Last Updated on October 10, 2023 by swisswatchreview
Seiko is one of the most renowned manufacturers of diver’s watches, indulging in making dive watches since 1965. The Marinemaster is one of its best-selling models which received a huge response. It underwent some upgrades over the time to offer more in terms of functionality and look.
The final version is the Seiko SLA023 which was introduced in 2019 in the world of timepieces. With an updated ceramic bezel and sapphire crystal, it is definitely worth giving a look at. In this review, we take a closer look at the specifications, features, design and price of this model to help readers make an informed decision.
Seiko SLA023 Review – UPDATED 2021
Seiko has been inspired by its mission to stay a step ahead of the rest for over a century of watchmaking. The company’s focus on utility, precision and beauty has helped it get some of the world’s firsts. The Seiko Quartz Astron was the world’s first quartz watch introduced in 1969 while the 2012 introduction of the world’s first GPS solar watch became the global standards.
Seiko Diver’s Watches
The first ever diver’s watch from Seiko took birth in 1959 with the Cronos Sea Horse that had 21 jewels and manual winding mechanism. It also featured a screw down case back and 50m depth. In the 1960s, the brand released another diver which was its official automatic diver’s watch which got reissued in 2017 as the Limited Edition SLA017.
Seiko continued working on the development of a robust dive model and introduced the highly popular 6159-7001 in 1968.
This release was a notable upgrade as it came with a huge monobloc case that made it 300m water resistant. It also had a Hi-beat caliber that made it the first ever in the market. This is the model on which the dial and bezel of the MM300 black are taken from.
The Seiko Marine Master SLA023 is introduced as the successor of the highly renowned MM300 and the massive mono bloc case at 44.3mm is still retained with a height of 15.4mm.
The newest model from the brand also retains the refined angular lugs that feature brushed and polished finish all over. This finish is achieved using the traditional Zaratsu method. This finishing gave the Grand Seiko models the distortion-free mirror finish.
Specifications
Movement – 8L35 automatic with manual winding
Case diameter – 44.3mm
Thickness – 15.4mm
Water resistance – 300m
Accuracy – +15 to -10 seconds per day
Duration – 50 hours approx.
Crystal – sapphire
Case material – stainless steel
Design
The deep blue dial is the most impressive design feature of the Seiko SLA023. The case has a diameter of 44.3 mm but the short lugs give a feel like a 42mm watch. As the monobloc case has a curved design, the actual area covering the wrist is much less. Such a design makes it much comfortable to wear.
The monobloc case has a single entrypoint from the crystal side and there is no caseback because the case is a single-piece unit. This means there is very less chance of water getting into it. Zaratsu polishing on the curvature and side improve the look of the watch as compared to previous versions. The brushed edge on the sides and the top of the lugs also add an appealing touch.
The Seiko SLA023 also comes with Diashield treatment so that it protects the case and the bracelet against any scratches. It also provides additional corrosion resistance. This means the polishing will last longer with low maintenance. At the top of the case, there is a bezel with ceramic insert. It has a triangle at 12. The first 20 minutes and the triangle are illuminated. The crown is at 4 so that it does not cause any discomfort. The crown has the Prospex logo.
Movement
The Seiko SLA023 uses the same movement as its predecessors. It is the Caliber 8L35B automatic movement which offers a power reserve of about 50 hours and has 26 jewels. This is an unchanged version of the Caliber 9s55 movement from the Grand Seiko.
The 8L35 movement beats at a rate of 28,800 bph and exhibits hacking and handwinding properties. With the monobloc case, this watch is capable of attaining the 300M water-resistance. The movement provides the toughness and accuracy you need in a diver’s watch.
Dial & Hands
The hands and dial are also made in Japan with extreme precision and care. The smooth brushed finish on the hands is impressive. The quality of printing on the dial is extraordinary and up to the mark for a luxurious watch. There are no blemishes or imperfections.
With Seiko, there is no need to worry about the luminosity of the hour markers and hands. The company uses its own Lumibrite composition.
You will find no difficulty reading the time on this watch even in low-light conditions. The triangle as well as the first twenty markers on the bezel is also illuminated.
Pros
- Ceramic brezel and anti-reflective sapphire crystal
- Iconic diver’s watch
- Top-notch use of Seiko’s Caliber movement
- Classy design that fits most occasions
Cons
- Bracelet design
- Doesn’t have ‘marine master’ text
Seiko SLA023 Price
The price of Seiko SLA023 is somewhere between $2800 and $3200. This is quite an expected price for any non-limited, non-special edition of Seiko watch. Compared to the MM300s introduced previously by the brand, the price has increased gradually.
The change of Hardlex to sapphire is quite an expensive touch to the watch. The company offers a lot of value for the money spent and this model is no different. As it looks so beautiful, the watch is expected to hold value.
Considering the popularity among Seiko fans, this watch is certainly a great deal. A large number of listings are found on various sources across the internet and collectors are paying high prices for this much-loved diver’s.
It is also seen that the Seiko SLA023 is being purchased at higher prices as compared to other models from the brand. Real-life buyers review the watch as affordable and great-value for the price. The features and upgrades it comes with justify the cost to a great extent.
Seiko Prospex SLA023
Seiko Prospex is a collection of timepieces aimed at sports lovers and adventure seekers. These men’s watches are designed to accompany them in the water, in the sky and on the land. The SLA023 comes with an impressive deep blue dial that looks black at some angles.
The round indices are quite particular to the heritage of the series. This is true for the date window as well as hands that retain the placements from the previous models of the Seiko MM300. The Prospex SLA023 boasts anti-reflective coated sapphire glass which was much desired.
It also packs a ceramic bezel that suits the watch of this status. This model lacks the 12 pip which was a hallmark of the diver’s series. The case size is the same and the metal bracelet is retained in the design. However, the inclusion of polished and brushed parts makes it resistant to scratches and bumps. It also comes with a rubber strap that goes well with the watch.
Seiko Marinemaster SLA023
The Seiko Marinemaster SLA023 still comes with a bracelet. This style of strap has been adopted since the beginning of the Marinemaster series.
The clasp is unchanged and the quality is solid. This design is ideal for a divers watch. It comes with a diver’s extension that allows expanding by lifting the clasp lock. The new Seiko SLA023 watch also has some gold accents in the dial.
The SLA023 replaces the previous Marinemaster logo with the Prospex logo. The ‘300m’ text in yellow complements the gold accents nicely. The Marinemaster SLA023 is destined to be one of the most iconic models from Seiko with the movement and finish inspired by the Grand Seiko.
This watch is intended to be a collector’s item like the others in the line, this model in blue follows the design and function of the first Hi-beat diver’s watches from the brand with a color twist that reflects the Japanese heritage.
Conclusion
The Seiko SLA023 is an excellent update to the classic Marinemaster 300 diver’s watch. It has a timeless design in deep blue color theme and is the first Marine Master to come in this tone. While it retains the aesthetic of the handset, markers and dial, there are some small updates that add to the overall appeal of this timepiece.
What makes this watch iconic are the new updates like zirconia ceramic insert which is introduced for the first time. Seiko has also addressed the much requested feature in this model with the use of sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. This not only gives it an outstanding scratch-resistance but also improves the clarity in comparison to other models.
For the price, it is a great value and the features justify it. It is a fantastic companion for life and an amazing choice for anybody who likes Seiko timepieces.
