Seiko has introduced a new green-dial version of its recently updated Marinemaster, and I think this might be one of the better-looking executions we’ve seen from the collection. The new Prospex Marinemaster Save the Ocean Limited Edition HBF003 takes the familiar 1968-inspired design and adds a green sunray dial with a pink gold-colored seconds hand. It’s limited to 900 pieces worldwide and will be available through Seiko boutiques.
I’ve always had an appreciation for the Marinemaster, even if I’ve never felt particularly compelled to own one. There’s something about Seiko’s approach to higher-end dive watches that I respect, and the latest generation has made a few improvements that I think were long overdue. With this release, Seiko is taking that updated platform and giving it a little more personality.
The green dial is the obvious attraction here. Seiko says the color takes inspiration from mangrove forests, which provide important habitats for marine life and help protect coastal environments. It’s a reasonable connection for the brand’s ongoing Save the Ocean collection, although I’m more interested in the dial itself. The sunray treatment is a departure from the textured surfaces we’ve seen on other recent Marinemaster models, and I think it suits the watch. The pink gold-colored seconds hand is an interesting choice, too. It’s a small detail, but one that works with the green without drawing too much attention.
Underneath those visual changes is the same Marinemaster platform Seiko updated earlier this year. The stainless steel case measures 42.6mm in diameter, 14.1mm thick, and 49.3mm from lug to lug. Water resistance remains at 300 meters, and the watch comes fitted with a stainless steel bracelet.
Seiko also carried over several improvements from the standard model, including the ceramic bezel insert, a date window at 3 o’clock, and a clasp offering 16mm of tool-free adjustment in 2mm increments. I think that last detail is particularly welcome. Bracelet adjustment has become an increasingly important consideration for me, especially when we’re discussing watches in this price category.
Inside is Seiko’s automatic Caliber 8L45, offering a 72-hour power reserve and a stated accuracy of +10/-5 seconds per day. It’s one of the more interesting aspects of the current Marinemaster generation and, in my opinion, a legitimate reason to take Seiko seriously at this level.
The standard Marinemaster HBF001 has been priced at $3,600 in the US, although official pricing for this limited edition hasn’t been confirmed. Previous Save the Ocean releases have carried a premium, so I’ll be curious to see where the HBF003 lands.
Personally, I don’t have much of an issue with Seiko operating in this price range. The Marinemaster has a history that extends well beyond the current collection, and the recent mechanical and functional updates give the watch a stronger foundation.
As for the HBF003, I think Seiko made a good call with the green dial. It’s an appealing variation of a design I’ve respected for years. Whether it would finally convince me to put a Marinemaster in my own collection is another question. For now, I’m happy to see Seiko exploring a little more color with one of its most established dive watches.
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.