I hooked a Tuna and safely reeled it in!
Jul 16, 2020 12:55:28 GMT -8
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HiBeat, mariod, and 10 more like this
Post by suntzu on Jul 16, 2020 12:55:28 GMT -8
I have always admired the tuna for quite some time. I struggled with which model to buy. Do I go with the expensive vintage quartz often times with moldy hands and scuffed cases, an unused newer higher end 7C46 quartz variety, or a modern cheaper solar powered one?
I decided that I want something new in the box. Now the solar ones found in your big department stores based on reading and viewing are a bit cheap. Not a high grade movement, typical misalignment with bezel and chapter ring. Not something that truly “wows” me. The SNE497P1 is a slight step up but has the damn “X” on the “Prospex” dial and a black plastic shroud which I wasn’t feeling. I perked up at the SBBN033 as it was 300m, a Marinemaster, no “X,” included a day wheel, a better 7C46 quartz movement, but a high polished shroud that I frowned on. The SBBN031 is the same but with the bracelet that I think is ugly and lays poorly on the wrist at the clasp. So, close, but no cigar.
But then, I stumbled on to the SBBN037 Blue Tuna Limited. Time stopped, the heavens opened, the angels sang, and I said to myself, “Self, you want that one!” It immediately spoke to me. It checked off every box; great dial, no “X,” 300m, Kanji day wheel, nice bezel insert, brushed metal shroud, and beautiful blue which completely differentiates itself from the traditional black that I have in like three other divers. And, I don’t see this model anywhere. Who owns one? It’s not common on peoples’ wrists. Limited edition is kinda cool. Videos and reading I have done indicate that the chapter ring lines up perfectly and the seconds hand hit their mark with this movement. It has a nice blue strap too. I am upgrading to a Strap Code “Super Engineer II Solid Stainless.”
I found it in Japan for the cheapest price out there. They charge for shipping so I e-mailed and politely said I want to buy it but was wondering if there are any coupon codes. I got an e-mail right back that took off a 1,000 yen which cut the shipping charge in half and still cheaper than other retailers all of whom e-mailed me back with no coupon to offer. I had half the money in my PayPal balance from things I’ve been selling on eBay. So that greatly offset the cost.
So my Tuna desire has been scratched and this unique, rather uncommon reference will serve as the example in my Seiko collection. Is it expensive for a quartz? Well yeah, I guess. But there’s a lot of engineering, history, and quality fit and finish in there. The novelty won’t wear off like if I decided to settle on one of the other ones.
Enough babble and on to the pictures! I’ll update when the bracelet comes in. Pictures don’t do it justice.
I decided that I want something new in the box. Now the solar ones found in your big department stores based on reading and viewing are a bit cheap. Not a high grade movement, typical misalignment with bezel and chapter ring. Not something that truly “wows” me. The SNE497P1 is a slight step up but has the damn “X” on the “Prospex” dial and a black plastic shroud which I wasn’t feeling. I perked up at the SBBN033 as it was 300m, a Marinemaster, no “X,” included a day wheel, a better 7C46 quartz movement, but a high polished shroud that I frowned on. The SBBN031 is the same but with the bracelet that I think is ugly and lays poorly on the wrist at the clasp. So, close, but no cigar.
But then, I stumbled on to the SBBN037 Blue Tuna Limited. Time stopped, the heavens opened, the angels sang, and I said to myself, “Self, you want that one!” It immediately spoke to me. It checked off every box; great dial, no “X,” 300m, Kanji day wheel, nice bezel insert, brushed metal shroud, and beautiful blue which completely differentiates itself from the traditional black that I have in like three other divers. And, I don’t see this model anywhere. Who owns one? It’s not common on peoples’ wrists. Limited edition is kinda cool. Videos and reading I have done indicate that the chapter ring lines up perfectly and the seconds hand hit their mark with this movement. It has a nice blue strap too. I am upgrading to a Strap Code “Super Engineer II Solid Stainless.”
I found it in Japan for the cheapest price out there. They charge for shipping so I e-mailed and politely said I want to buy it but was wondering if there are any coupon codes. I got an e-mail right back that took off a 1,000 yen which cut the shipping charge in half and still cheaper than other retailers all of whom e-mailed me back with no coupon to offer. I had half the money in my PayPal balance from things I’ve been selling on eBay. So that greatly offset the cost.
So my Tuna desire has been scratched and this unique, rather uncommon reference will serve as the example in my Seiko collection. Is it expensive for a quartz? Well yeah, I guess. But there’s a lot of engineering, history, and quality fit and finish in there. The novelty won’t wear off like if I decided to settle on one of the other ones.
Enough babble and on to the pictures! I’ll update when the bracelet comes in. Pictures don’t do it justice.
Thoughts of selling off more watches to get it ran through my mind..... 
