The world of dive watches is filled with deep heritage, precision, and an ever-growing demand for innovation and functionality. Seiko, a titan in the watchmaking industry, continues to lead in this space with the launch of its Prospex Marinemaster 2024 models, the SLA077 and SLA079.
Both watches take inspiration from their predecessors while integrating modern advancements, creating a perfect blend of history and technology.
The Legacy of the Seiko Marinemaster
Seiko’s Marinemaster became a cornerstone in the world of professional diving watches since its inception. The first models laid the groundwork, like the 62MAS (1965) and SBDX001 (2000), were known for their robustness, accuracy, and high water-resistance. These traits made them a favorite among professional divers and horology enthusiasts alike.
In 2023, Seiko made waves when it released a smaller Marinemaster at 39.5mm. While it brought comfort and wearability to many, traditionalists yearned for something similar to the original Marinemaster DNA—the larger, more robust design.
Now, Seiko addresses these desires by debuting the 2024 models, which perfectly bridge the gap between the earlier compact versions and the larger dive watches of the past.
Seiko Prospex Marinemaster 2024: A Balanced Update
The 2024 Marinemaster models take a middle path in terms of sizing, coming in at 42.6mm. This makes the watch large enough to respect the dive watch heritage while being small enough to cater to the growing demand for wearable timepieces. The case height of 13.4mm ensures the watch maintains a solid presence on the wrist without being overly bulky.
Case Material and Design Aesthetics
Made from stainless steel, the Prospex Marinemaster retains the toughness expected from a professional diving watch. The design has been updated with a more aggressive bezel featuring a prominent triangle at the top pip, improving readability for divers. The crown has shifted from the traditional 3 o’clock position to the 4 o’clock spot, reducing the chances of wrist discomfort while providing a unique aesthetic.
The design evokes a sense of nostalgia while offering something fresh. Fans of the SBDX001 will appreciate the return to the original form factor, but with refinements aligned with modern-day tastes and expectations.
The 8L35 Movement: Powering Performance
One of the most important aspects of a dive watch is its movement, and Seiko doesn’t disappoint here. The Prospex Marinemaster 2024 houses the in-house 8L35 automatic movement, a time-tested workhorse delivering both precision and reliability.
A Movement with History
The 8L35 is based on Seiko’s higher-end Grand Seiko movements but simplified for use in professional dive watches. With a 50-hour power reserve, the movement offers improved autonomy compared to the previous year’s model, which had a 45-hour reserve. This means less winding for the wearer and a longer duration of consistent accuracy.
The 8L35 operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (vph), ensuring a smooth second-hand sweep—an indicator of the precision expected in a high-end automatic watch.
Dive-Ready Capabilities
As a professional dive watch, the Marinemaster 2024 lives up to its name. Unlike the compact 2023 model, which had a reduced 200m water resistance, the latest edition reclaims its status with a robust 300m dive rating. This puts it firmly back in the realm of professional-grade dive watches, suitable for all but the most extreme underwater adventures.
Improved Bezel and Crown Functionality
A standout feature of any dive watch is its bezel, crucial for tracking dive time. Seiko has redesigned the bezel on the SLA077 and SLA079 with sharper detailing and improved tactile feedback, ensuring divers can easily manipulate the bezel, even while wearing gloves.
The crown, now positioned at 4 o’clock, adds a distinctive look while preventing the crown from digging into the wearer’s wrist—a common issue in larger dive watches.
Seiko’s Commitment to Quality Materials
Beyond the movement and water resistance, Seiko remains committed to using high-quality materials. The stainless steel case is coated with Seiko’s proprietary hard coating, providing additional protection against scratches, ensuring the watch looks as good after years of use as it does out of the box.
Sapphire Crystal with Anti-Reflective Coating
Another key feature is the inclusion of a sapphire crystal, known for its scratch resistance and clarity. Seiko applied an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface of the crystal, reducing glare and ensuring optimal readability underwater or in bright sunlight.
Bracelet: Functional, Yet Classic
A minor yet noticeable change in the 2024 Marinemaster models is the switch to a classic three-link stainless steel bracelet. Some may argue the more premium bracelet finishes from 2023 added an extra touch of luxury, but the simplicity of the new bracelet offers a more practical and robust option for divers.
The bracelet includes a secure fold-over clasp with a safety lock and a diver’s extension, allowing the watch to be worn comfortably over a wetsuit.
The Return to Form: Why the 2024 Marinemaster Stands Out
The 2023 Marinemaster appealed to a niche segment looking for compact dive watches, but Seiko enthusiasts wanted something closer to the original. The 2024 models find a perfect balance, offering the best of both worlds. At 42.6mm, the size caters to those who desire a substantial wrist presence without venturing into oversized territory. The 13.4mm thickness ensures durability while keeping the profile slim enough for daily wear.
Improved Water Resistance
One of the most significant criticisms of last year’s model was its reduction in water resistance to 200m. This year, Seiko corrected course by bringing the water resistance back up to 300m, aligning it with the expectations for a true professional dive watch. This improvement re-establishes the Marinemaster as a reliable tool for serious divers.
The Marinemaster’s Evolution: A Nod to Tradition with a Modern Touch
The Marinemaster lineage stood for reliability, ruggedness, and innovation. The 2024 SLA077 and SLA079 models continue this tradition by blending modern features with classic design elements. From the redesigned bezel and crown placement to the return of the 300m water resistance, the new models pay homage to the iconic Marinemasters of the past while embracing advancements in technology and materials.
A Watch for Divers and Enthusiasts Alike
While the Marinemaster is first and foremost a professional dive watch, its appeal extends far beyond the diving community. Thanks to its versatile size, sleek design, and premium materials, it is equally suitable for watch collectors and enthusiasts looking for a durable, everyday luxury timepiece.
Pricing and Availability
Priced at $2,900, the 2024 Prospex Marinemaster models offer significant value given the in-house movement, high-grade materials, and professional dive watch capabilities. Set to launch later this month, the SLA077 and SLA079 models will be available to a wide audience of Seiko fans and dive watch enthusiasts.
Conclusion: The Prospex Marinemaster 2024 – A Perfect Revival
The 2024 Seiko Prospex Marinemaster series presents a true return to form, striking the right balance between modern innovation and classic design. With the right size, robust water resistance, and a proven 8L35 automatic movement, these watches cater to both the serious diver and the horological enthusiast. Priced competitively and built with Seiko’s renowned attention to detail, the SLA077 and SLA079 are poised to be standout models in the dive watch world this year.
For those left wanting from the compact 2023 Marinemaster, the 2024 Marinemaster delivers a revival of a beloved dive watch with the added benefits of modern refinement.
