Prospex 200M Automatic Baby Tuna Kira Zuri Ref. SBDY053

Prospex for Seiko basically means "Professional Specification" that their timepieces in this category  are built with very high standards to be used by professionals. Seiko introduced the Prospex 200M Automatic Baby Tuna under the Prospex collection means it fulfills the "Seiko Professional Specifications". With much request since we introduced Seiko JDMs, we decided to bring in the MADE IN JAPAN Baby Tunas, denoted by the "J" in the reference number and the "MADE IN JAPAN" at 6 on the dial.

Seiko Prospex 200M Automatic Baby Tuna Kira Zuri Ref. SBDY053

Today, let’s take a look at the latest one to join the collection Prospex 200M Automatic Baby Tuna Kira Zuri Ref. SBDY053. The Baby Tuna got its nickname from its resemblance to the Marine Master Tuna.  Powered by Seiko's automatic caliber, 4R36, operating at 21,600 BPH (3 Hertzs) with hacking and hand winding capabilities. It has 24 jewels with a power reserve of 40 hours.

The 200m water resistant stainless steel case measure 51.7mm case without the crown, but has a lug to lug length of only 48mm, and a height of about 13mm, with a lug width of 22mm. The short lugs to lugs length means this watch wraps around the wrist on all(small or big) wrist sizes like a glove making it extremely comfortable. The 51.7mm case is constructed out of 2 layers, inner and outer case. The inner and outer case is made from stainless steel. This added protective shroud that gets a full satin-brushed finish for a much tool-watch look.

MADE IN JAPAN with 4R36 automatic movement

The shroud further made both to protect the case from shocks and to prevent any unintentional rotation of the bezel. The stainless steel bezel is classic diving style, as it rotates unidirectionally and its engraved with a 60-minute scale. The large easy to grip bezel rotates smoothly like the other models from the Prospex collection. The deep grooves in the bezel are designed for easy operation, even when diving gloves are worn. Sitting atop of the bezel is Seiko’s Hardlex.

Onto the back of the watch, the screw-down case back allows 200m water-resistant and is also brushed, featuring the recognizable tsunami emblem that is a staple on the other Seiko divers. Oh, please don’t forget about the lug holes, allowing swapping of straps with ease.

Applied index on dial for added dimensions

Now, let’s talk about the dial details, which is where this SBDY053 gets its name. The dial design features a unique, never-seen-before icy textured dial in the Prospex line. The dial reminisce the recent release Grand Seiko “Kira Zuri” editions ref. SBGA384/387 - which was done. The hour markers are large, so as to allow the maximum surface area and depth for Seiko's Lumibrite coating. The hands, too, are wide and easy to read.

The design of the steel bracelet compliments the watch beautifully, having it brushed mainly, with polished central link, giving this new Baby Tuna a seamless look and feel.

Seiko's LumiBrite

All in all, for more than a decade, the Baby Tuna is still one of the best bangs for buck Seiko dive watch. Some might complain about the price increase from its predecessor, but we beg to differ - the Seiko Prospex 200M Automatic Baby Tuna Kira Zuri Ref. SBDY053 is one hell of a watch that has been the first in its class to have a brand new dial variant that was coveted by Seiko enthusiasts.  While it stays true to its formidable durability and legibility, with a proven design that started its cult following, featuring excellent casework, and a unique fume frostic dial. Certainly a model that will find its way into many diver watch lover's collections.