SLA079 black: I like this one more, I just don't like the clasp it's hiding behind
Black or white?
Seiko Steve sent a pair, and the SLA079 is the black one. I put it on first, and I think I like this black one more. I also like the white one, but the black wins. It's matte black with the same fine, grainy, pebble-like texture, and it looks great on the wrist and wears very well. The case is a lovely mixed finish. You could shut your eyes and put a bag on your head and still know this is a Seiko Marinemaster case. Probably finished even better than the old one, a little sharper all round, with that lovely sloping camber to the lugs.
Lume, hands and bezel
The bezel insert is stainless steel, not ceramic. Either lacquered or DLC coated, I don't know which, but it looks great. It's just not as good as the OG's. Bezel action is excellent, very smooth and precise, with bigger teeth than the original. On this smaller watch they give me a weird feeling. I just don't think I like it. The lume is great too, though not as good as the old boy: not as much of it and not as bright, but by no means weak. It's better than a 6R Seiko. The handset is not quite the same as the old one, and you don't get the gold second hand, just a steel one.
The bracelet, and the elephant in the room
Good news: the bracelet is very good quality, better than the old one. It has the new link shape Seiko are doing with everything, lovely gaps so it doesn't pinch your hairs, and it integrates well. Once you've sized it you never need to touch it again. The elephant in the room is the clasp. It's a 6R clasp, a stamped piece of metal. It works, but it's no on-the-fly adjustment, four micro holes, and the pointless diver's extension. Seiko, get rid of this. Don't put it on watches anymore, especially ones that cost more than £2,000.
The cave diver
There's another curious fellow, the cave diver, I think the 73. It's literally the same watch but not a Marinemaster, with 200 metres instead of 300. Same case, bezel, bracelet, clasp, everything. It might be about a millimetre thinner. Isn't that weird? I'll review him shortly.
Verdict
Zaratsu polishing, brush work, bracelet, dial, bezel action, a great movement: it's a great watch. Is it a Marinemaster? I don't know, and that's the thing that bothers me. As far as the dreaded X goes, I've learned to accept the things I can't change. It doesn't mean I like it. Get rid of them immediately, Steve, and buy something better for the beach.
