There are watches that do more than just tell time: they tell stories. For professional diving enthusiasts, the Marinemaster name is one of those symbols that evokes subsurface adventures, absolute reliability, and an unparalleled technical heritage. Born in 2000 with the reference SBDX001, this timepiece was the epitome of Seiko craftsmanship, ready to withstand the most extreme conditions. After a hiatus and a more compact version in 2023, the Marinemaster returns in 2024 in dazzling form, closer than ever to its origins.

A box that commands respect

The new SLA077 and SLA079 references echo the bold character of the first Marinemaster and the legendary Seiko diver's watch from 1968. The steel case measures 42.6 mm in diameter and 13.4 mm thick, with a 49.3 mm lug width: numbers that lend a bold presence on the wrist without being overly bulky. The unidirectional black steel bezel, with a 60-minute scale and LumiBrite bead at 12 o'clock, is ready for serious diving. And, of course, the screw-down crown is in its traditional place at 4 o'clock, where it remains protected and convenient to use.

Water resistance reaches 300 meters , with a double-domed sapphire crystal and internal anti-reflective treatment for maximum readability. The combination of brushed and polished surfaces, combined with the scratch-resistant coating, gives a touch of refined robustness.

Two dials, two personalities

The SLA077 features a clean and elegant white dial, while the SLA079 offers a textured matte black with a technical look. In both cases, the large applied LumiBrite-filled indexes ensure exceptional visibility, even in the deep. The hands, also luminescent, are flanked by the classic “lollipop” seconds hand, while the date window, positioned between 4 and 5 o'clock, perfectly complements the dial color.

Comfort and attention to detail

The five-link steel bracelet deserves special mention: its compact links and quality finishing balance the watch impeccably. The folding clasp with safety lock, micro-adjustment, and diving extension proves that nothing is left to chance here.

The beating heart: more precise than declared

Inside beats the Seiko 8L35 automatic caliber , with 26 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and approximately 50 hours of power reserve . Officially, the declared accuracy is +15/-10 seconds per day. But anyone who has had the opportunity to test these movements knows well that, in practice, they perform much better: it is not uncommon to see them oscillate within a few seconds per day, performance worthy of chronometer-certified watches. This reliability demonstrates how Seiko prefers to declare conservative values rather than over-promising.

Price and final considerations

Priced at € 2,950 , the new SLA077 and SLA079 are much more than an update: they are a return to the true soul of the Marinemaster. The aesthetic recalls Seiko classics like the 6159-7001, while the construction and precision of the movement make them ideal companions for those seeking a professional diver's watch with the soul of an everyday watch.

The Marinemaster isn't just a watch. It's a piece of dive watchmaking history that, today more than ever, continues to thrive.

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