Seiko sbbn031 (best quartz diver period)

Big thanks to Doug for lending this marine master tuna 300 in for us all to see. I know $1000 is a lot of money, but this watch still is viewed as a good value option to me.

[@TheDobbermn]

I love mine. The bracelet is great, very hard to scratch. I've received more compliments and questions about this watch than other more expensive ones.

[@drwindsurf]

The Tuna is the ultimate tool watch. Thank you for another fantastic video Rob :)

[@BiffTannenBTTF]

That lume looks like it's powered by electricity!

[@gislisnbjornsson690]

Thank you Rob for your channel. With fantastic work you have become my favorite watch channel.

[@RandomRobReviews]

Thanks much for hanging out. I really do enjoy sharing all of these watches with the watch loving community.

[@PierreKerbage]

Me too. Well produced - you don't waste time with long intros, no stupid music in the background, you are a straight arrow!

[@Lee_K_5555]

I’ve owned three Tunas and one thing that doesn’t get the recognition that it should is the accuracy of the quartz movement. I set the the time for the daylight savings time back in April on my SBBN017 and four months later it has gained half a second. That’s better than than the HAQ watches I owned from Certina. Truly impressive performance.

[@otobotrecords]

You can count yourself lucky. Not all batches of Seiko's quartz production are the same. AFAIK Seiko only guarantees the accuracy in their GS quartz line, where they select the best of the best quartz crystals in an artificial aging process. My SBBN033 runs 7.5s fast a month, but I'm ok with it. The movement itself is great though. Your SBBN017's accuracy is fantastic 🤙🏼

[@Lee_K_5555]

@@otobotrecords 7.5 seconds a month is a bit of a disappointment, to be sure. That's about what my non-waveceptor G-Shocks do. I guess I really have been lucky, as the SBBN031 and 035 Tunas I had before this 017 had excellent accuracy.

[@otobotrecords]

@@Lee_K_5555 Yeah, but it's manageable. I have been lucky with other watches though. My Fortis Chronograph and Flieger Pro automatics run spot on for weeks and months for example. The most accurate mechanical watches I have ever had. My Alpinist, SARX033 and SBDC051 also run very very well within COSC specs. The craziest thing is, I have bought a plastic yellow Swatch from 1985 from ebay from the original owner in the city I live in like half a year ago (bacause I thought that was the one I had as a kid, which I later found out was not true lol). That quartz watch is 34 years old, the seconds hand hits all the minute markers 💯 and it loses like only 0.5s over 3 months or so. Paid 20 EUR for it.

[@delemont83]

The same are mine, you are right, I deeply love and respect that 7C46 movement

[@BlueSkyGuitar2]

Awesome watch - that lume looks like the brightest of any Seiko diver.

[@RandomRobReviews]

I think it is

[@elarson312]

Another great watch review! Thanks for showing this fine time piece.

[@Matt-uq3in]

Lovely tuna , just picked up the 015 NOS it's lovely 🐟 2011 full stickers, still on the original🔋👌

[@LeftThumbBreak]

some seiko's are hardlex for cost. the real professional quartz tuna marinemaster is a true diver and needs to be in hardlex for the shatter resistance. I wouldn't want it in sapphire, just like the original speedmaster in acrylic is the true tool, this is the same.

[@tc6578]

For those who could not get over the use of a Hardlex crystal on a $1000 watch, Seiko has introduced a slightly more refined version of the Tuna equipped with a Sapphire crystal in the form of the "SBBN045".

[@trevbarlow9719]

Without bracelet and for an several hundred dollars more.

[@a97b18b]

Love it! With all this new seiko5 talk, I started wearing my 007 more lately and I really believe it could be my only watch and I’d be just fine. I might even prefer it over my seamaster 😮

[@RandomRobReviews]

Gasp....you enjoy an affordable more then the “luxury” watch? Haha. I have skimmed it back down to the affordables myself and zero regrets.

[@MrBacchus18]

The snobbish watch police might take you away

[@a97b18b]

Random Rob I love my seamaster and it’s a great everyday watch for my small wrist. I have the midsize. I just love the style of the skx and it amazing me every time I look at it. I’m probably more worried about scratching my skx than my omega.

[@randynovick7972]

Funny, just got one of these JDMs. Broke the bracelet when resizing it... don't ask. Put a strapcode angus jubilee on it and it's perfect. Dunno what I'm going to do with the broken bracelet... part it out, I guess.

[@RandomRobReviews]

I bet you can part it out. Or sell as a whole damaged.

[@rayquintanilla614]

Really like the way the case tapers up from the bottom.

[@expatstacker3838]

A grail watch for me. I'm lucky enough to live in Japan and the Seiko outlet shops sell all of their JDMs for 30% off retail. It's only a matter of time before I pick one up 🤓

[@bradulovic82]

Tuna will always be a classic, but there is a cheaper alternative for a big quartz diver with a shroud - Kinetic GMTs from the SUN0xx series, like PADI GMT SUN065 - 200m WR, crazy good lume, tough as nails.

[@iHaejeog]

Yes they're pretty good watches too, but I don't think they're as wearable as the tuna. The lug to lug on the SUN models is 53mm isn't it?

[@charlyvanbuuren739]

I own the sun045 (Black 50th anniversary) and it wears perfect on my 7 inch wrist 🤔

[@iHaejeog]

@@charlyvanbuuren739 I don't think it'll suit anyone with a wrist smaller than 7" unfortunately. I would love to try out some of the bigger watches, but I can't really pull off anything bigger than a 42mm case and a 48mm lug to lug (6.5" wrist). Going bigger than those sizes and the watch begins to look disproportionate on my wrist. Fortunately the tuna has very short lugs, a decent lug to lug size of 48mm, and a nice taper coming up from the bottom of the case. I'm sure the SUN kinetics are great watches and personally I would love to have one, but the size is not for me.

[@bradulovic82]

@@iHaejeog I own SUN043 (white 50th anniversary - Yeti) and previously owned SUN065 PADI, they look awesome and wear perfectly and I have just under 7 inch wrist. Yeah, they are even bigger than this Tuna, but they aren't dress watches, they are made to big that big and chunky, like G-Shocks.

[@CAJUNAFOL]

Nice watch my favorite quartz diver is Marathon TSAR.

[@thomasshaw4173]

I also have this Marathon 👍

[@joet.plumber3771]

I've got both the Tuna SBBN031 and the GS SBGX335. I haven't had to adjust the time on the GS after 3.75 months of owning it. It is spot on to world time bar none! The Tuna needs adjustment every 30 days. The 9F61 movement is why they sell for thousands more and bare the label of Grand Seiko. Just my dos centavos.

[@j8sdx]

I 100% agree sbbn031 is probably the best quartz diver. Only tuna with a bracelet and good size, although i love my other 1000m and 600m tunas the sbbn031 is the best all rounder.

[@desire68frogman98]

Beautiful, just beautiful and you know the combo that i have!

[@mikethebike67]

Love the tuna's.

[@stevenwymor1398]

Rob, I have a Tuna question. Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip? 🤣

[@patricko9170]

Hi Rob, great review. The SBBN031 is an ok watch with the venerable 7C46 movement; however, that Hardlex (AKA mineral) crystal strikes it down for me and many others. I gotta be honest with you...Hardlex SUCKS for a tool watch. Every Seiko I have that has Hardlex has gouges and scratches. I have a SUN023 that quite frankly is superior to the SBBN031 in many ways. It is kinetic (means much fewer battery changes), has a much newer movement (when worn it is accurate to the second for months), recessed anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal, better lume, and is a true GMT watch. Also my SUN023 cost me $225 new years ago. For me my Marathon JSAR and SUN023 are my ultimate quartz tool watches. The SBBN031 has a unique style, but so does my SUN023. I really wish Seiko would stop screwing around with their Hardlex junk and man-up to sapphire crystals. On a watch that costs this much there is NO excuse. Come on Seiko!

[@EugeneLazin]

Seiko has several grades of hardlex and hardlex on $1K and $200 watch will be different. I own a 10yo seiko atlas that has zero marks on its hardlex crystal. Also, hardlex makes perfect sense for a tool watch. It's almost as scratch resistant as sapphire but more resistant to impacts. The hardlex has lower refraction index than sapphire and doesn't require coating to be legible under water. The sapphire is kinda poor choice for a diver because its high refraction index makes it really reflective underwater without coating. And if coating is present it can be scratched way more easily than hardlex crystal. Hardlex is simply better in almost every way on a dive watch. The only downsides are this: it scratches a bit and it have to be thicker compared to sapphire on the same watch.

[@sbmillward]

Nice review. Beautiful divers watch. Thanks!

[@chrissheridan9639]

Rob, What is the reference for the PADI watch in the video?

[@yourviewer6974]

Gorgeous! I wish they will make a smaller version of this {39-40mm) with an automatic movement. Instant pick up!

[@tohondero23]

Absolutely love my tuna. I tell everyone that it's Seiko's Rolex. Yes I know different watches at different price points, but just like a Rolex, they hold value. Which is rare for a watch. Especially a Seiko. Best value Seiko period.

[@michaelknapp8961]

Love it. I’m gonna buy it in December!!! I love everything about this particular watch.

[@legatelanius88462]

Did you end up getting it?

[@MrPINKFL0YD]

Nice. Very nice Has become the best watch channel

[@dirkwerning6275]

Absolutely love this one. Soooo need to grab one DAYUM.

[@PT111111]

That Tuna is much smaller than my SRPA82J automatic Monster tuna. I might have to check it out

[@airtec87]

Is there a reason why the baby tuna version of this is discontinued?

[@RonaldChapman-jg5xu]

Iv gotta get one of these! Love it!

[@bigidiot123]

Hardlex on a $1k watch. Seiko what are you doing...

[@87channels]

Divers aren't supposed to have sapphire. Hardlex eliminates the risk of it cracking while you're underwater, destroying the watch in the process

[@edwinthomas618]

@@87channels Not necessarily. Sapphire thickness can compensate to pressure. My Helson Shark Diver is rated at 500m with a 3mm Sapphire crystal.

[@glennsmooth]

Great looking watch! I have many seikos but none with quartz. Next watch will have to be a Grand Seiko. That seems like the ultimate mechanical/electro movement.

[@benniewalker52]

Where can i find replacement batteries?

[@iHaejeog]

Great looking piece. Used to own the SBBN017 and it was fantastic. Might have to pick up the newer SBBN031 now with the bezel insert instead of the one piece bezel SBBN033.

[@doctoruttley]

Luminox…similar price range and water resistance but with tritium tubes instead of just lume. 👌🏻👌🏻

[@TINOKB24]

Gnomon lists that the lug to lug is 47. You mentioned it was 44.5. I have smaller wrists with 44.5 I can def pull it off!!???

[@MrBacchus18]

I think the Sbbn033 is my next watch (I like the steel bezel)

[@alexandruc.5647]

The Citizen Aqualand Depth Meter (the older one, BN-2021) might be a very good contender to the title of "Best Quartz diver", even if it's "only" 200m water resist rated. I have the SBBN033 with the SBBN031 bracelet :D, I just couldn't help getting the OEM bracelet for it, even though I had an endmill for it.

[@RandomRobReviews]

I have a really cool citizen on the way

[@alexandruc.5647]

@@RandomRobReviews More Citizens on the channel please, as they are very nice watches :D. And Orient if possible :).

[@triples4good]

This one is definitely on my short list. Although I might like the hands on the SBBN015 a little bit better. Thanks for this vid.

[@jefferyneu3915]

Cool watch. I only wish they made it with a solar movement. Opening a watch through the crystal for a battery change has to be pricey.

[@cw7422]

I love my big tuna.

[@situation_zero]

Rob, have you tried a baby tuna recently? They are like the Monster but with a tuna-style shroud. Cheers.

[@greatlakescruiser5720]

Odd hearing someone say Seiko and "Nice Bracelet" in the same sentence. Couple people have mentioned it already but the Marathon TSAR with ETA Quartz movement and sapphire crystal is less money and proven tough as a military issue item. Only thing it lacks is the faux glide lock clasp.

[@khronokraze]

I had the sbbn033, great watch. I need another mm300 tuna back in my collection. The great fitment of the tuna on wrist is perhaps Seiko's best case magic trick.

[@otobotrecords]

I still have it... it has proven to be the "grab and go" watch of my collection. Love it.

[@PHATZDINERO]

Are we counting solar tunas in the quartz realm? If we are I think a SNE would be better because you never need to change the battery so you don't have to remove the case back.

[@MyWatchTherapy]

Hi Random Rob. Quick question. I just got this watch and already the bracelet is digging and pinching into my wrist. It seems to be the little hooks that release the clasps that have very sharp edges I can't seem to find a comfortable fit do you have any thoughts on this?

[@dustingaddis2423]

$1000 and doesn't come with a sapphire crystal, and Seiko fanboys still love it. I don't get that at all. Anything over $250 should come with a sapphire crystal.

[@franciscovargas9059]

Nice watch

[@rangered2010]

How long does the Lum stay bright?

[@MayerKingZ]

There is the Merkur tuna which is a homage of this but with a seiko automatic movement and sapphire chrystal plus great lume even on the bezel. And the price is much lower.

[@RandomRobReviews]

I need to check these out

[@MayerKingZ]

@@RandomRobReviews worth it! Only proplem is i think these were sold old. The only ones i found recently are in pvd. I managed to buy a stainless steel one second hand and its amazing. The price was somewhat over 200 USD

[@RandomRobReviews]

Balázs Lengyel Not sure I will buy, maybe get one leant in later.

[@upan3259]

I have the black version, very tempting to get a 031 instead.

[@mvjmiranda]

Wait a sec, Rob! Let’s talk about this MR-G you nonchalantly mentioned.

[@RandomRobReviews]

Haha. We will have a nice long talk about this one.

[@simoncrawford350]

Ralph Phillips 100% agree with that! (Don’t recall seeing that in the state of collection) last week🤔🤪👍

[@RandomRobReviews]

Simon Crawford Remeber, I stay fluid. Many have already left and many more coming in.

[@simoncrawford350]

Random Rob 100% agree with that to!, and definitely looking forward to that MRG review, that’s for sure!👍

[@MyWatchTherapy]

Is the bezel insert ceramic?

[@emiltennismethod8544]

That bracelet is so good !

[@maurocardoselli6877]

Ehi Rob do you think Seiko will upgrade this with ceramic bezel and sapphire? Thank you

[@jasonamoako9729]

Are you going to do a review on the G-Shock Mr G please

[@RandomRobReviews]

Yes

[@22Phanatic]

Perfect timing I have one incoming! Can’t wait! It is a rebuy for me tho! 😂🍺

[@RandomRobReviews]

That seems to happen so much in our hobby.

[@22Phanatic]

Random Rob true so true

[@thomasshaw4173]

This is not a criticism of you. I believe that you are open-minded and objective. However, I have to laugh at many of the Seiko fan-boys. They complain about a watch is too big, but not if it is a Seiko. Too expensive, not if it is a Seiko. Quartz? Not if it is a Seiko. No sapphire crystal, no problem if it is a Seiko. LOL! 😉

[@TheMailmanOfSteel]

This Marine Master is making me look for a domed crystal for my SNE498.

[@ryanstafford8544]

Now I have to buy a tuna. Thanks... Can we start a petition to kick Rob off KZbin? Lol

[@jefferyneu3915]

This, then the Ecozilla!

[@maurocardoselli6877]

Is it a steel coated bezel? Congrats for the review bro

[@dmntuba]

It's a MONSTER!

[@lynnlittle8671]

I noticed there was a 'P' on the blue sticker on the caseback. My SBBN031, which I bought from Seiya, came with the same sticker, same P, on its caseback. Any idea what the P stands for? BTW, your review helped me make the decision to buy my SBBN031, thanks!

[@alfredthebigasshousespider9650]

prospex? professional? pippinpaddleopsicopolis?

[@ShowMeMy0pponent]

I'm trying to decide between the SBBN031 and the new MM200 SBDC061. They're both cool Seiko watches similar in price. If you had to choose just one which would you go with?

[@RandomRobReviews]

Sbbn is what I did choose. But I may sell them all again anyway

[@dustinwray2819]

I wished they would do a different seconds hand it’s to hard to see. Plus it doesn’t line up to the seconds chapter ring.

[@RandomRobReviews]

Maybe not great in video, in person it’s good. The main issue is the domed hardlex I think.

[@dustinwray2819]

Random Rob it’s probably just me I do need glasses tho.

[@thewatchloungechris]

I really dig that

[@bonzerrrrr]

It’s a beauty ☝️for sure #tuna

[@joeyben2733]

The clasp is almost like the GS diver

[@AK-of9qx]

Any chance u can get the sbbn045 on here?

[@christophermallory2222]

Could you drop the movement into a CT700 case? PVD black of course!

[@RandomRobReviews]

Thought has crossed my mind. I am sure it could be done, will require some work.

[@charlyvanbuuren739]

What about the kinetic tuna it has sapphire gmt and you never have to change the battery same size or is it bigger? 🤔

[@TheGeoShocker]

The SUN019 is physically larger, and a bit less comfortable.

[@Koloherides]

id like to order the old S crown but $80 no shaft just crown cap but then your mismatching like I do on my 61 double cab vw bus I had the old tuna but lost diving here in Hawaii. pin failure so beware

[@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241]

Where can you get one?

[@tomcognilio1816]

Look nice, I can’t wear it tho, I have 6” wrists

[@blastx]

Hey Rob, would you be interested in selling the MM rubber strap at the back? Do let me know. Thanks! - Kent

[@RandomRobReviews]

Sorry no can do.

[@isaacambriz4278]

Would you recommend this tuna or the Seiko monster? I'm torn between the two

[@RandomRobReviews]

Both. Depends on wants. Quartz vs auto, budget also considered

[@DUDE-OO7]

I like My sweet SBBN033 better. Because of The buffed up shroud 🤤

[@mooboo6603]

Hold on. I have a Citizen 300m solar titanium monocoque saphire crystal titanium bracelet with ratchet. Cost me 400 bucks. I grew up in love with Seiko but they have forced me out. Innacurate automatics, horrendous chapter ring alignment, overpriced offerings with under delivered specs. Made in Malaysia not Japan. Jeez Seiko why make it so hard.

[@lordofgonzo]

What citizen would that be, if you don't mind my asking?

[@mooboo6603]

@@lordofgonzo hi it's the BN0118-55E which is the latest in a line going back a few decades called Ray Mears - described here: thespringbar.com/blogs/guides/ray-mears-promaster-tough/

[@rockinginafreeworld3256]

Sinn ux any day .

[@Brainstorm4300]

It's a quartz Me: ok Hardlex Me: hmm ok It's one grand Me: ahh seiko, makes sense.

[@CoordinatedCarry]

Marathon JSAR VS Seiko SBBN031

[@thehomefront1905]

I would not recommend this watch for simple reason it's not an automatic, we all know a watch that is not an automatic loses 90% of its value the second it leaves the shelf, don't be fooled by these videos, all these youtube videos will never ever slag off a big brand name, they speak well of watches they would never wear, and remember this, you will never get your money back on a watch unless you are a watch dealer, if you dont believe me put one of your watches up for sale and see what happens, collecting watches is a game for people that are happy to lose money , and what ever you do don't start talking watches to your girlfriend or wife, they will think you are a right boring tosser.

[@RandomRobReviews]

Lol fake news. I have proved wrong everything you have said every Sunday.

[@ukasyaraffa]

Jelas kan dalam bahasa indonesia 🤪🤪🤪🤪

[@23727bgk]

Hardlex, too large and 1k; another Seiko that only makes sense to those that are infatuated with them.

[@adamski101]

Wears like a 42mm.

[@MrJmendel]

I believe this watch has been retired