Is the Seiko MM300 basically a high end SKX007? Owners opinions wanted and needed

[nugget40]

The more I wear my SKX009, the more I realize that, despite being my cheapest watch, it might be my favorite. I just love the case shape, looks, size, and wearability. The only thing I don't like is admitting I like it more than some of my more expensive watches. Maybe because in my head I know its the entry-level Seiko diver. I would love to find a higher end Seiko as similar to the SKX as possible, does the MM300 qualify? How does the MM300 compare to the SKX? I have seen side by side pics but those don't really help to know how it wears. I want opinions from people who have owned/worn both watches. I have never handled a MM300. Do the cases wear similar? They seem to be very similar in shape not so sure about size and height and L2L. I really love the hands, applied indices, and coin edge bezel of the MM. Sorry if my questions seem strange, hopefully you guys understand what I'm getting at.

[seikomatic]

Reasons for MM300

1) mono case..very sexy
2) higher beat 28,800...no major different
3) domed xtral..I like that
4) better dial, better hands, better bracelet with extension..key



Does it worth 10 times of your 009...NO!

I would go for a domed sapphire for your 009 and be happy.

[jason_recliner]

MM300 is different in pretty much every way to the SKX007/009. It is taller, more angular, shinier, more symmetrical, and the bracelet is fantastic.

For a more upmarket watch conceptually similar to the 009, find a 6306 in excellent condition. If that is too hard, check out the Tsunami.

[vintageguy]

take a close look at Jake B's Tsunami. MM300 quality for a vastly lower price.

[sharkfin]

No matter what opinions you get, you gotta try it to know for sure its for you.
If you like it, give it a go. Easily flipped.
SKX, Tsunami, 6309, Tuna are probably more comfy than the slightly top heavy thicker case of MM.

Personally I dig the MM, love the design of monocoque, scalloped case. Hands/dial are sexy, great lume. Sporty and dressy.
Nice 8L35 mov't inside.
Historical design/style/DNA that you either love or hate.

But if your on budget, I love my Tsunami, and wear it more.

Good luck.

[dmckean44]

take a close look at Jake B's Tsunami. MM300 quality for a vastly lower price.

I'm a huge fan of my T but I wouldn't say it's MM300 quality.

[clouser]

take a close look at Jake B's Tsunami. MM300 quality for a vastly lower price.

The Tsumani is nice, but the quality doesn't come close to the MM300. I bet Jake would even tell you that.

I put off buying a MM300 because I had a hard time getting past the fact that it's a seiko. In the back of my mind, I kept thinking the quality wouldn't be that much better than a 007, and I figured it wasn't worth the cost. Once I bought one, it was evident that I was VERY wrong. I'd put the quality and attention to detail up against most higher end Swiss brands. It's just one of those watches you have to see in the flesh to get a good appreciation for how much thought seiko put into it.

[bakuma]

That's a little like asking if a Rolex sub is basically a high end Steinhart O1. The MM300 and SKX divers are completely different watches: different designs, different movements, different levels of manufacturing, fit and finish. But there is nothing wrong with "lower end" watches. Most divers have been pretty basic, with "luxury" divers mostly a more recent type of dive watch. Basic tool divers have served sport and commercial divers, as well as the military, for decades.

[VladdyMak]

SKX and the MM300 are two completely different divers. I have had many SKX watches and I have one as my rough work watch. Dependable but not many features.
I had a MM300 for a short while and it was definately not for me. But the quality is definately there. The solid mono case was awesome and the high grade movement was spot on.
SKX divers are good for the money. They lack features the higher grade Seikos have.
Personally if you are wanting an upgrade I suggest a Sumo (never worn one but I like everything about it) or get a tsunami. Both have the hack/handwind 6R15 movement and great water resistance.
One thing I really didn't like about the MM300 was the Seiko text on the dial. This is coming front guy who loves the MarineMaster text on my 015 Tuna. It seemed too large and chunky for that watch in whole. I also didn't like the weight distribution, basically it's a bit top heavy and not a watch I would wear on a daily basis.
What I did like about the MM300 besides the solid as a tank case and movement (which is where the high price comes in) is the hands and dial (except the text of course).
I like my Tsunami I just got way better than the MM300. I had a buddy source a set of MM300 hands and they match PERFECT with the classic dial. Very wearable and the dome crystal is superb.
Good luck.

[devo]

Peruse the WRUW threads and also, try to buy a MM300 2nd hand for a while and you will realise three things:

• Lots of people own these watches
• Not many are selling them
• They sell quickly!

Worst case scenario, you flip it for no loss except shipping and fees.

Currently enroute to me are a full MM300 and also a set of MM300 hands and dial. They'll go into a 6309-7040, 6105-8110, or perhaps a Tsunami (plus another cool mod or two ;)), and then I will decide which I will actually wear or want the most. Knowing me, I'll keep both anyway, but some people have more discipline than that. :)

I *could* quite happily modify a SKX007 to be everything I want it to be, although I say this without having held the MM300 in my hands. I would machine a custom bezel ring (stock looks cheap), source a ceramic insert, MM300 hands and dial, 6R15 movement or something else ;), quality SEL's and bracelet, saphire dome. This has the added bonus of everything being relatively easily replaceable. The case, bracelet, movement, saphire etc are all worth next to nothing compared to the equivalent parts on the MM300, so you can actually wear your favourite watch doing anything and everything. Food for thought?