Seiko SBBN031 - One Year On The Wrist

After spending a year with this Seiko SBBN031 Marine Master Professional divers watch, I wanted to share my thoughts, my likes and dislikes
I got this watch by swapping it with a friend : • Seiko Marinemaster Pro...
Straps used in video:
Artem Straps: artemstraps.com
Strapabit FKM straps: straphabit.com...
Straphabit Nato Style: straphabit.com...
Thanks for watching..

[@paulwordley5580]

Peter, the one thing I love about your reviews over pretty much all others (especially on watches you own personally), is that you focus more on how the watch makes you feel, rather than on the specs of the watch. So many simply focus on the specs and wearability of a piece. Your reviews seem to portray and awaken in us the connection with a watch that lacks in many reviews. As I have mentioned in the past, your review of the SLA043 in which you showed this piece, actually provoked memories of owning the SBBN031 and how I regretted selling it. So much so that I re bought it and am glad to say it is and will remain a keeper. It is a very special watch, and sits alongside my 043… Yup, double whammy 😆 Kudos on creating heart felt content 👍🏼

[@PeterKotsa]

Thanks for sharing Paul..personally I have always felt its more importantly to share the way a watch speaks to me. PS one year review of teh SLA043 coming up..watch this space 😊

[@paulwordley5580]

@@PeterKotsa oh I shall await with anticipation. 👍🏼 I still love mine. It’s pretty much my daily now and gives me everything my ceramic Submariner could not (since parting with my 16600 Sea Dweller, I simply fell out of love with that brand). The SBBN031 however gives me something no other watch has, does or probably ever will. Keep speaking from the heart, as emotional connections are why we are all in this crazy hobby/lifestyle/passion, right? ☺️

[@TheTrueHasenfeffer]

Agreed. The best watches in my collection, I have an almost emotional connection to. They just make me happy. Some pieces do this more than others.

[@1vegasdood]

I agree with Paul...and, of the gillions and gillions of KZbin vids I have watched your intros are the best and you have the best "radio" voice as well. Reviews are always top notch, not just to get clicks.

[@strandvaskeren]

I've got the blue version, SBBN037, had it for years and never heard anyone call it ugly. I have had loads of people showing interest, asking what it is, and I always take of the watch and let them handle it. It looks clunky in videos but handling the watch in real life never fails to capture people, it's just such a quality piece and insanely nice.

[@NicolasGaudreau]

What a quartz watch should be. Dedicated, purposeful and solid. Great review.

[@glennevans6213]

I never thought I would ever wear or evenlike a watch like the tuna, particularly as dive watches are not generally on my radar, that is until I fell in love with the street series automatic safari edition. I ended up putting it on a metal bracelet and it just looks and wears like nothing else. This watch taught me never to say never when it comes to watch collecting or you will miss out. It also taught me to be more experimental and adventurous as you can't truly judge a watch until you've owned it, worn it and if need be, tried it with different straps. Like yours it just keeps giving.

[@henryperez606]

Seiko divers have personality

[@waynesellers4078]

I know what you mean. I have the kinetic tuna and it is even bigger at 51mm L2L. It took me so long to pull the trigger because you can't try them on anywhere and the specs just sound ridiculous but I'm glad I finally did. My bracelet also lives in the box.

[@tonyromano2391]

Peter I’ve owned this beautiful watch for over two years now. In my collection watches have come and gone but this one always makes me smile and I absolutely love it. It’s not going anywhere. Great review of a real classic.

[@wick-trimmer1980]

Thanks Peter this has always been a special in my collection. Even though it’s not my daily wear. You’ve articulated this MM300 perfectly.

[@ID-Guy]

Perfect timing, Pete. Found a really prominent Seiko for a bargain last week (review will be next weekend) and man... when Seiko gets it right, they REALLY get it right. Beautiful Tuna. Having experienced models like the 6105 and "King Tuna" in past... their diver cases are all so special. Great video brother 🥃

[@PeterKotsa]

Ooh, now you've got me wondering what you picked up..I cant wait to see the video brother... Thanks for sharing 🥃

[@christopherjensen5007]

It looks awesome on the bracelet.

[@dzlnitro]

The video is excellent. It's exactly how I feel about my Seiko Arnie. I never though I'd wear it daily, let a lone a quartz movement, and it's been almost a year and I feel naked without it! The tuna is the definition of a strap monster.

[@smgeraldo]

Got one too Pete, SBBN035 in blue, have had 5+ years now and it’s bullet proof. Diving in Southern Africa, loads of motor bike track days in the UK and EU , hiking in the UK, never missed a beat. Very accurate, second hand hits the markers every time and superbly comfortable. It’s got to be in the top 3 most robust watches in the world? What say you? Thanks, as ever, for a great review!👍👍

[@PeterKotsa]

Absolutely 💯

[@dado380]

The Icon The Legend The Myth

[@ProfessorPesca]

Bloody love these tunas - great video. That wipe of your logo round the watch face at the beginning was so satisfying.

[@PeterKotsa]

Thanks 👍

[@cw7422]

I love my SBBN-031.

[@minneapolitan]

Another solid reminder that we're in the hobby for our own enjoyment and happiness. Everything else is secondary. Slowly but surely I'm coming around. Thanks for the vid!

[@klaassiersma4892]

I own one too, mine is a SBBN015J ( a few years older mine is from 2015 ) still on it's original battery, and still running normal. If I don't wear it on it's bracelet it's on a Isofrane rubber strap. I like it, it's a piece of art.

[@leonm2407]

That's a beautiful watch in my opinion. Enjoy

[@PeterKotsa]

I almost yielded to a request from you a while back brother 😊😘

[@takethecurseOFFwashingmachine]

Last week you left a comment on a talking timepieces video. I replied that both you guys were two awesome watch KZbinrs…..a week later you drop this tuna video and proved my point.

[@PeterKotsa]

I really like Alix and his channel. He also has one of the best voices on YT I have ever heard 👍

[@JeffreyPisarek]

I’m a self-admitted Seiko fanboy and absolutely love my SBBN031 Tuna. So much so that after picking that one up (a couple years ago) I also grabbed the 033, 035, and 037 and all four remain in my collection and will stay in my collection!

[@PeterKotsa]

Wow...legend 👍👍

[@lynnlittle8671]

I've owned this model Tuna Can for several years now, bought from Seiya on bracelet. I love this watch on strap!

[@Thelimey]

Great watch 🎉

[@ericb8888]

All Tunas need an Isofrane ;) I’ve got 3 - Scalloped , Kinetic and the latest Emperor . All 3 get used for their intended purpose. Great vid .. thanks;)

[@emkama9402]

The seiko tuna is the only watch I have bought two versions of. I bought the latest generation in black and never bonded with it. 6 months later, I bought the blue in the same Gen and the one in this video. I love it.

[@1968jpy]

I own the SBDY055 baby tuna automatic Seiko diver. Definitely one of the most unique and amazing 🤩 Seiko divers I own 👍🏻

[@TheZanshen]

I have the SBBN033 and was thinking of selling it as I hardly wear it . But it’s a legend of a watch.

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

Many thanks for your review and opinion on this watch. Much appreciated.

[@PeterKotsa]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching

[@yokosomike]

… ah and you got the kanji. That makes it even more special. Just saw one yesterday here in Tokyo at around ¥200000, double the price I paid for mine seven years ago. It’s a keeper.!

[@eelcob6815]

Very nice video! I have exactly the same watch. Really a great watch (bought early 2016). The first battery lasted over 7 years (and EOL wasn't on yet)... Runs within 5 seconds + per YEAR! Great watch, truly unique. I also think this is the most beautiful version with this dial & hands. I also love the convex glass.

[@PeterKotsa]

7 years, thats huge...wow Keep enjoying the piece 👍

[@eelcob6815]

And like new! I wear it on the steel strap but also have a cilicone bracelet from Seiko. Mine jumps 100% from minute index to minute index. It's serial number 53XXXXX so made in March 2015. Have the battery done by Seiko Netherlands and it goes fine. So I now have my 2nd point in the back cover 😃 for the battery. My first battery lasted from March 2015 to September 2022 = 7 and a half years. And it didn't go into EOL yet (second hand jumps by 2 seconds). I had it replaced because I was going abroad and didn't want to risk it going empty there. This quartz watch really does have a heart, and a very accurate one 😂 EOL = End Of Live I bought it in Thailand from a Seiko dealer, where it was 50% of what it cost in the Netherlands at that time. PS Too bad Seiko no longer puts Marinemaster on the dials. @@PeterKotsa

[@sivanstar]

Very interesting comment at the end. You know im a motorcycle mechanic and i love Japanese sportbikes. Lots of riders say that harleys or European bikes have a soul and a temper, and Japanese dont. To them i reply, Japanese have a soul. Whenever you start it, it will work. Whenever you need it to be a reliable friend, its there. It has a soul, a beautiful Japanese soul. I love my quartz, solars, mechanical watches the same. Each one for a diff reason. Wear what you want and be proud of it, and have fun. The only thing i dont accept is fakes. Thats illegal and morally wrong. Homages are ok by me bc almost every design was inspired by something. And swiss watchmakers were inspired by others long before there was any Chinese watch industry. That was long sorry.. Truely iconic. My oldest brother has one that still works for decades, that inspired that love for seiko, for me. Love your videos buddy.. 😊

[@LambGiles]

Opening credits (putting the watch down and the PK logo melting in) were not lost on me. Very slick ..... 😉

[@PeterKotsa]

😊 cheers

[@dikkie1000]

I've got mine for about 7 and a half years now, and i agree on the bracelet, it's just not quite it. The clasp is an engineering marvel, but the rest of it, not really. On straps, it works well on all sorts of materials, but my preference goes to a vintage green MN strap. That's flexible, light, about a mm thick so it doesn't add much height. As for legibility, the SBBN031 handset and markers is about the best of my watches, with the matte hands it's less blingy than the previous versions with the near polished arrow hands. All in all, it's a good every day wear, and it's very non-bling, so it doesn't distract, but just works.

[@KalvinSmithWarriorsPathSystema]

Beautiful. Love to see it on a sharkMesh!

[@PeterKotsa]

I was wearing it on a shark mesh a while back 👍👍

[@astorbeijer9424]

I used to think that a quartz watch doesn't have a soul, then I got the Hamilton PSR. One of the most characterful watches in my collection. Now, I would liken mechanical and quartz movements to wolves and dogs. I have a wolf dog now, and he is truly his own being. The day he feels like we don't love him enough is the day he walks out the door never to return. I've had a dalmatian who was also full of personality. But there wasn't a day she would choose to walk out the door when she knew she could sit by the stove and catch any food that dropped on the floor. Both quartz and mechanical can be full of character, or soul, but they're their own beings. Each should be respected for what they are.

[@PeterKotsa]

Nicely said..

[@TheSmiler62]

I have the SBBN037 Blue Fin......And I could not agree more, thanks for the Video.

[@georgecupac1202]

I like that watch.

[@speed200]

Ive got the SBBN015 more then a decade ago and its like new. the only modification was a sapphire crystal when I bought it.

[@setter55]

Great video, I own the all black 035 model. Wears well and amazing lume. Despite being a printed dial, the lume is brighter even than my marinemaster SBDX017 which features deep applied markers

[@harrietgibbs4086]

Love how you have it on the kanji day wheel.

[@MrGheath]

Peter - Owned the blacked out version of these (SBBN035) as my first Tuna. Went through a Tuna hunt until I finally landed on the LE 1978 Golden Tuna reissue. Tunas are a true piece of horology. Recommendation on the bracelet comfort - One thing to try with the MarineMaster bracelet is to wear it backwards with the clasp folding opposite of the way it's meant to. Kind of like how Nomos designs their bracelets. The foldover clasp has such a long extension and it works better folding on the inside of the wrist.

[@PeterKotsa]

Thanks for the advice, i might have to re visit that bracelet now 👍

[@PraiseTheLordAlmighthy]

I have the same watch and i can confirm it is something special.

[@PyroClit]

I have the SBBN033 and its my daily. I love it so much.

[@PeterKotsa]

Good watch, enjoy 👍

[@Koishishibaman]

Great review of a cool watch! Thanks. I don't have a tuna in my collection yet. Kind of looked at them, just never bought one. Yours is very cool! Jdm with kanji date wheel! I understand about special ones. Recently got a SLA059. Became a daily watch for a couple of weeks. It captured my heart. Had to put it away so I would give love to the other kids😂 . Think it has the same bracelet as your tuna. For me, the bracelet works and fits well. Also have the sla039 on a bright orange dassari rubber strap. Perfect on that on for me. Thanks again for showing that cool tuna!

[@PeterKotsa]

Thanks for sharing as well..really appreciated 👍

[@bigchoppa_da_dripking]

You've got to try the Tuna on the Uncle Seiko GL831!

[@timetowatch_francois]

Thanks for sharing Peter. Once again, congratulations on hitting 50K subscribers. I must say that the “Tuna” was/is never my favourite but I have to admit that the specs on this one are pretty great. Keep ‘em coming 🙂👍🏼

[@Tom_H327]

Seiko is the only brand that I find something I love in every single one of the Prospex offerings. No other watch maker has that capability. Seikos are amazing......and very addictive. 😂

[@mzz505]

I love this watch i have the black version

[@khairyalonto]

Your video makes me think twice about the tuna

[@AK-of9qx]

I’ve got the black version sbbn035 I believe. It’s still one of my favs in my collection, right up there with the Pelagos LHD and Planet Ocean (blue43)

[@Dadication3]

Well said PK, from another PK that also finds this reference very special, and has zero concern for others opinions on my watch choices. I also love my solar SNE577 black series tuna keeper.

[@steveknight5836]

Another great review Pete. The Quartz movement comments are interesting. As a newbie I tentatively to be drawn to that beautiful sweeping second hand and only tend to seek out automatic pieces. I need to do a lot more homework on movements as there is so much to learn.

[@alma175w]

Great review and insights on the Tuna. I really like the look of it on the green sailcloth that you have, I’ve nearly purchased it a few different times, maybe a holiday gift. The supreme accuracy of the movement is something else. I set mine the 1st of June this year, it’s running 25 seconds fast, that’s just amazing. I pair this with the first generation Seiko Orange Monster and the MM 300 with the 8L-35 movement, all three get plenty of wrist time, all three are important.

[@PeterKotsa]

And here I am thinking I was the only one who felt this way 😋

[@neilbotha3527]

Great review Pete. Stunning tools piece. Seiko has some brilliant designs (skx for example). Wear and enjoy in good health 😊

[@PeterKotsa]

Thanks brother

[@rrich52806]

I've an older one from Sekio. From 1980s. It is black and the double body is plastic over metal. But same. Just ordered a homage of it in blue and red.

[@juanriv01]

Put it on a Strapcode Angus J, the fit and look is amazing and you can put the MM300 buckle on it if you want. Congrats on your anniversary!!

[@khronokraze]

I love the Tuna designs. Been through many.. keep trying to find THE best version for me. My last "real" tuna was the SBBC045, Blue Tuna. However, I've come back to another street or Urban tuna in 43mm with the automatic 4R35.. I can wear the 47mm ones, and have enjoyed them. But, the 43mm is just a much less bulky package with just about 90% of the full tuna looks and design. I am really currently enjoying the SBDY075 in Safari Green.. which is a near identical colorway to the Green Willard (SBDC111) which I also greatly enjoyed. I feel the Tuna design is perhaps my favorite of the many iconic Seiko dive watch designs. Such a cool look with the semi-asymmetrical metal shroud around the case and just love the way the really short lugs underhang the case which adds to its wearability and comfort. The 47mm version 8:16 already wears smaller than you'd think, thus the 43mm is also smaller than specs would suggest. Honestly, it looks and wears like a 40mm to me which is a pretty ideal size.

[@masudashizue777]

I like that this watch is all business. If you find this watch ugly, go have your vision checked.

[@nikolapopov8152]

I had mine for two years but i'm wearing it mainly on the bracelet. It's going nowhere, it's a keeper. Hopefully for life.

[@PeterKotsa]

You're one of the lucky ones who the bracelet works and feels comfortable..enjoy 👍

[@mitchmatic8029]

Great vid Peter. Hands down, a favorite in my collection. Would love to see reviews on your others.

[@PeterKotsa]

Done Ill get onto it 👍👍

[@alexhudson3574]

i have this watch and wear it on a strapcode hexad with the ratchet on the fly adjustable clasp and it wears very well

[@tanvirrahman9504]

I have the SBBN031. Not my most expensive watch. Not my best looking watch. Not the lightest watch. But definitely my favorite watch, for some reason.... Really really odd, never thought I'd like it as much as I do.

[@baronbristow8764]

One of my favs

[@tonyxxx9463]

I still regret selling mine 😪 but at least I had the pleasure of owning one of the first and original designed Marinemasters. For it's size it wears extremely well and what can you say except beauty is the eye of the beholder and I think it's a beauty. Thanks for sharing bro 🙏🏻👍🏼

[@PeterKotsa]

Correct, as least you enjoyed it for a season 👍

[@alfredogama9791]

I am going to buy one asap 😊

[@JP4271]

Great review - appreciate you posting. I would love to buy one of these new -- I'd even overpay for it. However, I can't find anywhere in the states where I can purchase. I've looked on the Sakura website too and they seem to be always 'out of stock' on any 300m Tuna. I still see on the SeikoUSA website where you can buy some of the high dollar 1000m Tuna's and limited edition but I don't want those (to big). I'm not sure if Seiko is planning on resurrecting the 300m series but I sure hope they do.

[@CybertroninfiniteOfficial]

hmm, I'll think about getting a tuna. I currently have a willard and it barely gets wrist time

[@stevens1041]

I've been trying to introduce more people to the Tuna. Its an unappreciated icon.

[@andrewd7586]

I don’t have a Tuna Peter but I am wearing my “Arnie” Prospex Solar.😎👍🏼

[@slowbluesmaster]

The only Seiko I own: my SBBN043 'Blue Tuna' says hello!

[@PeterKotsa]

Hello back..😊😂

[@stavros_katsopr]

You gave up your Seiko relation for a tuna can... what a betrade! 😋

[@PeterKotsa]

😂😋

[@A_Dude_And_His_Watch78]

Seiko dive watches just belong on rubber straps.

[@kostar500]

I agree with you 😊

[@weezkidtube]

Agree 💯 love my Seiko on straps, their bracelets are just too uncomfortable

[@michaelkaliski7651]

Getting a bracelet to fit properly takes time. You need to do an initial set up then wear it for a day or two before adjusting it to get a better fit if necessary. Then another couple of days and you shouldn’t even notice the watch on your wrist any more. Your wrist adjusts to the bracelet like an old pair of slippers. If you are constantly swapping watches then each watch and bracelet will feel slightly different and some may feel more comfortable than others, especially if the initial bracelet set up has been rushed. Expensive watches deserve a bracelet. Straps always look cheap and show wear and dirt too easily.

[@pioleq]

Agreed! My mm300 rubbered Since daytona 1 :)

[@Koishishibaman]

I have divers on both straps, and bracelets. For me it kind of depends on the watch. I have samurai and turtles on both. Both look and feel great. Personal choice! I work outdoors on a farm. In the summer, rubber and leather are sweaty. Bracelets are better . Regardless, it is real fun to change up your watches with different straps and bracelets. Keeps your watches fresh!

[@Sandman.68.]

I have a Steeldive version , rarely off ❤️

[@larsthuresson6703]

The watch I wear the most. No contest.

[@Matt-uq3in]

Love the tuna myself its definitely the one i wear the most 7c46 is unavailable its that good it was keeping up with my sinn UX i have the sbbn015 Nos in my collection one that i wear 😂🔥

[@daddykool9507]

Don’t ever sell this Peter, it becomes very difficult to find one in good shape and the asking price is ridiculously expensive! Unless you want the newest variant with the X logo 😂

[@PeterKotsa]

hahaha 👍

[@joshuabriggs7114]

Peter, your thoughts on the SBBN031 mirror mine. I have the same MM300 dialed variant and wear it mostly on an Isofrane rubber strap. Thanks for the excellent review with great video!

[@PeterKotsa]

Thank you for sharing as well..cheers

[@charlyvanbuuren2947]

I have the sun045 50 years anniversary kinetic gmt Tuna diver and after 7 years it still works perfectly and it has saphire glass. But it's not the real tuna and i want one! 😂😂

[@MrBacchus18]

For me this watch was an acquired taste. I bought the same one as this but I did end up flipping it. Great watch.

[@PeterKotsa]

Well said...if it works and bonds, it's a keeper. If not then move it on 👍👍

[@AlexanderB.]

I don't reject this watch, I admire the design, but I fundamentally disagree in one particular point, you know which. It's a certain feature Seiko themselves know it's not optimal since it cannot be found any more in the higher tier Seiko divewatches of late for a good reason! 😉

[@clo2715]

What point?

[@thegorn]

Misaligned bezels?

[@henryperez606]

I think you should be allowed to purchase a Seiko without the strap or the bracelet. Whenever I order a Seiko watch, I order a bracelet, or a strap that I am immediately going to install.

[@PeterKotsa]

If we could save a few dollars I’d be up for grabbing the watch head only 👍

[@fabricea7704]

Hello and thank you for this video from you, Peter. 👍🤝I share your opinion on this watch, I love mine. Indeed, I have several and the one I prefer is the Sbbn007 Crop circles. This is the watch I wear most often, for all the reasons you give. Do you also update Kanji? 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@PeterKotsa]

Sometimes Kanji, sometimes English ...depends how I feel

[@Ossory88]

It also begs the question though: why would you ever buy a seiko, unless you work in harsh conditions like oil rigs or war zones?

[@PeterKotsa]

Tell that to some fan boys (me included) haha At one stage I had around 30 Seiko's in my collection..😊

[@roadgent7921]

You could buy about a hundred F91s for the same lolly. 😮

[@CraigG21]

The box is the best place for the bracelet- the clasp is horrible!

[@PeterKotsa]

Hahaha

[@aditmerdeka6611]

Thats Quartz?

[@PeterKotsa]

yep

[@christryon6664]

Is it as heavy as it looks..?

[@PeterKotsa]

On the rubber strap it’s ideal

[@charlesanderson8017]

I think it’s ugly, but I’m also not a diver. If I was, I’d probably think it’s quite useful.

[@peterboyce1422]

Like my British Bulldog… so ugly it is beautiful.

[@PeterKotsa]

I love dogs, but British Bulldogs?..well that debatable 😊😂 Thanks for sharing Peter 👍

[@pokie6087]

Why "Tuna"

[@harrietgibbs4086]

because the case looks like a can of tuna fish

[@pokie6087]

@@harrietgibbs4086 That's not an association I'd have made. I thought maybe they are popular with Tuna fishermen

[@RampartPh]

I don't know about this