Most Seiko collectors probably think that the SBDX001 300M 8L35 was Seiko’s first Marinemaster. Those who are more savvy might point out that the SBDX003 Historical version preceded the SBDX001 by a few months. While this is correct, it still was not Seiko’s first Marinemaster. Based on my research, it was the SBCN005 Transocean which holds this title.

The Marinemaster Transocean was released in 1999 not as a diver watch, but as a watch to be used by sailors. It originally retailed for 180,000 yen and was a top of the line product with its sapphire crystal and titanium and steel case, bracelet and bezel design.

Just as we have seen Seiko associate themselves with land explorers through the Landmaster series, Seiko also had an association with Japanese sailors and yachtsman.

The Marinemaster Transocean was designed in association with Jiro Shiraishi a Japanese sailor inspired by a fellow countryman Kenichi Horie who holds numerous sailing records. In 1998, Seiko teamed up with Jiro-san to design a watch to wear on a Pacific crossing. The result of this collaboration is the Marinemaster Transocean.

Jiro-san’s ideas about a proper sailing watch are evident in the unusual case design of the Transocean. As you look at the case, you will see that not only is the crown guarded, but the buttons and secondary crown are shielded and implemented flush with an external sub case structure.

The reasoning is simple. Jiro explained that crowns and pushers often caught in the roping while working on a sailboat. With the Transocean, Seiko streamlined the transitions from case to pushers eliminating the opportunities of ropes snagging on watches parts.

To achieve this protection, the traditional case is surrounded by a plate with external walls that fit flush with the pushers and additional crown. The assembly is held together with 4 hex nut screws. The complete package is both ackward and elegant at the same time.

Because of the multiple pushers and crowns, the 7k32 movement used in the Transocean is often thought to be a chronograph caliber. It is not. The subdials are used to indicate second time zones, barometric pressure readings, alarm settings and 24 hour time.

The watch has multiple barometric functions including current readings, low readings over a 24 hour period, current altitudes and trending. I have found the trending indicator (as indicated by the large orange hand at the 3:00 position) to be both accurate and useful. If the hand is pointing north of the 3:00 position, good weather is coming, if it points south, get ready for precipitation. Some Casio Pathfinders I have perform a similar function and the Seiko is both faster and more accurate in predicting future trends.

My favorite attribute of the Transocean is the marine blue color and layered design of the dial. The waves and tranquility of the ocean are represented in the different textures, angles and sub-layers of the dial. When you add in 9 hands, you end up with a complicated look. I often just stare at the whole package admiring how it all fits together.

The dial is framed by a traditional dive bezel with a beautifully beveled and polished inner edge.

The bracelet is brushed with polished outer edges that cleverly match the case theme with its polished jacket. The clasp contains the infinitely adjustable divers extension that many are familiar with.

Like many Seikos, there is a unique engraving on the back; a trident. The trident is a symbol of Poseidon; the Greek God and protector of the sea. A fitting choice and one that I think would be appropriate for all Marinemasters.

The SBCN005 is an interesting watch for Seiko collectors. Produced for only one year, it is not widely available but can be found on Yahoo! Japanese auction pages. It contains a movement only used in one other watch, the Landmaster Summiter. Although complicated, it is a fun watch to wear and for those interested in barometric functions, being analog, it provides an alternative to the digitally displayed Casio and Suunto watches.

This entry was posted on Monday, March 26th, 2007 at 4:35 pm and is filed under Seiko. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.