The Seiko Marinemaster rings a lot of bells when it comes to dive watches. Since its very inception, with the reference SBDX001, the Marinemaster was tagged as a robust, professional-grade diver. Fast forward to 2024, Seiko again reaches into the heritage that made the Marinemaster a legend by introducing the SLA077 and SLA079 as part of their Prospex collection.
These have been polarizing compared to the refined and smaller versions that had been launched in 2023. Seiko seemed to have heard the purists’ siren call, and these two new watches—the SLA077 and SLA079—return to the larger dimensions and more tool-oriented focus that many fans have been clamoring for. The stainless steel case measures 42.6mm—an agreeable middle ground between the more compact 39.5mm of its 2023 peer and the 44mm of the original SBDX001. Its 13.4mm thickness and 49.3mm lug-to-lug make it the type of watch presence that you’d want on your wrist for a serious dive.
One of the big updates: a unidirectional rotating bezel rendered in black steel with a detailed 60-minute scale and a LumiBrite pearl at 12 o’clock, which now gives the bezel somewhat of an origin story, removing the blue and silver inserts seen on previous iterations. Equipped with Seiko’s signature screw-down crown at 4 o’clock, the case ensures water resistance up to 300 meters, making it capable under water as on the ground.
The new dial options also continue with the SLA077 and SLA079. You can choose from a textured black matte dial, SLA079, or white, SLA077, with large, LumiBrite-filled indices and hands, including a lollipop-style second hand. The date window is angled in subtly between 4 and 5 o’clock to keep things clean and functional without detracting from the overall aesthetic.
Under the dial, these models have been fitted with Seiko’s in-house 8L35 automatic movement. It comes with a 50-hour power reserve and a beat rate of 28,800vph, which is nothing out of the ordinary, but it still fits with Seiko’s reputation for precision and performance. These are priced at EUR 3,000, making the SLA077 and SLA079 slightly more accessible compared to their forebears from last year, a strong optional entry for new collectors and seasoned enthusiasts of dive watches.
Simplistically, the SLA077 and SLA079 are a return to form for Seiko, blending the best elements of their iconic Marinemaster lineage with modern updates that keep the watch relevant in today’s market. For divers and desk divers alike, these new models are sure to please anyone with an appreciation for a well-made, no-nonsense tool watch.
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.