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Post by estrickland on Mar 9, 2014 21:08:41 GMT -8
I'm pretty sure I'm going to pick a Tuna in the next few months, and the SBBN015 is the current front runner, but all options are on the table. My question is: If you had your pick of the litter, what would you choose for aesthetics, wearability, and function (i.e. not for rarity, price), including any kind of part swaps (White Dolphin bezel on Emperor, ...)? If you have some of these, what is the finish like compared to, say, a 6105, 630X, or MM300? All input appreciated - thanks! -- Backstory: After coming across a White Dolphin up for sale on YJ last week, and coming to grips with the 48mm Stratosphere, I've (perhaps finally) started to look closely at the Tunas. Here's the Dolphin:  In my research, it seems like the favorites are the 48mm SBBN015 and the SBBN011/13 (Darth Tuna), with the Darth Tuna winning on the Bada** scale, and the 015 winning for flexibility (dresses up better). SBBN015  SBBN011  It seems that despite being rarer and/or more expensive, people just don't like the automatic tunas as much - Seiko didn't do a great job with the packaging, and the autos are too big and sit too high. This goes for the 6159-7010, SBDX011 (Emperor) and SBDX005 (Historical). There are some who like the massive feel, but many seem to go back to the Tunas above after these. 6159-7010  SBDX011 (Emperor)  SBDX005 (Historical)  The Spring Drive Tunas are really busy/blingy which strikes me as a little incongruous with the tool watch feel. SBDB008  There's definitely a metal-bezel 47mm SBBN007 contingent, but a lot of owners mod and go to black inserts over time, yielding something closer to the SBBN015. SBBN007 ![]()  There are a number of other LE's (Dime, ScubaPro, Marx, etc...) and the 7549's but I think major players are captured above. --- |
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Post by igniferroque on Mar 10, 2014 4:28:38 GMT -8
I've only seen one in the flesh, so I can't offer you much in that department, but I can tell you that I thought that this one was the best looking, so I bought one:  It's more normal sized than I thought it would be. |
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Post by pollythecat on Mar 10, 2014 5:15:39 GMT -8
I do not know much about these but on looks I like the SBBN015, it's a little blingy with the dial and stainless bracelet and suits me as a wearer rather than diver. I could be tempted by one of the Gold Tunas, but that a different fish.
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Post by igniferroque on Mar 10, 2014 6:11:29 GMT -8
I do not know much about these but on looks I like the SBBN015, it's a little blingy with the dial and stainless bracelet and suits me as a wearer rather than diver. I could be tempted by one of the Gold Tunas, but that a different fish. That's the one I'd buy if I were buying a new one. |
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trandy
Needs a Life!
Posts: 3,274 
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Post by trandy on Mar 10, 2014 6:21:45 GMT -8
I do not know much about these but on looks I like the SBBN015, it's a little blingy with the dial and stainless bracelet and suits me as a wearer rather than diver. I could be tempted by one of the Gold Tunas, but that a different fish. That's the one I'd buy if I were buying a new one. That's the one I DID buy.  I really enjoy owning it....great watch.  |
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Post by jkchua on Mar 10, 2014 6:33:05 GMT -8
I love tunas but my wallet can only afford two, a 7549-7010 and SBBN007. They're both the right size and have screw casebacks.. easy to fix or do something with it  |
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Post by seikoholic on Mar 10, 2014 8:38:03 GMT -8
Darth
Tuna
end
transmission
Ok, one last thing. I had a historical (briefly) and it's just too damned big. The best tuna IMO is the 7549-7010, followed by the Golden, JMO. If I had unlimited cash and wanted to add a third, it'd be a Darth Tuna.
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Post by cannop on Mar 10, 2014 8:56:40 GMT -8
They never made the one I wanted so I created my own.  But then I found the perfect vintage quartz, the 7549-7010.  If I were in the market for a new one it would be the SBBN015. |
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Post by Groundhog66 on Mar 10, 2014 11:59:27 GMT -8
But then I found the perfect vintage quartz, the 7549-7010. That right there, is completely badass. I only have the 007, but if I were to buy another, the 7549-7010 would probably be it. Oh, and I really like the look of the Tuna/Anvil combination. Perhaps another positive about this one is, it's my wife's favorite out of my collection.  |
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Post by 69ChevelleSS on Mar 10, 2014 12:06:05 GMT -8
Can't afford Seiko Tuna but I prefer solid white in water!
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Post by estrickland on Mar 10, 2014 13:16:27 GMT -8
Thanks for the input, and nice looking Tunas, gents!
Sounds like I was on target with the 015 and Darth.
Might be a few months, though - my 3102 showed up this morning and I think my wife points are spent!
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Post by mariod on Mar 11, 2014 1:04:56 GMT -8
[romeo mode on] First, please let me be sentimental for a while, because my all time favorite is the one who started it all.. the grandpa 600m automatic Tuna Seiko 6159-022: (6159-7010 from 1976)  IMHO this is a true masterpiece in many ways and a milestone in the history of diving watches.  I'm a sucker for the grandpa Tuna, so my preference for this watch is of course not rationally justified. It's huge, although not as big as the Emperor Tuna, so it definitely wears smaller and it is more comfy compared to the Emperor Tuna. Here is a quick comparison shot:  Unfortunately due to the lack or rarity of parts the 6159-022 doesn't qualify as a daily watch imho. However, you asked "what would you choose" so taking into account that the 6159-022 is a kind of "grail" for me, I would choose the grandpa Tuna. One of my reasons why I prefer the 6159-022 over the SBDX011 is, that the Emperor Tuna is and wears even bigger than the 6159-022 plus I don't like all black watches that much. [romeo mode off] The 1000m quartz Tunas (SSBS018 golden Tuna, SBBN011, SBBN013, SBBN019, SBBN021) are almost perfect in aesthetics, size, wearability and so on. The 7 jewels 7c46 quartz movement is a workhorse and the battery life is at least 5 years. I really like the monocoque case design, although this makes a battery change more difficult (at least for me). My favorite amongst the 1000m quartz Tunas is the 7c46-7008 aka SSBS018 golden Tuna:  What I really dislike is the fact that their shrouds are made of ceramic instead of titanium (automatic Tunas) or stainless steel (300m Tunas). I would rather have a dent in my shroud than a broken or shattered shroud. The 300m Tunas (7549-7010, 7c46-701x aka SBBN007, SBBN015, SBBN017) are also powered by the 7c46 quartz movement plus they have a screw down case back, which makes it quite easy to replace the battery. They are perfectly sized imho and due to their lug design they don't sit as tall on the wrist as the 1000m quartz Tunas. The vintage 7549-7010 (especially its bezel and crown) appeals much more to me than any of its modern successors.  The 7549 5 jewels quartz movement was developed in the 70s and shares many parts with the 7548 and 6309 movements (like a mainplate entirely made of metal instead of plastic). Unfortunately other (case) parts are rarely available (like hands, dials, dial/chapter rings). IMHO this makes the modern 300m quartz Tunas with their 7c46 movements a better buy. Amongst them, the now discontinued SBBN007 is my secret favorite because it is almost identical to the SBBN017, except the signed crown and dial, but can be found used for significantly less (I have one incoming currently). Here's one I no longer have:  So if I were in the market for a Seiko Tuna without being a hardcore fan or collector, I would opt for one of the current 300m Tunas (SBBN017/SBBN015) but would seriously consider the now discontinued SBBN007 as well. Finally a group shot of my shoal of Tunas:  |
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Post by estrickland on Mar 11, 2014 3:30:58 GMT -8
Thanks for the awesome post Mario.
I think you and Duncan talked me out of the 015 and into a 7549-7010.
The chase is a lot of the fun - looking forward to it!
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Post by jkchua on Mar 13, 2014 4:18:54 GMT -8
Just saw a one owner 7549 at the bay with box and papers. Looks ok with a few scratches but the price.. Hmm, you decide haha
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Post by Groundhog66 on Mar 13, 2014 6:29:37 GMT -8
Thanks for the awesome post Mario.  Awesome thread, thank you for starting it. I love Tuna's, but most are out of my price range unfortunately.  |
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Post by seikoholic on Mar 13, 2014 9:23:03 GMT -8
Just saw a one owner 7549 at the bay with box and papers. Looks ok with a few scratches but the price.. Hmm, you decide haha Link? |
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Post by jkchua on Mar 13, 2014 14:56:40 GMT -8
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Post by seikoholic on Mar 13, 2014 15:07:08 GMT -8
In this case, it's for reference and also I don't think anyone here is about to drop $1750 on a 7549-7010 no matter how nice it is. Good to know as a reference point. |
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Post by jkchua on Mar 13, 2014 15:22:08 GMT -8
Would've been great if he took the 1 off the 1750 or maybe a little more haha.
I just discovered that my ebay is set to PH that even though i set the location at worldwide, all i see on mine are crap! Haha
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Post by seikomd on Mar 14, 2014 4:04:08 GMT -8
I've tried out the 7549, SBBN007, 015, 017. In the end I only kept the 7549.  Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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