Seiko Marinemaster 300

[Boris_Koch]

Sorry that I post in English, but I've seen a couple of people asking questions about this model that I just got for Christmas: the Seiko Prospex Marinemaster 300 Automatic.

A couple of pictures:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/flanker2000fr/MM300_Bracelet.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/flanker2000fr/MM300_Rubber.jpg

The quality and finish of the watch are quite outstanding for the price (I paid USD 1,700 shipped from Japan from higuchi-inc.com). I would rate it just slightly inferior than a Rolex, but not much - almost on par.

It's a big watch (44mm - same size as a Panerai Luminor Marina), but very comfortable on the rubber strap. On the steel bracelet (which is very nicely made), I feel the watch is too heavy so I plan to keep it on the rubber.

Accuracy for the past week has been +6 secs/day, but I've read numbers of accounts where people managed to get it regulated below 5 secs/day.

Visually, it looks like a Sea-Dweller on steroids. Legibility in the dark is much better than anything Rolex has ever produced. Here, you can really talk about "maxi-dial".

Needless to say, I am very happy with this watch, which will become my primary "beater" to go to the gym / swimming pool, or even to travel to places where I do not want to be seen with a Rolex.

Happy new year to you all.

[Hannibal]

Hello,
a very fine looking watch :gut: (but too big for my wrist ;( ).
Can you tell us something about the movement?
Gruß Volker

[miboroco]

Schöne uhr, da gibt es nix zu meckern :gut:

[Boris_Koch]

For the movement, you will find a lot of information on this site:

The Seiko Marinemaster page (http://www.phfactor.net/wp/2006/12/26/the-seiko-marinemaster-page/)

Excerpt:

"The movement is an 8L35, an undecorated and unadjusted version of the high-end Grand Seiko 9S55. Rhodium-plated, 26 jewels, automatic, 28800vph (4Hz), handwind and hacking, 50 hour power reserve. Anecdotally, the size of the balance wheel was increased to provide the torque required, as the hands are heavier than a dress watch. The 8L35 is also used in the Landmaster, which has the same hands.The movement by all accounts keeps excellent time, and in 9S55 trim is capable of exceeding COSC specs. Anecdotal reports on various fora indicate less than five seconds’ daily error is typical. The spec is -10 to +15 seconds per day."

Mine keeps time at +6 secs / day, which is very acceptable. Maybe I will try to get it adjusted to < 5 secs someday.

[Hannibal]

Hello Boris,
thanks for the information and the link. You`ve got a great looking watch ... but far too big and heavy for a smaller wrist.
BTW: Can you tell me a good link to vintage citizen watches?
Volker

[retsyo]

Big is beautiful.... in this case... =)

Very nice watch, thank you for the information.


Happy New Year! :dr:

[Boris_Koch]

Originally posted by Hannibal
Hello Boris,
thanks for the information and the link. You`ve got a great looking watch ... but far too big and heavy for a smaller wrist.
BTW: Can you tell me a good link to vintage citizen watches?
Volker

I agree that the watch is really heavy on the steel bracelet - too heavy for my taste. But on the rubber strap, it's quite comfortable. I do not have a very big wrist - 16.5cm - but the watch fits OK. If you ask me, it fits better than the Panerai PAM1 in 44mm that I used to own.

As for Citizen websites, this is what I have:

http://www.network54.com/Forum/78440/

http://www.pmwf.com/cgi-bin/Forum/webbbs_config.cgi

http://forums.watchuseek.com/forumdisplay.php?f=21

[Hannibal]

Hello Boris,
thank you for the links.
My first watch was a Citizen from 1969. This watch was vanished for 22 years, but last week I found her - and the watch functioned (much too slow). So I am interested to use her again for some occasions.
My wrist is 17,5 cm, so may be I try the Seiko Marinemaster some day. It is a very good looking watch in my oppinion.
Volker