NOT a 'Marinemaster' but still good - Seiko SJE119

[@History_Camel]

I own the SJE101j1, basically the black or “dark water” version. And honestly it’s the nicest dive watch I own. Even though it’s pretty pricey for a Seiko I like it better than my Tudor’s and omega that are significantly more expensive

[@BruceWilliams]

When a Seiko hits right, its really powerful

[@satchelofdoom1564]

People don’t seem to like this watch, I have the sje101 and I wouldn’t want any other watch right now. This is great watch and showcases some of the ways Seiko are offering different options to the customer. It’s a proper modernisation of a classic design, not many others do that as well as this. It is small, in combination with the finishing it is super classy, super comfortable and fits incredibly well. The display back works, the slight extra grip of the sapphire against the skin, with the smaller case means you can wear the bracelet slightly looser than other non display cases. It sits perfectly without sliding down. It means I don’t ever consider adjusting the bracelet when my wrist changes with temperature etc. It means I don’t care about the lack of quick adjust or extra micro adjustment. The movement is a compact model - yet more progress by Seiko in recent years, the watch sits thinner on the wrist than most quartz movements do. It’s plenty accurate and could be regulated for more accuracy. Seiko are showing something a little different from the norm in this watch, a level of design and refinement you don’t often see. In short this watch deserves the marine master name, it’s a step above most Seiko watches.

[@flhxri]

I am not buying another seiko until they give us a good bracelet

[@DarrenBates]

I really don't mind Seiko bracelets. I think the hate they get is a bit overstated.

[@kenharney8665]

Agreed and with on the fly adjustment! Nonsense not having them as standard now. Once you've owned a watch with on the fly is a must

[@LeeePowers]

I think this is where Seiko gets cheapo. I agree the on the fly adjustment is a must. If the MM300 clasp didn't cost so much,I'd put one on my Turtle and MM200,each.

[@kcb55]

The bracelet on this is actually really good. It's as nice as the 3 tudors I own. The clasp lets it down though.

[@Libertà_sulla_vita]

Lol good luck with that my friend 😂

[@rowsefIUSM]

Great release by Seiko. Really nice finishing and dimensions. Offers a different wearing experience than my other seikos (Willard, SLA055). Not as well finished as an SLA but definitely a step up from the regular SPB Prospex watches. At $2800 a tough sell, but under $2k, stacks up favorably with any other offering out there at the moment.

[@jeffreyalbarandorivera8595]

8L35 movements on seiko divers gives seiko a special appeal as compared to a same engineering of 4Rs ..

[@BruceWilliams]

I love the 8L35. Have it in my Uemura

[@jimmytompkins7750]

As a 23 year old just getting into luxury watches, the SJE 101 was my first big purchase and I love it. Right on the money - I think Seiko is thinking about the next generation of watch lovers

[@BruceWilliams]

I think they are too

[@MrZanzibar123]

That Uemura looks amazing.

[@BruceWilliams]

It is so good!

[@timmcdonald5335]

It has similar dimensions to the pre 2010 Rolex submariner which was a great size and weight. This Seiko has better finishing and better lume so this could be a great alternative to the Rolex.

[@ralami6183]

Plenty of jumbo Seikos to choose from. Glad they went in a different direction with this one.

[@UTOOOOOOOY]

Just got the SJE101 (Black version) I prefer it over this blue one, it just looks so clean, but I can see a world where I'd pick this version up, it looks amazing like all the other version.

[@JimLecinski]

interesting to read all the carping here from non-owners, and folks who've never handled this watch. but then read the comments from sje101 owners here and notice how much they really like it. count me in that camp, my sje101 on a black sailcloth is favorite dive watch I've owned in a long time. and remember they sell for less than MSRP and will be more accurate than the stated spec.

[@wadgod466]

bought 2 watches from Exquisite Time Pieces, Graham was my salesperson. Amazing experience I just ordered a GS from them lol

[@BruceWilliams]

Top notch AD. I work with Joe

[@spirolinardakis5374]

I think people are getting way too caught up on the whole iTs nOt a rEaL Marine master, watches evolve. The new SLAs aren’t proper marine masters either then, as Marine Master was always with as there is no monocoque case. They’re no different to the SLA line that has been out for ages, that aren’t marine masters.

[@wimbraber944]

And why an Omega style bracelet?

[@Not-a-bot222]

Die hard Eiko fan here. I only own Seiko and Grand Seiko. I like this release, the original marine master branding was NOT on a 6215/5159 case design. So the point is moot. This a continuation and update on a 60 year old design. Place a 2024 submariner next to a 1953. It will obvious the relation but incredibly different, this the same vein, just an update.

[@robertguy1772]

I have a 25 year old orange face, my most loved watch ever, one thing, 5 to 15 seconds a day loss in my opinion is not acceptable at all, The cost to refurb is not what I figure is worth it, just buy a new one, but to still have a time loss, wow.

[@Kingofgoodtimes.]

Preowned prices on the 200 have come down. Snagged one for 1650

[@hammalamiri12]

Preowned prices on any watch has come down. You can get Omega or IWC or Breitling in perfect conditions for 40% off here

[@evh4611]

I would to get the new Marinemaster 300 in black. But not at retail.

[@jerryglasses]

The stated accuracy similar to an ETA/selita. Which is what you get in this price range. Ive owned dozens of 4r, 6r, 8r, 2824, and Selitas and they all performed comparably. Ive had a PM80.811 and a Selita blow up after taking a knock. I think theres a bit of an online echo chamber

[@BruceWilliams]

I've owned dozens of them too. I still like good specs though lol

[@marck5893]

Love it. But too expensive. Also their accuracy numbers are usually off. They tend to be a lot more accurate as long as it is nog the 6R movement. They should market them more accurate because they usually are. But even then it is to close to blackbay 58 money.

[@off-roadingcars]

What do you think of the spring drive Seiko LX diver? I feel like that’s a Marinemaster

[@chia-mingyang5804]

All actually owners in the comment section like it, which is definitely a good sign. I was not a fan of them in the beginning but I have to admit they look better and better gradually.

[@garyshepherd9226]

I have both the blue limited edition Uemura and the grey one - both accurate with the 8L35 movement - and this is the movement to go with.

[@GapBahnDirk]

It's a faux marine Master! I could not agree more about the original classic 300m Marine Master. I have a SBDX001 and an SLA023.

[@evh4611]

Can you review the SLA079?

[@fabricea7704]

200m WR for a Marinemaster? What a joke! I like it when you say Uemura instead of Willard. I own a Sbdx017, I like that "manly" look. The new MM300s are closer than this tiny, overpriced watch, in my opinion. 👋🇫🇷

[@JamesandRibble]

Great review, especially regarding its size, and more importantly, how the size actually feels.

[@thenotanclan]

That’s what your mum said

[@ferds001]

@@thenotanclanare you 10?

[@JamesandRibble]

@@thenotanclan very good, that made me laugh re-reading my comment

[@thenotanclan]

@@ferds001 inches? Yes sir - I absolutely am - thanks for asking

[@valhallaoutfitter]

Got my SJE 117 new never worn for a DEEP discount so am happy... wouldn't pay retail. Running +6 spd, so it is better than advertised. Bezel is fine, don't hate the date as much as I though I would and the bracelet is comfortable. A little heavy on the bling for me (for a diver anyway) particularly on the bracelet (thats why I abandoned the Omega heritage 300 to go back to a PO; which also has some bling). My SPB 451 has a more tool watch vibe. One interesting thing on the MM200 is that every surface changes tone/hue as light moves over it. I like the dial face, the planking is kind of like cubist waves or something.... all in all I am satisfied, but--again--I paid well under retail. Let's face it, not everone wants a chonky 45mm diver and I can see why Seiko is using the Marinemaster name to denote upscale... easier for a narrative than SJE vs SPB vs ETC.

[@shamunahmed7587]

The new MM300 is quite nice, though. Love the black one. Although never outshining the OG.

[@Libertà_sulla_vita]

The movement looks nice. Sucks they can't get the +/- specs a little tighter. I wish it was a 40 or 41mm. I have a large wrist though. 39 is just too small for my wrist. One reason I traded in my Ranger for a Blackbay.

[@bootneck4514]

I've had 4 6L movements now and they all perform within COSC, baffles me why Seiko don't stand by this in the warranty.

[@khronokraze]

Wasn't a fan when these came out. Still not. But, I recognize there are some nice aspects about them and have loosened up and warmed up to them a bit. But, wouldn't buy one. I don't like the dial texture for one thing. And, there are still alignment issues even at this price point. Not surprising. Btw, the 6L is basically a slimmed down 8L. If you look at official Seiko servicing prices, you'll find 8L/6L together. Anyways, I much prefer the new mm300 that got released about a month or so ago. Have one now and you teased it in this video. Got the same SLA077 and love it. May be the most affordable and least expensive (new) mm300 of the 6159-7001 design origin. Have to check for alignment issues as I did experience some at the AD and picked the best of the small lot they had. Otherwise, it's pretty damn nice. And, running a fairly consistent +1.3 s/d with its 8L35.

[@rayestefania3725]

Bruce, when are you going to review the new SLA079 and SLA077?

[@BruceWilliams]

I am reviewing the 077 now. Likely edited and posted within 2 weeks

[@rayestefania3725]

@@BruceWilliams Great! I'm considering buying one of these so interested to see what you think. They seem to me to be an improvement over the SJE model.

[@g-mangregg5029]

I’m a huge Seiko fan. This is not a Marine Master. The real MM300 has an 8L35 Grans Seiko movement in it. My MM300 is running +/- 2 seconds per day. It saddens me that Seiko is no longer as competitive as they once were. Exquisite is great and I have made a few last purchases from them.

[@pk1342]

Umm they just released an mm300 with 8l35 for cheaper than this watch...

[@Joe-xo3xy]

@Bruce I am not taking shots at you but this MarineMaster bracelet does not look sturdy, I agree with you but in my opinion, it is in the same context as the new bracelet on the 3861 Moonwatch.; it is meant to be comfy but it looks like they (Omega) cut some costs there and repackaged the bracelet as comfy.

[@Andy-kj5et]

Looking at this new Seiko , makes me realise why I'm looking for a good sbdx 001. Just think what Seiko could be if they looked after their heritage like Rolex.

[@chia-mingyang5804]

They just released a faithful remake of original MM.

[@Andy-kj5et]

@@chia-mingyang5804 will take a look at that, thanks.

[@HomerJFong80]

​@@chia-mingyang5804 Pity it doesn't have a monobloc case though.😒

[@boots_n_coots]

All Seiko divers are terrific, but placing the name “Marinemaster” on anything other than their top-tier watches is an inexplicably bad decision.

[@hammalamiri12]

This is considered one of their top tier divers. Seiko rate the 6L37 as high as the 8L55. They will label their top tier divers all marine master now unless they are a special recreation or something.

[@flextime4745]

Nice to see Seiko divers go smaller but to me this is NOT a Marinemaster and I cannot believe the retail price of this usurper.😱

[@jimlee3725]

What is your wrist size?

[@Koishishibaman]

I think the overall design , execution is very good. Think at a discount, a really great watch. BUT, not a Marine master . There can only be one😂 The 6l movement in this one was chosen because of the thinness. Used to be used by Credor. Accuracy? I have a 6L in my sje073. Runs plus 2 a day. Think a good choise for making a thiner diver.

[@BruceWilliams]

You are correct. There is only one official marinemaster design

[@PINKFL0YD-s2h]

A MM needs to be mono block. This is a fantastic watch in it's own right but it's not a Marine Master

[@4by_yotaguy373]

I think it will be an excellent offering if it wasn't branded in the "Marinemaster" line, and the price wasn't so extremely high.

[@catlike1]

Seiko have been doing some weird branding recently. For instance calling a new Seiko 5 sport the new SNXS, but giving it a totally different reference of SRPK...

[@albertoalvarez1924]

I think it is beautifull, no doubt about it. The clasp is my only complain, as always

[@goldenskies9884]

You're the best in the business Bruce, keep it up!

[@BruceWilliams]

I appreciate that. Switching to 4k after about 7 more already filmed videos

[@arlopoetiray5534]

Why are there so many Seiko types that are similar to 62 MAS???

[@BruceWilliams]

I think because Seiko has gotten a little lazy with designing modern divers. They are mostly variations of thier classic designs

[@FlyingEriksen]

Yep, Seiko has some in-house marketing issues for sure!

[@michaelbradley6488]

This is not "The Marinemaster" It looks pretty good, but I wish they had not branded it a Marinemaster. I like the bracelet. I am reading my comment and I sound like a spoiled fourteen year old. Perhaps Seiko is intending it to be the Marinemaster equivalent of a Submariner.

[@BruceWilliams]

I am with you. It would look better without the Marinemaster text

[@tantu2395]

I view Seiko as an affordable brand that has a beautiful design for their dive watches, but not for their products recently. So that made my King turtle become a evergreen watch.

[@greenerick]

The watch is great, but its accuracy is not as good as some Swiss watches or those with spring drive movements. Regardless, it was a great video. You have done

[@BruceWilliams]

Thank you

[@superkmpm]

i think what theyve made here is what a lot of people want - this is a very dressy diver.

[@TheVlahdiVahstard]

Tired with Seiko not aligning bezel with markers.

[@theguardian3431]

I'm a recovered Seikopath. I think it's ridiculous that the higher end models with the L movements have less power reserve than the 6R movements. Also, Seiko's downright refusal to improve their bracelets, particularly that cumbersome and useless dive clasp, is utterly disappointing. They are moving upmarket, but the value just isn't there anymore.

[@chia-mingyang5804]

6L is thinner and way more reliable than 6R.

[@carlosgj1308]

At that price point it’s not ceramic bezel 🤦🏻‍♂️ no way I spend over 1 k for a Seiko

[@Mauricio.Solorzano]

I like it but, it is way too expensive! Me? I prefer much more the SRPK17 - Seiko has paid homage to the case shape, bracelet, and bezel of the original Seiko 5 Sports from 1968, very similar to my Pogue - what do you think? It's only $331 for the limited edition on Amazon ... WOW ... can't beat it

[@rexmabunga]

I agree with you,Bruce. Anything 62MAS should not be tagged Marinemaster. And in my opinion, Prospex is not equal to Marinemaster. Excellent review again, thank you.

[@vktravellog1242]

200m water resistance isnt a marine master. Might as well get a spb with 300m water resistance and its only 1300 vs 2900

[@superdad4324]

First of all, I am big seiko fan. I can’t justify the price tag on the sla line at all. For half the price you can get a cosc certified swiss like Christopher ward. Also the anti magnetic properties of the movement are just simply poor for a modern watch. It reminds me of buying a sportscar or a luxury car that has a bog standard corolla engine from toyota…

[@theenavybluemonster]

Seiko has finally headed towards a direction that has turned off this Seikohead. I have no desire for any of the current models. Disappointed with them. On the positive side, this is a good thing for my wallet from wanting to add to my Seiko sub collection.

[@stephenrhodes3916]

Not a bad watch at all but for that extra touch of quality it's probably best advised to go the SLA route instead.

[@BruceWilliams]

Hard to beat an SLA

[@excelerater]

$2800.00 NAH

[@watchroll3310]

I agree that this doesn't have much of a Marinemaster. Great watch but I would put it on a Divecore straps instead of having it in a bracelet.

[@CocoKoi321]

200m...... marine master?💀 Looks like a modernised 62mas tho its not UGLY per say its nice

[@andreaiacolina]

The watch looks pretty nice, but it's not a MM to me and anyway it is too expensive for what it offers like almost any other Seiko nowadays 😢

[@4by_yotaguy373]

But that dial viewed under the macro shots is 💩! Looks like someone colored cardboard with a Sharpie 🤡

[@alexw647]

As Grand Seiko garners recognition and moves upmarket, the rest of the Seiko lineup became a lot more neglected - littered with pompously priced designs and movements with no significant improvements in the past decade.

[@MrJdp1968]

That Marinemaster is just plain awful 🤮

[@Mackster248]

I disagree. Low profile, great finishing, and comfortable. It’s a modern take on their 62 MAS. Clasp kinda sucks as always though.

[@MrJdp1968]

@ cheap clasp, non ceramic bezel, average movement…….and it’s a MarineMaster 😂

[@jasonhislop5014]

I agree

[@myklbllngsly]

It’s a weird watch, I’ll stick to my actual MM300.

[@Abhi-ff2cr]

This is a miss for me, not a hit. I am not a fan

[@SaltyWatchCollector]

Definitely not a Marine master. That clasp is a joke 🤦🏻

[@vktravellog1242]

Why did they screw up the marine master. The marine master is a legend and iconic and they had to screw with it

[@Joe-xo3xy]

Seiko's decision making can be very weird most of the times, as someone already mentioned, if only they cold look after their heritage like Rolex, even Tudor for that matter. This makes no sense.