Seiko Tuna Review SBBN033 "Ultimate Tool Diver"

[@Doppps]

Love this watch. Just got it in 2023. Gift from my father, I’ve been eying that watch in his collection for a while and he surprised me with it. Still brand new with all the packaging, booklets and warranty card. Purchased a 22mm Strapcode Jubilee band for dressier occasions.

[@bigbruce6838]

okay, you talked me into the quartz . . . but only the tuna. love Dad

[@BruceWilliams]

Haha love you Dad

[@jeremycorrao]

I love the Tuna as well! I was also blessed with the opportunity to try it out as it was sent to me as well. I posted some photos in the group. That lume is amazing. I have the SKX, a Monster, and a Sumo and the Tuna blows them all away. One thing you forgot to mention regarding the movement is how accurate it is. Plus or minus 15 seconds a month! I've been looking at Grand Seikos too and I love the GMT Spring drive 43mm with the black ceramic bezel but I would be happy with several other models. The Tuna is definitely on my radar. That lume!

[@BruceWilliams]

+Jeremy Corrao So true Jeremy. Accuracy is excellent, and that lume is insane. I absolutely love many of the GS models, and want to get one. I think you have to go Spring Drive. Its amazing even at the higher prices.

[@netdevil17]

I have the SBBN035 for 6 months and brought it diving in bali and i love every detail of it like you pointed out. I enjoyed your opinions and views on the watch it was an excellent review!

[@BruceWilliams]

Thanks, I appreciate that. It's nice to hear that you use the watch for its intended purpose 😊

[@NeuroBoy314]

I haven't seen your channel. I've just bought a SBBN031 new this week, my dream watch, and it's Awesome, this one completes my seiko collection, but... now that I watch this video I'm considering a Grand Seiko. Great Video

[@jayk3633]

Another great review Bruce. The Tuna series is so unique in the best way possible. You hit the nail on the head when you said it was the "ultimate tool watch".

[@BruceWilliams]

Thanks a lot Jay. I kind of feel like it's underrated. After spending a little time with it- it sure impresses! Cheers

[@jayk3633]

No worries. Didn't expect you to come out the closet on this review though haha!

[@BruceWilliams]

+Jay K 😂😂 lol

[@tezzanewton]

I’m now saving for one of these.

[@jeffd3802]

Thx bruce. I just purchased my watchmakers sbbn037 a couple days.ago. LOVE IT. also found a sbbn031 bracelet with the ratcheting clasp on fleabay for under 200 bucks. Ordered that for it.

[@pth8888]

Very happy for you that you are able to feel content with just your final 3 seiko in your collection. You are much more focus than me. I wish I could be satisfied with only 3 watches! Great video!

[@BruceWilliams]

+POH TECK HIAN haha thanks!

[@MadAzn53]

Great review. So glad CG linked this review. It was so great, it almost felt like I owned it so now I can virtually sell it and look at something else ;-)

[@BruceWilliams]

+Mike Nguyen lol I know just what you mean. I've virtually researched, owned, and sold many a watch

[@shipmate3577]

TUNAs are the only Seiko divers worth buying. P.S. I'm looking for a well kept SBBN015 to add to my growing Tuna collection.

[@danielbosch153]

Bruce is the kind of guy would get in the closet to show us the lime.

[@SuperPeleke]

3:00 "Everything. Just. Works." - Steve Jobs. haha I think that dream core of three watches is a pretty good plan... I think the grand seiko is terrific, would LOVE to see you review one. I like the longer video, great fun listening to you talk and share about your ideas and thoughts on your watches.

[@BruceWilliams]

+Fred T Lol I hadn't noticed that. Thanks, I worry about making long videos, I try to condense them but sometimes just have too much I would like to mention. Glad to hear you enjoy it. Cheers!

[@HeadUpKneeDown]

I’ve probably watched this video 20 times.

[@Xanduur]

NIce review. My next watch. Selling three SARBs to pay for it. :O I guess I have to pull out my 1899 Morgan Dollar when I open the box!!!!

[@officialMainspring]

nice review man. Everyone should own a tuna once in their life... great time piece, ultimate analog diving tool. Anyway, I'm watching this after over a year you published it so not sure if you got your GS but if you haven't yet and still deciding, I vote for the snowflake. in my mind, if you are going for a GS, go all the way and get a spring drive... granted the hi-beat is nice too... ;)

[@joelopic]

Great video, nice work. I've got the poor man's sne497 tuna. It's great and sits well amongst my Oris Aquis watches. I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on the marine master. I bought the 497 just to get a feel. The quality feels as good as my Rado captain Cook. Just wish Seiko would get rid of that ridiculous divers extension on the 497. Also had it on a turtle. It's horrible. As far as Seiko watches go, tuna by a mile ahead of the rest, I agree.

[@ManishSahay]

Wow! That lume segment was the best part of the video :)

[@BruceWilliams]

Thanks! It's so impressive, I couldn't just drop in some still pics

[@JK-qn6nx]

Nice review Bruce, good to see you back

[@BruceWilliams]

+Jay Kim Thanks! Its been a long stretch. Saving for a GS takes time for me haha. But I have a list of other videos to make so the content should be more consistent.

[@mikethebike67]

Great video Bruce! A tuna might be next on the list. I want one from the last generation though the sbbn015.

[@BruceWilliams]

+Michael Frontera Thanks man. the 015 is one I really like as well. Those old hands..... :)

[@RandomRobReviews]

Love the tuna. Great review.

[@BruceWilliams]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it

[@chowmonkey2002]

I like the 031 a bit more because of the steel bracelet it comes with.

[@SirStamford27]

Would love to see you review a grand Seiko, love the SBGH 001 Hi beat with the blue seconds hand. Please Bruce, please don't sell your SKX I felt sad when U said you might, you can't love Seiko and not have an SKX! ....... anyway keep up with the great videos.

[@BruceWilliams]

+SirStamford27 Thanks, yeah I hear you. Sometimes I get too technical or overthink things trying to be realistic. In reality there should be no reason to sell the SKX. Even if it would be worn only sparingly. What I would get monetarily vs. what I would be losing is not really comparable. So thanks for talking some sense into me haha!

[@stevepodraza6363]

I think it’s looks awesome with the tie! 👍🏻 I’m getting one ! I have a shogun for sale if anyone is interested

[@Weathership]

Well Well done...articulate and concise...thanks./ I just ordered one btw

[@drbobsnightmare2521]

Spring drive black Ti...one day. Unless GS makes a Tuna.

[@interloper65]

SBDX013 for the win.

[@CGAWCChannel]

OMG...great review and I can't possible agree with you more!!!

[@BruceWilliams]

Thanks Crystal. I'm really looking forward to your review. So concise and well thought out 😊

[@CGAWCChannel]

I might surprise you 😉 I went a different route, rather than review...which you did so well here. I more wanted to explain why it's such an epic piece.

[@BruceWilliams]

+CG AWC Channel awesome, can't wait 👍

[@jorgerosas5138]

I see you are on a mission to complete the Japanese Trinity!

[@BruceWilliams]

Haha trying to!

[@Cling30]

The tuna case can be an upcoming iconic design.

[@BruceWilliams]

True, some would argue it is already iconic and recognizable. Thanks for commenting

[@Cling30]

Actually commented this before finding out the first tuna had 20 patents to it's name. It's making me want one.

[@BruceWilliams]

Yes! I really want one of my own as well. Great watch

[@jigrodrigues]

I have two grails, omega speedmaster moonwatch and a marine master professional tuna can. Yes, they are iconic.

[@alexandermundy271]

I agree with just about everything you said. Unfortunately, I am just not as big a fan of Seiko as you. I am curious about the accuracy, is it accurate to less than 10 seconds per year?

[@cowboyswami2017]

I love it but For that price though I wish it had a sapphire crystal.

[@patrolmanmalik3121]

Hi, Bruce I like the tuna and also your watch marine master anyway I need a good advice which one is the best ? I have a 6105-8110. Should I sell it and get tuna or marine master. Thanks

[@BruceWilliams]

Sorry, can't help you there. Both are awesome but very different watches. Depends on what your preferences are. I love your 6105, great vintage model

[@toddd7444]

dose it keep good time????????? nato band makes it looks like a dress watch

[@williamkok234]

Hi there. Can u do a side by side comparison of the Seiko Tuna n baby tuna? I just see their real difference. Thks

[@arj3030]

Sir what beginner tuna (if there is one) can you recommend? Thanks and love your vids.

[@atabish3031]

Just got one love it was going to change the band but it's so comfortable I'll hold off Excellent Review Def the crown jewel of my Prospex collection

[@STIjojoSTI]

Is this the same watch as the sbbn039? Except 039 is padi limted edition.

[@jacc88888]

It's hideous but strangely lovable.

[@fu327]

Great review Bruce! Can you please do a review on the new Seiko Transocean?

[@BruceWilliams]

+FU32 AH! I really want to! I don't think anyone has done it yet. And the transocean looks amazing. But I'm trying to hold steady in saving for my dress piece. If I bought one to review then resold it I think I might loose too much. Unless I could get some type of special discount.

[@MrLoughneagh]

You do the best Seiko reviews on the net👍 can you tell me which other 300m models have the same dimensions as this one? Thanks in advance..

[@BruceWilliams]

Thank you! I believe all the SBBN reference are the same dimension, but some of the sbdx reference ones are the larger spring drive versions

[@Lowdown13blues]

Nice vid !

[@davidmckenna1549]

I am new to watches and a bit confused. Seiko customers loudly criticize quartz and large watches. Why then do they buy the Tuna?

[@Keebmen]

Does anyone have an issue where the bezel skips clicks between 11-6? Like 2 clicks becomes 1 :(

[@tomsterr1904]

Hi! I just bought this watch but I am confused about the size. I measured it. Without the crown the diameter is 44-45mm. With the crown it is like 47-48mm. It was smaller than I expected. I think I am little disappointed because I was expecting the diameter be like 47-48mm without the crown. I read so much about this watch and many reviews state that diameter is 48mm. BUT they didnt mention it is WITH the crown. Well it is a beautiful watch still. I am not sure what to do with it now.

[@BruceWilliams]

Its the smallest wearing huge watch in the market!

[@tomsterr1904]

Sure is :). Compared to SUN019 this watch is like a little bird.

[@tomsterr1904]

One more addition. Okay the case can actually be 47,5mm if you measure it from the bottom. The shape of the tuna can is such that is wider at the bottom than in front. But if you measure it from front (like the bezel size only) --> it is like 44 mm.

[@kellyrobinson8030]

Wow! These one is really big and bulky. You could scare off sharks with this one 😀

[@CodyVella]

How much are these going for?

[@mikestar5675]

What do you think about the new Seiko X Lowercase solar tunas? Which one would you get?

[@BruceWilliams]

I think they are really cool. Personal preference are the pepsi one or the sunburst blue and gold version

[@sergio.montiel]

You have the best reviews. You got rid of the SDGM003? You're review made me get that watch and I love it !!

[@BruceWilliams]

+Sergio Montiel Hey thanks I appreciate that! I'm glad you love the brightz. Such a great watch. I did sell mine and am saving to replace it with a Grand Seiko. So hopefully by years end I will have the one to replace the brightz which I miss. Cheers!

[@inspector1973]

Bruce excellent review as always. I think it's about time to add this to my collection. I love automatics but I don't mind spare a quality quartz movement. I think the whole watch screams quality, no doubt. I was looking to get the SBBN035 the all black with the DLC coating but after I watched your review I am doing second thoughts. What is your opinion of the SBBN035 VS the SBBN033? Your opinion is mostly appreciated. Thanks.

[@TheZanshen]

Great review

[@Michael-4]

I quite fancy the Ninja one.

[@BruceWilliams]

That one is pretty sweet

[@inspector1973]

Pretty cool. I know what am I about to ask you has been asked a lot of times, however I need your opinion regarding the looks of this timepiece sitting on a 7inch wrist. Thanks man. Nice review.

[@gogo-ninja300]

Very good! Thank you.

[@toolongforyoutoread6]

If only Seiko made mid-size divers other than the SKX. Are you going to make a comparison with the MM300? Also I think that spring drives are somehow cheaper than Hi-Beat Grand Seikos.

[@BruceWilliams]

It's so true. I'm planning on doing a video on the topic soon. Petitioning Seiko for a Marinemaster like diver in the 40mm size

[@patrolmanmalik3121]

I saw eBay for sale tuna sbbn035 for 1000.00 is that the price? Where to buy and I heard some people's said the die shield is the best I'm not sure about this can you explain help thanks.

[@BruceWilliams]

The sbbns should cost you right around $950 new at current exchange rates. Seiya has them for $966. Diashield is nice but will not make it scratch proof. I've owned 4 different watches that had it. I don't get too excited about it.

[@lindasistrunk9362]

sumo or new tuna can't decide which one ?

[@BruceWilliams]

I think I prefer tuba slightly

[@KRW628]

Geat review! Thanks. But as a fashion special agent (not the fashion police... fashion special agent), i must disagree.The Tuna looks great with a suit. Dress watches are nice... if you are wearing a DRESS. If you are wearing a suit... if you are a dude... you need a suit watch... you need a dude watch.You, a working man, needs his tools; and he needs a tool watch. He needs a diver. He needs a pilot watch. He needs a sports watch (whatever THAT is). So wear your suit. Be a dude. And WEAR THAT TUNA.

[@BruceWilliams]

😂😂👍

[@TheGeoShocker]

Michael Powell Great opinion, and I do wear divers with suits to weddings, funerals etc.

[@KRW628]

30 minutes ago, I was outbid on a Tuna with THREE SECONDS before the end of the auction. Bastidges.

[@elv3a424]

Wait what the hell is the difference between a dress and a suit? Because dress watches are made to be worn with suits... Not 46mm professional deep diving watches.

[@XtremeKremaTor]

Too bad not automatic

[@atomik7223]

I may sound stupid but... I don’t get how the watch has a height of 44mm ... Isn’t it a sphere and so shouldn’t it have at least a 48mm height (due to the the case diameter)

[@fteela]

Great review , subscribe and like , i really like this tuna i will buy the NINGA black SBBN035 thanks for the review ^^

[@BruceWilliams]

Your welcome, thanks for watching :)

[@stevepodraza6363]

Do you still have the 300mm?

[@BruceWilliams]

Not anymore :(

[@pibblesnbits]

Why did you sell it?

[@morgancarlyle640]

I have to laugh at the Seiko fan boys (not you Bruce, I know that you are not uptight about quartz) who criticize big watches and quartz. But if it is a Seiko, its the best.

[@ajaxforever5473]

This design is not my cup of tea. That crystal, dial and lume however are impressive. Nice review Bruce

[@BruceWilliams]

+AjaxForever For sure- its definitely not for everyone. Appreciate the kind words:)

[@vinchel118]

So is battery change going to be an issue?

[@BruceWilliams]

+GEEKOUT! VINCENT KC3AFY No its pretty simple. If you live in Japan the AD does the first one for free. If your don't the change is simple (Just unscrewing the caseback and swapping batteries). I would take it to a watchmaker though just to get the seals checked. 5+ years is a quite a while and the gaskets could have been compromised by then.

[@vinchel118]

Thanks Bruce! I shall be getting one soon ! Vincent

[@BruceWilliams]

+GEEKOUT! VINCENT KC3AFY Awesome Vincent, I'm excited for you

[@vinchel118]

+Bruce Williams I also noticed that the movement has modest decoration. There are diagonal lines on the medal surfaces.

[@BruceWilliams]

+GEEKOUT! VINCENT KC3AFY Yeah its not a bad looking movement. Google Seiko 9F Quartz :) that's a beautiful movement

[@tunokies]

I like my (new to me) SBBN007 with it's dings and a couple of marks on the crystal - can I justify a SBBN033 - well yeah I definitely want one but after just getting the SLA017 I might have to wait a bit. Great review. I especially like how you went into all about the movement, hich makes the Tuna feel a bit more special than your average quartz.

[@911naimplate]

My only complaint is that the crystal scratches way too easily for such an expensive watch. No matter who owns one, if you wear it more than a handful of times, you will no doubt wind up with that trademark Marine Master light scratch somewhere around the 11 to 1 o'clock markings. It must be an inside joke with the Seiko boys because the problem exists on every Marine Master made. If you put a new crystal in, a few wearings later you will wind up with yet another scratch. Must be the Seiko watch gremlins. Other than that, I love mine!!!!!!

[@braclo93]

Wore mine for about a year and finally scratched it on the crystal at around the 8 o clock. Hard to find a sapphire replacement crystal for it too.

[@Gabs08]

Few more viewing on this video... Few more then i will pull the trigger 😂

[@DerekB1234]

not sure about that tie bruce !

[@BruceWilliams]

Lol everyone can't wear batman bathrobes in their vids

[@markwalters1584]

I am guessing you are in Idaho.

[@NAKAKATAKOTAKO]

I just bought an sbbn33 tuna and noticed that the seconds hand misses some marks. is it ok?

[@BruceWilliams]

NAKAKATAKOTAKO I don't know. Mine hit every one

[@pibblesnbits]

It is not unheard of. It can happen. If it misses any marks it is likely very minimally.

[@TomCorbett420]

nice!

[@BruceWilliams]

+Adam SUC420 Thanks!

[@jacklewis6761]

Would you Please do a review of the SBDC011/035? It would really be cool to see them compared to a SARB017.

[@valueink]

Looks better than the MM on your wrist

[@harpomarx7777]

It's not solar .. so you would have to open the case back to change batteries. Then you would have to install a new lubed gasket and either hope you got it sealed up or spend money to have it pressure tested. Old school quartz tech. Solar's the present tech and inductive charging is the future. Case backs on divers are soon to be a thing of the past.

[@stevepodraza6363]

This or the 031? 🤪

[@francisdy9779]

Steve Podraza 033 for me

[@jonirwin7316]

This is not a dress watch

[@htnguvon8693]

I really love the design of this watch but ....1000$ for a quartz...

[@BruceWilliams]

Yes, very expensive :(

[@jeffd3802]

Not a regular cheap.quartz though. Seiko makes the quartz crystal inhouse for the movement. Its a.movement costing more than a eta 2824. Specifically for the tuna.

[@Chrissepisje]

Don't get this video. Speak highly of the merits of the quartz movement for the tuna, while not looking at the 9F quartzes in Grand Seiko's. Got one myself, and it's a beater in and of itself. 100m WR, rugged quartz, gorgeous lines, nice bracelet: Done.

[@AkuNoHana]

Whether it's because "muh Seiko" or because special snowflake quartz movement you got, it's everyone's right to wear what the hell ever they want. That being said, I would just silently judge you when I see that second hand go tick-tick-tick-tick.

[@Vv20vV]

That shirt tie is hideous 🤮 Looks like something from Spongebob 😂 Thanks for the review however!

[@hillbillyartscrafts4367]

the price is just so stupid though

[@jeffd3802]

Full in house grown quartz for the watch. Hi quality movement. Professional saturation dive watch..

[@vicdiablo003]

All I can is the day & date being changed at 12. Cringe worthy

[@leonp333]

my armida a1 42mm is brighter than seiko crap

[@BruceWilliams]

Nice! I had an A1 Last year. Mine was nuclear bright. The C3 didn't last very long though, ended up flipping it

[@leonp333]

what do you mean? they burn up fast?

[@BruceWilliams]

+FNX 45 yeah it was super bright initially but faded rather quickly. Good value though for how much you pay 👍

[@leonp333]

+Bruce Williams i dont now if its normal but my armida didnt lose a single second in 4 days now, i set it after the atomic clock and it runs perfectly

[@BruceWilliams]

+FNX 45 wow that's awesome! Hang on to that one. I think the average variance is around 10 seconds per day. Mine was off about 8 per day

[@Adb07d]

This thing looks absolutely ridiculous. People wear these? It's no wonder seiko gets looked over so often...

[@BruceWilliams]

Yes, many people love and wear these. Tuna has been a classic for decades. Definitely not for everyone though