Seiko Introduces The Prospex 1968 Diver’s Modern Re-Interpretation SLA077 And SLA079
Can Seiko’s famous Marinemaster moniker apply to two very different watches in the Prospex line? If the introduction of the new, smaller Marinemaster last year wasn’t enough to accept, the brand just hit us with another curveball. Seiko just added two new Marinemasters to the catalog, and they aren’t in line with last year’s 62MAS-inspired Marinemaster watches. The new Seiko Prospex 1968 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation SLA077 and SLA079 have “Marinemaster” on the dial as well. Is this a confusing or logical step into the future? Let’s break it down and see if we can find out.
For many watch enthusiasts, the Marinemaster name is synonymous with the series of high-end dive watches that started with the popular Seiko SBDX001. That watch and its descendants took after the famous 6159-7001 from 1968. Over time, Seiko introduced updates to the design, but it was always basically the same watch that fans grew to love. The great SBDX001 won our Seiko World Cup last year, showing its popularity. But last November, Seiko introduced a series of new Marinemaster models that Thomas reported on. The SJE series presented a new aesthetic based on Seiko’s first dive watch, the popular 62MAS from 1965. With a smaller case and a slimmer profile, last year’s models presented a completely different take on the Marinemaster.
The new Seiko Prospex Marinemaster SLA077 and SLA079
Then, earlier this year, the brand added two more colorways to that lineup, cementing the thought that this design would be the Marinemaster from now on. To our surprise, though, the brand now treats us to two completely different Marinemaster models. The Seiko Prospex Marinemaster SLA077 and SLA079 are new additions to the 1968 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation series. As such, they take after the 6159-7001 that also inspired the beloved Marinemaster SBDX001. However, these two modern divers are closely related to the SLA073 I reviewed last year. There are still some notable differences, though, so let’s dive into the details.
The new SLA077 and SLA079 each feature a stainless steel case with a 42.6mm diameter, 49.6mm lug-to-lug, and 13.4mm thickness. The watches are water resistant to 300 meters, which is 100 meters more than last year’s SLA073. The case shape takes inspiration from the 6159-7001 and, therefore, also returns to the aesthetic of the Marinemaster SBDX001 that so many of us love. I adore the case design with its sharp angles and characteristic lugs. It’s hard to believe this case is rooted in the late ’60s because it looks just as relevant and competent as ever.
Two different dial executions for the new Marinemaster models
As we know from similar 1968 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation watches, the crown sits just above the 4 o’clock position. It’s a slightly odd placement, but it has never bothered me on the wrist. Zooming in on the newest releases, we find that the SLA079 comes with a black textured dial and a black bezel insert made from hard-coated steel. The applied indices feature a light green Lumibrite filling, and the color-matched date window sits neatly between 4 and 5 o’clock. The second model is the SLA077, which features a white textured dial with black applied markers filled with similar light green Lumibrite. The watch also has the same black bezel insert as the black-dial version.
Both watches come with a five-row stainless steel bracelet. Although the design looks similar to the three-row bracelets found on many dive watches, the narrow, polished pieces are indeed separate links. Judging from other Seiko models, this bracelet should be well made and perfectly balance the watch on the wrist. The fold-over clasp features a security lock, micro-adjustment holes, and a dive extension. It will be interesting to find out whether this is the same bracelet as on the SLA073. I found that one impressive, although the quality of the clasp and the dive extension, in particular, could have been better.
Final thoughts on the new Seiko Prospex Marinemaster SLA077 and SLA079
Priced at €3,000, these two new watches seem like proper successors to the Marinemaster SBDX001. Essentially, these two new references are modernized versions of that watch. They have a similar design inspired by the classic 6159-7001 and house the same 8L35 movement. It makes the entire Fratello team and me curious to learn more.
With the introduction of last year’s Marinemaster series based on the 62MAS, we all thought that Seiko was taking a different route. As it turns out, though, that’s not entirely true. It seems like the Marinemaster name will be used for the most exclusive Prospex dive watches based on the brand’s classics.
Overall, that is not a bad idea because it highlights Seiko’s great history of dive watches. The only thing is that hardcore Seiko fans will probably have to get used to this new approach a little bit. Giving the Marinemaster name to multiple designs at once differs from what the brand used to do, making it seem a bit weird. But these new watches look impressive, and we can’t wait to take them for a spin. To stay in the lane of the classic Seiko fan, could these be the true successors of the fan-favorite Marinemaster SBDX001? If looks are anything to go by, they very well may be.
To find out more, visit the official Seiko website. In the comments section, let us know your thoughts on these two new Marinemaster models.
