With good cause! The models currently coming out of both the Seiko Prospex and Presage lines are a tremendous value for the cost. The finish is on par with anything Swiss made in my collection, and candidly, the Prospex/Marinemaster SLA019 "Yakushima" (8L35 movement) is likely the best timekeeper in the stable and has a 50+ hour power reserve to boot. Here's a wrist shot of the SLA019 ^^^ also: the best lume in my collection ^^^ The the Presage Byakudan-nuri < from a few days ago... >
Nice combo sir. I heard that green MM300 can give the Hulk a run for its money. Was wondering what SLA stands for.
Damn they are nice. I’ve got some great deals on some seikos. I noticed prices going up on them but there are still plenty good mechanical ones at great prices. I got very perturbed last week when I found reps of the presage and skx along with a few others around. I do most buying and selling face to face to avoid the internet issues and I can spot fake omegas but with my lack of seiko knowledge I know I could be fooled. I mostly stick to people I’ve done deals with but it’s concerning to me. Those are absolutely beautiful watches above. How much are those limited 300 models on the secondary market now.
Fratello Magazine did a great write up on this exact topic about a year ago: https://www.fratellowatches.com/rolex-submariner-hulk-versus-seiko-sla019/ Great question! Just a few comments here as I haven't an actual clue what the Seiko designations stand for, but the full Japanese domestic model reference is SLA019J1 and the international reference SBDX021, which is in-order with the previous Marinemaster 300M reference(s); SBDX001, SBDX017, [SBDX021] and the SBDX023 (black dial and black Zirconium bezel + sapphire crystal + the 8L35 movement). A couple of more shots as this watch is a true strap monster and looks super different depending on light conditions. Rich emerald tones in direct daylight: ...or almost black (on the silicone waffle strap from the SBDX017):
Seiko knocked the ball out of the park with the SLA series but for me the 017 is the one that I had to have , & it’s a joy to wear .
Obviously the SLA017 is different and I’ve had that and a Marine Master. Ultimately I just didn’t love the MM on my 6.7” wrist. It sits very tall like a newer Black Bay and I just didn’t wear it as much. Quality is good and it’s a great watch. I think it just works better on some wrists over others
Okay here's a confession, I've long been interested by the Marine Master and that SLA019 looks lush but.... I have several "homage" Marine Masters and they give me enough of the experience that I cannot bring myself to commit to the real deal: guess I'm just not feeling enough love?
