Tale of Two Tunas: Seiko SBBN033 and SBBN017 Comparison
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
- McMahon is surprised that he prefers the Seiko Tuna SBBN033 to the SBBN017 and now contemplates his next move. He also considers that distinctive watches don't need bracelets like good barbecue doesn't need barbecue sauce and utilizes other food metaphors to make his watch points. My current collection is 7 total: SBBN033; SBBN017; Citizen Promaster Sky Black; Citizen Promaster Sky Silver; Orient Saturation Diver; Seiko Sumo; Ecozilla
Your videos crack me up, McMahon! Keep em coming, buddy. Good, down to earth content.
SBBN017 has the better handset, "S" signed crown, and the whiter markers. SBBN033, I like the the blacked out date window and polished case shroud.
Always good seeing old and new models of a watch side by side. May you have a prosperous 2016 Jeff, I have enjoyed your videos, cheers.
+Bob FromBrisbane Thanks, Bob, for the words.
Just bought an old 007 tuna. I really like the look of the older tunas. Hell yeah brother
I'm obsessing over this watch sir. I'm a Quartz Cowboy 😎👍 I forgot how much i liked this video !!
Really like the solid look of these Tunas. I am 'new' to watches but as an 'outsider', I don't have a lot of preconceptions about brands which maybe allows a different perspective. Great vid and already researching these pieces thanks to you :)
Love the 017 have the 015 NOS in my collection 👌
Great seeing the two side by side. I'm swayed to your opinion. Like the new Tuna as well. Initially was a little disappointed when it was first released but now... looking good
Ate some pesto last night!
Consider going with the new marinemaster if your Orient persists in silence...
Nice presentation 👍 seem like a cool dude. I have a new 031 and love it! Love tunas, I need to pick up a darth again, miss that tuna
I agree on better lume for sure. But the 017 has that classic tuna appeal to it over the 033. All comes down to the hands and dial. I have the 007 and the even though the lume isn't near as good, the lume plots and those fantastic crop circles surrounding them drive me crazy! Catches my eye so much more. Wish they made the new tunas with that same look and without that "X" logo.
finally bought new one today. your review helped
Owning neither, I enjoyed this side by side comparison. The illumination on the 33 is indeed better than the 17 but I like the overall look of the brushed case, the hands and the round bezel marker far more on the 17. The Triangle on the 33 reminds me of my Marathon where as the round marker on the 17 reminds me of my Rolex. I also feel like there is more attention to detail in the 17 with the outline built into the hands, markers and so forth. If I can find a well priced 17, I'm going for it. Thanks again for a solid review............
I miss my 017, those big crop circles.
Both of these are just beautiful. I think I'll wait for the price to drop on the 033 on Seiya.
Man o man, i like your search for your ideal watch collection. Even thinking about selling a Seiko Tuna and selling the Oriënt.. wow
Hi Jeff, the new one looks much better! Greetings, Jack
I didn't notice before that they have different hands. I also like the black background on the 033's date window - it doesn't stand out as much.
I also agree: the Tuna looks best on a strap.
+Jonny Casual Tough to part with either though logic would dictate selling the 017 unless you consider my re-buy history.
+Jeffrey McMahon Don't think you'll miss the 017 as long as you hold onto the 033. Did you end up selling the Fieldmaster with shroud?
+chillwill120 Yeah, I sold it. Nice piece, but a the dial was a bit busy and I find the Tuna is more striking to wear.
*****
Yeah, I hear that. I might prefer the 017 hands, but like both.
Both look fantastic! If I had to choose, I probably would go for SBBN033 just because of slightly different dial and better lume (?).
Plus the 017 is no longer available.
Thank you for the info Jeff. Have a great new year.
+skip9766 Thanks, Skip. Best New Year to you as well. Jeff
The 17 has to be the coolest watch Seiko have ever released, don't do it Jeff.
+stephen rhodes I bought an Endmill bracelet for the 017 to distinguish it more from the 033.
+Jeffrey McMahon
Good move. In all seriousness Jeff i think you'd regret selling such a fine piece.
The Orient's is hot. Keep it.
The new Tuna looks great Jeff. The dial is cleaner, with the black day/date, and the loom markers with the new hands scream 1000m Tuna!
Loom looks a little bit greener, is this the case? Also, the shinier bezel, as you say makes the watch "Pop".
My nephew goes to Japan next month, he will be wearing my Tuna on his return flight. lol. I'm pretty dead set on the black one. Cheers.
+Snake Roberts It's my favorite watch. I hope your nephew brings home an 033.
Quartz is the way to go. Reliability.
I think I prefer everything about the 033 with the exception of the hands. I'm a sucker for shiny things. Just ordered a new nato for my Tuna, it's a heavy sucker on the super engineer.
+chillwill120 Yeah, the 033 is a worthy buy for under 800, but greedy sellers on eBay asking too much. I look forward to seeing pics of your 017 on the Nato.
I don't have any, but the new Bulova divers look nice. My watch dealer sells them and they have big lume markings and look legit.
you should keep both, you can wear the 017 when you want to look tough and manly and 033 when you want to look like a sissy ponce, Haha! My preference is the 017 mainly because it's ALOT less shiny (poncy lol) also the hands hark back to the original(not the monster)and I love the s engraved crown, but seriously beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I respect your opinion, enjoy the festivities Jeffrey!
They both look fantastic....happy new year!!
+Amateur Watch Collector Thanks for the words. Bests to you and your channel.
i like old tuna (sbbnn017 ) hands but the new sbbn033 polished shroud looks fantastic !
Saw your review of this watch on amazon McMahon!! I ordered the 033 today. Can’t wait to get it. It was$789 as of 1-2-20. Happy New Years to me. Saw a book on there too. It was about killing fat guys inside you ;) hope it’s a good read !
Yeah, there's nothing that looks like it in its price range. You might want to put it on a bracelet, Hexad, Super Engineer, or Endmill. Best.
SBBN017 looks beautiful ( better looking dial and hands). Its a classic!!
I should have kept that one. Dang.
Did u sold it?
About 10 months ago, for same as I bought it. But I miss it.
Its not that bad cos u have the SBBN033 ; try to keep this one:-) These watches are really beautiful and classic ; real tool watches.
I agree. I'm keeping them.
Both are real nice watches. I do prefer the hands on the 033. Are they both solar powered or does the battery have to be replaced?
+sunset Not solar. They run on a quartz that lasts 5 years or a little more.
The pro sat with that bracelet is very good looking. Have one on a rubber strap. Where can I look into that bracelet. Thanks
+skip9766 Skip, I bought the Strapcode 22mm Super Engineer II brushed bracelet on Amazon.
Quartz Cowboys! 🤣 Love it!!!
Tough one. Not sure, like the markers on the older one. Both are great, as you say your signature pieces. Over $1,000 mark for me, definitely want to own a Tuna one day.
Do you watch Mavs Dad's channell noticed he replied here, has a similar review style and tastes in watches to you I think. Anyhow his review of the Citizen promaster BN0156-xxx caught my eye, great looking watch, great value, very tempting.
+John Valatos He has a good channel. I just watched his Ecozilla review. Very good.
+John Valatos I just looked at that Citizen Promaster BN0156, and I'm very impressed, a fine looking watch, and appears to give a lot of quality for the money.
+Jeffrey McMahon Yes what a beast of a watch.
Once in a while i always go back to the Seiko Tuna reviews. Why ...
I know in the back of my mind that a 44 mm watch in the max for my wrist.
But there is something about the Seiko Tuna.
Hmmmm...
Should have kept both.
SBBN017, SBBN015, SBBN033 and SBBN049 is the same watch?
No, different models.
What do you think about sbbn007? Is it good?
I had the 017 and I miss it, so I'd probably love the 007.
Hey Jeffrey, any recommendation on how to find an affordable SBBN017? the prices are crazy on ebay and all are used/preowned. Let me know! thanks
I sold mine for more than I paid for it. I miss it, but I already have 2 Tunas, 031 and 033. I guess that 017 is a desired classic that can only be had for big bucks. If I were you, I'd settle for the 033 unless you don't like it.
The 033 is amazing except for the shiny shroud which I do not know if replicable or not. Wanna sell yours?
033 is my favorite watch. I could never sell it.
hahahahaha alright Jeffrey. Thank you for the feedback!
How reliable is the Quartz movement on this tuna 033 or 017
? Thank you if you guys respond back.
Famous for their reliability.
I will buy the 017 if it is up for sale still
Do you have to send it back to Japan to change the battery??
+GEEKOUT! VINCENT KC3AFY My watch repair guy said no, but he did say that the battery isn't always in house and has to be ordered.
Thanks
Hi is the strap longer on 033
I believe they were the same strap.
@@JeffreyMcMahon thank you for your fast reply. Exactly the same strap?? They are??
@@jos5979 I believe so even though I sold my 017 a few years ago. Both are super comfortable.
@@JeffreyMcMahon thank you!
Love your videos. Too bad I have 6.5" wrist and can't pull off the Tuna.
+jtaka 1 You can. Will has a 6.5 inch wrist and he enjoys his. It plays smaller because of the short north to south lugs.
+Jeffrey McMahon My wrist is actually slightly above 7 inches, but the Tuna wears similar to my 42mm Omega Speedmaster so it might be ok for 6.5 inches and up.
Thanks for the clarification, Will. I'm wearing the 017 now and am inclined to keep both.
Thanks ; ) for real and sarcastically.
I just got an excellent used SBBN007 and it wears well. Smaller than my Blumo. $620 used, hope that was a fair price.
620 seems like a fair price. I'm surprised it wears smaller than the Blumo but the more I think about it the Blumo's lugs are longer north and south.
What is the diameter? 47 mm?
the bead blasted case on the sbbn017 looks way cooler in my opinion
I should have kept the 017.
you can still find them on ebay here and there for decent prices, they arent super hard to find yet
Just ordered one...
I like it on a Strapcode 22mm Endmill bracelet.
I'll look into it... thanks.
Jeffrey McMahon Model number of the Endmill? Thanks. love you videos.
Here's the link: www.amazon.com/22mm-Metal-Bracelet-Stainless-Straight/dp/B00J7KEQ9A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486098187&sr=8-1&keywords=endmill+22mm+straight
How are the stock straps between the two
O33 way better. Soft and high quality. 017 are stiff and cheap.
The sand/bead blasted shroud looks better imo, more tool like.
For sure, more of a tool look with the the sand blast.
A lot of people feel that way. I miss that watch.
Why quartz over automatic? Just curious.
+Jeremy Corrao The automatic Tunas are nice but they cost 3K.
+Jeffrey McMahon good reason to get a quartz!
p.s I shall be putting my 017 on a sandblasted super engineer/black isofrane/3 hoop zulus, after all, variety is the spice of life.
McMahon, before you make the decision to get rid of the 017, I would encourage you to do a little experimentation. I was pleasantly shocked to see you stick with the rubber strap on the new Tuna instead of automatically replacing it with a metal bracelet. Now, take the adventurous step of trying various styles of straps, be they leather or Nato on the 017, the Orient or any of your other watches before you make the decision to sell. You would be surprised how much a simple strap change can affect the look of a watch. It would actually encourage you to stick with a smaller, more versatile collection, which is your goal if I am interpreting your videos correctly. As an example, you can look at the last 30 seconds of my watch collection video where I show an Omega Seamaster 300 with various straps to see what a small change can do for a watch.
+Scott S I hear you about the straps, but my preference of the 033 is not a strap issue. It's the overall look on the rubber strap, which I do like. I may indeed sell the 017.
Did you do a Schwartzkopf on theses two? :)
+youtubister Youtubister, I'm eager to know what does it mean to do Shwartzkpopf?
+Jeffrey McMahon It means to wear a watch on both wrists at the same time.
www.ablogtowatch.com/remembering-general-norman-schwarzkopf-his-watches/
Thanks, Gary. Now that is funny.
Let's just hope the General does not find out that Jeffrey had to ask :)
+youtubister I may have to make a video with the Tunas on both wrists tomorrow as I descend into Tuna madness.
Quartz Cowboy. Me. You wanna argue bout it?
The day/date is far more classy on the 033.
+Brian Hinder For sure, the black date looks better than the white.
033 or 037? Can't decide!
Go for the 033. You won't regret it.
SBBN033 arrived today. Surpassed my expectations. I had reservations about the polished shroud, but man it's nice. Wears very small and sits pretty flat on the wrist. The rubber strap is exceptional too. Glad I went with it!
The 017 is worth a lot more than the 033
How's the condition of your 017; if you want to sell it. Sell it to me!😊
Jeff if you selling the 017 please I will buy it ASAP
+David Jackson I'll let you know, David. It's hard because both are so classic in their own way. Combine that with my re-buy history, and it's a tough call.
Sell the 017 Tuna yet?
Don't trust people that don't like dogs(God spelled backwards) or kids. The 033 has a more balanced dial. Too big on the 017.
Here's a watch band that might fit my wrist: www.bandrbands.com/22mm-vintage-rallye-watch-strap-black-leather.aspx
+Jeffrey McMahon you should try swapping the bezels on these watches and upload a video. Would be interesting to see how it looks. Just be careful with the hex screw heads.
While I'd be too nervous to do such major surgery, I am putting a Breitling style rally strap on the 017. I'll show it in a couple of days.
Can't wait! Keep em coming!
Here's the so-called "Spring Drive Tuna," aka SBDB009:
www.ablogtowatch.com/seiko-marinemaster-sbdb009-spring-drive-tuna-watch-review/
Do you have any Bulovas? I just bought a BVA.
Replace that saturation with a good old mm300, trust me, they are chatty little things.
+KidWeazel To get the MM300, I'd have to sell the OSD and the Sumo, but I'm not chomping at the bit.
crop circle tuna's were Seiko SBBN007. just saying.
+MrZOOBLAST I stand corrected. The circles are wider on the 017 than the 033 but brighter and thicker on the 033.
Yes I know I re buy watched all the time it never owned the tuna
+David Jackson If you want to afflict me with decision-making torture, email me an offer.
017 for me, much more classic, to me the 033 is a pretty nasty re-hash of a perfect recipe, the 017's apparent lack of "pop" for me is its appeal, no bling, no nonsense tool diver with a classy old school look, the 033 should be called the "Liberace tuna" bling bling!👎✌
+Gordon Smyth I hear you about bling, but I assure you there's nothing Liberace about the 033.
+Jeffrey McMahon the smart money lies in the 017, dont flip it too soon, it will only go up in value, substantialy no doubt. This evening I switched movements on two vostok amphibias, I wanted the 010 case with the black scuba dude dial but couldn't find it anywhere so I bought a 090 with said dial and a 010 with the nicest dial I could find both purchased from christopol city which come direct from the vostok factory. After watching CTJ's vlog on modifying the amphibia I successfully transplanted the scuba dude dial into the 010 case. Awesome piece, so basic, every bit as iconic, zero bling, pure classic, mustard, hard as nails! Try an amphibia 010 with a seiko skx bezel mod, a must have for any dive watch lover! I am 6ft 6" with an 8.5" wrist and it is perfect, 42mm, no frills and beautifull in its simplicity. The 033 is a marketing exercise, I dont hate it but it has strayed too far from its roots for me to accept it. bling doesnt work on the tuna and "pop" is short for popular, nuff said!
+Gordon Smyth Good points. I think I will indeed keep the 017. I'm done buying watches for a while. The hiatus has begun.
There's no way I'm selling the 031, my favorite watch.
Quartz Sucks.