The Seiko Prospex Automatic Diver is more affectionately known as the ‘Baby Tuna’. This is because it is an offshoot addition of the more professionally crafted MarineMaster Tuna. It is designed with the same commitment to quality and we know by the Prospex tag it carries that Seiko didn’t spare any professional specifications when crafting this dive watch. It is however a more affordable version and if you read on we will focus on some of the reasons why this is so a bit further down.
Seiko holds the honour of designing the first ever dive watch. This is something they hold dearly and it is also why their focus on their dive watch line is unwavering. Seiko have unashamedly designed their dive watches for rigid use by divers. By focusing on specific needs they were able to tailor this timepiece to perform optimally in the environment it was made for instead of being a multipurpose watch that moonlights as a formal companion.
Scallop Shaped Case
To construct one of the Prospex watches takes a master builder. It comes in at a staggering 50mm and can be a tough wear for those that have smaller wrists. This makes the presence of the Baby Tuna stand out in any environment. Despite the size its scallop (curved) design helps keep things comfortable. The case features a stainless steel bezel which adds some more muscle to this already impressive design. The bezel is then covered in a blue or black hard-coating which adds some visual pleasure to the overall look of the watch. The fact that the shroud wasn’t simply a piece of plastic attached to the watch, like in some of the past models, but rather a ceramic coating deserves mentioning.
No protruding lugs and the shroud give the case a smooth feel all round which is a true marvel when it comes to a dive watch. The bezel is easy to rotate and doesn’t have a noticeable clicking feeling when turning. This diver is designed to reach an impressive 200m. You will find the specifications engraved quite exquisitely on the back of the case along with the Seiko wave.
The crown is placed at 4 o’clock with a screw design to make sure that it is properly secured to back the water resistant rating reliably and doesn’t really dig into your wrist which increases the comfortability.
Baby Tuna Divers Dial
The dial has large luminous icons at each of the hour marks with the especially larger one at 12 o’clock. This makes for easy use when trying to reach those magnificent depths the watch was made for. The index hands are also large and luminous with the hour hand being a short stubby arrow and the minute hand a more elongated shape. These are typically known as cathedral hands because of their resemblance to the hands on the large cathedral clocks. There is a bright yellow second hand that creates a dynamic contrast. The dial is also sloped on the outer edges to give it a three dimensional feel.
Arabic numbers accompany each icon and you will find the day and date at 3 o’clock. The Prospex logo is stamped just above the 6 o’clock as a promise of quality.
Automatic Movement
Concealed in the Baby Tuna’s case is a 24 jewel automatic movement Seiko 4R36 workhorse. It ticks along at a healthy 21 600bph and has a 41 hour power reserve.
It moves around +5 seconds per day which is pretty standard for this type of engine.
Final Thoughts
The baby tuna, as could be expected with this style of diver, comes with a durable silicone band that will be comfortable in the water and for extended periods of use. The bezel protrudes ever so slightly which gives some extra protection to the crystal. It really is the little things like this all over the watch where you see Seiko’s thought truly put into this design.
The case is thicker than your usual daily use watches which can make it a bit uncomfortable if you are looking for something to put long sleeved shirts over. If, however, you are looking for a diving trip companion the Baby Tuna should without a doubt be one of the first friends you invite. It is sturdy and comfortable so it won’t let you down. It also isn’t going to be that friend that provides entertainment but ends up being a burden on your wallet because what you pay for this diving watch you are more than getting back in quality and aesthetic, not at all a one way relationship.
The two colours come down to preference in the end and the blue is something I find blended to water use.
This watch would most certainly like to scuba.
I have had the Baby tuna for over a year now and have only praise for it, it keeps immaculate time almost as good as my Tissot touch solar. the unit is although chunky is not uncomfortable to wear throughout the day it is dependable and since having it I could not wish anything better.