The Seiko Marinemaster 300 – a legend among Seiko’s deep catalog of divers. It’s younger siblings now wear sapphire crystals and ceramic bezels and hence have had a serious price increase.

The first thing you notice is the mirror finish of the Zaratsu polished case, the same technique used on their Grand Seiko watches. A delicate brushed line divides the mid section of the case. This watch is a mono-block design meaning it is literally hewn from a single billet of Japans finest SS.

The MM is quite literally a heavyweight among divers. Coming in at a substantial 44mm x 14.4mm x 48mm and 198gsm on its bracelet. This ain’t no supermodel but more like a buffed shredded and tanned body builder. There is no misinterpreting its purpose

Despite nudging one fifth of a kilogram on its bracelet it disguises its heft well. The sides of the case slope down to meet the brushed center line of its slender waist, then slopes back again to the base of the case.

The lacquered aluminium bezel insert looks way more premium than it sounds.

The supplied bracelet is a well made, beautiful and functional item that includes a micro ratcheting clasp that facilitates adjustment without removing the watch.

Encased in its impenetrable steel vault is the 8L35 ticking away at a silky 28800vph. A discontinued Grand Seiko number, it utilizes some hi-tech manufacturing techniques to ensure tighter tolerances and higher accuracy.

Peer through its Hesalite crystal you are greeted with a highly legible black satin dial with vintage inspired lollypop second hand and beefy hour and minute hands.

Everything is not perfect though. There is not nearly enough grip on the bezel edge and it can be very stiff to rotate. The other criticism I have is it’s just too pretty to be a tool watch. So much so in fact it rarely gets to see the light of day except for the very specific purpose of a day at the beach.

Irrespective of its relative lack of rotation, it’s a watch I have a deep affinity to and for that reason alone, if I had to choose my favorite child, this is the one.