SEIKO BRINGS THE MARINEMASTER TO LIFE

Posted by lifata on December 6th, 2023

For some time now, the Japanese manufacturer has been reintroducing more vintage models like the 62MAS or the SLA into its catalog. In this same spirit, Seiko is bringing the Marinemaster back to life through three new references: a version with a blue dial (SJE099), a black version (SJE101) and an anniversary version in silver (SJE097) limited to 1,000 pieces.

The Marinemaster range was launched in 2000 under the reference SBDX001. The one-piece construction of its case helped to make this fake watch special, without forgetting its 44mm diameter and 14.6mm thickness. It was an imposing watch and a daring choice in view of the other more sober and discreet divers of the 1990s. The 2018 version, reference SBDX017, used the same codes for a result very appreciated by fans of the brand. The new version of the Marinemaster that interests us today presents a redesigned case design where we can easily identify elements of the original model such as the facets on the lugs as well as more straightforward and angular elements such as the profile of the case. the 62MAS.

The dial is the innovative element of this new edition, textured with horizontal lines and two distinct thicknesses, giving it a playful ability to play with light. For comparison, another dial comes to mind: that of the Omega Aqua Terra, but its finer, frank and uniform lines give it a more serious style than the Seiko Marinemaster. The size has also been reworked with a diameter of 39.5mm and a thickness of 12.3mm, much more versatile than previous versions. This is due to the addition of a new movement, the caliber 6L37, thinner and more precise (-10/+15 seconds per day) and above all observable through the sapphire crystal case back, a great novelty for the range . The three models each have unidirectional bezels which match the color code of the dial, with a lacquered coating for the blue and black versions, then in steel for the silver anniversary version.

Finally, the new bracelet completes the look of this new diver with a brushed finish for the outer links, then polished and brushed for the central links, thus discreetly playing with the light. The folding clasp is push-button activated and has a diving extension. Note that the case and bracelet have DiaShield coating which protects them from scratches. A nice little “detail”. Thus, the Japanese house offers us a subtle marriage between the 62MAS and the Marinemaster Professional. A task not necessarily easy but very interesting between two iconic models adored by the brand's fans.