Owning the Seiko SLA021 Marinemaster 300 | Four Years Later

[@johnhealey6455]

This is such a great watch. It’s so much more interesting than other divers. There isn’t anything else quite like it. A perfect combination of ruggedness and beauty. And the lume is incredible!

[@pioleq]

I do own a sub and compared to mm300 its like g-class vs land cruiser. I rebought mm300 after 5 years so its a land cruiser for me :)

[@KirbyYoung]

Excellent analogy. LC all the way!

[@MBrown-ct5zn]

I had a Rolex Sub 14060m and my SLA021J1 is way better. I agree with your views.

[@KirbyYoung]

Glad to know! Thanks for watching!

[@1968jpy]

I just recently received my SLA047J1 . My twin brother owns a 2019 Rolex submariner and I told him my MM300 is a better watch but he refuses to acknowledge the awesomeness of this watch. Not that I finally own this Marine Master I know what for years people have been saying about this watch. It’s in a class by itself and nothing compares.

[@HarryUnchained]

I used to own the sbdx001 mm300 like 10 years ago, sold after 5 years of use due to financial issue at that time. I will rebuy the new model in a few months. God, how I miss this watch so much. Sad though because this model is a little bit different with the prospex logo and no proper lume pip but I'll learn to love it anyway.

[@KirbyYoung]

Good to hear you are recovering financially. Things just come and go. Glad you will have the opportunity to buy another mm300. I have yet to see one sbdx001 but I think the sla021 is a solid upgrade. Let me know how it goes.

[@jamess8175]

Bless you, my friend! May your wish be fulfilled soon. Enjoy it!🙏🙏🙏

[@ronaldmccalla5149]

I own this watch. I haven’t worn it much. This video is just the tonic to help me fall in love with this piece again. This is my favourite diver of all time. Thanks for this post, and the inspiration to wear this watch again.

[@KirbyYoung]

I too have those moments wherein I don't wear a certain watch for a period of time, only to daily it again, feels like brand new. Appreciate it friend!

[@davenportsimon]

Lots of Rolex and Omega have come and gone for me over the years but the MM300 is a “never sell” for me. To be honest, it’s probably the piece I’m the most sentimental about, probably bc it’s been around the longest and I use it as a beater. It sees more everyday life for me; makes more memories. Might be my favorite watch

[@KirbyYoung]

Glad to hear the MM300 is still near and dear to you, considering those Swiss watches are Goliaths on their own. You know, sometimes I just try to think of a beater watch that it is just a daily watch, but then you forget how long you've been wearing it and depend on it, it just doesn't make sense to own other watches. But that's the hobby.

[@stauffacher6638]

Beautiful watch, SLA019 is my choice just because of the color. Thanks for your review, good job

[@bngs1983]

I’ve been contemplating on this watch for the longest time for my first grail watch. I honestly think the Seiko MM300 is such an underrated watch. It offers so much. I honestly think it’s a great conversation pieces amongst the Rolex and Swiss fan boys. Keep the good videos coming brother.

[@gethinchristian]

100% agree with your appraisal Kirby. Fantastic!

[@KirbyYoung]

Thanks man! Mm300 for life!

[@inspector1973]

​@Kirby Young My appraisal after 4 years of owning the SLA021 is that it is not going anywhere. Now, my LX, is not really my cup of tea so I put it on sale to raise funds for something more exciting.

[@KirbyYoung]

@Inspector Definitley! Interesting Inspector. I am curious about what you might find next.

[@efreutel]

The Monocoque back is not a “hassle”. It is elegance. Only solution to the spring drive is to own both. 😍

[@1968jpy]

Kirby my SLA047 will arrive tomorrow. It will be my first Marine Master. I’m so excited for it to arrive .

[@Michael-oi5hi]

Hope you enjoy, it is a gorgeous diver.

[@TheWayofGrace89]

My guy, are you FINALLY about to get into an MM3000 GRAIL!? I’m hoping to join you soon.

[@1968jpy]

@@TheWayofGrace89 brother already have lol 😂. It’s beyond amazing Seiko diver . It’s so good it almost ruins it for all my other Seiko divers . Seriously it’s that good of a watch. Nothing compares 👍🏻

[@TheWayofGrace89]

@@1968jpydude … I may be right behind you .. TBD

[@1968jpy]

@@TheWayofGrace89 do yourself a favor and go for it . Just get the newer SLA models instead of the older 001 or 017 models. The newer ones are leaps and bounds improved and better.

[@philstadnicki7882]

This has been a grail of mine ever since i saw a review way back in 2011 of the "marine master" on dial version. To me this is the pinnacle in dive watch design along with the Tuna. I will get on soon. Great channel

[@KirbyYoung]

Thank you! I do wish I would've bought the SBDX001, the first one, only because it had a marine master on the dial too, but I think the SLA021 is also attractive with sapphire crystal and ceramic bezel. Hope you get yours soon.

[@arthur-zhuk]

The design is so good. You made me consider this over the LX now

[@KirbyYoung]

Both good choices! Only a question of how much you want a spring drive.

[@arthur-zhuk]

@@KirbyYoung I was actually surprised to hear you didn't like the weight of the titanium. I actually enjoyed the weight of the ti watches after trying on a GS diver. You did make a good point about the SS weight though.

[@WristWatcher]

​@@arthur-zhuki actually LOVE the weight on the LX. It wears phenomenally. Has a very low center of gravity... which makes it so comfortable. The LX is something else.

[@mitchmazerolle3168]

I have the SLA019J1 - it's a stunning watch and I prefer it over the Rolex alternatives. The heft, the design and finish are things that bring it home for me. You feel that you have something of deliberate purpose on your wrist. The design is unique and eye catching and the finish is crazy good, if not amazing. I have several green dial MM200s (both LE's - a Ginza and a Zimbe) and green dial LE and L 62MAS variants, plus a Sumo, and this is in a completely different league. For the money, these more recent MM300's are giant killers vs. anything similarly priced in the dive watch segment.

[@KirbyYoung]

Agree! The mm300's are built like a tank! It sounds like you have a healthy collection of watches there yourself. You also like collecting green dial watches. That's cool! I once had a green sumo but I sold it when I bought the LX.

[@matjazi8752]

Based on your video, I bought SLA023. This watch is insanely good in every way.

[@KirbyYoung]

That means a lot, thanks man. Glad I could help you in your decision in acquiring one beast of a watch! Wear it in good health man.

[@efreutel]

I own this watch did own Rolex Sea Dweller. No comparison. This watch A+ Rolex a solid C grade. This Seiko a much better watch.

[@Paul-yu4yo]

looks astonishing, I like more the dial on this one than the springdrive, the charge indicator out of centers is an eyesore for me, if it were at 6 maybe, but the marinemaster is a grail watch to me

[@zacharyparis]

I have an MM200 which I absolutely love. Don’t think I’m man enough for the 300!

[@bodong7]

Great watch man. I also have a MM300 and a LX. Both are superb watches for the price. Especially the MM300, after i put it down for a while I always want to pick it back up, something about the look of it I just can’t get enough.

[@KirbyYoung]

Without a doubt! This watch is a keeper. Thanks for watching!

[@ebiedog]

I owned and sold my sla021. I agree that it brought me the most amount of smiles but it also didn't get worn as much because of its size. I will definitely rebuy the sla021. Hopefully soon.

[@KirbyYoung]

The weight is heavy on the stock bracelet. The slimmer version sla073 has a much better case size.

[@havardflaatten]

I have both too. Love LX and MM300 - but agree. There is a special touch over mm300. Love it :)

[@KirbyYoung]

Yes! They definitely have their own charm. The mm300 is just an overall. Solid piece!

[@Patomelb]

With the bracelet after owning strapcode bracelets I find the best bracelet is the OEM strap. Once fitted properly to your wrist it wears way better

[@Teachering]

I like the look of this watch. I have actually had the Marinemaster 300m in my sights for over 10 years. LOL I can't seem to make myself pull the trigger and buy it. Thing is, though I love its looks, I am afraid that it likely wears heavy on the wrist. I like a watch to be comfortable.

[@KirbyYoung]

You might be right about the weight, it is heavy, and quite top heavy on the stock bracelet. Maybe Seiko will release a MM300 with a 6R55 movement, like they did with the SPB453 now 300M.

[@vinaynagdev3774]

How long can you keep the marinemaster before servicing it?

[@anotherwatch]

Great video. I have the same watch as well as the same LX that you have. I fully understand your comments. I too wear the MM300 way more often than the SNR029J1. I also have the SLA023J1 as well. These are all very nice watches.

[@KirbyYoung]

Thanks for sharing your insight. Glad to know you own both. The mm300 is just a solid all around watch to have.

[@kurts4867]

It's the Submariner of the Seiko line....EXACTLY

[@KirbyYoung]

Thanks for watching friend!

[@TheKopolanpoika]

Great review. For me personally SLA021 is my biggest watch mistake. I have Seiko Samurai, couple sumos and solar models, SPB143, SPB383J1. Dont get me wrong, MM300 look awesome, it's feel quality but for lefty, that is just way too bulky and heavy everyday use. It's so bulky it's hard to wear with, almost everything except t-shirt. I write my left hand, I use mice on left also. You can feel it all the time but not in good way. For littlebit slimmer that would be real opponent to rolex.

[@KirbyYoung]

The sla021 is quite exhausting to use after a long day on the bracelet. You feel the weight especially if you are doing a lot of hand movements. Maybe someday they'll do a slimmer and smaller 300m. And it'll be over for the others.... Thanks for watching!

[@nerychristian]

Why don't you wear the watch on your right hand?

[@nathanwood1506]

I would say the sea-dweller is a more an equivalent than the sub, since the sea-dweller is a saturation diver and the sub is not. Wonderful watch the MM300 is.

[@flugames]

How's your oem bracelet holding so far? Like you this is my grail watch which i was able to finally own it for 6 mos now. Only slight complaint is that the watch being top heavy is no joke. After wearing it 12+ hours straight daily is no joke. Maybe you can recommend any bracelets like strapcode that would be a nice match on the watch? Thanks and love the content!

[@KirbyYoung]

The OEM bracelet is holding up great. Yeah the bracelet does take a toll after a long day, I share your sentiment. Unfortunately, I tend to stick with OEM bracelets and I haven't tried any strapcode bracelet. But from what I have heard, it does help it even out the weight of the watch as a whole.

[@LeeePowers]

I love it. My daily. I rotate other watches to keep them wound, but this is what I'm switching from. Darth Tuna or Transocean Spring Drive(both titanium) for when this guy gets too heavy. Half a pound,will always weigh half a pound. Especially when you drop this watch on your bare foot at home.

[@KirbyYoung]

Yes it does exhaust the wrist especially when dealing with a lot of hand movement throughout the day. Haha. I never had the chance to drop it but that sounds painful for both you and the watch. Thanks for sharing man.

[@jdc3636]

I have the blue version of this watch, a bit heavy, but it is my favorite diver.

[@actnaturally388]

I have the Darth Vader MM300 SLA035, yes it’s definitely one of my favourites.

[@KirbyYoung]

Did you have a chance to get an all black bracelet for it? I also love that blacked out MM300!!!!

[@actnaturally388]

@@KirbyYoung no Im still using the original rubber strap

[@clo2715]

Is a beautiful watch but it was too thick for my liking. I ended selling my sbdx017 and purchasing the sla055. Very similar looking but only 13.1 mm. Feels great on the wrist

[@KirbyYoung]

Great choice. The sla055 has a very wearable size.

[@leakylight]

I’ll never sell my Rolex gmt but I’ve been eyeing the mm300 since before the X days. I think I’m getting one this year though.

[@KirbyYoung]

No need to sell, maybe just try it out and see for yourself.

[@7rslender]

The only thing I do not like about the SLA021 is the bezel. I think the lacquered Bezel of the SBDX017 and the single lume pip look way more classy than the ceramic bezel with the arrow instead of the lume pip. That's why I bought the SBDX017 NOS directly from Japan and have not looked back since that. If you don't want to spend SLA money, the SPB077 is one of the best options, especially in used condition. But that's just my two cents

[@KirbyYoung]

Good points. I have owned the Spb077 before, it is indeed one of the first gen reissues that I liked before the spb185 and others. I also like the Marinemaster name on the sbdx017. It just looks cooler and cleaner. Thanks for watching!

[@Tribalius]

One of the best ever!

[@daveschreiber2749]

Better comparison is a Rolex Sea Dweller...and this holds it own for sure!

[@chew5170]

I wouldn't buy this. Mostly because i have an SLA023. Fantastic watch.

[@ditmerk]

Had MM300 SBDX001 and a Rolex Seadweller 116600. Sold the Seiko because they were to much alike.. But im not allways sure it was the right choice :-). Amazing watch.

[@KirbyYoung]

Sometimes, you won't know how much something means until it is gone. Still, the seadweller is a killer watch! Wear it well my friend! Thanks for watching.

[@ditmerk]

@@KirbyYoung Yeah both are. But im not sure the Seadweller is 7 times better as the price would propose.

[@KirbyYoung]

I have to agree. The quality of the mm300 is spot on, if not better, than their swiss counterparts.

[@vinaynagdev3774]

How long can you keep the marinemaster before servicing it?

[@KirbyYoung]

As I type this comment I have yet to have it serviced. Maybe someday I will do the breakdown cost and maintenance video. But since I rotate my watches they don't get used as much.

[@dennischen8887]

You just convinced me not to sell my mm300 for the LX. I’ll probably buy it alongside this one. With that said though, it is not better than my submariner. Two very different watches, atleast to me.

[@KirbyYoung]

I hope you get one soon. The LX is on a different level. The submariner is more on the skin diver side. I was trying to refer better in terms of the popularity among seiko collectors as the submariner is to rolex collectors. Anyway, I’d love to compare both of these someday and give my seiko-centric opinions about it.

[@ahmedkassem7679]

Well done body of purchase this watch and your review

[@KirbyYoung]

Thank you!

[@Ego_Katana]

YES love your review. BUT to kill Rolex, let's get a cosc and a good bracelet with screw linls. I have the dlc coated version on a rubber strap and love it.. but i tihink lack of cosc scares westerners to spend 3K

[@chrisbarbz9238]

I just got one yesterday. And it's full of dust inside the dial. Does yours have the same? I think it's such a shame given the premium price. I did get mine at a really good price but still. Anyways, I liked the review.

[@Wasabi_Master]

Get it serviced, problem solved 😀

[@KirbyYoung]

Thank you! It sounds like it might have been serviced by someone besides Seiko Japan. Otherwise, it looks like there is no dust in my watch.

[@chrisbarbz9238]

@@Wasabi_Master True. However this was bought brand new and what I'm trying to find out is if this issue was from Seiko or something else.

[@jh-il5sb]

i have the second generation, the 017, and I love the watch but not the bracelet, nor the clasp. put on an aftermarket bracelet that had thicker links. it balanced the weight distribution and look of the watch

[@KirbyYoung]

The stock bracelet does make it top heavy. Thanks for watching!

[@LoranHarding]

When it says "Marinemaster" on the dial again, I will consider it. Until then, tough luck Seiko.

[@KirbyYoung]

I kind wish the dial indices wasn’t so green. Like the older marinemaster. But yeah I can see that the “X” can be annoying.

[@gdeluisi613]

Facts ☑️

[@randallhill7979]

Great video 👍

[@94jmbottaro]

I think its too thick for a modern 300m watch, too expensive for a dial like this and a movement like this non chronometer... 1500 bucks and it might have been the best

[@srap81]

I concur

[@AZadeh-nd8vx]

You guys are all insane claiming this is better than a Submariner! 😂 keep trying to convince yourself 😅