Seiko Tuna Collectors Guide

Behind the Shroud: The Ultimate Seiko Tuna Collector’s Guide

Posted by Mike Johnson on in Articles, Collector's Guides

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In 1975, A saturation diver from Kure City in the Hiroshima prefecture of Japan sent Seiko a complaint regarding the reliability of it’s existing line of professional dive watches. The complaint exposed some notable flaws in it’s existing design, most notably their susceptability to the absorption of helium gas, a component of the air mixture that saturation divers were enveloped in.

In response, Seiko’s engineers (led by Ikuo Tokunga), set out to make the perfect dive watch for professional saturation divers. Nicknamed the “Tuna” because of it’s cylindrical slab of lugless casing, the resulting product was a marvel of modern engineering. It’s monocoque titanium case, L-shaped gasket, and unique shrouded design were all firsts in the industry.

The result was a watch that was impervious to helium gas penetration, and one that could withstand the pressure of massive depths up to 600m. It instantly became a modern classic for Seiko, and has been in continuous production for the last 42 years.

The Tuna has evolved over the years, although many of the modern incarnations share the iconic design of their predecessors. Available in a variety of sizes, materials, and colors, the Seiko Tuna is an extremely collectible model with a rich history and an affordable price-point.

Today, the Seiko Tuna is powered primarily by Seiko’s innovative 7C46A quartz movement. Although many purists will look down upon the fact that the majority of Seiko Tuna’s are battery powered, a deeper look suggests that this unique movement is one of the most robust and highest quality quartz movements money can buy.

Let’s take a deeper look.

Seiko Tuna Movements

Reference Type Jewels Rate Power Hacking Day Date
6159A Automatic 25 36,000 bph 46 hours
6159B Automatic 25 36,000 bph 60 hours
H558 Quartz/Digital 3 3600 bph 3 years
8L35 Automatic 26 28,800 bph 50 hours
8L55 Automatic 37 36,000 bph 55 hours
7549A Quartz 5 3600 bph 3 years
7C46A Quartz 7 3600 bph 5 years
5R65 Spring Drive 30 32,768 Hz 72 hours

The Seiko Tuna series primarily utilizes Quartz movements, with the exception of the early models (“The Grandfather Tuna”) and some of the higher-end modern incarnations (namely the “Emporer” and “Hockey Puck”, which utilize the 8L35 and 6159 respectively). These high-end quartz movements are not your average $25 Chinese quartz module, they are designed specifically for the Tuna by Seiko and are incredibly accurate and reliable.

The most common movement found in these watches is the Seiko 7C46, a 7-jewel high-torque quartz movement with a 5-year battery life. These movements are designed by Seiko in-house and not utilized in watchs from any other brand. They are fully serviceable, anti-magnetic, and incredibly energy efficient. It is easily one of the highest quality quartz movements that money can buy.

The 8L35 movement found in the “Emporer Tuna” is an undecorated derivation of the Grand Seiko 9S55, a highly-accurate mechanical movement with a 28,800 beat rate and a 50 hour power reserve. It’s a high-end movement utilized in some of the best Grand Seiko dress watches, although lacking some of the polish and finishing. Since these watches do not have display casebacks, it’s a perfectly acceptable trade-off for the increase in performance.

The new Seiko Tuna SBDB009 and SBDB013 contains Seiko’s incredible spring drive movement. It’s a quartz/automatic hybrid that has such a high beat rate that it appears to glide continuously around the dial. Additionally, this movement has a power reserve indicator, lacks the ‘day’ window, and places the date between the 20 and 25 minute demarcations. It is considered by many to be one of the most technically impressive Seiko movements.

The automatic Tunas are an excellent choice for mechanical movement afficianados. I would argue, however, that the Quartz movement found in the majority of these models is the superior choice. Their accuracy and reliability make it a perfect fit for a tool watch of this caliber.

Seiko Tuna Quick Comparison

Reference Code Nickname Material Depth Size L2L Thickness
SAD018 H558-500X “Arnie / Arnold” Steel / Plastic 150m 45mm 46.5mm 11.3mm
SAD017 H559-500X “Orange Arnie” Steel / Plastic 150m 45mm 46.5mm 11.3mm
PYF028 7549-7010 “Tuna Can” Steel / Steel 300m 47.1mm 44.3mm 15mm
SBBN007 7C46-7011 “Tuna Can” Steel / Steel 300m 47.2mm 44.5mm 15.1mm
SBBN015 7C46-0AC0 “Tuna Can” Steel / Steel 300m 47.6mm 44.4m 15.1mm
SBBN017 7C46-0AC0 “Tuna Can” Steel / Steel 300m 47.6mm 44.4m 15mm
SBBN031 7C46-0AG0 “Tuna” Titanium / Ceramic 300m 48mm 48.5mm 14.7mm
S23155J 7C46-6009 “Ashtray” Steel 600m 49mm 44mm 15mm
YAQ028 6159-7010/19 “Grandfather Tuna” Titanium / Ceramic 600m 50.5mm 52.2mm 15.9mm
PYF018 7549-7000 “Golden Tuna” Titanium / Ceramic 600m 49.2mm 48.4mm 16mm
SBDB013 5R65-OAK1 “Spring Drive Tuna” Titanium / Titanium 600m 49.60mm 50.70mm 16.2mm
SBDX005 8L35-0030 “Hockey Puck” Titanium / PVD 600m 52mm 51.5mm 16.23mm
SBBS018 7C46-7009 “Golden Tuna” Titanium / Ceramic 1000m 49.1mm 48.6mm 16.1mm
SBBN011 7C46-0AA0 “Darth Tuna” Titanium / Ceramic 1000m 49.2mm 48.5mm 15.9mm
SBBN00E 7C46-0AA0 “Robert F. Marx LE Titanium / Ceramic 1000m 49.2mm 48.5mm 15.9mm
SBBN013 7C46-0AA0 “Darth Tuna” Titanium / Ceramic 1000m 49.2mm 48.5mm 15.9mm
SBBN019 7C46-0AA0 “Dolphin” White Ceramic 1000m 49.2mm 48.5mm 15.9mm
SBDX011 8L35-0030 “Emporer Tuna” PVD Titanium 1000m 51.9mm 52.8mm 17.2mm
SBBN021 7C46-0AA0 “Blue Ocean Tuna” Blue Ceramic 1000m 49.2mm 48.5mm 15.9mm

Analog/Digital Seiko Tunas

The Ana-digi Tunas from the early 80’s have been lovingly nicknamed “Arnies” by hardcore Seiko fans. This funky vintage shrouded diver was worn by Arnold Schwartzenegger in a bunch of his action movies (Predator, Raw Deal, Commando, Running Man, and Twins). Whether you’re a Seiko fan or a classic action movie fan, this is a great model to grab.

It utilizes the H558 movement, which is a basic 3-jewel quartz movement with a module for an LD display at the top of the dial. It has a digital alarm and chronograph functionality, a plastic shroud, and a bi-directional bezel, making it a very unique entry in the series. It is available in both black and orange.

SAD018 (Arnie)

Seiko SAD018
Model:
SAD018
Code:
H558-500X
Size:
45mm
Lug to Lug:
46.5mm
Material:
Stainless Steel
Shroud:
Plastic
Depth:
150M
Thickness:
11.3mm
Ebay (US) Find SAD018 on WatchPatrol
Basic ana-digi watch with alarm, chronograph, and three-handed quartz movement. Does not have a day/date display, that functionality is placed in the LCD.

SAD017 (Orange Arnie)

Seiko SAD017
Model:
SAD017
Code:
H559-500X
Size:
45mm
Lug to Lug:
46.5mm
Material:
Stainless Steel
Shroud:
Plastic
Depth:
150M
Thickness:
11.3mm
Ebay (US) Find SAD017 on WatchPatrol
Similar to the H558 but with an orange face, much rarer than the H558.

300M Seiko Tunas

The 300M Tunas are the heart of the Seiko Tuna line, and by far the most common and collectible models. The majority of these models have a stainless steel case and a stainless steel shroud, with the exception of the SBBN031 which is titanium and ceramic.

Seiko was actually the first company to utilize Titanium in their watch construction, a material that is highly corrosion resistant and light-weight, making it a highly functional choice for a dive watch meant to be exposed to the elements.

The SBBN015 and SBB017 are the most popular of the “last generation” Tunas, and are differentiated simply by the color of the date wheels and the bezel.

PYF028 (Tuna Can)

Seiko PYF028
Model:
PYF028
Code:
7549-7010
Size:
47.1mm
Lug to Lug:
44.3mm
Material:
Stainless Steel
Shroud:
Stainless Steel
Depth:
300M
Thickness:
15mm
Ebay (US) Find PYF028 on WatchPatrol
First released in 1978, these were the first quartz watches Seiko produced. This iconic style has been maintained in many of the modern Tuna watches

SBBN007 (Tuna Can)

Seiko SBBN007
Model:
SBBN007
Code:
7C46-7011
Size:
47.2mm
Lug to Lug:
44.4mm
Material:
Stainless Steel
Shroud:
Stainless Steel
Depth:
300M
Thickness:
15.1mm
Ebay (US) Find SBBN007 on WatchPatrol
This model has a unique dial with its 'crop-circle' markers. It has a stainless steel bezel and bead-blasted stainless steel shroud.

SBBN015 (Tuna Can)

Seiko SBBN015
Model:
SBBN015
Code:
7C46-0AC0
Size:
47.6mm
Lug to Lug:
44.4mm
Material:
Stainless Steel
Shroud:
Stainless Steel
Depth:
300M
Thickness:
15.1mm
Ebay (US) Find SBBN015 on WatchPatrol
This modern tuna is based off the design of the 7549-7010, but has a black bezel.

SBBN017 (Tuna Can)

Seiko SBBN017
Model:
SBBN017
Code:
7C46-0AC0
Size:
47.6mm
Lug to Lug:
44.4mm
Material:
Stainless Steel
Shroud:
Stainless Steel
Depth:
300M
Thickness:
15mm
Ebay (US) Find SBBN017 on WatchPatrol
Modern incarnation of the 7549-7010. Has recently been replaced by the sbbn031 and will likely go out of production

SBBN031 (Tuna Can)

Seiko SBBN031
Model:
SBBN031
Code:
7C46-0AG0
Size:
49.2mm
Lug to Lug:
48.5mm
Material:
Titanium
Shroud:
Ceramic
Depth:
300M
Thickness:
14.7mm
Ebay (US) Find SBBN031 on WatchPatrol
The current Tuna model in production, it's currently divided fans with its dial and bezel updates. Some do not like the changes made on the iconic handset, but it is supremely legible nonetheless. It also has a couple of variations: the SBBN033 (silver bezel) and SBBN035 (DLC)

600M Seiko Tunas

The 600M range of Tunas contains a few oddities. The “Ash Tray” eschews the classic shroud for a scalloped titanium bumper. The “Golden Tunas” introduce rose gold accents on the bezel and crown. And the “Hockey Puck” is an absolute monstrosity, coming in at 52mm in size and 16.23mm in thickness, better left to the large-wristed among us.

Of note in this range is the “Grandfather Tuna”. This particular model was the first Tuna released in 1975, and broke all kinds of technological barriers with its titanium case, L-shaped gasket, ceramic-coated shroud, and vented rubber strap. Additionally, it’s one of the only Tuna models with a mechanical movement. These are exceedingly rare these days, and you’re going to have to pay a premium if you want to get your hands on one.

S23155J (Ash Tray / UFO)

Seiko S23155J
Model:
S23155J
Code:
7C46-6009/10
Size:
49mm
Lug to Lug:
44.4mm
Material:
Steel / Titanium
Shroud:
None
Depth:
600M
Thickness:
15mm
Ebay (US) Find S23155J on WatchPatrol
Unique shroudless Tuna with a large titanium bumper around the case. Hard to find in good condition.

YAQ028 (Grandfather Tuna)

Seiko YAQ028
Model:
YAQ028
Code:
6159-7010/19
Size:
50.5mm
Lug to Lug:
55.2mm
Material:
Titanium
Shroud:
Ceramic Titanium
Depth:
600M
Thickness:
15.9mm
Ebay (US) Find YAQ028 on WatchPatrol
First Tuna ever produced in 1975. Unique automatic movement. Very expensive.

PYF018 (Golden Tuna)

Seiko PYF018
Model:
PYF018
Code:
7549-7000
Size:
49.2mm
Lug to Lug:
48.4mm
Material:
Titanium
Shroud:
Ceramic Titanium
Depth:
600M
Thickness:
16mm
Ebay (US) Find PYF018 on WatchPatrol
The first of the Tunas to feature this classic design. Featured im the James Bond 007 movie 'For Your Eyes Only' in 1981. (image courtesy of Tantankian Watches)

PYF018 (Golden Tuna)

Seiko PYF018
Model:
PYF018
Code:
7549-7009
Size:
49.2mm
Lug to Lug:
48.4mm
Material:
Titanium
Shroud:
Ceramic Titanium
Depth:
600M
Thickness:
16mm
Ebay (US) Find PYF018 on WatchPatrol
Similar to the 7000, but built for the international market. Differences include the 'Battery Change Ring' on the caseback and the 'Divers' print at 6 o'clock.

SBDX005 (Hockey Puck)

Seiko SBDX005
Model:
SBDX005
Code:
8L35-0030
Size:
52mm
Lug to Lug:
51.5mm
Material:
Titanium
Shroud:
PVD Titanium
Depth:
600M
Thickness:
16.23mm
Ebay (US) Find SBDX005 on WatchPatrol
Limited to 1000 units. One of the most saught after Tunas due to it's rarity. Reissue of the 6159 hi-beat Tuna.

SBDB013 (Spring Drive Tuna)

Seiko SBDB013
Model:
SBDB013
Code:
5R65-OAK1
Size:
49.6mm
Lug to Lug:
50.7mm
Material:
Titanium
Shroud:
PVD Titanium
Depth:
600M
Thickness:
16.2mm
Ebay (US) Find SBDB013 on WatchPatrol
The incredible spring drive tuna is available in three variations. The SBDB009 is a gold accent version of this watch, and the SBDB013 and SBDB009 are nearly identical, swapping the Seiko 'S' crown for a Prospex 'X' crown.

1000M Seiko Tunas

The 1000M Tunas are the most functionally robust models in the line and contain a few unique variations and special editions. The “Darth Tuna” is named for it’s insidious black case and shroud, and the “Dolphin” and “Blue Ocean” introduce a few brightly colored ceramic shrouds to the lineup.

Most notable in this range is the “Emporer Tuna”, an absolutely massive titanium dive watch powered by an incredible GS derived mechanical movement (the 8L35). This is the boss-man of the Tuna line-up and not to be trifled with by those with small wrists or small egos.

SBBS018 (Golden Tuna)

Seiko SBBS018
Model:
SBBS018
Code:
7C46-7008
Size:
49.1mm
Lug to Lug:
48.6mm
Material:
Titanium
Shroud:
Ceramic
Depth:
1000M
Thickness:
16.1mm
Ebay (US) Find SBBS018 on WatchPatrol
Gold bezel and crown. Produced in 1991.

SBBN011 (Darth Tuna)

Seiko SBBN011
Model:
SBBN011
Code:
7C46-0AA0
Size:
49.2mm
Lug to Lug:
48.5mm
Material:
Titanium
Shroud:
Ceramic
Depth:
1000M
Thickness:
15.9mm
Ebay (US) Find SBBN011 on WatchPatrol
One piece monocoque case, PVD coated titanium. Flat AR-coated sapphire instead of the domed hardlex. (image courtesy of Tantankian Watches)

SBBN00E (Robert F. Marx LE)

Seiko SBBN00E
Model:
SBBN00E
Code:
7C46-0AA0
Size:
49.2mm
Lug to Lug:
48.5mm
Material:
Titanium
Shroud:
Ceramic
Depth:
1000M
Thickness:
15.9mm
Ebay (US) Find SBBN00E on WatchPatrol
Limited to 300 pieces. Collaboration with Robert Marx, a marine archaelogist. Same as the Darth Tuna but with a unique dial.

SBBN013 (Darth Tuna)

Seiko SBBN013
Model:
SBBN013
Code:
7C46-0AA0
Size:
49.2mm
Lug to Lug:
48.5mm
Material:
Titanium
Shroud:
Ceramic
Depth:
1000M
Thickness:
15.9mm
Ebay (US) Find SBBN013 on WatchPatrol
Identical to the SBBN011 except for the 'Marine Master' branding on the dial and signed crown.

SBBN019 (Dolphin)

Seiko SBBN019
Model:
SBBN019
Code:
7C46-0AA0
Size:
49.2mm
Lug to Lug:
48.5mm
Material:
Titanium
Shroud:
White Ceramic
Depth:
1000M
Thickness:
15.9mm
Ebay (US) Find SBBN019 on WatchPatrol
Unique Limited Edition Tuna with a white ceramic shroud. 300 pieces worldwide.

SBBN021 (Blue Ocean Tuna)

Seiko SBBN021
Model:
SBBN021
Code:
7C46-0AA0
Size:
49.2mm
Lug to Lug:
48.5mm
Material:
Titanium
Shroud:
Blue Ceramic
Depth:
1000M
Thickness:
15.9mm
Ebay (US) Find SBBN021 on WatchPatrol
Unique Tuna with a blue ceramic shroud. 130th anniversary edition. Blue accents on the dial.

SBDX011 (Emporer Tuna)

Seiko SBDX011
Model:
SBDX011
Code:
8L35-0030
Size:
51.9mm
Lug to Lug:
52.8mm
Material:
Titanium
Shroud:
PVD Titanium
Depth:
1000M
Thickness:
17.2mm
Ebay (US) Find SBDX011 on WatchPatrol
Largest of the Tunas but features a high-end Grand Seiko automatic movement

Overall, the Seiko Tuna is a must-own for any serious tool watch afficianado. It’s lugless design makes it comfortable for any wrist size, and it’s no-nonsense toolish design is backed up by serious dive watch capabilities. Whether you’re a saturation diver or a desk diver, this watch has serious collector appeal and belongs in the conversation with much more expensive competitors.

Please let us know if we’ve missed any of your favorite Tuna models in the comments below!


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About the Author

Mike Johnson

Mike Johnson is the managing editor and primary contributor to 60clicks.com. Born into a military family as the son of US Navy pilot, Mike spent many of his formative years studying Computer Science and User Experience Design. When not obsessing over watches, Mike spends time hiking, traveling, and spending time with his family in Phoenix, Arizona.

Comments 19

    1. Post
      Author
  1. Mike

    Hi Mike, nice Tuna guide!!!
    One question, how was your measurement data gathered (Size-L2L-Thickness)?
    Did you put calipers on the actual watches or just find the data online?

    I don\’t know if you wished to include LE models, but you do call this \”The Ultimate Seiko Tuna Collector’s Guide\”, and for collectors wanting to use this as the \”ultimate\” reference it should be definitive.

    Missing – 300m

    SBBN023 – GOLGO 13 – LE of 500
    SBBN00C 1999 SCUBAPRO – LE of 300
    DIME MD – LE of 50
    SBBN037 – Blue Tuna
    SBBN039 – PADI Tuna – LE of 700

    600m edit

    SBDB008 – no mention of the SBDB008, the SBDB009 isn\’t the gold accent version the SBDB008 is. (probably just a typo)

    Missing 1000m + Edits

    SBBN011 – your image is actually an SBDX011 (Emperor Tuna) not an SBBN011 Darth Tuna.
    S23619J1 – Export Darth Tuna (worth mentioning as it does exist)
    SBBN025 – replaces SBBN013
    SBBN027
    SBBN029 – Platinum Ocean – 50th Anniversary – LE of 700

    1. Post
      Author
  2. Bert Furmston

    Hi Mike
    I believe the diver complained to Seiko about the current dive watches being unsuitable for saturation diving in 1968.

    Seiko watchmakers then worked on new designs and solutions and released the watch in 1975.

  3. James gorman

    I just purchased a marine master 1000 quarts while in Japan, it is a limited run of the original 1978 design but I’m unsure of how many they have produced any info out there. I understand they only made 500 available to the US, in purchased mine in Okinawa and was treated like a millionaire after my purchase. Mine is #0199. Pricy but worth every penny. Any info out there?

    1. NegNoodles

      Do you know the model #? Because Seiko re-released the iconic Gold tuna last year, and although there were like ~2k, I don’t think they are that rare. I don’t even think all of them were sold. THis is the same for the SBBN039 (PADI) as well as the newest pink tuna (SBBN042)

  4. NegNoodles

    Its not impossible that you have long abandoned this article but I really love your efforts

    That said, you are missing ALOT of Tunas.

    For instance, 2 brand new Gundam related ones were released a month or so again, as well as the Gold reissue + new pink tuna from last summer.

    Solar tunas (redesigned) is very popular now too. Seiko has basically been releasing them as fast as Omega releasing SE Speedys.

    You also missed alot of 300M and 1000M Tunas. For instance, SBBN039 (PADI), SBDX Tunas, and more.

  5. Daniel

    Why don’t just one of you guys complete a comprehensive list of all the Marinemaster Tunas that have been released? Like Mike’s list of missing watches in the guide but containing all of them. I’m very far from an expert but can still find releases that neither of you have mentioned..

  6. David Miller

    I have a brand new sample Tuna case but no movement. Seiko USA has a policy that they will fix your movement, but won`t sell you one. Anybody have a movement for my 1000m Tuna? It`s the quartz version.

  7. Arnaud Aimonetti

    Good job on this great article !
    Just a little detail, the letter from the pro diver from Kure port was from 1968 😉
    The Tuna being released in 1975, the letter had to arrive earlier !
    Thanks for sharing the Tuna love !

  8. Nick Hacko

    Seiko reference for Golden Tuna is actually SSBS018 (not SBBS018) .

    Great resource page, thanks for sharing.

    Nick Hacko

  9. Cody

    Hello!

    I figured as long as this guide was up I would comment. Regarding this Ref: SBBN031 above. Every spec you mentioned is wrong. Lug to lug, case dimensions and metal materials are all wrong.

    Cheers.

  10. Leon

    Great guide

    There are some 300m Tunas missing

    They are
    SBBN037 – Blue dial and blue bezel insert
    SBBN039 – PADI edition

    The SBBN001/033/035/037/039 series were discontinued in early 2020 and new 300m models with hands and dial like the 7549/SBBN007/015/017 and a sapphire crystal were released

    They are:
    SBBN043- Blue dial/blue bezel insert
    SBBN045- Black dial with black bezel insert with strap (the replacement for the SBBN031)
    SBBN047- Black dial with silver bezel and a bracelet (replaces the SBBN033)

    (Interestingly enough, while the SBBN045 and SBBN047 replace the SBBN031 and SBBN0033, the bracelet and strap are reversed with the silver bezel SBBN047 getting the bracelet (while its predecessor 033 had a strap) and the black bezel insert SBBN045 getting a strap (the previous SBBN031 got the bracelet)

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