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Seiko 62MAS Comparison Watch Review - SPB453 vs. SJE099 Marinemaster - Is The MM Worth Double?

August 19, 2024 Nick Lehner

I've been a long-time fan of Seiko Prospex dive watches. Regular readers of the blog have followed along as I've tried out different rungs on the Seiko ladder, from the least expensive to the Spring Drive-powered Prospex LX range.

I felt that SPB143 was a good bang for the buck at around $1,000, and liked all of the upgrades made to its successor, SPB453. Despite this, I still wanted something nicer and also purchased the Marinemaster SJE099

SJE099 is almost double the price of SPB453, yet offers minimal upgrades on paper. I thought that it would be interesting to do a direct comparison. Keep reading to find out if it's worth the extra cost.

If you're not already familiar with both models, I recommend reading the articles linked above. If you'd like to see more reviews of similar models, click here to read all other 62MAS reviews. Or view our Guide to Choosing a Watch Strap and scroll to the end of the article to see strap options for both of them.

First Impressions of Seiko 62MAS SPB453 vs. SJE099

SPB453 MSRP is $1,300, while SJE099 is $2800. I purchased both of them new for roughly 20% off, so the delta in price was still similar, with the Marinemaster being a bit more than double the price.

A big thing that is difficult to understand from press photos is the difference in the way these watches look and feel on the wrist. I didn't originally have much interest in the Marinemaster, but then I tried one on. It's much thinner and sits closer to the wrist. A lot of this is likely due to its movement. More on that later!

Details of Seiko 62MAS SPB453 vs. SJE099

Both watches clearly originate from the 62MAS design DNA. SPB453 is more true to the original while the Marinemaster looks more streamlined and modern.

Seiko 62MAS Comparison Watch Review - SPB453 vs. SJE099 Marinemaster - Is The MM Worth Double?

The MM bezel is sloped and has chunky, polished grips rather than the coin edge on the SPB bezel.

The blue color of the MM's insert shifts dramatically, and reminds me of my old SPB053 (the first, larger 62MAS reissue from a few years ago). SPB453 features a more traditional satin black finish.

The dial is another area where the MM is more interesting. It features a three-dimensional window shutter appearance. Again, its less-expensive brother sticks with the traditional (that being said, I'm sure that Seiko will release some LE versions with more interesting dials as it did with the Save the Oceans variant of the outgoing model).

Both feature the new Seiko strategy with the date window at 4:30. While many complain, I think that this is a good way to incorporate the date. It mostly hides away in the dial.

Not only does the Marinemaster case feature a much more dramatic chamfer on its lugs, but the finishing is sharper. It's not zaratsu, but is an area where you see the extra cost went.

Despite a slimmer, case, Water resistance goes from 200m to 300m. Unlikely to make a difference to most, but a nice feather in the cap of the new model.

Wearing Seiko 62MAS SPB453 vs. SJE099

As mentioned, the Marinemaster feels much better on the wrist than the SPB. It sits lower on the wrist and is better balanced.

The bezel shape also gives it a sleeker profile.

If you prefer a bolder, tool watch look, SPB453 is the one that you want, however.

SPB does have better legibility, but only because of its dial color. The half-polished, half-brushed hands contrast against it much better. I imagine if I had the black dialed SJ101 it would be a closer competition. The hand shapes and markers are similar on both models, although the MM has more intricate finishing. It uses 3 surfaces rather than two, with the flat top being brushed.

As great as the lume is on all Seiko Prospex divers, having these two side by side revealed that Seiko does use better lume on its higher-end divers. Like the MM300, the new MM200 is shockingly bright. While no one would ever complain about SPB453's nighttime visibility, SJE099 is significantly brighter. In dim light situations, the lighter dial can negate this, but it performs much better in pure darkness.

Bracelets and replacement straps for Seiko 62MAS SPB453 and SJE099

The bracelet finishing on the Marinemaster is also upgraded. While the SPB uses an oyster-style design, the MM uses an attractive 5-link design. Polished small links are sandwiched between brushed outer and middle links. It provides pleasing reflections without looking too blingy. It's also quite comfortable.

A frequent complaint on the internet about both watches is the interface between the bracelet and the case. To me, this looks like a conscious design choice by Seiko, rather than a bad fitment. It slims both watches visually. Either way, it's a moot point in this comparison since both watches do it.

The clasps are also similar. Both are machined with polished sides and a stamped dive extension. Both have two micro-adjust holes and use pins and collars to secure the links. They are fine, but the more expensive model would especially benefit from a more advanced clasp mechanism.

Luckily 20mm lug widths on both mean that there are lots of great strap options. Scroll down to the end of this article if you'd like to see photos and purchase different strap options for yours.

Here is a list of some of the straps that would fit and we think look great with this watch. At the end of the article, you'll also find photos of some of our favorite combinations.
-Deployant FKM Rubber strap
-Ribbed Rubber Pass-Through
-Ridge Rubber
-Tropical Rubber
-Premium Sailcloth and Sailcloth Colorway Collection
-Smooth Rubber
-Rubber and Sailcloth Hybrid Straps
-Pro Diver
-Vented Rubber
-Slim Ridge Rubber
-Waffle Rubber
-Epsom Leather
-Elastic
-Seatbelt

Like most Seiko Prospex divers, these have larger-than-standard lug holes. While all StrapHabit straps are compatible, many other straps aren't. Some people also don't prefer the slight bit of play when installing one of our straps. StrapHabit's Thin Spring Bars for Seiko Fat Lug Holes can be installed in some StrapHabit straps and other straps with standard spring bars. They have 1.1mm tips, but are 1.8mm thick at the center, fitting Seiko divers perfectly.

Seiko 62MAS SPB453 vs. SJE099 Movements

While the 6R55 movement in the upgraded SPB453 received two additional hours of power reserve over it predecessor 6R35 (providing it with a full three days), it wasn't much changed otherwise. It beats at 21,600 vph (6 beats per second), has 24 jewels, and is rated to +25/-15 seconds per day.

The Marinemaster's 6L37 beats at a more modern 28,800 vph (8 beats per second). It also has 26 jewels and is rated to be significantly more accurate (albeit still not great at +15/-10). It is Seiko's thinnest automatic mechanical movement ever at 3.69 mm thick.

While I couldn't find a thickness for 6R55, it should be the same at 6R35 at 5.25mm thick. This is much of what allows the Marinemaster case to be so thin, even with a transparent caseback. Both have hacking and hand-winding and are anti-magnetic to 4,800 A/m. The upgraded movement also has a quicker date jump at midnight.

A smoother sweeping second hand and better accuracy are nice improvements, but the power reserve of 6L37 is significantly less at 45 hours. I expect that this is a result of the reduced thickness requiring a smaller mainspring.

For those more familiar with Swiss movements, I'd compare 6L37 to a higher grade ETA 2892/Sellita S300, while the 6R movements would compete with a Powermatic 80. Unless you specifically need a watch that can run for 3 days without wearing it, the 6L movement is a significant upgrade.

Conclusion - IsSJE099 worth the cost over SPB453?

For me, yes. I kept SJE099 and sold SPB453 after the review was finished. The Marinemaster's dial is beautiful, I like the smoother sweep of the second hand, and it wears so well! I rotate through watches frequently and keep them on a winder, so a shorter power reserve isn't an issue.

That being said, I understand why someone wouldn't (or couldn't) spend an extra $1,500 for a few minor upgrades and the same brand name on the dial. The value for money is much better with SPB453 (or SPB143, SPB153, or SPB297).

Specifications

	62MAS	Marinemaster
Model	Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver's Watch	Seiko Prospex Marinemaster 1965 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation
Reference Number	SPB453	SJE099
MSRP	$1,300	$2,800
Case Material	Stainless steel (super hard coating)	Stainless steel (super hard coating)
Bezel	Unidirectional, 120 click with aluminum insert	Unidirectional, 120 click with stainless steel insert
Width (mm)	40.0mm	39.5
Height (mm)	46.4mm	47.2
Thickness (mm)	13.0mm	12.3
Lug Width	20mm	20mm
Bracelet Functions	Flip lock, 2-position micro adjust, folded dive extension	Flip lock, 2-position micro adjust, folded dive extension
Movement Caliber	Seiko 6R55	Seiko 6L37
Accuracy Rating (s/day)	+25/-15	+15/-10
Power Reserve (hr)	72	45
Beat Rate (vph)	21,600	28,800
Water Resistance (m)	300	200
Crystal	Domed sapphire with clear AR coating on the inner side	Box-shaped sapphire with clear AR coating on the inner side
Weight with bracelet (g)	168g	155g