steel jubilee
why? 1. the taper completely corrects the watch from looking too tall which is an issue with either oem strap it comes with 2. with the colour contrast it makes it look like an original 60s seiko on a tropic or a speed master on a leather strap - it just makes it look iconic
Hi! Thanks for the feedback on the crafter blue. I'll definitely grab one as this watch is keeper. The blue/orange is a very nice colour combination for sure.
@@TheBoldHairspring nice one that colour combo should look awesome- i’ve got CB in orange for SKX and in black for MM300 - tempted to get the orange for MM also
I agree with your perfect review completely! I own SBDX001, SBDX009 and SLA023. I will probably also buy a SLA021 black dial.
I'd love to see an sbdx009 in person. Such an interesting watch. Have you had it for a long time?
@@TheBoldHairspring Since 2007.....
SLA023 is discontinued now. so grab it when you can. I got mine, when I ran into one in Paris last year, so I pull the trigger. Love it. It's awesome on leather too.
I had no idea it's discontinued. Thanks for letting me know. It's good I didn't wait more to get it.
I have mine ( SLA047) limited edition, and I bought a strap CRAFT BLUE for my watch, but I had difficulty getting the color I chose, which is yellow, because it is a limited edition for the year 2019, and I felt very happy because I found one new piece on eBay, I have been wearing it on my watch for 3 months now, and I have not changed it because it is very comfortable and of high quality It significantly reduces the weight of the watch, I highly recommend it to have it, and you will notice the difference directly
Thanks for the crafter blue feedback. I'll get the orange one for this spring. The sla047 is a beauty 👌🏻🔥
@@TheBoldHairspring 👍🏼👍🏼
@@TheBoldHairspring it will be matching with your watch
Well after trying on both recently i decided on a sinn104. Couldnt be happier.
Fantastic watch! Enjoy it.
Very nice video I hav sla 021 black dial absolutely love it the blue sla 023 is also beautiful
Yeah, they're all nice. How long have you had yours?
Bought mine mint boxed papers pre loved for £1,500. Love it. Cheers
Could you please do a more in-depth comparison of the MM300 and the Planet Ocean?
I haven't planned such video yet but please chat to me on Instagram and ask me anything you would like to know 👍🏻
Its work very well at 500 m on saturation diver. It has been test. Why not worth? Any tudor had been tested?
They discontinued mm300, hold onto it!
I would take the Seiko Marinemaster in a heartbeat every time over any Tudor Black Bay model. The Seiko Marinemaster vs a Pelagos is a more interesting comparison.
This and the Black Bay are the two watches I’m debating between when deciding on a next purchase. The Seiko has been a halo watch for a while now, though I already own an Orange Monster and the Marinemaster Tuna. Would appreciate your thoughts on the wearing experience of the MM300 and the Black Bay - how do they compare to each other?
That's a tough one. The Tudor feels more comfortable on the wrist, it's better balanced and while I'm not an expert by any means, I believe the Tudor movement is superior. It's more accurate and it has more power reserve. It also feels more refined when you screw/unscrew the crown, set the time etc. However, going for the Tudor won't make you stop thinking about the MM300. There's just something about it that makes it special and you'll eventually end up having both even if it takes a long time. Even though I feel like the Tudor is the better watch if you put a gun on my head and tell me to keep just one I wouldn't be able to pick. In terms of finsihing and build quality I'd say both are on par but as I said the Tudor feels a bit more refined. Hehe sorry I can't be of much help here.
@@TheBoldHairspring Thank you for the response! I was wondering if that would be the case, they’re each such great watches, it does seem from my experience that the Seiko, even the more expensive are still “an instrument” and may have less visceral appeal.
By the way, I’m also an educator, in our secondary system - ages 18 and older. My watch collection is much smaller but I definitely get that “special watch” for the day, though the Orange Monster has been my go to watch for the past 11 years.
It's worth remembering that both of these watches have big kudos in the watch collecting world and whilst one is "just a Seiko' the other is "just a Tudor". Neither brand registers much with the general public.
@@adamski101For sure - aside from Casio squares in high school and college I’ve only ever worn Seiko automatics. It was interesting to see this comparison as I’ve pretty much set the MM 300 as my next watch, and second hand Black Bay 41s are in a similar price range. It might be nice to break up my Seiko collection with a Tudor, but I do like Seiko a lot.
Looks good but a hard sell at that price IMO.
great review!do you have ever problem with lume triangle?because i see many watches has problem there!
Hi, I've seen people having this problem on the Tudor BB but never on the Marinemaster. Mine is fine on both. For now ...😅
@@TheBoldHairspring you believe it's deserve the money? I have seiko blumo and i am thinking to sell it and go for seiko sla023
For me it's well worth the money. I absolutely love this watch. I had the seiko zimbe 12, but it didn't give me the same satisfaction.
By the way, you have a very interesting channel!🙃
Thanks! I'm really glad to know you enjoy my content :))
jeez 3400 euros? I got mine for $2300 USD shipped and after taxes brand new directly from Seiko Taiwan over 3 years ago. Around 2 grand is worth it. Over 3 grand is definitely not worth it in my opinion. I can get a Grand Seiko or an LX titanium spring drive for that price.
Yeah, that's the retail price. Europe's VAT is too high. The LX is even more expensive...
Gosh, over 220g? Damn heavy. Personally I don't think it's worth spending that much money. I think they should use Titanium instead to cut down on those crazy weight.
It's for real men.
Hi, what's your opinion on the Seiko Solar diver 200m.
Thanks
Hi Stephen, which model are we talking about exactly? SNE569P1?
Hi ,
SNE591P1
I showed the night vision version here on the channel. It's better than I expected. Nice size, good lume and solar movement but the bracelet leaves a bit to be desired. Hollow endlinks and stamped clasp.
@@TheBoldHairspring
OK thanks for your opinion
Even every noob knows that mm300 is the best ever diving watch while Rolex Sub is the best ever skin diver!
i'd rather save some more and get one of the LX Seikos .. those are cRRazy divers ..
The LX costs almost twice as much. I agree though, it's a total beast of a dive watch.
Not worth it, not even close. The prices should have been 2400 tops. Why?
-bracelet is trash, the links are held by pins, and not screws
-clasp is atrocius and is probably stamped, not milled and that diver extension is... pure trash
-the entire case is monoblock, it does not have a screwed caseback, so the only way to reach the movement is by front, take down the bezel, the crystal, the dial, etc..
-despite having the 8L35 movement, same as GS 9s55 movement si regulated from the factory to run -10/+15 sec a day.. wtf?? why would I pay 3.5k and have a deviation of over +10 seconds a day
-after 4-5 years if the watch needs the movement to be overhauled, you need to send it to Japan
So yeah... probably not even worth 2400, maybe 2000 or less
All wrong.
1- Pins and collars are way more secure. Patek use that.
2- Best clasp in the market by a mile from a diver perspective.
3- Monoblock case is what makes this model so unique.
4- Seiko is always conservative about accuracy. I've had ten watches with the 8L and all were between 0 and +6 sec/day.
5- Seiko watches are tough. The service interval can be 10 years.
Lovely watch but at 3000 euros +5 sec a day is not as accurate as it should be. A bit more time regulating it would have been a good thing. Thanks
It’s an automatic watch. +5 secs a day is within COSC specification and is perfectly acceptable. If you want better accuracy then I’d say automatic watches are not for you.
Wrong. Example : Master Chronometer from Omega is 0 to +5sec.
Good watch, no doubt. But that clasp, bracelet & diver's extension must go. So cheap.
The diver's extension is excellent. So many diving watches don't have on the fly adjustment and it's totally necessary for me.
No, it’s not.
In fact, it's quite a bargain.
Absolutely not
In fact, it's quite a bargain.
I am sorry but it is not worth that amount. Sieko has a long way to go to break their market position. They are known for the "We are everything to everyone brand." plus they have Grand Sieko.
Do you say it's not worth it just because it's a Seiko?
Do you own one? Have you worn one? Or are you simply making that statement based on this video or the specs or what? This watch is an absolute beauty. The quality is amazing and it is absolutely worth the money in my opinion. I own this watch and can attest to its beauty in all lights and also the quality. One thing I don’t like is that Seiko did not regulate this 8L35 movement. Mine runs at +8 secs, which is still within its spec but not great. You can get it regulated and can then expect +/- 2 secs. PS. I got mine brand new shipped from Japan for €2,150. For that price, this watch is well worth it.
Pins n collar? Dude… you got fleeced.
Some Patek watches use pins and collars, it is actually more secure.
I also consider pins and collar more secure and easier to deal with.
Lol dude you are the one got got fleeced and sweet talked into. Do some research
Screws work loose over time and when you tighten them they show screwdriver marks. Pins and collars are invisible and 100% secure. They are fit and forget.
Way more secure than screws.