Seiko Adds Two Colours to its Marinemaster Line, with the SJE117 & SJE119

A true household name for Seiko enthusiasts, the Marinemaster has long been synonymous with the higher-end, professional-oriented dive watch of the brand. First released in 1999, the Seiko Marinemaster SBDX001 (and subsequent variations) became one of the most emblematic divers of Japan, only to be discontinued a few years ago. Last year, Seiko brought back this beloved name with a brand new collection of smaller dive watches, under the Prospex range and with multiple evolutions. After the three inaugural references SJE097, SJE099 and SJE101, it’s now time for the Marinemaster to receive two new colourways, with the grey-green SJE117 and the blue SJE119. 

Not just a revival, but a completely new watch… Apart from sharing the same name, the old and the new Marinemaster don’t share much in common – which led to rather strong reactions from Seiko fans. The original Marinemaster SBDX001 was, back when launched in 1999 in Japan and 2000 worldwide, one of the most advanced, capable dive watches of Seiko. A large one-piece 44mm steel case and a no-nonsense appeal, a high-end calibre 8L35 inside, a 300m water resistance and a no-valve, helium-proof construction… Most of these attributes are gone in the new Marinemaster, which is a far more compact, far more wearable but less instrumental model. To each his own, the new one certainly has arguments too, but it’s not the same watch as before.

First released with a trio of references – SJE099 light blue, SJE0101 black and SJE097 silver (limited) – the Prospex Marinemaster collection now welcomes two new models, in grey-green (SJE117) and dark blue (SJE119). Apart from the colours, we’re looking at the same technical base as last year. Slimmer, smaller, and less tool-ish than before, the new models measure a much more wrist-friendly 39.5mm diameter, with a relatively thin profile of 12.3mm and a compact 47.2mm length. Combined with the redesigned bracelet featuring flexible and soft ellipse-shaped links, you end up with a very comfortable dive watch. Which was the objective of the old Marinemaster…

Some evolutions are also to note on the technical side, with a revised 200m water-resistance, the presence of a box-shaped sapphire crystal on the front, a see-through caseback, screwed crown and back and a 200m WR (instead of 300m in the past). The case isn’t only slimmer and smaller, but also more refined. Made of Super-Hard coated steel, it features strong polished bevels on the sides and bezel. The unidirectional bezel, which is available here in blue or in black, is metallic despite having a glossy, almost ceramic-like effect.

For 2024, the Marinemaster is now available with two new colours for its dials with a horizontal stripe pattern, namely mid-grey with green reflections (SJE117) and dark blue (SJE119). Both retain all design elements of previous versions, including the large raised markers and hands, generously filled with LumiBrite, and a date at 4:30.

Inside the case is a slim movement, the calibre 6L37. It features the same accuracy and power reserve as the trusted 6L35 movement, yet with durability and shock resistance that meet the standard of a dive watch. It is regulated to +15 to -10 seconds per day (as always, a rather safe claimed accuracy).

Available from the permanent collection, the new Seiko Prospex Marinemaster SJE117 and SJE119 will be priced at EUR 3,400. For more details, please visit seikowatches.com.