Introducing: The Marnaut Seascape 200

There is a lot to be said for the resurgence of the super compressor-style dive watch. What was once a tool watch oddity has become something of a style icon in its own right, and everyone from Longines to JLC has at least one in their modern lineup. And while incredible watches in their own right, very few of them attempt to take that principle and do something new with it.

Enter Marnaut, and their Seascape 200. The brand is following up their well-received Dark Surge 300M with the Seascape 200, a modern dual crown diver with a fascinating bit of design language, and impressive value.

Specs
Case Diameter: 40mm
Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel (w/ PVD Black Variant)
Crystal: Double-Domed Sapphire
Lug Width: 20mm
Strap: Tropic Rubber (Steel)/ Black Embossed Alligator (PVD)
Movement: Miyota 9015 Automatic
Water Resistance: 200 Meters

There are two versions of the Seascape 200 – the first, in classic, mostly brushed steel, and the second in a matte PVD black coating. Beyond the case coloration and straps, the two pieces are identical otherwise.

Speaking of the cases, though, what we have is a pretty solid, contemporary 40mm case, which should suit most wrists perfectly given the piece’s tool watch design and functionality. It comes in at just about 13mm thick, making it not too bulky either, should you require getting out of the pool and immediately transitioning to a dinner with little changed but your shirt. This ability to handle shirt cuffs is further emphasized by the piece’s double domed sapphire crystal, so domed to give the look of a vintage plexiglass crystal like you might have seen on vintage models.

At approximately the 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock positions on the case, we have the dual crowns that define the super compressor style. The top one controls the inner rotating divers bezel, while the bottom is used to wind the watch and adjust the time. Only the time/winding crown is screwed down, but in spite of that, the watch maintains a 200 meter water resistance rating, making it more than suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

When it comes to that dial, we have a black base with some of the most interesting applications on any dial I’ve seen in a long time. Inspired by the exoskeleton of a sea urchin, the raised, applied indices and other dots on the dial all create a sense of symmetry, and help the piece stand out from other compressor-style watches even further.

Powering the watch is the venerable Miyota 9015, an automatic movement from Japan that is renowned for its long-wearing durability and high beat rate. It features hand-winding, hacking, and a 42 hour power reserve.

The Damage
The Kickstarter for the Marnaut Seascape 200 is now live. The first 30 Seascape 200s will be sold for $199, and those after will sell for $279 during the campaign. The retail price of the Seascape 200 will be $399.