Talk me into a Marinemaster SBDX017 (not that I should need it)

[the_natural]

I somewhat seriously got into watching only last fall, and I bought my Rolex Explorer 1, which I love. I really set out to be a one-watch man, and that was working mostly fine up until last week on vacation when I tried on a Panerai Luminor (which I somehow escaped without buying).

I've been eyeing the SBDX017 for months and for some reason I just haven't (can't?) pull the trigger on it. To make matters worse, the prices now (from JDM sellers) are really good, and yet still ... haven't done it.

I think a big part of the reasoning is two-fold: (1) there's nowhere nearby for me to see it in-person, and (2) starting off with a Rolex I think I feel like a Seiko (which I know to be good!) isn't "good enough" (which I feel like an idiot for even typing).

My watch fund has recovered somewhat since October when I shelled-out for my 214270, and the watches I keep looking at are:

- Luminor 000
- Hesalite Moonwatch Professional
- Black Bay Black (ETA) - which I hated at first
- 116610LV 'Hulk'
- SBDX017

Obviously the prices in that lineup are all over the map, and if I had to buy today I could swing the price of any of them except the Hulk.

Since I cannot easily try on the Marinemaster, my concerns are (a) the bracelet sucks (pretty universally accepted), (b) it'll be too tall, and (c) it'll be too top-heavy ... and really, (d) it'll leave me underwhelmed and wishing I'd held on to the coin for something I wanted more.

I've been seeing a fair number of Rolexes lately, and I do have the itch for something non-Rolex, and yet ...

#CouldntBeMoreFickleIfITried

[stockae92]

well, the bracelet does not suck, but the clasp is large. and combined with the large bracelet links, the fitment for smaller wrist size (6.5" or under) may bother some people.

the watch is kinda tall and top heavy, its less of an issue with bracelet, not too bad with rubber strap, but more noticeable for NATO

I don't remember if the crystal is sapphire, i don't know so, which may bother some people.

and then the goods ...

the movement is made under the same roof as Grand Seiko movement, completely in-house.

The lume will blow your mind. trust me on this one.

it also has a handsome classic diver look which i love.


good luck :D

[speedmaster73]

Originally Posted by the_natural

I somewhat seriously got into watching only last fall, and I bought my Rolex Explorer 1, which I love. I really set out to be a one-watch man, and that was working mostly fine up until last week on vacation when I tried on a Panerai Luminor (which I somehow escaped without buying).

I've been eyeing the SBDX017 for months and for some reason I just haven't (can't?) pull the trigger on it. To make matters worse, the prices now (from JDM sellers) are really good, and yet still ... haven't done it.

I think a big part of the reasoning is two-fold: (1) there's nowhere nearby for me to see it in-person, and (2) starting off with a Rolex I think I feel like a Seiko (which I know to be good!) isn't "good enough" (which I feel like an idiot for even typing).

My watch fund has recovered somewhat since October when I shelled-out for my 214270, and the watches I keep looking at are:

- Luminor 000
- Hesalite Moonwatch Professional
- Black Bay Black (ETA) - which I hated at first
- 116610LV 'Hulk'
- SBDX017

Obviously the prices in that lineup are all over the map, and if I had to buy today I could swing the price of any of them except the Hulk.

Since I cannot easily try on the Marinemaster, my concerns are (a) the bracelet sucks (pretty universally accepted), (b) it'll be too tall, and (c) it'll be too top-heavy ... and really, (d) it'll leave me underwhelmed and wishing I'd held on to the coin for something I wanted more.

I've been seeing a fair number of Rolexes lately, and I do have the itch for something non-Rolex, and yet ...

#CouldntBeMoreFickleIfITried

lets be very clear. 1) the bracelet does NOT suck. thats a trendy hogwash statement repeated by some who have no clue. none.

2) not tall at all....its not flat, but less taller than a rolex dssd or omega 8500

3) top heavy is subjective. it wears much much much better than a rolex DSSD

4) cant help you with the underwhelmed poetential feeling but be rest assured that the mm300 is a TRUE PROFESSIONAL Divers watch and not a desk diver.....no ceramic bezel that will shatter and no sapphire that can shatter either....oh, and it comes with the vaunted manufacture 8L35 movement that puts many other movements to shame...think of it as the Japanese rolex 3135 movement.....

[the_natural]

Good feedback, thanks.

Also good to hear that, at least for some, the bracelet isn't as bad as many others make it out to be. Still, coming from a latest Oyster model, I'm keeping my expectations in-check if I pull the trigger.

Originally Posted by stockae92

The lume will blow your mind. trust me on this one.

This is actually one of the things I'm most interested in. Is that lame?

[sierra11b]

Give it a dance. The dial and hands are fantastic in the flesh. I'll get some heat for this here but it's an unadulterated true diver which comes in somewhere between the SD4000 and DSSD (in size and appearance) but at a fraction of the cost. It's that good and cannot be beat at the price if you want a similar diver period. Plus, the lume puts those two to shame (combined) when I put mine side-to-side. I think it's only competitor is the Pelagos currently.

Yes, the links are a bit long and the lug width a bit tight making it a bit top heavy, but I wouldn't call it uncomfortable, and the clasp isn't oversize IMHO. If you can appreciate it for what it is in that regard you're golden because the rest is pure class. If you really want a sapphire you can have one installed for cheap. And you must be warned Seiko does NOT regulate the 8L35 movement so it's a luck of the draw. You can sometimes get away with asking one of the Japanese sellers to hand-pick one but it's hit or miss still because who knows if they really do. However, there are those that can regulate and install a sapphire at the same time, so it's non-issue really.

I will say that even though the MM style clasp works well, Seiko is a bit behind the curve on bracelet and clasp R&D in both Prospex and GS lines. Then again, sourcing an MM300 clasp is small fraction in cost compared to a glidelock, so you can appreciate that in the true tool watch aspect with them keeping the prices in reach to the layman.

I dabbled in GS for a bit but this is where Seiko shines with the Prospex line as they have since they answered the needs of saturation divers back when dive watches weren't cool. That's what makes this watch important is the bloodline whereas GS misses that IMHO. As a prior SBGA029 owner I'd get the SBDX001/17 over it and pocket the change.

[the_natural]

Originally Posted by sierra11b

Give it a dance. The dial and hands are fantastic in the flesh. I'll get some heat for this here but it's an unadulterated true diver which comes in somewhere between the SD4000 and DSSD (in size and appearance) but at a fraction of the cost. It's that good and cannot be beat at the price if you want a similar diver period. Plus, the lume puts those two to shame (combined) when I put mine side-to-side. I think it's only competitor is the Pelagos currently.

Yes, the links are a bit long and the lug width a bit tight making it a bit top heavy, but I wouldn't call it uncomfortable, and the clasp isn't oversize IMHO. If you can appreciate it for what it is in that regard you're golden because the rest is pure class. If you really want a sapphire you can have one installed for cheap. And you must be warned Seiko does NOT regulate the 8L35 movement so it's a luck of the draw. You can sometimes get away with asking one of the Japanese sellers to hand-pick one but it's hit or miss still because who knows if they really do. However, there are those that can regulate and install a sapphire at the same time, so it's non-issue really.

I will say that even though the MM style clasp works well, Seiko is a bit behind the curve on bracelet and clasp R&D in both Prospex and GS lines. Then again, sourcing an MM300 clasp is small fraction in cost compared to a glidelock, so you can appreciate that in the true tool watch aspect with them keeping the prices in reach to the layman.

I dabbled in GS for a bit but this is where Seiko shines with the Prospex line as they have since they answered the needs of saturation divers back when dive watches weren't cool. That's what makes this watch important is the bloodline whereas GS misses that IMHO. As a prior SBGA029 owner I'd get the SBDX001/17 over it and pocket the change.

Awesome info, thank you. I can feel I'm getting swayed toward it.

[sierra11b]

Originally Posted by the_natural

Awesome info, thank you. I can feel I'm getting swayed toward it.

Let me help...

[sierra11b]

Originally Posted by the_natural

Awesome info, thank you. I can feel I'm getting swayed toward it.

Let me help...

[dualcarb]

It's a lot of watch for your money. It's a watch where if you know, you know...Seiko is steeped in diver watch history where they make bang for buck, tough as nail watches. These days a touch of refinement is added. A definite must buy...

[stockae92]

Originally Posted by the_natural

Good feedback, thanks.

Also good to hear that, at least for some, the bracelet isn't as bad as many others make it out to be. Still, coming from a latest Oyster model, I'm keeping my expectations in-check if I pull the trigger.



This is actually one of the things I'm most interested in. Is that lame?

Buying a watch for the lume? Not lame at all ... :D



SBBN031 Tuna

[PJ S]

If you need a further push…

https://youtu.be/sYVVGpZNyws

[the_natural]

Originally Posted by PJ S

If you need a further push…

https://youtu.be/sYVVGpZNyws

I saw that a few weeks ago. So rad.

I do want the MM300 ... but I really yearn (at least at the moment) for a Hulk. I dunno, we'll see. I don't have the cash for a Hulk yet, but I'm getting closer. If not now, the MM300 will be on-deck after the Hulk.

[the_natural]

Man, I dunno - this looks awesome.

[dukerules]

It's a great watch, especially for the money. I'm a fan of the 6159 heritage. It's one watch which actually wears larger than its specs. I really enjoyed it on rubber, but the bracelet is just serviceable IMO. Ultimately, I flipped mine for a Pelagos-for my large tool-watch fix, I like the Pelagos a lot more, although it is significantly more expensive secondhand.

[ddaly12]

I would hold out for the Hulk. You will not be fully satisfied until you have that watch. And it's worth it.

But I would consider satisfying your Seiko urge by testing the waters with one of the lower tier Seikos. That's how I started and now I have three and a grand seiko. I'd start with the classic SKX007 (black) or SKX009 (Pepsi). Both are sick watches and can be had for $250. Amazing value. Next level would be the turtle reissue, SRP series. I just picked up the SRPA21 special PADI diver, and it's an awesome piece. $500. Great value. Built like a tank. GREAT dial.

If you love those, then go MM300. All the while with the hulk as a long term goal. I also own that piece. There is nothing quite like it.

[HobokenRolex]

Agree on the SKX...it's a great deal for so little money. Then save for the Hulk.

[ddaly12]

Originally Posted by HobokenRolex

Agree on the SKX...it's a great deal for so little money. Then save for the Hulk.

[Gharddog03]

Fantastic piece.

SKX is a killer diver for the price.


Sumo is also a good deal but wears a tad big.

[stockae92]

Originally Posted by Gharddog03

Fantastic piece.

The thing is that I can't tell the difference between SBDX001 and SBDX017 from a photo like that ... :)

[the_natural]

Originally Posted by ddaly12

I would hold out for the Hulk. You will not be fully satisfied until you have that watch. And it's worth it.

But I would consider satisfying your Seiko urge by testing the waters with one of the lower tier Seikos. That's how I started and now I have three and a grand seiko. I'd start with the classic SKX007 (black) or SKX009 (Pepsi). Both are sick watches and can be had for $250. Amazing value. Next level would be the turtle reissue, SRP series. I just picked up the SRPA21 special PADI diver, and it's an awesome piece. $500. Great value. Built like a tank. GREAT dial.

If you love those, then go MM300. All the while with the hulk as a long term goal. I also own that piece. There is nothing quite like it.

Solid advice. I was looking at the PADI Turtle today online actually. I briefly had a Turtle (SRP777) and really liked it but never wore it and instead flipped it (wish I hadn't, of course). The PADI looks great, and I'd like to have one as well, but probably with the 777's amazing rubber strap instead of the bracelet.

I know a lot of people like the SKX, but I've seen Turtles for not much more, so I'm not very tempted by the SKX.

I do still think I want an MM300. Hoping to go to the NYC boutique one of these days and see one in the flesh.

And I do still want a Hulk like mad.

[vukotab]

Well...
Between all the mentioned, Marinemaster SBDX017 (though a great watch) would be my third choice, behind Speedy Pro and Tudor Black Bay.

So...only you know what is right for you, but you really can't go wrong with SBDX017. It's on a totally different plane than less expensive Seiko watches, comparable only to Grand Seiko models in terms of built quality.

[Jay (Eire)]

Stop f'n around and just get the Hulk.

We all do this thing where we have something we really want and instead of getting it we buy a, b, c and d none of which make us happy. Often it's a price thing, the thing we want is $X and that seems like too much. But what we often end up doing is spemding that $X or very close to it on watches a, b, c and d. Somehow that doesn't feel as bad. But we still want the other watch.

Some say correctly it's part of the fun/journey, so you're not alone.

But get the Hulk!

[BruceWonder]

Old tread but I have a Hulk and about to buy a MM300 sbdx017. Ive owned a skx007 and 3 turtles but sold them all. build quality wasn't there for my standards. I just wished I jumped straight to the MM300 from the get go.

[Robin_NL]

I sold my '17 Grand Seiko HI Beat GMT a few months ago to buy a 2015 JLC Master Moon 39.

But being a Seiko'fan' (price/quality) too and having a New Turtle SRP777J(apan)1 and a new SPB053J1 re-edition as well I 'm now the proud owner of a
MM300 since a few days. It's running 9s fast/24h, unlike my 116600 which runs 0,6s/24h fast and which I will NEVER sell (having it's 4th birthday this may, original owner)


So here is my SBDX017. Got rid of the steel bracelet rightaway.



Cheers
Robin

[yannis]

It is a fantastic diver!