5 Things I Don't Like and Like About My Seiko Tunas

[@jlg395]

Three minutes in and I'm subscribed. Finally, a real man talking about real watches, as opposed to some wannabe influencer reading off a corny script. I'm looking at you, guy from the "YoureTerrific" channel.

[@readyme]

I have the 033 but I think I prefer the 031 with the black bezel insert and brushed shroud.

[@eugenethomas4647]

I love my Baby Tuna SRP639!!! It's a fantastic watch and gets the most wrist time of all my 20 or so watches! I've got it on a super oyster and it's freaking badass. Would love an 031 but I struggle with the price with it being quartz. I know the movement is great, it's my watch snobbery that gets in the way. But I'm working on it.

[@thewalrusmonger9878]

7c46 is one of Seiko’s best movements, I’d take that in any of their Prospex dive watches over the 6r15 or 4r36.

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

Good point.

[@niko_las]

The only one reason to do not want to buy any Seiko with 4r36 (which movement already had) and 6r15 is the movements. I do not like them, because they are faulty - problems with accuracy/aplitude/balance spring. I had 4r36 and brand new watch without reason after just couple of months stopped. Later on I got it running again, but after while again stopped. Will not mention the deviation in the accuracy. Crap movements. Was reading a lot of complaints over 6r15 too. Do not get me wrong, I love Seikos since my childhood, and there are fantastic designed divers, but when I hear about these movements, I am stopping myself of buying them. 6r20 and so, yes, but thery are just in presage line. I have bow Orient M-force with similar movement as 6r15, but with power reserve, and can say that is great movement. Keeping accuracy of +8 to + 10 constantly. Now consider to buy Seiko SARW019 with 6r21.

[@chawenhalo0089]

A kick ass quartz movement makes a lot of sense for a diver. + this one has a great pedigree when you dig into its history.

[@brianhinder3652]

For less than $200 one can have a Tauchmeister T0142. Quartz, mineral crystal but a proper tool watch ... 52mm, with lugs, full lumed dial, canteen crown guard, with the added features of GMT and a WR of 500 mtrs. The one feature lacking is a diving bezel ... at 500 mtrs you certainly don't need one! As I said a 'proper' tool watch ... I love mine.

[@Brian-b8r]

I daily my SKX007 and Mako2 Pepsi. Those are my only 2 watches. And I want the SBBN033. I’m justifying the money for it more and more. It’s been 4 days since I discovered it...I can barely hold off.......

[@stevepodraza6363]

I love my 031! Just ordered a second diashield bracelet from overseas for $115!!

[@shelfcompact]

I love Tunas too. My little 007 is my go-to watch despite owning lots more "luxurious" Swiss models. I just love the look and feel on the wrist. (And never worrying about setting the time.) I'd be really curious what you would think of the larger 1000m tunas.

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

I prefer smaller watches these days, so I doubt I'd like the XXL sized ones.

[@shipmate3577]

Jeff, my local GS/Seiko AD told me yesterday they can no longer older the SBBN031 or 033! Looks like they are discontinued. Expect a new model, possibly with sapphire, in the next year

[@greenerick]

Yes you are right. I have the new seiko Tuna Sapphire crystal . Plus one of the best Quartz Seiko movements very service able

[@tylera26]

Agree with everything said but the movement. The quartz in these are only in these two watches, no others. High torque to move those large hands. Prevents hand kickback as well. Pretty substantional quartz only toppled by the 9F in the Grand Seiko.

[@evaninnewport]

Love my tunas. They spoil you for most other options. I have the 007 (love the crop circles), the 035 & the 037. Merry Xmas mate

[@davebridge4]

Nice bluefin steak would be good right about now. That is a monster of a quartz but I could never dish out the cash for one. I put sapphire in all my Seikos. Doesn’t cost to much and I do it myself. I sport the srp637 it is plenty of a tool watch for me. Little on the big side, even on my 8” wrist. I’m gravitating towards smaller 40-42mm watches these days. If you like lume you should try a tritium watch. Very cool. I bought the Davosa Argonautic w/ tritium last week. Love Davosa. Solid quality.

[@lancerichardmorton1981]

Jeff these are beautiful watches. Don't sell them you will regret it. That Orient Saturation Diver was also an amazing watch. I sometimes sell my best watches, what is that all about. Excellent review as always. 😉

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

I would sell both but only if I got a Seiko MM600 or Ceramic Hi-Beat Tuna.

[@lancerichardmorton1981]

Jeffrey McMahon Keep them Jeff. They look fantastic. 😉

[@charliesergio]

The ultimate tuna would probably be the 600 mm tuna with the spring drive movement

[@shipmate3577]

charliesergio I want it

[@ROrneli]

"quanticential diver watch" that would be the Casio g-shock frogman, both analog and digital ..

[@ph69jbl]

I used to watch your tuna videos while I was dreaming of my ninja watch...sbdx017....I got that one and still watched your tuna videos....and saw you flipping your SBDX017 and said to myself: what is wrong with this guy....and kept watching your tuna videos....and here I am 18 mo later....flipping my sbdx017 for a sbbn017....who would have though.... ;) happy holidays man!

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

Sorry about all that watch porn. Those close-up videos are potent. I much prefer the SBBN017. It's also more accurate and doesn't need maintenance like the SBDX. Happy holidays.

[@sinspawn]

I'll have the 033 one day, but for now the 637 will do

[@khronokraze]

I agree with all your points but one. The lugless design that allows the watch to maintain a 48mm round and consequently a very wearable 48mm lug to lug size. I think it's great to give people with smaller wrist sizes the opportunity to wear a larger watch which initially does not seem wearable, but actually on the wrist works so well and smaller than plain specs would seemingly dictate. People conservative to 39mm, 40mm & 42mm care sizes may not realized those often have lug to lug around or close to 48mm also. Additionally, I think the Tunas are great at redefining and reshaping many peoples perception of what a well designed large case design can do in terms of actual comfortable wearability. Lastly, for about $1000, have you considered the sbdb035 of its predecessor the sbdb011 (no Prospex branding)? It's a unique 48mm tuna design for the field. You also get sapphire crystal and an automatic 6r15 movement. Damn hard to find, but I think it may fit the bill and perhaps reduce 2 of the 5 things you said for hated about the tuna.

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

I used to own the SBDB035 but sold it because I preferred my 031 and 033. The 035 is Hardlex, not sapphire, though some sellers claim it's sapphire. The SBDB011 is my dream watch. I would be really tempted if I found a local repair person and I sold most of my watches to fund it.

[@khronokraze]

Jeffrey McMahon hmm.. I have no personal experience with those fieldmasters or "field tunas", so u may be very well right about the crystal not being sapphire. Still, I like the unique design and use of the tuna case for outside diving. I don't think the sbdb011 is much more expensive, considering what u are seemingly willing to spend on tunas already. As such, there is a sbdb011 on eBay for about $1000. Not all together complete, but the main watch head seems to be intact. Fyi, i love my SBBN033. My personal favorite tuna dive model jist because of the brushed stainless steel bezel.

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

Yeah, I'm keeping my 033 and 031. They look too good. I may pick up the new Seiko Black Turtle. SRPC49.

[@khronokraze]

Jeffrey McMahon that black turtle has been long overdue. I wouldn't mind a turtle in bronze as well. Think it's a worthy model and would look good in such material. Seiko will never make one, but I think a third party that makes custom Seiko parts including cases might be making one.

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

I love it in black. If it's under 400, I'll probably buy it.

[@AkuNoHana]

"I'm gonna spare you the cliche." You sir are already above 90% of other watch reviewers. Please also cross the following off your list: -The way light plays with dial/bracelet/crystal. -Glows like a torch. -Bang per bucks. -Buttery smooth bracelet/bezel. -Horology

[@chillwill120]

I'd take the 7c46 over the 6r15 any day! However if it was a 8L35, that would be a different story.

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

Good point. I suppose the 6R15 needs servicing. But more than the 8L35?

[@chillwill120]

Having been a bit spoiled with chronometer grade Swiss movements, I find the 6r15 a bit disappointing. The slow beat, slow date change, and somewhat erratic time keeping and positional variance leave something to be desired. I think it's a great movement in a sub $500 watch, but not worthy of the Tuna. The 7c46 on other hand with multiple jewels, dual rate trimmers, and metal gear train is a serious piece of over-engineering and is worthy of the Tuna. It can be serviced and adjusted; they are meant to last like a quality mechanical movement.

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

Thanks, Will, that is helpful info. I notice the Sumo is a tad slow.

[@ajaxforever5473]

Two stunners.

[@yrasphong]

U are right!!...I also sloowly worked my way up..lol..100,200,300-500-900$..try to buy more professional diver now and the quartz is more accurate..I agree it is the most sexiest watch ever!

[@KRW628]

Hey, take it easy on the Baby Tuna. The 637 is a Tuna watch for the guy with a tuna fish budget. I mean, if you can't afford Blue Fin, there is still Chicken of the Sea.

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

I hear you. The 637 is a great Tuna for the price.

[@janreeves5443]

Is the endmill bracelet on the 033 a 22mm?

[@75thteaster54]

The Cracker Jack box toy as u say the baby tuna is more legible and is bigger on the wrist also, and the lume on that srp637 is just as bright if not brighter than the 031 tuna , so idk about that bro

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

I love the Baby Tuna, especially the new blue dial model, but it sold out on Gnomon.

[@nathankim5106]

Gotta say, that story convinced me to buy a tuna

[@shipmate3577]

Jeff, have you tried the Seiko "Spork" or the Marathon diver's watch (GSAR, JDD, etc.)?

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

No, but I'd love to try the Seiko Spork. I'm a Seiko junkie.

[@shipmate3577]

The Spork bezel reminds me a lot of the Marathon. Also, the Spork's dial reminds me of the Sinn aviation watches. Just wish the Spork was smaller or I'd get one too for my 7" wrist.

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

Spork has great legibility. I like it.

[@edwinthomas618]

Great review. I love my SBBN031. Also, the sbbn031 movement is made of titanium (Not plastic) with 7 jewels, titanium in bracelet. Show me a quartz with this cheaper and I will like to buy it as well. The newer model does have a sapphire crystal.

[@animeboyzx6403]

Cool tunas man I have only two but I love them a 031 on a super oyster looks nice and ‘78 7549 but I prefer the hands on the old tunas

[@sinngsg9]

I have a 007 but now Im thinking of either the 035 or is it worth going for the 025

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

I'm not familiar with the 025. I had the 035, a great Tuna. I only sold it because I preferred my 031 and 033.

[@peterfrancis14]

I suspect no sapphire as they are true divers. Hardlex is more shatter resistant but scratch easier, where sapphire doesn’t scratch easier but is shatter resistant. I’m sure I’m preaching to the choir with that info, but that cured my OCD with Seiko hardlex on divers. Made me actually prefer hardlex on divers 👌🏼

[@shelfcompact]

I'd agree, but on their heavier duty divers (including Tunas) they use sapphire. It's just Seiko's choice.

[@niko_las]

Dependa how thick is the sapphire. Also depends on the doomed shape. That is the reason 300 m Tunas to use doomed glass. The 1000 is flat due the difficulties of making it doomed, because of the hardness, but is 4mm thick if even it is not 5mm. I read interest article about it. www.watchfreeks.com/23-seiko/19488-why-does-seiko-use-hardlex-crystals.html?nocache=1514728731215

[@clo2715]

I would sell the 033 because if you like the all steel look you could just wear your monster and if you want the black bezel look you could wear the 031 since you sold your mm300.

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

I sold my Monster. I prefer the 033's build quality.

[@AlGreenLightThroughGlass]

I'll get one when they go solar or kinetic.

[@indahousing6133]

what about the seiko sne497p1?

[@AlGreenLightThroughGlass]

@@indahousing6133 bit different but a good option, particularly if you swap the plastic shroud out for a stainless steel one.

[@myk1200s]

Hey McMahon being the Tuna is $1000 what makes it a $1000 Watch in your mind?

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

I don't know. It may be overpriced. It would be nice if it came with sapphire. Other than that, it looks expensive on the wrist.

[@mrshadow2406]

@@JeffreyMcMahon its about 1.2K in Singapore. I love the size. You would think with that price tag they would atleast give sapphire crystal ffs.

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

@@mrshadow2406 The lack of sapphire is an insult.

[@mrshadow2406]

@@JeffreyMcMahon i love your style of diver watches. Which is the bigger sized ones. What diver watch would you recommend with Sapphire Crystal of the bigger variety sub $1K?

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

@@mrshadow2406 My first place goes to my Seiko SBDC065, which I bought new for $950 and second place goes to my Seiko SBDC053 on stock bracelet from Gnomon Watches, which cost $800.

[@schoenzy362]

I'd keep both and put one on Isofrane for two different looks.

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

Or sell both and get the Ceramic High-Beat Tuna.

[@bigg1779]

Should have kept that 017, the big dome, hands, big lume indices, signed crown and bead blasted shroud made it a classic, I have the 007, that's even better still. Not a fan of these new tuna's🤔 Ever considered a pogue?

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

Never heard of the pogue. I hear you about the 017, a real classic.

[@bigg1779]

Jeffrey McMahon the pogue is a vintage single register chronograph from the 70's famous for being worn by colonel pogue on the early space missions. It's a good size and the case shape makes it wear large, time for some vintage maybe🤔

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

I need to see one of those bad boys. I'll google it. Thanks.

[@bigg1779]

Jeffrey McMahon they come in different colours, I have a silver dial one, it's awesome! Can't see you keeping a cocktail time😉 check out Spencer kliens chanel, he is a pogue/seiko expert

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

I like them. I wish Seiko would re-issue them. I would take one in sunburst silver.

[@stevepodraza6363]

Do you still have your citizen?

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

I have Citizen Promaster BN0176, two Promaster Sky models, and two Calibre 2100 modes (due for a review soon).

[@jan490]

What happened to your BN2021? Did you sell that one?

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

Yes, I sold it. It bit large for my tastes.

[@jan490]

Thank you for answering Jeff! I have a BN0176....did the BN2021 wear that much larger?

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

You're welcome; 2021 much bigger, too big for me.

[@Septra777]

END THE MADNESS RIGHT THERE lololol

[@Septra777]

That's what i'm considering doing, spend the cash and end it right there once and for all... Then what? I dug myself a grave. SKX, Samurai, Turtle, Flightmaster, Sumo, and now this? Still missing the Monster, Alpinist, sarb033, it never ends...

[@felgercarb3803]

Just get a Seiko 'Arnie' reissue and buy a steel shroud for it. No messing with the date anymore and no battery changes!! Or maybe get the even cooler Citizen Pingo watch, and get some even cooler history then just some movie nonsens.

[@1539Mickey]

If a quartz movement is more shock resistant and more accurate than a mechanical movement, why does everyone like the mechanical so much? Aren't watches supposed to tell time ! I still like my Seiko SKA369 "Pepsi" kinetic diver. It's like the SKX009 but better. ( In my opinion. )

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

I think a lot of watch obsessives like the "romance" of the automatic more than the accuracy of the quartz.

[@1539Mickey]

Variety makes the world go round, otherwise everyone would want the same thing.

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

Good point. Everyone would wear a Rolex Submariner. End of story.

[@1539Mickey]

Amen.

[@Marsden12001]

Buy a Sharkey and get more upgrades @ 1/3 the price of a Seiko

[@sir.icefire5470]

😂😂😂😂

[@DrSpeedNL]

Thank heavens they are too big for me.

[@heljestrand]

I think you're bored with the Tunas. Time for a cool change. (The albatross and the whales they are my brothers There's lots of those friendly people And they're showing me ways to go And I never want to lose their inspiration)

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

Not bored yet. Maybe get an SBDB011.

[@heljestrand]

CHAPTER ONE: He adored the Seiko Tuna. He idolized it all out of proportion...no, make that: he - he romanticized it all out of proportion. Yeah. To him, no matter what the season was, this was still a wristwatch that existed in black and white and pulsated to the great tunes of George Gershwin.' You love the idea of the Tuna because it rescued you from Invicta Jeffrey. Time to move along to a GREAT two watch collection....yet to be named Guilloché and one other. Throw those cans on eBay.

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

I'd get the Marine Master 600 if I knew it could be serviced by a local dealer.

[@IronButterknife]

Helm

[@Lycosa]

Hhahahaha yup :) 300$ was enormous for you, wristwatches. Yep, suddenly 600$ aint much.... And a 190$ watch seems shitter for you. Yep. Those are MarineMasters.... Yeah. MarineMasta is focken amazing Seiko. And you get the awesome best deals in mmuriccahhh so you get these for the best bang for buck prices. Hhahahaha hilarious video, good stuff.

[@theperfectionofbeauty1443]

1st world problems

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

I can't disagree. A lot of watch obsession is.