Maranez Talay 300M Bronze Automatic Dive Watch Review - Watches under $300

Case

The Talay is certainly a large and heavy duty watch with its thick 15.5MM case and 45MM diameter. The case utilizes 316L Brass with a complete brushed finish that Patinas nicely over time as most brass watches do. The 24MM lugs are unique because you will need to use the screwdriver supplied to release the rubber strap incase you wanted to swap to the leather one supplied. Maranez only produces brass watches as I am aware of, and they seem to be doing quite a good job. The finishing is decent, while the toughness factor is up there on the rikter scale. I just get that ruggid, durable, tool like feel when wearing/handling this model. Water resistance is 300M and the screw down crown is a pleasure to use and easy to grip which is good to see.

Dial

The double layered Green Amazon dial is a bit vintage like in my opinion but very legible and easy to read at a glance. The standard 12-3-6-9 layout is utilized here while the sword and needle hands are brass colored to match the case. Above the dial rests a anti reflective thick Sapphire crystal for extra durability, as if we needed more. Superluminova which glows green also is very legible and responsive ( Lume Shot Below ), and is sure to last the night. Now, the sterile 120 click Unidirectional bezel is very very precise with zero backplay. The bezel is sturdy, yet not too hard to rotate with the great coin edged sides. A nice touch is the lumed pip at 12:00 for legibility underwater or at night. Some folks might not enjoy a sterile bezel as you will have to count yourself when timing something, so one may not see this as a true diving bezel. Nonetheless, it looks the part and is super clean to the eye.

Movement

Seiko NH35 Automatic Movement
24 Jewels
Hand Winding : Hacking
41 Hour Power Reserve
​+7 seconds a day from this example

Strap Options

Now, Maranez supplies a beautiful Isofrane style rubber strap which literally smells great ( Juicy Fruit Gum? ) and features a brass buckle with their swimming lady logo. I must say the buckle is a bit big for my likings, but if you want that Panerai buckle look, this will suit you well. The second strap is a genuine leather brown strap which is also of decent quality, although I tend to stick to waterproof straps on a watch I intend to get wet.

Conclusion

www.Maranez.com

The $279.99 pricepoint for this model is certainly worth it in my opinion if we look at all we get with the total package. From the automatic Seiko movement, Sapphire Crystal, two good quality straps, very good lume, and bezel action. If you are on the hunt for an affordable brass timepiece, I would reccommend taking a look at Maranez , as I believe this model is worth your money. Thanks for taking the time to read, and be well.