Proxima MM300 Blue

The Seiko MarineMaster 300, known everywhere as the MM300, is one of Seiko's best and most respected dive watches. Unfortunately, it's $3,000 USD price tag puts it out of the reach of most watch enthusiasts. The Proxima MM300 is a superbly made homage to this great watch. The fit and finish are first class, and the transitions between polished and brushed surfaces are done with precision. The monocoque (one piece) case perfectly reflects the design philosophy of the original. But on this model, the blue dial is the highlight, fading smoothly from blue at the centre to a darker shade of blue towards the chapter ring. The hands and indexes are beautifully finished too, and as usual for Proxima, the lume is just fantastic, easily lasting all night.

With the stainless steel bezel and the amazing blue dial, this MM300 homage is a little different to those you see normally. It is clearly a MM300, but different to the usual, and as such commands a huge presence on the wrist. As with most Seiko designs, the watch wears smaller than its measurements suggest, making it a practical proposition even for those with sub-7 inch wrists.

All in all, this Proxima homage to the MM300 deserves a place in everyone's collection. I already own the 50th Anniversary limited-edition Proxima MM300 homage, and this 'Blue dial/steel bezel' is the perfect companion. The two watches, although basically the same underneath look very different on the wrist.

If I have one negative point to make it is that the bracelet, although well-made, could be 'chunkier'. The MM300 is a big watch and suits a substantially made bracelet, and the 3mm thickness of the supplied Jubilee-style bracelet isn't quite thick enough for the overall heft of the watch. A 4.2mm thickness would wear much better with this heavy watch, Nonetheless, the supplied bracelet looks good and is comfortable to wear and, of course, is easily changed should the enthusiast wish.

A highly recommended watch! The service from WR Watches was perfect, and the watch arrived promptly. Even though I chose the 'slow' method in order to avoid import taxes the watch still took only 2 weeks to get here. Excellent service and prices from WR!