Auto Tunas?

[2manywatchez]

I've recently begun to see the attraction to the Tuna can design. (I know: just in time to enjoy the price increases...) In the limited research I've done, I've only seen talk of two automatic versions of the shrouded bezel design: the 005 and the new 011. The 005 seems very cool, but apparently is quite the grail to find. The 011 is out there, but mightly Black and quite expensive.

In general, I'm not a Quartz fan (topic for another post...) So, the question here is: are there other versions of the tuna can design with an auto movement on board?? I'm sure I'm missing something, hence I come before you learned folk!

[jason_recliner]

The original tuna, the 6159, is auto. Also expensive.

Why not try and get over your irrational dislike of quartz and pick up a Darth Tuna (SBBN011). It's the blackest baddest tuna, and the closest in intent and spritually to the original (i.e. a professional deep sea diving instrument, and not a show piece for fancy-boy collectors). The most awesome tuna awesomeness.



Er, also really expensive! :oops:

[JERSTERCA]

The original tuna, the 6159, is auto. Also expensive.

Why not try and get over your irrational dislike of quartz and pick up a Darth Tuna (SBBN011). It's the blackest baddest tuna, and the closest in intent and spritually to the original (i.e. a professional deep sea diving instrument, and not a show piece for fancy-boy collectors). The most awesome tuna awesomeness.



Er, also really expensive! :oops:

Darth Tuna is one of my grails I dont get the Auto only folks. That really limits your collection and remember the second hand is not a smooth continious sweep, I have even looked at expensive watches and so far have allways noticed they are not fluid.

[JohnA]

I understand where 2Many is coming from with quartz - though I have them and love them. I had work done on a quartz watch recently that required the replacement of the entire movement - that tends not to happen with autos. They keep chugging on for decades. Having 3 local watchmakers and finally Seiko Japan tell me they could not work on my dad's vintage quartz made me think twice about how much I was prepared to invest in that technology in the future, though you can't argue the 7c movement is a gem and it's true the Darth Tuna is beautiful piece of functionality. 2Many if you want an auto Seiko Tuna it has to be the 011 or a used 005. The 8L35 movement is a pearler and I think if you're going to spend over 1000USD on the current quartz tuna you're better off falling back on an Aqualand and keeping on saving. I'm for the 011...

[jason_recliner]

I'm not anti-mechanical, I just feel that in the case of the Tunas that the greatest recent models are quartz (I love the gold TiN models too). If I was to go auto, I would much prefer the 6159-7010 to the SBDX011. Seems less contrived to me.

[JohnA]

I hear you Jas - there's always going be an element of toss with a high end homage like the 011. But regardless, it's a watch that is undeniably true to its heritage. If I had to go quartz with Tuna it would be the discontinued line with the 7c46, the hardlex and the sub $500 price. Now that was a bloody good tool watch. Lol - and I still want the 011...

[JERSTERCA]

There is a Seiko 6159 used auto Tuna on the sales forum now.

6159 SEIKO 600m diver - CHEAP

[jason_recliner]

I saw a golden tuna on the bay the other day with a very similar dial to that. The 'puffiness' of the lume looks weird to me. Is that just how they age? Or is it some kind of aftermarket dial? Or a dial refinish?

[spectre]

There is a Seiko 6159 used auto Tuna on the sales forum now.

6159 SEIKO 600m diver - CHEAP

and the Darth FS: Seiko SBBN011..Darth Tuna...$850 shipped in CONUS

[2manywatchez]

Thanks for all the great feedback! Exactly why I posted here.

First, on the auto vs. quartz thing. This is not a religious issue with me, but rather a practical one. I do have quartz watches, including a handful of G-Shocks, however my collection is broad enough that each individual watch gets very little wrist time. Even leaving the stem pulled out and the watch stopped, I find that batteries will decay and leave me with a trip to the watch store. Not so with autos. I can let them sit, then wind and go.

The service on a quartz, as noted above, is usually all or none. New module or bust.

That said, in the case of the Tuna, I think I'll take your advice and go with the design intended by the watch. That Darth Tuna looks sweet. Did take a run at it, but apparently I was beaten to the punch. Now showing "on hold". Perhaps it will still go through. If not, I'll keep my eye out with the goal of joining the club.

Thanks again for all the input! It will be rewarded with genuinely mediocre pics if/when I ever reel one in.