Need a diver under US$3,000? Meet the new Seiko Prospex Marinemaster SLA077 & SLA079
Zach BlassSeiko’s dive watch history goes back to 1965 to its first 150-metre diver’s watch, a year later put to the test during the 8th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition. In 1968, Seiko sought to improve its dive watch further, introducing the ref. 6159 – named after the first-ever Japanese high-beat calibre within, and doubling the water-resistance to 300 metres. This significant dive watch has since inspired many Seiko modern reinterpretations, and the latest duo has just been presented: the Seiko Prospex Marinemaster 1968 Heritage Diver’s SLA077 & SLA079.
The case
The mixed-finish case shares cues of the original 6159 diver from 1968, but it appears a little less rounded, with stronger facets, enlarged by over 5mm to 42.6mm in diameter. While the Seiko Marinemaster SLA077 and SLA079’s diameters situate the watches in what we would categorise as large in the modern market, their thickness of 13.4mm is still relatively slender, and the lug-to-lug span of 49.3mm will be more than manageable for the average wrist – especially with their slightly sloped camber. The SLA077 and SLA079, like their 1968 muse, have a screw-down crown at the 4 o’clock position that secures a 300-metre depth rating.
The dials
Surrounding the dial, both watches feature a steel timing bezel with a black aluminium insert. The scale, executed in white, is rendered in a modernised font that differs from the 1968 6159 diver, and like the three central hands and applied hour indices, utilises LumiBrite for visibility in darkness – whether in the depths of the ocean, or more likely a dark desk drawer.
Some may lament the fact the date window is in the contentious 4:30 position, but the result is a supremely legible dial, as this means there are applied indices and large lume plots for each of the 12 hours. And looking at the style of the hands and applied indices, it remains nearly a one-to-one reproduction from the 6159.
Your choice is black and white, literally, because the SLA079 offers a black dial, and the SLA077 a white dial, with both using a pebbled texture on its matte surface. Between the double AR-coating of the sapphire crystal and the grained matte surface of both the black and white eye-friendly colours, there are no pesky reflections to dampen the legibility of these dive watches. Furthermore, because the dial options are black and white the date discs are perfectly colour-matched to each dial. At the contentious 4:30 position, this seamless blend aids in making the date window feel less intrusive and squeezed in.
The bracelet
While the original 1968 6159 was affixed to a strap, many, like myself, love a bracelet in the modern era. The familiar five-piece link bracelet, with three broader brushed surfaces, and two narrow intermediary pieces with a polished finish, is secured to the wrist via a folding clasp. And, yes, it does have four drilled holes for micro-adjustment – you can let out a sigh of relief. The bracelet has a robust feel, and with its twin-triggered release, is very secure and unlikely to pop off your wrist.
The movement
I would love to see high-beat movements inside these 1968-inspired divers, as the original 6159 was a high-beat, but the in-house automatic 8L35 is no slouch. It’s a tried-and-true modern Seiko calibre. The movement is based on the Grand Seiko 9S55 calibre, and is assembled in Shizukuishi just like Grand Seiko mechanical movements are, with a 4Hz beat rate and 50 hours of power reserve, the movement ticks away beneath a solid and engraved caseback.
The verdict
These days, the competitive set of dive watches under US$3,000 is very strong, so the Seiko Prospex Marinemaster 1968 Heritage Diver’s SLA077 and SLA079 face some stiff competition. It will ultimately be subjective preference, if you are currently in the market for a sub-US$3,000 dive watch, whether or not this pair could be right for you. The SLA077 and SLA079 have the allure of being fully in-house-made, with a rich and deep backstory in Japanese and Seiko watchmaking. With the black or white colour schemes, they are straightforward options with both robust externals and internals. I think a high-beat movement would have given the watches a greater point of distinction in this category, but whether or not the price of the watch could still be kept down close US$3,000 is the million-dollar question.
Seiko Prospex Marinemaster 1968 Heritage Diver’s SLA077 & SLA079 pricing and availability
The Seiko Prospex Marinemaster 1968 Heritage Diver’s SLA077 & SLA079 are available now for purchase. Price: US$2,900
| Brand | Seiko |
| Model | Prospex Marinemaster 1968 Heritage Diver’s |
| Reference | SLA077 SLA079 |
| Case Dimensions | 42.6mm (D) x 13.4mm (T) x 49.3mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel, super-hard coating |
| Water Resistance | 300 metres, screw-down crown |
| Crystal(s) | Double-domed sapphire front |
| Dial | White or black, pebbled texture |
| Strap | Stainless steel barcelet, super-hard coating, folding clasp |
| Movement | 8L35, in-house, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 50 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$2,900 |