[bb-sf]

After having one go away (long story which I have told in the past) I decided to bring one back. I am paying about the same price I paid back in 2006 or 2007, new which is great. Direct from Japan Authorized dealer with 1 year intl warranty.

This has been on my mind for some time. The great yen/dollar differential was the primary component, but I have to admit that a few rumors I chanced upon that the watch was going to be discontinued kind of pushed me over.

So... what is the validity of these rumors? Perhaps even more interesting, is a Spring Drive version is the works? Or is that the big monstrosity (not necessarily a criticism) that is now out there?

 

[TheNeilo1]

Not a rumour I've heard?
Albeit I've seen the new Spring drive 600m and it's a beast.
Not much in my opinion is as subtle or as nice as the MM apart from maybe the Orient Star
It lets hope the MM stays in production.
Saying that if it does become discontinued the used variants are only going to go up in value.

 

[pollyc]

Neil, you fixed your washing machine:93:

I have heard no rumours either, but I did buy mine a couple of weeks ago because of the favourable exchange rate and it seemed too good an opportunity to miss.

It's not as good value as cheaper Seiko divers but still is a must have watch and sweet in its own right. Also I found out it looks cracking on the Seiko rubber and just about anything else you put it on.

 

[bb-sf]

Ok. Here this is from a thread from another forum. It looks like there is going to be a sbdx017 marine master - bb





The washed out picture in the lower right of this page is supposed to indicate that the crown is decorated the new MM.

I stole this Source WatchOutz. You can find them on facebook.

 

[bb-sf]

& if this is true, I am going to be sooo pi$$ed!

I just bought the obsolete one an it is being shipped now! Just kidding. However, it will be interesting to see what fleshes out and may have to put this one on my 2016 or 2017 watch list

 

[bb-sf]

Ok. I am a little surprised at the lack of response. I guess SCWF as turned into such a 62MAS-6105-6309 fan gramps (geriatric variant of fan boy) forum, news regarding the discontinuation of one of the most revered modern Seiko divers is not that big of a deal. Just ribbing!

Ok well it does seem the SBDX001 is in for a few changes. Including -

8L35 movement being updated to have MEMS technology used in the manufacture of its escapement. Grand Seiko borrowed this from Sieko's semi conductor manufacturing processes and now it is being pushed to non GS movements. Same basic parts in movement just cut much cleaner.

A Propex X on the crown

Some form(s) of hardening on the case process Diashield being one.

Still has Hardlex

Same case dimensions

New Model Number sbdx017

Ok, well that's all I know and it's all pretty unsubstantiated. Please chime in with your thoughts!

I am curious of your thoughts regarding this question -

Did I luck out and buy the last air cooled 911 before water cooled one came out or should I have waited and shelled out a few more nickels for the latest and greatest which I literally missed knowing about by a day?

My hunch says there will likely be room for both and some folks will think the older version has some collectible value while the others will think the movement improvement makes the newer version the one to have.

Come on all you Gramps!!! Get off your old watches and join in with some of us below 60's lads (jesus I'm 52) and share your thoughts!

 

[Reynaldo]

I'm glad that these changes are subtle while maintaining the size and aesthetics of this popular watch. Don't discontinue all together but keep improving it a la submariner and other iconic watches. The mm300 is the quintessential seiko diver, whether is the sbdx001, the 012, or this next 017. The perfect watch for me.

Ps: I'm right behind you old geezer at 51.

 

[Speedseiko]

Young bloke joining in. (Almost 40)
I love the MM and wish I could afford one.
The new version looks exactly the same and is just an updated version which is good I think.
And I don't see the difference in collectors value personally.


Coming from a cloud somewhere...

 

[iwaddell]

Well, as a young 43yrs, SBDX001 wearer for the last 3 years

Sounds like they are doing some subtle improvements to the old "air cooled" MM300.

I like that they are adding a signed crown. It's something I've thought they should have had from day one. As the Sumo has it. A nice 'X' marks the spot.

I wonder if they will also have an etched Prospex X on the back of the case...

 

[mario_d]

I've turned 40 this year and I'm enjoying my sbdx001 for almost five years now. I have yet to understand what the MEMS technology is all about but I am not very much excited about any of the upcoming 8l35 powered models. I am fine with an unsigned crown and as long as I can't afford a nice vintage 6159-7001 I'll stick with my "old" sbdx001 on WJean's waffle strap for the vintage look ;-)

 

[thianwong1]

I've turned 40 this year and I'm enjoying my sbdx001 for almost five years now. I have yet to understand what the MEMS technology is all about but I am not very much excited about any of the upcoming 8l35 powered models. I am fine with an unsigned crown and as long as I can't afford a nice vintage 6159-7001 I'll stick with my "old" sbdx001 on WJean's waffle strap for the vintage look ;-)

+1 on that sentiment. I turned 66 this year and finally afforded a used MM. Most of my collection is 'old' but I sure enjoy them alot....the newer stuff doesn't turn my crank at all! Too gawdy, too many fadlike features just for change sake IMO....

 

[Speedseiko]

Hey Thian long time no see my friend. Maybe when I reach your age I will finally have my MM....

 

[thianwong1]

Hey Thian long time no see my friend. Maybe when I reach your age I will finally have my MM....

You mean...next year!? hahahahah!:grin:

 

[Speedseiko]

You mean...next year!? hahahahah!:grin:

:a102::signlol:

 

[gr8sw]

I'm glad that these changes are subtle while maintaining the size and aesthetics of this popular watch. Don't discontinue all together but keep improving it a la submariner and other iconic watches. The mm300 is the quintessential seiko diver, whether is the sbdx001, the 012, or this next 017. The perfect watch for me.

Ps: I'm right behind you old geezer at 51.

+1 Ray loving my 012 more every day :clap:

62 and collecting Social Security :yahoo:

 

[bb-sf]

Here's another interesting wrinkle in this whole thing. There are some thoughts out there that the 8L35"B" movement going back to 2012 may have MEMS technology used as part of the escapement process and that this feature is now being finally being promoted in this late 2015 marinemaster update more than being a brand new feature.

I'm a "I have changed a few straps and popped off a bezel or two" kind of guy so I am speaking way over my head

 

[bb-sf]

Ok. Well my now obsolete SBDX001 came in the mail yesterday! Here are a few pics to close my pumping of this this thread





I look forward to learning about the SBDX017...

 

[barryw]

Interesting comparison to the 911. Whilst there are other cars that arguably compete, the Porsche has a unique lineage and history. Slow and steady evolution over the decades. Wonder if Seiko are following the same philosophy with the MM.

 

[Thesharkman]

whew, that -017 isn't cheap at 270k yen. the -012 had a sticker price of 220k yen didn't it?

oh and before I forget, air cooled 911s all the way =)

<* shark >>><

 

[gr8sw]

whew, that -017 isn't cheap at 270k yen. the -012 had a sticker price of 220k yen didn't it?

oh and before I forget, air cooled 911s all the way =)

<* shark >>><

012 was 280k yen...