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A dive watch for the streets ?

Seiko has been on a roll, recently releasing several new watches for their Prospex line and one that caught my eye is the newly released Seiko Street Tuna Safari Edition. Released in both a green and a blue version, the SRPF81K1 is the blue version I chose, but aside from the cosmetic colour difference, the specifications are identical for both watches.

I’ve been a fan of the Seiko Tuna range since I picked up one of the first street series versions they released a couple of years back and reviewed that solar-powered version here. Since picking up that Tuna, I wanted to add an automatic version with a more striking colour scheme to the collection and was just really waiting for something to catch my eye.

This latest release Safari Edition Tuna caught my attention immediately with a compact looking stainless steel case at just over 43mm in diameter, making it smaller than the original street series that came in at 46mm. The shape is the same, so it still has those super short lugs that give it the distinctive tuna-can form meaning this is a very purposeful and tool watch focused piece in just a smaller package.

The deep sunburst blue dial and sandy/gold colour they have used for the bezel insert and hour markers is such a great combination; it makes this watch incredibly legible in use. The dial features standard hour baton markers and a triangle for the 12oclock position. Simple straight, thick hands are used on this turtle in a departure from the original street series, which featured a more significant arrow-shaped hour hand and slightly pointed minute hand. The second's hand features a smaller arrow portion about two-thirds of the way up to aid legibility, and of course, all are generously filled along with the hour markers with Seiko’s proprietary Lumibrite luminous compound, which does glow very bright in the dark and lasts a considerable amount of time.

Dial writing on the Tuna is kept to the minimum with just the Prospex logo and automatic divers 200m just above the 6 o’clock position. This is an actual diver watch, so don’t be fooled by the Street Series naming convention. You get a full 200m of water resistance and a screw-down crown at the 4 o’clock, a solid screw-down case back, meaning this one is most definitely going to be able to join you in all weather conditions and swimming activities. The dial also features the date displayed at the 4 o’clock position. I know some people don’t like this, but in all honesty, I think it works well, and thankfully the date wheel is black, so it works well with this dark blue sunburst dial. If this really is a deal-breaker, Seiko does an almost identical solar version, SUT403P1 which features no date at all.

The Tuna also features a unidirectional bezel with an excellent firm action, and because it’s recessed for the most part into that infamous tuna can style case, it stays put when set. Finished in contrasting sandy/gold and deep blue, it works perfectly with the dial and finishes off this Safari edition look nicely.

The Tuna comes on a very nice dark blue silicone accordion-style strap and signed stainless steel hardware. I’m a big fan of the silicone strap in terms of the comfort that it offers, and it’s nice to see the stainless steel hardware used as it makes the whole package feel more premium. The strap is a little long, and I assume this is necessary for wearing over a wetsuit, but this could be a minor issue for some.

This version of the Tuna features the Seiko built 4R35 movement with a power reserve of 41 hours and is hacking and hand winding. After spending some time over the past few weeks with the Tuna, I have found it’s been accurate at timekeeping and probably slightly more accurate than the +35/-35 seconds a day this movement is slated to run at. In general terms, I doubt many people will have any issues with this movement, and it’s a relatively simple movement for people to be able to find a watchmaker to regulate this if needed.

So is there anything not to like about the Tuna ? There are only two issues I have found, and these are subjective, but at this price point (£520), I really would have liked to have seen a sapphire crystal used. The also relatively recent king editions of the Seiko Turtle and Samurai are very, very closely priced and feature sapphire crystals, so why not here? I’ve never had any issue with the Hardlex crystal that Seiko uses, but sapphire would always be my choice, and I feel they should have used that here.

The second issue is with the stainless steel keeper on the silicone strap. Although this looks very nice, it can be uncomfortable and dig into the wrist sometimes. Aesthetically I think it’s very nicely finished but be aware it can catch your wrist from time to time and be a little annoying. This, coupled with the earlier point that the strap is a little longer, could mean although excellent, you may want to swap this out if it’s too long or you have a similar issue with the keeper.

So, in conclusion, I’ve been very impressed overall with this version in the Seiko Tuna line. The slightly smaller overall dimensions of this Tuna compared to the original street series make this wear somewhat better on the wrist for me and probably many more people too. The new colour scheme is a win for me, with this blue version slightly edging out the green one, but whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong in terms of fit, finish and overall quality from Seiko at this price point. The Tuna, even in its “mini” street safari, is quite an in your face tool watch. Still, if you like the shape and style, I think these latest colour variations are a great addition to anyone’s collection and indeed very capable watches.

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