Sinn T50 Titanium Vs. Seiko Prospex Marinemaster SLA081

One other Sunday, one other showdown! This week, we’re matching up two skilled titanium dive watches that are available below €5K. The primary is the just lately launched Seiko Prospex Marinemaster SLA081. This new model of the favored Marinemaster was launched to have a good time 60 years of Seiko dive watches. The second is the Sinn T50, which debuted in 2023. It was a part of a trio that additionally featured the sensible two-tone titanium and Goldbronze T50. For this match-up, nevertheless, we picked the full-titanium model. It’s time to seek out out which of those two will declare the victory this week!

Immediately’s battle is one between two very succesful, professional-level dive watches. The brand new Seiko Prospex SLA081 (€4,900) combines the appears of the unique Marinemaster with a monobloc case, an up to date bracelet, and a particular Sixtieth-anniversary dial. The Sinn T50 (€3,340) options the model’s typical fashion together with an inventory of spectacular specs. Whereas there are some important variations in measurement, these watches’ capabilities make them each worthy of a spot in right this moment’s battle. Let’s discover out which of the 2 will triumph!

Final week, on Sunday Morning Showdown…

However earlier than we do, let’s take a fast take a look at the outcomes of final week’s battle. In it, the Baltic Aquascaphe Twin-Crown received with the smallest potential margin, having taken 51% of the votes, and left the Mido Multifort 8 Two Crowns with 49%. The feedback confirmed a stronger desire for the Baltic on this “Sport of Crowns.” In the long run, although, the numbers don’t lie. Whereas the French nonetheless conquered the Swiss, it was by the pores and skin of their tooth. Let’s see how issues will end up this week. Over to Jorg and Mike to make their instances.

Jorg: Seiko Prospex Marinemaster SLA081

At first look, the brand new Seiko Marinemaster intimidated me a bit. Let’s get one factor straight: this can be a massive boy with its 45.4mm × 16mm case, which makes it considerably larger than its adversary right this moment. I do know that might be a deciding issue on this showdown for some folks, and I perceive and respect that. The one factor I’ll say is that the distinction in measurement doesn’t translate into an enormous distinction in weight. As a result of each watches are constituted of light-weight titanium, their presence will not be outlined by their weight. That is what additionally instantly modified my notion of the SLA081.

Upon choosing the watch up, any reservations about its wearability disappear. Granted, one should be capable of pull off a watch of this measurement, however on my wrist, it wears like a allure. And I need to admit that I used to be tremendous impressed by this new Marinemaster. Over the previous 12–18 months, we’ve seen that identify pop up on a sequence of recent fashions. From the brand new designs impressed by the 62MAS that Thomas and Daan reported on to the SLA079 and 081 that take after the 1968 Diver, they’re all formally Marinemasters. But when we’re speaking about the Marinemaster, most of us are referring to Seiko’s SBDX001, which gloriously received our Seiko World Cup.

The SLA081 options monobloc building

I additionally love that particular Marinemaster mannequin and its successors probably the most. This new SLA081 is the fashionable model of that watch, however Seiko went to nice lengths to provide it spectacular enhancements. First, the watch incorporates a monobloc titanium case that’s water-proof to 600 meters. To be extra exact, it’s a monobloc case with an L-shaped gasket to forestall helium infiltration, eliminating the necessity for an escape valve and making this watch appropriate for saturation diving. The development is a respectful nod to Seiko’s 6159-7000, which the model refers to as its 1968 Diver, in addition to its first-generation skilled “Tuna” divers from 1975.

Paired with the case is a darkish blue gradient dial that includes a phenomenal wave sample. This impressed me once I first noticed it as a result of the shade of blue is so good. It provides depth to the watch over a normal black dial, and I choose that immediately. The massive luminous indexes and thick central fingers give the dial that typical Marinemaster character that so many people love. Surrounding the dial is a titanium bezel with a black DLC-coated stainless-steel insert. Who mentioned that black and blue don’t make an excellent mixture? To me, this watch gloriously proves them unsuitable.

Charming appears over a scientific presence

And that’s additionally the place the Seiko simply beats the full-titanium Sinn T50 for me. This Seiko speaks to me extra as a result of it has a historic story and a useful function whereas being extra aesthetically charming. The Sinn T50 is colder and extra scientific, which the two-tone model in titanium and Goldbronze solves superbly. That’s additionally why that may be my Sinn T50 of selection relatively than Mike’s choose on this battle. Put that two-tone model on a lightweight grey silicone strap, and it’ll deliver an unlimited smile to my face. With the total titanium mannequin, not a lot. Don’t get me unsuitable; I prefer it, however I simply can’t find it irresistible.

After I put the Seiko SLA081 on my wrist, I used to be shocked by how a lot I liked it. It reveals clear references to the SBDX001 and follow-up SBDX017, and I liked that. I initially had my doubts concerning the black “bumpers” between the case and the bracelet. However they’re there for a really sensible motive. These two black DLC-coated stainless-steel components affix the bezel and hold it in place.

These bumpers are mounted on the case again and make servicing the watch with its monobloc case quite a bit simpler. It was an amazing reminder of the purposeful growth of this watch, which solely deserves respect. The newly developed bracelet finishes the look. It has rounder hyperlinks than earlier variations and incorporates a re-engineered clasp with a dive extension and an additional fold-over lock.

The brand new Seiko 8L45

Another excuse I choose the Seiko over the Sinn is the brand new 8L45 motion inside. Most of you might be conscious that earlier variations of the Marinemaster used the Seiko 8L35, which is predicated on Grand Seiko’s 9S55 caliber. This new 8L45 is an up to date model of the earlier motion. It ups the facility reserve to 72 hours and has an official accuracy of +10/-5 seconds per day. However everyone knows that, particularly with higher-end Seiko fashions like this one, the accuracy is considerably higher in actual life.

Total, I choose this Seiko over the Sinn T50 for a number of causes. To begin, I might not select the full-titanium Sinn T50 as a result of the model has a greater possibility accessible within the two-tone mannequin. However that’s solely the start of the story. Extra importantly, I really like the historic background and look of the Seiko. Moreover, the fashionable structural updates mix a respectful nod to the previous whereas bettering the general performance of the watch.

The brand new motion can also be a welcome replace with higher general specs in comparison with the earlier caliber. Lastly, sporting the watch was merely loads of enjoyable. Regardless of my preliminary doubts concerning the watch’s measurement, this Propsex Marinemaster SLA081 put an enormous smile on my face, and that smile means a lot greater than any set of favorable specs. It makes this selection a straightforward one!

Mike: Sinn T50 Titanium

When Jorg and I meet for a Sunday Morning Showdown, we chat earlier than writing the article. We resolve who will help which watch and make sure the battle is honest. This week, we selected the Seiko SLA081 to compete towards the Sinn T50 in titanium. At first look, the value distinction between the 2 could make it sound like an unfair battle, but it surely’s not a significant factor in my argument. Apart from, each are depth rated to not less than 500 meters, mechanical, and made from titanium, so let’s see how they do.

A tricky however clear selection

I’m a Seiko nut, and I do like the thought of the SLA081. Sadly, the 45.4mm by 50mm watch is simply too darn massive for me. Regardless of the titanium building, incredible motion, and improved bracelet, I’d wrestle to put on it. Plus, and that is my closing grievance earlier than shifting on to the Sinn, the design is simply too much like earlier MM300 fashions. I’d like Seiko to maneuver ahead with new designs. The Sinn T50, then again, does a pleasant job of evolving a previous design whereas bringing better wearability to the get together.

An important design

The T50 debuted in 2023, and I used to be lucky to cowl the press launch. These watches are a follow-up to the comparatively unpopular T1 and T2 fashions that I occur to like. Nonetheless, there’s little question that the T50 fashions are higher designed and extra mature. Whereas the T1 and T2 items had been principally specialist divers, these items are made for utility and on a regular basis put on. The case form is inoffensive however pleasing and properly completed. Plus, with a dimensional stat line that reads 41mm by 47mm by 12.3mm, the T50 don’t require customized shirts when making an attempt to hide it below a cuff.

A transparent, no-nonsense dial

With Sinn, a simple, virtually scientific dial design is just about assured. The Sinn T50 makes good on this with printed luminous hour and minute markers. The massive luminous fingers could lack the jewellery impact of the Seiko SLA081, however they’re significantly purposeful and light-weight up just like the sky on the 4th of July. Moreover, the push-and-turn bezel appears clear and has a big, luminous pip on the prime.

An honest bracelet with flaws

Sinn’s bracelet design has been round for years. It’s good sufficient on the wrist, however the clasp and wetsuit extension are old-fashioned and infrequently come unfastened after sufficient use. It’s most likely the one space the place, lastly, Seiko has a bonus. Nonetheless, Sinn affords some chic silicone strap choices that put on superbly. Additionally, the T50 is a straightforward watch to pair with nearly any kind of strap.

Utilizing a Sellita as a substitute of an in-house motion

Motion snobs will decry the usage of a Sellita within the T50 and should choose the 8L45 within the Seiko. I received’t be capable of persuade anybody lifeless set on an in-house caliber. Nonetheless, the Sellita SW300-1 is a dependable selection and suits the use case. Whereas its specs are nothing particular, it’s simple to service and helps hold the value all the way down to an inexpensive stage. Apart from, when a watch has a moisture indicator on the aspect, the watch is extra about remaining useful than exhibiting off with a whiz-bang motion.

Total ideas on the Sinn T50

I can’t sit right here and inform you that the SLA081 is a foul watch. It’s not, however I just like the Sinn higher. The design, the match, and the mission-focused design execution all attraction to me greater than the Seiko. The Marinemaster is just too massive to put on each day and looks like overkill. The associated fee financial savings of roughly €1,500 (the T50 retails for €3,340 on the bracelet) are only a bonus. In the long run, although, you could select and tell us which watch you’d take dwelling, to the ocean, and all over the place else. Solid your vote, and tell us why you made the selection you probably did.