Magrette MPP Diver Steel | Watch Review

Magrette MPP Diver Steel

Magrette has released their updated version of the MPP Diver, (Moana Pacific Pro), which has a slightly new look and an upgraded Swiss movement. A few years back I reviewed the first version and overall I was quite satisfied with it. I think I can say the same for this new version, though I think the makeover could have been a little more extreme. The Magrette MPP Diver Steel is the version being reviewed here today, another version with a black bezel insert and a brushed/polished case is also available. Currently they are both up for preorder (at the time this review was published) with delivery in April. The first batch has been sold out.

Magrette MPP Diver Steel Specifications:

• CASE DIAMETER: 44MM EXCLUDING THE CROWN
• CASE LENGTH: 53MM
• CASE THICKNESS: 15MM
• LUG WIDTH: 24MM
• CASE FINISH: STAINLESS STEEL (BRUSHED)
• BEZEL: STEEL (BRUSHED FINISH).
• CROWN: SCREW DOWN CROWN.
• CRYSTAL: SAPPHIRE (DOUBLE DOMED), AR COATING.
• DIAL AND HANDS: SUPER LUMINOVA C3 (GREEN IN COLOR)
• MOVEMENT: SWISS MADE STP1-11 AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT WITH HACKING SECONDS
• WATER-RESISTANCE: 500M/1650FT WATER RESISTANCE. VITON GASKET USED ON CASE BACK.
• STRAP: ALL NEW BLACK PU RUBBER STRAP WITH LOGO, NAME AND CUSTOMIZED DEPLOYMENT BUCKLE. OTHER STRAP OPTION WILL BE LEATHER.
• LIMITED EDITION: 500
• PRE-ORDER PRICE: $545.00 PLUS $35.00 USD SHIPPING       WORLDWIDE.
• PRICE AFTER PREORDER: $645

http://www.magrette.com/the-timepieces-moana-pacific-professional-steel.php

The case of the Magrette MPP Diver Steel is the same as its predecessor in dimension, style and overall aesthetics. It is the same 44mm cushion shape that many have come to love from Magrette and a style they have only deviated from once or twice. This case shape is of course nothing new in the world of watches, but it is what brought Magrette to the dance so to speak. While of course they did not invent this case style by any means, in the microbrand world they have become synonymous with it. For this variation, the case has been all brushed, including the stainless steel bezel insert. Some might remember the original versions from a few years back had issues with the bezel lume paint and it wearing off or fading. The new bezel inserts of the Magrette MPP Diver Steel are engraved and filled with C3 Superluminova as opposed to just painted markers.

When I said I wish the Magrette MPP Diver Steel had more of an extreme makeover, I was specifically talking about the dial. While there are some other significant changes to this version, the dial stays the same with the exception of a new color combo. This one sports a black dial with grey accents and the chapter ring with its quirky timing highlights. One change I would have liked was the removal of the date. I know some might disagree with me, but I have been appreciating a no date dial more and more. Especially when a dial is a little cluttered or busy, such as this one. Plus it is right at the 4:30 spot, which creeps into the lower text on the dial.

 One of the biggest improvements is the use of the Swiss Made STP 1-11 automatic movement. This movement was announced just about 2 years ago by the Fossil Group and is essentially a clone of the ETA 2824 but with an extra jewel. This is my first experience with this movement and I can say I have seen no issues. The second hand sweep is smooth as is the winding and overall accuracy has been very good. Only a few brands outside of the Fossil group have used this movement so far, with a few others coming out this year. This movement has been notably used in Fossil’s flagship line Zodiac as they are trying to gear the brand more to watch enthusiasts then they were the past decade. It is great to have another movement option and I am glad Magrette used it here in their latest model. For more info about this movement, check out this link-http://watchguy.co.uk/review-stp-1-11/.

Another upgrade, one which I consider minor, but does change the look of the Magrette MPP Diver Steel, would be the molded PU rubber strap. This strap is very similar to the one seen on previous versions of this model but now has fitted ends for a seamless attachment. As it is, I am not a big fan of it. Looks wise, off the wrist, it does look nice. My issue, one that I have with almost any strap with fitted ends, is how it looks and feels when on the wrist. It makes the watch bow out even further, and with a length of 53mm before the strap, it is noticeable. Now, I seem to be in the minority when it comes to this, at least from what I have seen so far in online posts. Be that as it may, the brown leather or an Isofrane would be my choice for a strap on the MPP. Also included is a grey NATO.

7 1/2 INCH WRIST FOR REFERENCE

I am in the camp of that feels that a lumed bezel is not necessary. For decades all you needed was the lume pip to help track a dive in the water, but now you have to have all numbers and markers lumed and as the internet WIS say, they better glow bright! Well, I personally only care if I can see the actual time in the dark and lumed bezels do not help with that. As I stated earlier, previous versions of the Magrette MPP Diver Steel had issues with the lume paint coming off. This new version looks to be improved to my eye, but as you can see the lume itself is still weaker than the dial lume, something that does not really bother me but I wanted to point it out. The dial lume is fantastic though as you can see. Lumed bezels to me are a gimmick and nothing more and I hope brands will realize this soon and stop catering to the guys who think it looks cool and use that time and money on improving other parts of the watch.

I will say Magrette is always on point (on fleek?) when it comes to attention to detail. Take a look at the screw down crown and the engraving, it is just beautiful and not a sharp edge to be found.

The Magrette MPP Diver Steel is another solid offering from the New Zealand based company. It might sound like this one is not blowing my skirt up, but that is actually not the case. Well, that and the fact I don’t wear skirts. Moving past that I love the case shape, I always have, and for someone wanting this style but not wanting to pay Panerai Submersible money this is a great option that is inspired but by no means a ripoff. It is a true diver and feels solid all around and even includes the not needed HRV on the non crown side. Kidding aside, this is one hell of a good looking dive watch and though I would have preferred an updated dial (or a no date option) and the new fitted rubber strap is not for me, it is a nice upgrade for the Magrette MPP Diver Steel. From my understanding, once the current preorder batch is sold out, that will be it for this run of the MPP’s. So if you want one brand new and sealed instead of having to go pre-owned and getting one with stranger DNA, order yours now.

Thanks to Dion and Magrette for the review model.