Seiko "Master" series watches

Apr 01, 2014,19:39 PM
 

Hello Seiko fans and as-yet-unconvinced PuristS,


I had planned to do another PROFILE of a Seiko watch, but I got waylaid in researching the very large class of Seiko watches known as "Master". It begged to be separated out as an article of its own, and this is it.

The Master watches include many models; I have listed most (but probably not all) of the movements that might power a Seiko Master watch. Within each individual Master series of watches you might find an automatic, quartz, solar, kinetic and/or Spring Drive movement.

Cruising Master 7K36

Field Master 2C21, V175, 5M22, 6R15, 7N35

Fishing Master 7A48

Flight Master 6S37, 7T34, 7T62

Jungle Master 7S36

Land Master 5M45, 5M47, 5R66, 7K32 (and others)

Marine Master DH33, 7C46, 7K32, 8L35

Scuba Master 7K52, M795

Speed Master 7A28, 7T62, etc.

Swimming Master (stopwatch and swim computer)

Tune Master (used for tuning your guitar strings … for extra Seiko brownie points)



I've had about a dozen Masters, including Field, Flight, Land, Marine and Speed. Shall we look at a few?

Here's my Field Master "Contra". Yes, the Nicaraguan Contras. You can look up the history of the armed conflict but I'll never understand (a) why the watch is so uncomfortable, (b) who gave it that name, and (c) why I bought one. I guess it was so I could learn about (a) and then quickly sell it to someone who doesn't yet know.




There were actually 4 little movement that snap-fitted into an articulated 2-device receptacle and strap. Here are the other options:



Keeping the theme of uncomfortable but novel cases, we can move on to the Speed Master. There have been a number of models that carried this name, but here's my limited edition quartz designer model with hinged case. Chrono buttons and stem on the top, all completely unusable when the watch is recessed in its "case".




 


Now we can move to the Land Master, of which I have had three - the quartz, the kinetic, and the automatic. Here's the kinetic. A straight watch with the addition of a nice  GMT hand and compass bezel.

 

Here's the automatic version with a similar bezel, one-piece titanium case and three normal hands (and date). I love this watch.



Then we have the quartz "everything but the kitchen sink" Land Master, with barometric pressure, altitude, alarm, 24 hour indication, altitude bezel (?), etc. It is in a similar material - titanium - and similar design as the other Land Masters. 



The Cruise Master and Scuba Master used versions of this elaborate quartz movement with barometric (or aquatic) pressure sensor.



The automatic Flight Master which I have recently profiled is accompanied by a host of related models. 



Although mine is quite simple with its compass bezel, many are equipped with Breiting-esque slide rule bezels. 



Seiko provides 30 pages of explanation on how to use the slide rule portion of the watch - for example:





I hope you have enjoyed this quick trip through the Seiko Master series of watches. There are many, many more to find and enjoy. I suppose a collection of the whole lot would take a long time to acquire ... especially if you went after all the variations - such as these Speedmasters by Giorgetto Giugiaro:




Cheers,

Cazalea



This message has been edited by cazalea on 2014-04-02 22:51:15

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Oh, Takuya Yura, oh, Giugiaro... SEIKO Master Series.

 
 By: KIH : April 1st, 2014-20:15
It reminds me of the good old days.... Takuya Yura is a very well known racing car designer. Giugiaro is, well, Giugiaro, THE super car designer... Very nice! Thanks, cazalea! Ken ...  

The Giugiaro Speedmasters remind me ...

 
 By: Marcus Hanke : April 2nd, 2014-01:03
... of the French LIP watches. Do you know which design was first, or if it has the same roots? Marcus

You certainly know your seiko, thanks again for another

 
 By: Hulk : April 3rd, 2014-15:16
Great report, Cheers Steve

Wonderfull guide for us..

 
 By: lukather1 : April 8th, 2014-10:54
Thank you for this very interesting post. I love the Seiko Master Series. These are mine...

Wonderfull guide for us...

 
 By: lukather1 : April 8th, 2014-11:05
Thank you for this very interesting post. I love the Seiko Master Series. These are mine... ...  

Wow! Wonderful group of Masters

 
 By: cazalea : April 8th, 2014-16:34
How long have you been collecting them? Did the set just evolve or did you start with a plan in mind to get them? Mike

I'd like the master series

 
 By: lukather1 : June 2nd, 2014-14:14
Sorry for delay answer mr. Cazalea. For me was a slow evolution and interest for the master series, before my collection was formed with mechanical vintage Seiko anf few quartz, over time my eyes see in another direction and about 5 years ago i have purch...