Seiko Golden Tuna

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SKU AS01954
SKU AS01954

Why We Love it

Seiko's Tuna dive watches are known by the nicknames of "Baby Tuna," "Golden Tuna" and "Grandfather Tuna," but they could also be known as "big," "bigger," and "biggest."

But rather than being big simply for the sake of it, the size of the Tunas has functionality at its heart.

Seiko had released its first dive watch in 1965, the Reference 6217 (or 62-MAS). The 62-MAS was water-resistant to 150 meters and had a rotating bezel, luminous hour markers, and a 17-jewel movement (Calibre 6127) with a beat rate of 18,000. It was an excellent effort, competitively-priced compared to Swiss divers, but for Seiko, it was only the beginning.

In 1968, a letter from a disgruntled professional diver in Hiroshima led to a seven year odyssey that resulted in the creation of the Tuna series of dive watches, the first ever designed specifically for saturation diving. 

A team of engineers led by Ikuo Tokunaga devised a circular, titanium one-piece or monocoque case with a special "L type" gasket, surrounded by a titanium shroud coated with ceramic. The crystal was held in place with a locking ring. This eliminated the need for a Helium Escape Valve, resulting in a watch that--released in 1975-looked entirely different from any dive watch that had been released. 

By 1978, Seiko had incorporated its game-changing quartz movements into the Tuna line. Though today's collectors might consider it a downgrade, back then it represented the pinnacle of horological achievement at the time, guaranteeing unprecedented accuracy. Also, contrary to today's standards, back then it wasn't necessarily cheap. 

The first quartz Tuna, Reference 7549-7000 (released in 1978), is often referred to as the "Golden Tuna" by collectors due to the golden hue of the nitride coating on the titanium case. At 49mm the Golden Tuna may be smaller than its 51mm predecessor, but 49mm is large even by today's standards. Still, the round case with its nonexistent lugs makes it comfortable to wear even on slimmer wrists.

On its original rubber strap with titanium hardware, this Golden Tuna speaks of the sun and spray it's seen, and deserves to see the sunlight once more. 

A:S Guarantee

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Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Shipping & Returns

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All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Seiko Golden Tuna

Seiko Golden Tuna

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Seiko Golden Tuna