Innovation – no helium escape valve
Introduced in 1975 all Tuna models incorporate Seiko’s patented gasket system – eliminating the need for a helium escape valve. Prices for vintage models like the QUARTZ Seiko 7549-7000 and 7549-7010 have rocketed lately, expect to pay around £1,300. The original, and very rare, AUTOMATIC 6159-7010 models in good condition can sell for £4,000.
HOW DEEP – how about 1000m!
Of all the Seiko Prospex watches the Tuna is the first choice for many professional divers. It’s ongoing popularity lies in the depth this watch can withstand. The Seiko Tuna range (that’s a nickname – not an official Seiko nomenclature) is a PROFESSIONAL diver’s watch capable of withstanding the pressure from depths of 600m (now 1000m).
Nicknames of the most popular Tuna models
The Tuna range is littered with witty nicknames. Here’s a few: the Darth Tuna (all black version), Mini Tuna (correct, it’s a bit smaller) , Emperor Tuna, Yellow Tuna (yellow bezel and accent on hands) all the way back to aptly named original Grandfather Tuna …. To find out more please visit our page dedicated to a short history of the Seiko Tuna dive watch
What to pay for a pre-owned Tuna
A question we get asked everyday for practically all the watches listed on the website. It’s all down to popularity, rarity, provenance and condition. Let’s start at the TOP end of the market. Don’t forget these watches are some of the finest timepieces in the world – in my view equalling the quality of some Swiss brands. The Seiko Sbdb013 Spring Drive Tuna Marinemaster is not going to give you any change from £2,500. If it says MARINEMASTER on the dial and it’s genuine, the starting price has to be around £1,000 for a “basic” automatic model. However, there are plenty of other versions available in particular, the solar and street Tuna models starting at £250.
HOMAGE to the Tuna – by Steeldive
For those customers that appreciate the design of the Seiko Tuna may we present the Steeldive Tuna homage watch. Above all, it’s not a fake, but a respectful tribute to a giant of a dive watch
