WatchUSeek Watch Forums banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

Tuna OEM bracelet worth buying?

Jump to Latest
1 - 20 of 41 Posts
J

jmai

· Banned
Joined
·
945 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
I have an SBBN033 Tuna on factory rubber and it's fantastic, but thinking about picking up the OEM 031 bracelet for $280 on eBay for some variety.
Is it worth it? I know it'll probably feel fine. I'm more concerned about aesthetics. The accordion style factory rubber kind of balances out the hulking case on the wrist, and I'm not sure if the flat bracelet is going to make it look top heavy. I know StrapCode is a popular option but would like to stick to OEM stuff if possible.

Thanks :)
 
#3 · (Edited)
The bracelet from the sbbn015 is a lot nicer, in my opinion, than the newer Tuna models. It can be very hard to find, but i saw one on ebay not long ago, brand new, for less than $200. Its amazingly comfortable and adds wrist presence, but does not bulk up the watch at all, in fact it feels more at home with the bracelet. The first lins are angled, and have a similar effect as curved lugs on a longer case.

As for the strap, I agree that the stock black silicon looks great on the all silver models, but there's no reason to go for the Tuna specific version because the SRP strap is the same material, and both of them start looking a little iffy with wear, so better to get the cheaper version. Alternatively, the black rubber from watchgecko is real rubber and looks and feels better to me. I did get tired of the sweet smell, however, and so currently my go to for my SBBN007 is the borealis isofrane style strap. I've been SUPER impressed with the feel of crafter blue rubber on my turtle, and so I'm considering getting the universal model from them too.

Isofrane copy by borealis
Image


Sbbn015 bracelet, hard to find but usually around $200
Image
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
5oclock said:
I did not want to like the OEM, but after trying every other option went back to the OEM bracelet. Its on my wrist daily.
Click to expand...
Yeah that's why I want to stay with original parts. Aftermarket parts just never felt right to me, I think I've tried everything StrapCode makes for Seikos.

cave diver said:
The bracelet from the sbbn015 is a lot nicer, in my opinion, than the newer Tuna models. It can be very hard to find, but i saw one on ebay not long ago, brand new, for less than $200. Its amazingly comfortable and adds wrist presence, but does not bulk up the watch at all, in fact it feels more at home with the bracelet. The first lins are angled, and have a similar effect as curved lugs on a longer case.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the input. There's actually one on eBay right now for a ridiculous $550! It does look a lot nicer than the 031 bracelet though.
 
#6 · (Edited)
I was looking yesterday and could only find one for 299. Forgot to mention it was in France and would not ship to the US. Not about to spend that kind of dollar on the tuna bracelet. But if I find one under $200 I will be sweeping it up for the very reason stated above.

Good luck with the search OP.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#7 ·
jmai said:
It does look a lot nicer than the 031 bracelet though.
Click to expand...
Other than the endlinks, the 031 bracelet is almost identical to the MM300 SBDX017 bracelet... as in, it's basically a 22mm version of the MM300 bracelet.
The clasp and links near the clasp are marked identically, it's the endlink and 1st link that appear different... they're what get it to 22mm vs 20mm.

I really like the 031 bracelet... but then again... I also really like the SBDX017 bracelet.
 
#12 ·
watchvvs said:
Always buy the watch with the bracelet first. It saves the headache in the long run.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
In OP's case... the 033 only comes on rubber. In the 'stainless' Tuna world right now the 031 is the only one that ships with a bracelet.
The bracelet was the deciding factor when I got my first Tuna, and I grabbed an 031.

Generally though, I do think that it is good advice. I have been able to land a couple of really good deals on watches on straps and source the bracelet from the maker or repair shops... I did that with an Oris divers chrono, bracelet from their US service center, and my outlay was well under half the cost of buying grey-market new on a bracelet. Did the same with a Hamilton chronograph... but found the bracelet on ebay.
 
#15 ·
jhanna1701 said:
In my mind, no... Too expensive. Here's mine on a strapcode Hexad
Click to expand...
I have the 033 on OEM strap. It's comfortable, but I'd like a bracelet option as well. Does the bracelet add a lot to the weight of the watch?
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#16 ·
Ottovonn said:
I have the 033 on OEM strap. It's comfortable, but I'd like a bracelet option as well. Does the bracelet add a lot to the weight of the watch?
Click to expand...
It certainly adds some heft to the watch. I'm probably in the minority, but I kind of like my watches like that... I want to feel like I'm wearing something substantial. I've never handled the OEM bracelet, so not sure how it compares.

Jamie
 
#17 ·
I own a 017 (the previous gen version of the 033) and got the 031 bracelet for it, it has stayed on that bracelet ever since I got it. You can't go wrong, it's a quality bracelet. Only complaint I hear is some people feel the longer length of each link makes the bracelet wear octagonal on smaller wrists, not an issue at all for me and I like the the pinstripe oyster look. Here's my old review: https://www.watchuseek.com/f21/sbbn017-tuna-sbbn031-bracelet-3271922.html
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
Discussion starter · #19 ·
Giggo said:
If you can find a SBBN015 bracelet, it is well worth it. This is my old SBBN017 with it.
When I sold my Tuna, I kept the bracelet, because it works on the SKX007 too
Click to expand...
Thanks for the photos - I'd love one but it'll probably be out of budget if I ever do find it!

Bob Dobbs needs Slack said:
In OP's case... the 033 only comes on rubber. In the 'stainless' Tuna world right now the 031 is the only one that ships with a bracelet.
The bracelet was the deciding factor when I got my first Tuna, and I grabbed an 031.

Generally though, I do think that it is good advice. I have been able to land a couple of really good deals on watches on straps and source the bracelet from the maker or repair shops... I did that with an Oris divers chrono, bracelet from their US service center, and my outlay was well under half the cost of buying grey-market new on a bracelet. Did the same with a Hamilton chronograph... but found the bracelet on ebay.
Click to expand...
Precisely, I always buy watches on bracelet as well just as standard practice, but Seiko makes it difficult by having the heads be completely different. I wanted the polished shroud and more importantly, the steel bezel insert, and figured it'd be easier to find a bracelet than it is to find a factory shroud and insert.
 
#20 ·
I just bit the bullet and ordered one through Chino for $318 USD. It will be shipped straight from Seiko. I guess if I am paying the premium I may as well get it new.

It stopped me from buying a SBBN015 used just to flip the watch for the bracelet.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
1 - 20 of 41 Posts
About this Discussion
40 Replies
19 Participants
Last post:
moebravo
WatchUSeek Watch Forums
posts
24M
members
618K
Since
2005
A forum community dedicated to watch owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about watch collections, displays, watch winders, accessories, classifieds, and more! We welcome all manufacturers including Casio G-Shock, OMEGA, Rolex, Breitling, Rolex and Tudor, Seiko, Grand Seiko and others.
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Public Forum Watches - Private Sellers and Sponsors Affordable watches Dive watches Casio G-Shock