[bullosa]

I chanced upon the Seiko MarineMaster 300m this evening while I was at the KLCC. So I tried it on wrist to see if this highly raved watch will be mine. (BTW I was hoping to see the Seiko Sumo for the third time...lol...I was smitten by the blue Sumo recently while in Singapore). The MM is a nice tool watch with good finish. The domed crystal's AR could be better imho. Overall a very serious high grade dive watch but it didnt really speak to me.

There a few other nice JDMs at the same dealer, namely the Prospex Land Monster and the Flightmaster. But in my heart, the Sumo calls out. There's no Sumo here....so I am still clean:tongue_smilie:....it's been 4 months since I last purchased a watch...lol.

 

[bullandvodka]

Bullosa,

I was in HK 2 weeks ago and went up to Mong Kok. There is an arcade there where the ground floor is all watches. I found a stall where the guy had both the Sumo and the 300M. I'd purposely sought this place out to procure myself a 300M. But upon handling both models, I walked away with the Sumo. Why? Well, the Sumo was 1/3 the price and almost as good for my needs. I was looking for a fun all around beater with class. The 300M was functionally much better. My Sumo is maybe 5 sec. a day fast while I'm sure the 300M would be more accurate. Plus, were I more than a casual vacation diver, I would have more greatly appreciated the ratcheting clasp of the 300M. Still, the value of the Sumo won out.

Now, had the 300M had a sapphire crystal or had the shop had the 600M, I'm sure I would have walked away with a different watch.

 

[bullosa]

Bullandvodka,

Nice to know that there's someone else who thought that the Sumo outshines the MM. Price aside, I really was impressed by the fit of the Sumo on wrist. At the risk of being burnt on the stake as a 'heretic', I'd say the fit, feel and comfort of the Sumo equals the Panerai.

There was no sharp edges on the casing at all. Dont know about the bracelet as the bracelet was film wrapped. I did try the Rolex GMT Master II and found the edge of the lugs a lil too sharp for comfort.

No offense to anyone else, this just my opinion in my limited experience with luxury watches.

 

[boscoe]

I enjoy my Sumo

 

[bullandvodka]

Bullandvodka,

Nice to know that there's someone else who thought that the Sumo outshines the MM. Price aside, I really was impressed by the fit of the Sumo on wrist. At the risk of being burnt on the stake as a 'heretic', I'd say the fit, feel and comfort of the Sumo equals the Panerai.

There was no sharp edges on the casing at all. Dont know about the bracelet as the bracelet was film wrapped. I did try the Rolex GMT Master II and found the edge of the lugs a lil too sharp for comfort.

Well, I have the Rolex GMT-IIc as well. I have no problem with the comfort of it at all. Yes the lugs have a well defined lower edges some might find sharp and irritating, but my experience is that the watch rides on the caseback so it is a little higher and there is no discomfort.

I don't have a Panerai, so no first hand experience there.

I might still get a 300M or a 600M. I found a guy that retrofits sapphire crystals to the 300M and really that is my only gripe about it. For less than $2000 you get an A+ movement, case, and bracelet. I just don't like thinking about a mineral glass crystal on a $2000 watch. I find the 600M interesting as well, but I'm reluctant to get one due to the cost difference over the 300M and my uncertainty around SpringDrive. I find SpringDrive interesting and I love the GMT hand, but maybe not enough for 60% more money when the 300M has a GS movement anyway. I'll continue to think about both the 300M and 600M while I wait for the US Dollar to appreciate.

 

[eddiea]

Careful in Mongkok.....

Bullosa,

I was in HK 2 weeks ago and went up to Mong Kok. There is an arcade there where the ground floor is all watches. I found a stall where the guy had both the Sumo and the 300M. I'd purposely sought this place out to procure myself a 300M. But upon handling both models, I walked away with the Sumo. Why? Well, the Sumo was 1/3 the price and almost as good for my needs. I was looking for a fun all around beater with class. The 300M was functionally much better. My Sumo is maybe 5 sec. a day fast while I'm sure the 300M would be more accurate. Plus, were I more than a casual vacation diver, I would have more greatly appreciated the ratcheting clasp of the 300M. Still, the value of the Sumo won out.

Now, had the 300M had a sapphire crystal or had the shop had the 600M, I'm sure I would have walked away with a different watch.

Fake goods of every kind everywhere :sad: ...Tung Choi Street is a paradise for the savvy shopper:thumbup1:

 

[bullandvodka]

Fake goods of every kind everywhere :sad: ...Tung Choi Street is a paradise for the savvy shopper:thumbup1:

Yeah Eddie,

I agree, it pays to really know what you doing in many parts of Asia. I'm very familiar with the knockoff industry in China, HK, and Korea. Luckily the demand for a Seiko (even a high end one) doesn't attract too much counterfitting. And while it is possible to fake a Sumo with some credibility, I don't believe this is the case with a 300M. I was satisfied I was handling the real mccoys and had no trouble purchasing.

I noticed your 300M in your sig. Please comment on it and your experiences. I'm still extremely interested in getting one. I only feel that the Sumo has bought be a little time and satisfied my need for a daily beater with some uniqueness. I'll be getting a 300M or a 600M (probably from Higuchi) within 12 months. I'd love to know your experiences.

 

[bullosa]

Eddiea,

The fake watches are almost all luxury brands like Rolex, Omega, Panerai, B&R, Breitling, ......I heard of some feikos...they give away themselves at one look. Now regarding the fake watches, they are peddled in some streets that usually triad controlled.

In Malaysia, you will find these fake stuffs during the night streetmarket at Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur. Despite countless raids, they are back the next night. A lot of tourist there too...lol. A lot of stuff sold on eBay Malaysia are fake too.

But watches at authorized dealers and brand boutiques are safe buys.

 

[Vandice]

I've seen the 600m only once, and handled it for a few minutes. The dial is fantabulous in build and attention to detail, particularly user ergonomics.

Somehow, the designers have managed to "merge" the GMT and power reserve hands into the background, allowing the diver to read the time at a glance. One of the best engineered non-time/date-only diving dial I've ever seen.

The lume is also superbly applied, very even and smooth, with an unique luster of it's own. Under a loupe, the border between marker ring and lume does not have the jagged edges typical of such lume applications. If I remember correctly, the sides were finished differently from the top.

Same obsession to quality applies to the rest of the dial, hands etc.

Superb watch, esp. for $3500.

 

[eddiea]

I agree...

Eddiea,

The fake watches are almost all luxury brands like Rolex, Omega, Panerai, B&R, Breitling, ......I heard of some feikos...they give away themselves at one look. Now regarding the fake watches, they are peddled in some streets that usually triad controlled.

In Malaysia, you will find these fake stuffs during the night streetmarket at Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur. Despite countless raids, they are back the next night. A lot of tourist there too...lol. A lot of stuff sold on eBay Malaysia are fake too.

But watches at authorized dealers and brand boutiques are safe buys.

For that kind of money the AD's are the way to go:thumbup1:

@bullandvodka do not own any of those two ...just my grails:wink: ...the reason why is the lack of high end Japanese AD's in the US, I have been close to reach out to Seija and Higuchi a couple times but , the lack of a local service center capable to honor warranties etc at the price range has stop me :sad:

 

[bullosa]

For that kind of money the AD's are the way to go:thumbup1:

@bullandvodka do not own any of those two ...just my grails:wink: ...the reason why is the lack of high end Japanese AD's in the US, I have been close to reach out to Seija and Higuchi a couple times but , the lack of a local service center capable to honor warranties etc at the price range has stop me :sad:

Eddiea,

Please dont let the lack of local service center stop you from getting your grail JDMs. Both Seiya and Higuchi are great dealers who will back you better then most local Swiss watch service centers. In terms of local service centers, some popular Swiss brands send their watches back to the factories and usually take a month or so before they are returned. I am confident both these Japanese dealers will be able to service you better then most. :biggrin:

 

[bullandvodka]

Eddiea,

Please dont let the lack of local service center stop you from getting your grail JDMs. Both Seiya and Higuchi are great dealers who will back you better then most local Swiss watch service centers. In terms of local service centers, some popular Swiss brands send their watches back to the factories and usually take a month or so before they are returned. I am confident both these Japanese dealers will be able to service you better then most. :biggrin:

I'd tend to agree with Eddie. The warranty is Japan only, but I've read many posts on how Higuchi and Seiya facilitated service issues for their customers. Also, I believe it is possible to help one's self. At the Seiko international site, there is a link for helping people outside of a given market. There are also instructions to follow for sending your watch in (the instructions list Seiko's policies, acceptable form of shipment, and insurance requirements). I wouldn't be worried in the least, but for extra piece of mind, go with Higuchi or Seiya.