Watches in the Seiko Marinemaster collection make competent companions for professional divers. Top models can even withstand depths of 1,000 meters (100 bar, 3,281 ft). The workmanship is of the highest quality and on par with Swiss luxury watches.

By Chrono24

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An Extreme Diving Watch

Robust, versatile, and precise: Models in the Seiko Marinemaster collection are professional diving watches that are reliable even under extreme conditions. Top models from the series are water-resistant to 1,000 m (100 bar, 3,281 ft), making them ideal for professional divers. In 2014, the Marinemaster Professional 1000M plunged to 3,000 meters below sea level attached to the outside of an unmanned research vessel and was fully functional upon resurfacing.

These watches have massive cases, highly legible dials, bright luminous hands and indices, and a crown at 4 o'clock. The Japanese manufacturer uses high-precision “Spring Drive” movements or robust automatic calibers like the 8L35, which is widely considered to be particularly reliable and durable.

Particularly popular are the classic versions with black dial and bezel, such as references SBDX001, SBDX017, and their successor, ref. SLA021J1. These and some other Marinemaster variants have a monobloc case crafted from a single piece of steel. This design makes the watches suitable for professional saturation diving, as no helium molecules can penetrate the case.

Reasons to Buy a Seiko Marinemaster

Top models are water-resistant to 1,000 m (100 bar, 3,281 ft)
Robust diving watches suited to professional needs
Reliable, precise in-house caliber
Distinctive designs

Price Overview: Seiko Marinemaster

Marinemaster reference	Price (approx.)	Features
SLA015	5,940 USD	Limited edition (200 pieces), blue dial
SBDX012	5,800 USD	Limited edition (1,000 pieces)
SBDX013	3,600 USD	Black 52-mm case
SBDX017	3,600 USD	Black dial and bezel
SBDB011	3,470 USD	Spring Drive, power reserve indicator
SLA021J1	2,900 USD	Black dial and bezel
SBDX001	2,600 USD	Black dial and bezel

How much does a Seiko Marinemaster cost?

Prices for a like-new and unlimited edition of the Seiko Marinemaster range from around 2,600 USD for the popular ref. SBDX001 to over 5,600 USD for the limited-edition Marinemaster Professional 600 m Spring Drive with a titanium case. Special editions are particularly attractive to Seiko collectors and enthusiasts. In mid-2024, the Prospex Marinemaster 300M Limited Edition ref. SBDX012, limited to just 1,000 pieces, changed hands on Chrono24 for roughly 5,900 USD in mint condition.

Even rarer is the Marinemaster Professional 1000M Diver's Hi-Beat ref. SBEX001, limited to just 700 pieces. The special feature of this titanium watch is the in-house caliber 8L55 inside, which has a balance wheel that oscillates at a frequency of 36,000 vph. This watch will set you back about 9,200 USD in good condition. The ref. SLA015 with a blue dial is limited to 200 pieces. This version demands an investment of approximately 5,600 USD.

About the Seiko Marinemaster 300

Watches in the Seiko Marinemaster 300 series are an excellent entry-point into the Marinemaster collection. Visually, these timepieces, with their cushion-shaped, 44-mm stainless steel cases, and a crown at 4 o'clock, are reminiscent of the well-known and much-loved Seiko Sumo. The basic design of the bezel and dial with dot indices is very similar to that of a classic diving watch. Inside the timepiece, you'll find the high-quality in-house Seiko caliber 8L35, which boasts a 50-hour power reserve.

The Marinemaster 300 features an especially robust monobloc case, which can only be opened from the front. For the crystal, the Japanese manufacturer employs a proprietary material, Hardlex, which has a hardness between that of conventional mineral and sapphire crystals. The Marinemaster 300 is fitted with a three-link stainless steel bracelet. Seiko also includes a black rubber waffle strap.

The 2024 Marinemaster 300 ref. SLA021J1 costs around 2,900 USD in mint condition. If you opt for the predecessor ref. SBDX017, expect to pay around 3,600 USD. The original model of the Marinemaster 300 (ref. SBDX001) will set you back about 2,600 USD.

It is only in the details that the different references differ. For the SLA021J1, Seiko improved the finish of the case, bezel, and clasp, among other things.

Deep-Diver – The Marinemaster 1000M

If you need your diving watch to have more water resistance than 300 m (30 bar, 984 ft), take a look at the Marinemaster Professional 1000M. As its name suggests, this professional diving watch is water-resistant to 1,000 m (100 bar, 3,281 ft). This kind of water resistance calls for a massive, robust case: that’s why the Marinemaster 1000M ref. SBDX013 is 48 mm in diameter and 17 mm thick. The large case looks like a can of tuna, hence the nickname “Tuna.”

Even though the timepiece isn't exactly suited to everyday use, it enjoys immense popularity among Seiko fans. The SBDX013 has a titanium case with black titanium carbide plating, making it even more durable. The watch powered by the caliber 8L35, which also powers the Marinemaster 300M and boasts a power reserve of 50 hours. An unworn example of this watch will set you back about 3,600 USD.

If the overall black design isn't to your taste, the Marinemaster Professional 1000M with the reference number SBDX014 might be more your style. From a technical standpoint, this model is identical to the ref. SBDX013, but visually, its rose gold-plated components make the watch stand out. Plan to shell out about 3,900 USD for this edition.

Spring Drive & Second Time Zone

The Seiko Marinemaster model, reference number SBDB011, features Seiko's patented Spring Drive technology. The 45-mm titanium watch is powered by the caliber 5R66, which comes with a 72-hour power reserve and a second time zone.

The SBDB011 features a black bezel and dial, and the design is in keeping with the classic Seiko Marinemaster style. A sapphire crystal keeps water from entering the watch and damaging the dial and movement. You can tell whether the watch has Spring Drive technology by the corresponding inscription above 6 o'clock and the power reserve indicator at 8.

The three-link titanium bracelet comes with a fold-over safety clasp that allows for fine adjustments and a diving extension. You can call a mint condition model your own for approximately 3,500 USD on Chrono24.

Marinemaster 1965 Diver’s

Seiko introduced a total of three new Marinemaster variants at the end of 2023. The watches are a tribute to the 62MAS diving watch – Seiko's very first diver – launched in 1965. All three models have a 39.5-mm stainless steel case with a height of only 12.3 mm. This makes these three versions the thinnest Marinemaster models Seiko has in its lineup. The watches are water-resistant to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft). Inside, the in-house Seiko caliber 6L37 with a power reserve of 45 hours sets the pace. The watches come on a three-link stainless steel bracelet.

You can find the Marinemaster 1965 Diver's editions under the reference numbers SJE101, SJE099, and SJE097. The former is equipped with a black dial, while the dial of the SJE099 is silver-blue. Ref. SJE097 has a silver-white dial and is limited to 1,000 pieces. Regardless of the dial color, the Marinemaster 1965 Diver's will set you back about 2,750 USD.

Limited Seiko Marinemaster Models

The reference SBDX012 was released in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Seiko's Prospex collection and limited to just 1,000 pieces. The watch is essentially identical to the Marinemaster 300 ref. SBDX001 in terms of technology and design and is similarly powered by the caliber 8L35. The most noticeable differences are the gold accents on the watch's hands, indices, inscriptions, and diving scale. This watch changes hands on Chrono24 for roughly 5,900 USD in mint condition.

The Marinemaster ref. SBEX001 is water-resistant to 1,000 m (100 bar, 3,281 ft) and powered by the automatic Hi-Beat caliber 8L55. The dial and bezel are black, and the dial features the characteristic applied dot and bar indices. Atypical of Marinemaster models, the date display on this timepiece is located at 3 o’clock. The SBEX001 comes on a stainless steel bracelet and costs about 9,200 USD.

In terms of design, the Marinemaster SLA015 is probably the most unusual version in the line. It's the only Marinemaster to feature a turquoise-blue dial with a sunburst finish, and the collection's almost obligatory dot indices have been replaced by bar indices. The watch is powered by the automatic caliber 8L35 that powers refs. SBDX001 and SBDX017. The watch's monobloc case is water-resistant to 300 m (30 bar, 984 ft), and its three-link stainless steel bracelet is the same as that of the well-known standard editions. The SLA015 is limited to 200 pieces. The price: approximately 5,900 USD.

FAQS

Is the Seiko Marinemaster a good investment?

A Seiko Marinemaster is first and foremost a daily wearer. Unlimited production models are a good investment because they are extremely rugged and reliable. It is unlikely that there will be a significant increase in value here. On the other hand, they hold their value well, which means a reasonable resale may be possible. Limited and special editions, on the other hand, can appreciate over time. One example of this is ref. SBDX012, which (as of July 2024) had increased in value by nearly 60% over the past three years.