I Hope This Super Oyster II 22mm Universal Bracelet Is a Good Fit for the Seiko SBBN017 Tuna

I've already purchased this universal straight-edge Super Oyster II 22mm bracelet for my Seiko Tuna, which doesn't arrive until mid October. I hope the bracelet fits. 

My first attempt at buying a Tuna failed when the seller, in Japan, didn't know if it was in stock. I'm hoping for better luck this time. We shall see. 

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Comments

[Gary]

Is Tuna #2 coming from some place other than Japan?

[herculodge]

It's arriving from Japan from a 100% seller. I wait for it eagerly and anxiously.

[Gary]

I was surprised to learn that many Tuna models, including the SBBN017, use a quartz movement rather than an automatic movement. From what I've read on the watch forums, this quartz movement was built specifically for the Tuna, and is much higher quality than a run-of-the-mill quartz movement.

There are automatic versions of the Tuna, but they seem to cost much more than the quartz versions.

[jonnybardo]

Looks like a nice bracelet, Jeff. In fact, once I see pictures of it I'd consider getting one for my Sumo (with curved end-pieces).

[Angelo]

I'm wondering how a different quartz movement can be "much higher quality" than a typical or as Gary put it, run of the mill quartz movement? On any watch that is into a couple hundred dollars or more, the accuracy of those quartz movements is stellar---better than the best mechanical movements. How do achieve "much better" than that? If it's durability----note that Casio puts a quartz movement in their G-Shock that can take being dropped off buildings, hit with hammers, etc. For around a hundred bucks. Not sure about whether there's actually something legitimately "much better" or if that's hype and the water is being carried on watch forums.

[Tom Welch]

Jeff, you might consider taking your craving for watches to a higher level http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/25/market-report-world-class-watches-for-international-travelers/?hpw

I wear a Timex Weekender watch $31.00 USD

[jonnybardo]

Angelo, one of the dirty little secrets in horology is that ANY quartz movement is superior--in terms of accuracy--to ANY automatic movement, even the Seiko Spring Drive which is, some say, the best automatic movement available. But that's not why people prefer automatics. In a way, it is not unlike the difference between a painting and a digital recreation; the latter is seen as less "authentic."

We could talk about the difference between diamond and glass. Is diamond actually more beautiful? I honestly don't know - I assume that it has subtle qualities that someone with knowledge could pick out. But for most people, they look rather similar.

This brings me to the point: luxury is an idea, a mind-state if you will. A high quality automatic movement is desirable not as much because of its utility but because of the craftsmanship that was involved, the legacy and heritage of the watch company.

If a micro-brand came out with a watch similar in quality and design to a Rolex, it would probably cost less than a grand and be just as fine a watch as the Rolex, but for a fraction of the cost. Why? Because when you buy a Rolex you are buying into a a history and you are becoming a member of a club.

The thing is, though, that the Idea only has as much power and life as we collectively and individually give it. A lot of what "Rolex" signifies means nothing to me - the prestige, the implied financial success, the idea that you've "made it." But for someone else it may be a rite of passage. Let's say you're a graduate of Harvard law and you get your first job at a prestigious firm and, as part of your welcome package, you receive a Rolex. It means something to that person, just as buying the Tuna means something to Jeff (in fact, we should have a "Tuna Party" for Jeff because in many ways it represents the culmination of his watch interest so far).

As for your specific question, I'd guess that the quartz movement in your typical $30 Target brand watch is of inferior quality to what you'll find in a Seiko Tuna - less durable, more prone to fail, cheaper parts, etc. But the accuracy should be the same, or very, very similar.

[Gary]

The third post at this link gives some details about the Seiko 7C46 quartz movement used in the Tuna SBBN017.

http://forums.watchuseek.com/f21/what-makes-7c46-superior-movement-439547.html

[herculodge]

Thanks, Gary. Any info that confirms I made a smart buy is welcome.

[Angelo]

I think it's a smart buy Jeff----and would be a smart buy with or without the superior movement. It's a smart buy because you've aspired to it, sold off some watches and pulled the trigger instead of watching from the sidelines. I did read about the movement in Gary's link----and I think what got my attention more than anything is that apparently the design improves longevity (important when you're spending a lot and plan to buy and hold) and also the part about the ability to be fully disassembled for maintenance years down the road. I'm understanding both of these factors to mean that Seiko plans for the Tunas to last for the lifetime of the user probably.

[herculodge]

My favorite photos of the SBBN017 with aftermarket bracelet: https://www.google.com/search?q=seiko+sbbn017&newwindow=1&client=firefox-a&hs=KEM&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=fflb&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=QYhDUpeoJOuajAL69oDQAQ&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1230&bih=641&dpr=1#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=bMaBcB96az2Y8M%3A%3B2Na_ua9UDTvEAM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fuhrforum.de%252Fattachments%252F265645d1309626301-seiko-sbbn017-tuna-prospex-marinemaster-300m-3.-tuna-s.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fuhrforum.de%252Fseiko-sbbn017-tuna-prospex-marinemaster-300m-t77853-4%3B1280%3B960

[Angelo]

I have a vintage Orient King Diver on the way----and was considering a steel mesh or some other stainless band for it. When you change from the divers rubber to aftermarket stainless----I wonder if you should list the "new/unused" Tuna band for sale? I would think that's worth a lot.