SEIKO SLA023 Full Review | SBDC025 | Professional Divers Watch | MM300 Marinemaster 300 in BLUE 2020

[@jakemurphy9536]

The most beautiful watch. Don't bother me with Rolex. As someone once said, it's a thousand $ watch in a $3,000 suit. I love many things about Seiko, but the one thing that I love most, is that Seiko supply components to the Swiss watch making industry. Never ceases to make me smile.

[@MohammedKhaled-ju7gy]

If I’m not wrong the sumo has similar dimensions and I had it wear perfectly on my 6 inch wrist. Wouldn’t be surprised if this wears well too.

[@Hard_7_Iron]

Love this watch….I purchased the grey/black dial. I wear it MORE than the Omega 600M Planet Ocean. But don’t badmouth Omega! Seiko builds a great watch…but so does Omega. This blue color is lovely. But I bought the Willard Blue 55th Anniversary, and I don’t regret it for a minute! As always Titan….nice job.

[@Goob2112]

I have a 6-3/4 inch wrist and the mm300s fit me just fine, Seiko really knows how to design bigger watches that can accommodate smaller wrists.

[@hammalamiri12]

I'm sold, I used to think no way but I'm saving up to get one by October

[@jamess8175]

@@hammalamiri12 It's a beautiful watch. I hope you have fulfilled your dream and got the watch by now.. It's October now.

[@gorillaofjohn15]

A proud owner. Im a 7-1/8 inch but i think this watch wears really small and can go on a 6-3/4 or even 6-1/2 . The beauty of this watch is sublime. And no matter how good the video is, real life is still beautiful. I can appreciate the the finesse of the original bracelet but the watch does feel top heavy on it. Have ordered the Hexad from Strapecode. Looking forward to beefing it up. did a timegrapher on it. Really strong amplitude of 318 even after a year. THis is one watch in my collection that I will never sell. There simply is not reason to. And i am also 100% certain that i will regret it if i do so.

[@chrisauge6802]

This is by far my favorite Seiko, the finishing & color are amazing

[@EscapementWatch]

Couldn't agree more!

[@malkinmalone]

I have one and i love it. I wish you could get the 8L35(as the video mentioned) in more seiko divers. If you could get them in 62mas, sumo, samurai and other cases I would want them all. The crown and bezel action is as nice as any swiss diver. I know that I have seen a reviewer say that this watch is not that same as swiss luxury, but i own one and I own an Omega Planet Ocean and this SLA is every bit as nice as the planet ocean.

[@ivanfrangugic8355]

I already saved 50% and waiting to finish Collage tu buy it.

[@EscapementWatch]

This one was hard to film the camera kept losing the watch with its ultra shine! Next time I'll be better prepared with the Lessons Learned filming this one. This is an EPIC ALL IN-HOUSE Piece of History! This is a watch that you will fall in love with. Just spend some time with and you'll see! -Falling 😁

[@azemtavniku5782]

Great review, even though I’m a proud owner of the SLA039 after watching your review I think I’m going to get this pice as well, as i was offered yesterday from my dealer at a discount. I’m actually been trying to find a nice measuring tool to measure my watches and had trouble finding a good one, I like the one you’re using in this video would you please share the info so I can get one for myself?? Thank you

[@brianallan1036]

By far the best MM review i have ever seen,Well done sir.

[@jameshoward9700]

The best review of this classic Seiko (and great to see how your cameras have improved since!). I can't forgive the 'Marinemaster' deletion, or its replacement with that crummy 'X,' but the watch is still a great. The one thing that impresses me most is the feel of a MM. NO other big diver feels the same. It's as if it came out of the sea - smooth, weighty, organic. Truly special. Compared to a Rolex, it's like a sea pebble compared to quarry gravel. It feels like it was made by a person, while an Omega feels like it was made by a robot. Which it was.

[@EscapementWatch]

Thank you james! I actually wanted to upgrade my camera again recently but too much $$$. My current is good 'enough' for youtube so I'll use the cash for watches instead.

[@jameshoward9700]

@@EscapementWatch Totally. I think I meant ‘camerawork.’ That pesky autofocus! Yes, cameras, like Seikos just keep on going up..! But dude, I think we may not be far from a new MM!!?? Some big Seiko dive watch anniversaries incoming!

[@EscapementWatch]

Yes that autofocus! I'm not so sure on the new seiko divers but we shall see!!! I think an SKX re-issue could occur in 2026 with all the upgrades and maybe a new trimmer case.

[@bayflowshow65]

I would match up this watch with the Rolex Seadweller James Cameron edition. My co-worker has that watch. The massive size, thickness, polish, and overall componentry you displayed can go toe to toe with the Seadweller at fraction of the cost even at plus 3K. The dial has a similar color radiant as well. Great review man!

[@johncook3764]

Completely agree with this comment, I bought the Rolex SD43 in 2017 when it first came out, I bought the SLA023 last year, the standard of both watches are very close but the price are worlds apart. It’s as simple as that !

[@ogkstoopid]

Thank you for being one of the only people doing watch reviews to say Prospex correctly as "Pro-Specs." It is a fairly obvious portmanteau for professional-specifications, yet 9/10 reviewers say "Prospects." Subscribed.

[@bngr_bngr]

He only says it that way is because he is Canadian.

[@EscapementWatch]

came back to watch my own video...missing the Marinemaster.

[@varanid9]

I just missed out on a brand new one of these with tags for $1900 on Ebay. Wonder if I should have got it? I opted for a Zodiac Super Seawolf instead, as I already have a black dial Marinemaster 300 and had just got the quartz MM1000 "Yellow fin" a couple of weeks ago. My MM300 is on the modern version of the waffle strap which I love the looks of, giving it that vintage vibe, but, I love the feel of the bracelet, so was considering another MM300 to keep on the steel, but without repeating myself. That Batman grayish blue is stunning.

[@SentinelIXK]

I'm so close to pulling the trigger on the SLA023... I need someone to tip me one way or the other!

[@elefantrising]

@@SentinelIXK I have mine on can't take it off. Does that help? haha

[@SentinelIXK]

@@elefantrising I did it and regret nothing. It's amazing and has been glued to me for a week and a half!

[@elefantrising]

Mike Masson I’m glad it was not my fault! It’s sick right? I have had more “expensive” divers but this one is the best.

[@zman8340]

Best review of this amazing piece on KZbin . Hands down . This is a great enjoyable channel . I always learn something from your reviews . You know your stuff and its fun .

[@EscapementWatch]

Wow, thanks!

[@asko7113]

I own the SPB143 and absolutely love everything about it. I purchased it from my local AD this past summer for 20% discount. He has the SLA023 in stock and offering a 20% discount which puts it at $2500 including tax. I’m seriously tempted but concerned about the size and heft. How does it wear on a nato? Anyways, this was an awesome and very in-depth review. Thanks 😊

[@bottomtext5872]

Man that prospex crown looks awesome. Wish the other watches had it

[@broncohorvath5682]

took me while, but because of you I ordered a SLA023 through my man Abraham at Kavar.. can't wait to get it now....

[@EscapementWatch]

Congrats!!!

[@deej9367]

I wish they would have left the marine master on the dial instead of the prospects logo

[@metallicarockacion]

That movement was specially designed for diving harsh conditions, temperature changes etc. It is a specifically diving movement. No other brand makes movements specifically for diving to that degree. When diving, accuracy is irrelevant because you only dive for 2 hours let's say. That's why this movements are not aimed to be accurate. They are serious durable reliable beast quality diver movements that are more durable and more reliable than lets say the rolex sub movement. the same goes for the high end high torque high efficiency 7c46 Quartz.

[@varanid9]

I knew their quartz movement was specially made for deep diving, didn't know the MM300 movement was the same. Luckily, I have one of each, LOL!

[@ROrneli]

I mean just get an analog frogman and it is exactly what you describe for 800 dollars or less

[@fvlok]

Would you mind comparing a homage? Heimdallr or Proxima? Would love to hear your thoughts

[@nrbrown5985]

I tried this on the other day...I need this watch. I don’t have any big watches, this will be it.

[@EscapementWatch]

someone just bought this one. we have one more in stock. let me know.

[@yapolloable]

positional error of almost zero and unregulated. that's a crazy reliable watch.

[@alfredcheller]

Great watch, put it on an orange crafter blue strap and it's the perfect summer watch. Go to Royal jewelers in Andover MA and ask for Bill, they are the only Grand Seiko dealer in New England and have a lot of jdm Seikos.

[@watchdogpodcast239]

Hmmm. Live in Providence. May have to make that trip...

[@jeffl4601]

Between SBDX001, SBDX017 and SLA021, which one would you recommend as a purchase?

[@EscapementWatch]

SBDX017

[@robinsiow1892]

sbdx017

[@jdc3636]

Just bought this exact watch for my birthday. It is surprisingly light and wears small, even though I have a 17cm wrist only. Maybe I am used to big watches. My other watch includes a planet ocean GMT, so this one is actually smaller and lighter.

[@EscapementWatch]

Happy birthday and grats!

[@nicolasbarrero]

What's the difference to SBDX025? Please let me know? Thank you. Excellent review

[@EscapementWatch]

just the JDM name. same watch

[@simonwright6882]

I wish seiko would listen to their customers and make more of the watches at 40mm to fit a wider range of wrists. This is something that frustrates me about seiko because I love them.

[@EscapementWatch]

there is a new MM200 at 42mm and it wears like a 40mm!!! Its a gift from seiko!!!

[@simonwright6882]

@@EscapementWatch I've been very tempted by the mm 200 but I'm trying to behave as I'm saving for a GS sbga415. 😇

[@leonardodavinci6625]

@@EscapementWatch did you mean spb207?

[@timemeasured9137]

Whats the most you would pay for this SLA023?

[@goldbond1180]

The Marinemaster definitely the best modern Seiko diver. I would love one but as a guy with a slender 6.75 inch wrist could I pull it off?

[@EscapementWatch]

i have 6.5inch maybe you can. if you like the big watch look! its such a amazing piece of kit

[@goldbond1180]

@@EscapementWatch thanks, I think I'll have to try one out.

[@greenerick]

Great Seiko Driver G thanks

[@TheNeybor]

I love Seiko that being said, that box is pathetic for a $3,000 watch.

[@informedcarpet]

Who gives a shit about the box! 🤣

[@elefantrising]

That is the best part you just got a 3k watch on a POS box that is baller!

[@timemeasured9137]

Agreed! Seiko needs to take more pride in presenting their watches in better boxes!

[@gabrielfpi3046]

Agree

[@williamlasl]

Seiko’s doesn’t go in for frills like fancy boxes. Even $8,000 Grand Seikos have pretty minimal boxes. But if you look at Rolex, it’s not that much fancier, just that green box.

[@mrbacchus6127]

Great Marinemaster review, but why the Seamaster hate? Serious question, I am considering the Seamaster as my 1st more expensive watch

[@EscapementWatch]

Just subjective taste nothing wrong with it

[@mrbacchus6127]

@@EscapementWatch ok cool, I know lots of people hate the he valve and skeleton hands for instance.

[@lavyanagdev8229]

How long can you keep the mm300 before servicing it?I think that would last a lifetime as well

[@EscapementWatch]

10 years

[@samuellee1976]

Thank you for the review

[@EscapementWatch]

No problem 👍

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Great watch!

[@havardflaatten]

Great review of a stunning watch :)

[@EscapementWatch]

Thank you kindly!

[@Trugoy1]

Next time you get a sla023, throw on your spb149 blue strap :) that’s how I wear my sla023 😍

[@dougy_scotman]

Nice review minus the Seamaster hate.

[@EscapementWatch]

More to come in the next Marine Master Video!

[@TheMaclaughlan]

Got one coming buddy.

[@mariosimas]

how does compare the blue on the dial of the MM300 with the blue on the MM200 "Great Blue Hole" ? The blue on the MM300 seems less dark

[@EscapementWatch]

MM300 is Azura blue like. mm200 is Admiral blue like.

[@mariosimas]

@@EscapementWatch Thanks

[@Takeo2011]

Do you know if it has the 8L35A or 8L35B movement?

[@EscapementWatch]

8L35B Anything newer then 2015 is B

[@Takeo2011]

@@EscapementWatch Thanks good to know.

[@1Eagler]

Is there a seiko without the days?

[@jasonworthington3063]

this video pushed me to by this watch. thanks?

[@EscapementWatch]

Great choice! Congrats on the new timepiece! ⌚

[@77door97]

Where did you get the Seiko hat from? cheers

[@EscapementWatch]

seiko hats from instagram. not sure if he still in business

[@kikomachine8276]

I wanted to go for one of these... But I chose to go the path of buying the Willard X, 63Mas and the SBDC187 MM200... Did I choose the right path or should I have went for the MM300? Great video as always bro!

[@EscapementWatch]

no path is wrong! but the mm300 does feel so great in hand

[@kikomachine8276]

@@EscapementWatch what's amazing with it is that it's thick and it's lug to lug is long but when you wear it, it seats well on the wrist... You were right that it has some magical tricks.

[@rck4w]

Would you choose SLA021 or SLA023?

[@EscapementWatch]

23

[@markgads8017]

Can’t believe I clicked onto this one wearing my 2018 blue Seamaster. Great video, among other great ones you post, but have to disagree with you on the SMP. Wait what was I saying, got lost in those blue ceramic waves. Kidding aside I’m a Seiko fan boy too, would love to have this MM too.

[@EscapementWatch]

I love omega one of my fav brands. I put it in my top 5 list. but the SMP well.

[@kanemillard3315]

I agree I love the SMP and would rather have a helium escape valve than have a thicker monoblock case. I don't have a Seiko in the collection at the moment but I'm after a grand Seiko at some point in the next year or 2

[@Televisiontechnology]

Yep, that is nice, but a Seamaster is a Seamaster and in a different league. Apart from the escapement valve!!!! Maybe next time they'll shrink it. I deliberately bought the last version of the Seamaster, as the watch wears better and the valve is smaller! MM300 is lovely though shiny polishing is one thing, but the case on the Seamasters have a lot of detailing on the case and the new ones have one of the best movements, being Cosc & Metas certified as well as being amongst the most antimagnetic movements on the market. The steel bracelets on the Seikos (or anything under a Grand Seiko) are not as good as the Omegas. To be fair, new against new - different price points though.

[@EscapementWatch]

Grats! I love Omega. their history, their quality, their pursuit for excellence! My top 5 fav brands of all time!

[@abmorose6531]

Really enjoy this vid, how about reviewing the quartz versions of Marine Master ( Sbbn) .

[@EscapementWatch]

thanks! if i can get my hands on one I will def review it!

[@eugenedickson2557]

Really having a hard time deciding between the SLA023 and the SLA059.

[@EscapementWatch]

I haven't seen the 059 in person as it is usa only but I'd go with the 023!

[@eugenedickson2557]

@@EscapementWatch The blue is definitely reeling me in more than the red. I’m wearing my JDM Sumo SBDC113 right now and can easily see the SLA023 in its place but not the SLA059.

[@joechino9022]

I almost pulled the trigger to buy blue monster earlier for $250 i was complaining about it... Holy mama.. this one is $3100....i die.

[@Hard_7_Iron]

It is a pretty watch… but with the MM 200 (Baby MM), it doesn’t make a lot of sense for me. But if someone wanted to gift me one, I’d sure wear it.

[@EscapementWatch]

yeah agree! but dam when you hold a mm300 it feels special.

[@vict9062]

Holy Price ! $3100. Does it wear big? Beautiful too.

[@EscapementWatch]

Wears surprising well

[@stephanodem4947]

Nice watch with history but I think it is by far too expensive. For this price p.e. you can buy 2 Swiss Made Mido Divers Cosc certified 600m or a Longines Diver Cosc made of Ceramic (Same as Rado use). All with perfect regulated ETA movements.

[@EscapementWatch]

You gotta pay for zaratsu polish and hand assembly. Sometimes the spec list and the features do not make the watch. And history and human craftsmanship is worth a little bit more and it means a little bit more.

[@stephanodem4947]

You're right. I know that a lot of people love these Seikos. But it is still a japanese watch in the price range of a BREITLING Diver (here in Germany). So lucky enough, we all love different brands. I prefer Swiss Made...

[@EscapementWatch]

I just did a battle between a rado and a Seiko Willard and the Seiko outperformed it in positional variance and accuracy and it's $600 less. But I understand a lot of people think Swiss is superior and that's fine if one has their own tastes

[@EscapementWatch]

It was the captain cook 42 mm versus the captain Willard 42 mm captain versus captain.

[@EscapementWatch]

When you say things like it's still a seiko watch. Or still a Japanese watch. you're the type of person that I would never get along with. Ha! I understand the type of collector you are. And there's nothing wrong with that I'm not a salesman for Seiko I don't care what watch you buy. But I prefer brands that have history and contributions to horology. First automatic chronograph with column wheel and vertical clutch, first quartz watch, first auto chronograph in space. Auto not handwind. Vietnam war, North Pole, spring drive innovation, Etc, this is what I love. Take care.

[@BMWR1250GS]

For me top reference is SBDX001..

[@davidursini4740]

My SBDC025 runs +12 seconds/day since I got it....still within the +15/-10 range for the movement.

[@merc7paul]

Thank you seiko for making unregulated watches because otherwise i would be broke and swimming in seikos😅 only reason i have never pulled trigger on one is the inaccuracy

[@vinaynagdev03]

Is it worth buying mm300 in comparison to omega and Rolex tool watches?can watch run 10+without any maintenance be coz I use once in a week not regular?

[@EscapementWatch]

yes its definitely worth it.

[@bradd5961]

Did you sell this?

[@EscapementWatch]

Yes it sold a long time ago. Sorry.

[@jorad4887]

I want it big!!!!!

[@johnpatrickrecio1532]

Does this have a chapter ring?

[@EscapementWatch]

Yes

[@watchdogpodcast239]

I own one and it truly is a beauty. Bought a Crafter Blue for it and not sure it will ever go back on the bracelet

[@EscapementWatch]

really? Kavar my AD sells the crafter blue line. I gotta try one out on my new skx arriving soon.

[@jkgkjgkijk]

Not a fan of crafter blue, sorry...looks cheap.

[@canonyeo4286]

Excellent review. I have the 021. This what what we called a Diminishing watch. Beside the Willard, you see how much smaller it looks? I have a small wrist too, but, l love wearing this watch. I wear it with a crafter blue . Totally transformed the look. Anyway, the finishing is superb. Btw l have a 38mm high end 27J Bellmatic 4006 7010 which has a MM300 case design, with original bracelet, in pristine condition. Looking forward to the new 42mm MM200. This one with wider bezel/smaller dial is another Diminishing piece.

[@EscapementWatch]

021 nice one! You have some great pieces bro! Me too! the mm200 2nd gen is looking promising.

[@canonyeo4286]

@@EscapementWatch one of reason l like about seiko is that they know how to make big watches look small and small watches look big ( you can see this in their many vintage). You can see this in the modern GS dress watches, with dome dial/glass with bent minute and sec hands. I think the new mm200 will be a big hit.

[@Televisiontechnology]

That's interesting I have a wrist of 17-17.5cm - 6.5 or so inches. Usually, i'm more aware of the lug to lug - the height of the watch rather than the case size. Like the Seiko turtles, anything heightwise - around or up to 48-49mm is ok, soon as hit 50mm or nearly, doesn't sit well on the top of the wrist. If they are bringing out a smaller one with a 48mm height, then could be a game in play! Will keep an eye out for the new one - does look a little big on the 6.5" wrist shown.

[@xekret]

This is still on my list but I want a Willard X, one of the 62MAS SLA re-editions and this one and don't know where to start!

[@EscapementWatch]

Welcome

[@xekret]

@@EscapementWatch I just picked up the SPB183 blue Willard. My AD had one and I decided to grab it. They also had both 62MAS re-editions so it was hard! Only if I wasn’t waiting for a Rolex!

[@GapBahnDirk]

You can wear it. get one.

[@336W]

You mean that you have to spend $3k on a Seiko to get proper dial/bezel/chapter ring alignment? Shameful.

[@wed265]

Funny about the seamaster

[@alexmusic1391]

My sla023 is plus 2 second 24h

[@MERKAMGCLK]

These are actually manufactured in the Grand Seiko factory.

[@bijakbijak4024]

This is seiko done wrong, the bezel is aligned

[@EscapementWatch]

made with care!

[@alnyc8]

SBDX025

[@zachscheel3784]

Not sure if I'd consider this a review or glorification....I love the piece and I'm sure you're speaking from the heart but let's be honest. The bracelet has pins, the buckle is terrible and very easy to accidentally extend it when opening the clasp (as you did in the video). You also harp on the perfection of the dial but then gloss over the fact the handset has rough edges....critique doesn't mean you hate a watch and it should be included in a review! Just means you see it for what it is. That being said, I'm hoping to track down an SLA019 :D.

[@EscapementWatch]

pins and collar is fine. the most secure method. set it and forget it. with screw's you have to wonder when will it back out. the clasp accidently extending when opening has no problem. your taking off the watch anyways. easier to remove. i love the clasp i bought 2 more for my willard and mm200. I adjust it with 1 hand. on wrist when wrist swells. It's just so good to live with daily.

[@AmcoAutoGlass]

boss watch

[@mathewazzopard8100]

Omega SM with 8800 is by far better, yes it's priced at $ 6500 but can get easily 15-20% discount. Great mechanism, slimmer and 2mm smaller but great wrist presence. Tudor Pelagos 42 or a 39 (500m/200m) are also better options. A 300m almost 15mm thick, unregulated movement with atrocious time keeping. Was offered a 3 months sla023j1 for 1500 euro and said no.....A US micro brand, NTH makes 300m diver watches in 40mm 11mm thickness with a miyota 9 series and does -5/+5 @ 24h. A.$750 watch. Too thick, poor time keeping at that price range and a box for $150 watch....Seiko policies.....once they get down to earth, might buy for now a firm no.

[@OPP841]

The AR coating fail? Lol

[@janreeves5443]

Seiko made a BIG mistake when the decided to go with the “X” instead of “Marinemaster”. Why they would walk away from that well established brand identity is hard to comprehend. Strange marketing plan.

[@EscapementWatch]

Agree its a mis-step however, I believe seiko wanted to have continuity in their Pro Diver Line up Prospex. Seiko still shares the Marinemaster Trademark with fortis I believe. So they could bring it back any time as a special edition.

[@fvlok]

Very much so

[@lmadigan1971]

Looks amazing but wears like a brick on the wrist