I have to be honest, I am not an anime fan. Although The Mobile Suit Gundam television series was launched when I was a kid (I was a nine year old then), it wasn't a series that local television companies in Malaysia (RTM and TV3) broadcast. As such, it was more than a decade later that the series was broadcasted in Malaysia hence the fan base is more junior in age compared to me. When it was announced that Seiko will be doing a collaboration with Gundam for its 40th Anniversary celebration, I wasn't that impressed.As you know, I do have the SBDX011. When I compared the original Emperor Tuna against the collaborative Gundam Tuna, I started to get interested. There are a number of tweaks in the new Gundam Tuna that I recommended Seiko to consider changing when I first reviewed the SBDX011 years ago. Anyway, I am a sucker for unique stuff from Seiko and after considering the merit of getting it for the collection, I pulled the trigger.
There are three models under this collaboration (more about them in a special section at the end of this review). At the moment only two of the three are available. I decided to choose the model with the reference SLA029J1 (or SBDX027 if you are in Japan), nicknamed the Zaku II. Why this particular model you might ask; well, it is because of the colour green.
The Case
Let's go through the basic specifications first. As you can see in the table below, size-wise, there are slight differences.
| Specifications | SLA029J1/SBDX027 | SBDX011 |
| Movement | 8L35 (running at 28,800 BPH) | 8L35 (running at 28,800 BPH) |
| Strap | Silicone | Rubber |
| Dial | Green | Black |
| Diameter | 52.4 mm | 50 mm |
| Lug width | 22 mm | 22 mm |
| Lug-to-lug | 53.5 mm | 52 mm |
| Thickness | 17.2 mm | 17.4 mm |
| Weight | 165 gm | 147 gm |
| Crystal | Sapphire | Sapphire |
| Casing | Titanium + Diashield | Titanium + DLC |
| Shroud | Ceramic | Ceramic |
| Bezel Inlay | Sapphire with partial lume scale | Titanium with lume pip |
| Water Rating | 1,000 meters | 1,000 meters |
| Manufacture | Limited edition, Made in Japan | JDM |
| MSRP | YEN400,000 | YEN300,000 |
The 52.4 mm wide titanium monocoque case has been given a military green treatment with super-hard coating. Due to the design of the hidden lugs, lug-to-lug length is just 53.5 mm. The monocoque or mono-bloc construction of the main casing allows the watch to bear tremendous water pressure. Officially, the Gundam Tuna is rated to 1,000 meter. In one test conducted by Seiko with the help of JAMSTEC (Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology), a Tuna reached 3,000 meters attached to the outside of a KAIKO 7000 II, a remotely operated submarine. It survived intact and working perfectly.
Meanwhile, the shroud is made of highly resistant ceramic. Unlike the SBDX011 Emperor Tuna that has a sterile shroud, the code “MS-06” (this is the reference for the piloted Gundam machine robot that is tied to this model) has been cut into the ceramic at 9 o’clock, as well as the world “LOCK” next to the crown. On the large screw-down crown, on the top surface, on this particular model it features the “Master Sergeant” symbol consisting of three stripes which was the military rank of the hero of the series. For the SBDX011, the symbol on the crown was the letter "S". Later versions of the Tuna, from SBDX013 onward, Seiko added the Prospex logo on the top surface of the crown instead.
The bezel is unidirectional and is made out of titanium. It moves in 120-click increments for a complete rotation. For this particular model, based on what I can see and feel, Seiko must have added a sapphire insert to the bezel. This enabled the designers to add the Lumibrite luminous paint on the surface of the titanium bezel and have a protective layer of sapphire over it. Based on official specifications provided, Seiko does not mentioned anything about the bezel inserts.
The Dial
Generally, the Gundam Tuna has a dial design more reminiscing to the later redesigned Emperor Tuna, the SBDX013 compared to the original (SBDX011) which I have. Below is a comparison between the two models.
As you can see, the main hour markers, the location of the date window and the shape of the hands are all different. Personally, my greatest gripe about the SBDX011 is the location of the date window. Putting it over the 3 o'clock hour marker destroys the symmetry of the dial especially in the dark when the LumiBrite paint shines on every hour markers except for 3 o'clock. Repositioning it between the 4 o'clock and 5 o'clock positions is more elegant and I approve of such a redesign.
The Gundam Tuna is more akin to the SBDX013. Some subtle changes, a part form the military green coloured dial, have been made to tie-in to the Gundam lore. The first is the the seconds hand’s counterweight. The frame is coloured in red to reflect the Cyclops visor on the Zaku II piloted battle robot. The second is the 'reverse-style' chapter ring. Instead of white line minute markers, the spaces between the minute markers are coloured white instead, similar to the “power pipe” on the Zaku II. The third is the frame on the hour markers and hands. Instead of polished steel, the hour markers and hands are coated with a military green colour. The fourth is the presence of an embossed black line similar to the contact line on a Printed Circuit Board along the edge of hour markers and date window. The fifth and final is the use of the Gundam font for the text "1000m" as well as replacing the iconic "MARINEMASTER" reference with the Prospex logo instead.
These changes are generally cosmetic in nature.
The markers on the dial (as well as the markers on the bezel for the first 20 minutes) and hands are covered copiously with Seiko's in-house formula LumiBrite paint for excellent low light visibility. To top off the dial, a slab of Sapphire crystal with anti-fogging coating was added.
Below is a photo of the watch in the dark. As you can clearly see, the night illumination is classic Seiko; bright, clear and long lasting. Since all markers have Lumibrite paint, the glow on the dial is symmetrical without any gaps. Moreover, even the first 20 minutes of the bezel markers have nighttime glow.
The Strap
The watch is paired with a set of custom silicon strap in green with Gundam inspired markings (the Zeon logo). The strap is so supple and smooth. I must say that Seiko got the formula right when it comes to silicone straps. The large titanium strap follower looks unwieldy but it size makes it easy to manipulate even when it is on the wrist.
Compared to the buckle of the original SBDX011, the Gundam version has a more pronounced fairing which gives space to have the brand stamped on it (in the original, the buckle was sterile).
Note the dash lines arranged in a diamond or kite formation on the backside of the strap. It provides additional grip against the skin yet allow limited airflow between the gaps. This makes for hours of comfortable wear.
The Movement
Similar to the previous Emperor Tunas, the Seiko Gundam is equipped with Seiko's higher end in-house automatic movement, the 8L35. This 26 jewel self-winding movement is the base movement for the higher end 9S55 calibre Grand Seiko. With manual wind and hacking second mechanisms, it operates at 28,800 BPH or at a frequency of 4 hertz. It has a 50 hours power reserve and the movement is rhodium plated. Its has an accuracy rating by Seiko of +15 ~ -10 seconds per day. The movement is made out of 192 parts. Accuracy easily matches certified chronometer levels, and often exceeds them. Beyond its deep water capabilities, this watch also capable of withstanding an impressive magnetic resistance of 16,000 A/m.
The Seiko Gundam has a solid case-back. Access to the movement must go through the front of the watch. On the flat case-back, there is the famous Tsunami art in the centre. There are some interesting information about the watch stamped on the case-back. Seiko took the effort to indicate that the watch is a mixed-gas capable dive watch. The connection to Gundam's 40th anniversary is also printed prominently. It is also here that the limited edition serial number is stamped on. In my case, it is 986 out of 1,000 examples worldwide.
I was also able to do a simple accuracy test using the Toolwatch application. Straight out of the box, the 8L35 movement was able to record a +3.7 second per day (SpD) accuracy which is well within the +15 SPD to -10 SPD accuracy range as stated by Seiko for the 8L35.
One burning question I have is why the 8L35? For the price set for the Seiko Gundam, it would be more appropriate to upgrade the movement to a 8L55 high-beat movement instead.
Moreover, as a special commemorative timepiece, putting a package that includes perhaps a figurine of a Gundam or even additional strap accessories would make it more presentable considering the price one pays for the watch.
The Wearing Experience
You cannot get a sense of wearable experience by just looking at the watch. The hidden lug design makes is easy to wear, comfortable and secure. Although the height precludes it from being part of a formal wear ensemble, it is not unwieldy which is helped in part by the lightness of the titanium metal.
The green colour is refreshing. Even though it is olive green on an unpolished surface, the watch is visually striking on the wrist. Below are series of photos on my wrist.
As highlighted earlier, the height of the watch is very obvious. This is the bane of the watch but also its uniqueness. As a professional dive watch, you need something substantial to easily look at. Something small and insignificant can be easily overlooked during stressful situations.
In reality, professional divers now generally rely on dive computers as it provides substantial more tracking data than a simple analogue wristwatch. Nevertheless, most professional divers also utilises back-up systems which in this case, analogue wristwatches make excellent choice. The mechanical dive watch is the necessary redundancy.
Below is a short video of the watch on my wrist.
Overall I am pleased with the purchase. The watch is as I imagined. The tie-in with a famous genre adds to its already impeccable resume. What would make it even better if Seiko also took the time to surround the watch with a proper packaging and accessories.
The Purchase
I was able to get my example from my main AD in Mid Valley. I got it for RM12,700. Apart from the watch, I was also given a pair of tumblers from Seiko. My AD dealer also threw in a long wallet made of leather by MIDO.
As part of the Gundam experience, the watch box is unique to this model. It has a long rectangle shape with cushioned surface in khaki green. Instead of the 'Seiko' on the top surface, it has the word "ZEON" and a logo printed in green. This signifies that the watch is associated with the Principality of Zeon as part of the Gundam folklore.
It is also interesting to find that the packaging sleeve was printed in Japan. In other high-end Seiko watch packaging I ever bought, this has always been made in China. The Seiko Gundam is truly a Made in Japan timepiece in every sense.
The watch box has a thin deep slot in the middle which can't even fit the watch or anything else. Once the watch is in the watch box, there is no other place to place the manual and guarantee card. Definitely a design flaw. How can one expect to keep such important documents apart from the watch box?
Part of the packaging is a pair of tumblers. These vacuum sealed stainless steel tumblers have a liquid capacity of 420 ml. Painted all white, each have sublimation printing of Gundam piloted battle robots.
Overall, I am disappointed with the packaging on this Gundam timepiece. It does not do justice to the fans of the genre. If you have the chance to visit any Japanese toy shop in Japan, a huge section of floor space is dedicated to the genre with countless amount of toys and memorabilia associated with Gundam. What Seiko has cobbled up is pathetic. I had expect a watch box that is a shape of a Gundam piloted robot or even a figurine of such a robot in a special slot in the watch box. What Seiko could come out with is just a simple box that couldn't even fit the manual and guarantee document - pathetic.
The Series
The Seiko Gundam 40th Anniversary Limited Editions series consists of three watches. This series is made to commemorate the anniversary of The Mobile Suit Gundam. This television series started in 1979 by the Japanese animator Mr. Yoshiyuki Tomino. The main storyline is about giant human-piloted machine robots (the so-called Mobile Suits) that are controlled by a human pilot located in a cockpit within the torso. Set in the 22nd century, the war between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon battles is vaguely similar to the storyline of Star Wars.
Mobile Suit Gundam only aired on Japanese television for a few years. Nevertheless, its impact on anime and science fiction has been phenomenal. The series follows Amuro Ray, a teenage mechanic, who pilots a giant battle robot (as part of the Earth Federation, the good guys) in a war against the battle robots of the Principality of Zeon (the bad guys). Although the initial series ran for only 43 episodes, it inspired a lot of spin-offs, toys, and films. It has reached iconic status and is part of Japanese popular culture.
The flagship watch of the series is the Seiko Prospex LX Spring Drive GMT Gundam Limited Edition SBDB033. The tricolour red, blue and yellow livery is modelled on the RX-78-2 Gundam robot manned by the hero Amuro Ray. Rated to 100 meters, the watch has a titanium case that measures 44.8 mm in diameter, with a white and blue ceramic bezel insert. The watch features the Earth Federation Force mark on the crown and case back, along with the “RX-78-2” engraved on the left case band. Limited to 300 units, this model is powered by the Spring Drive 5R66 that has a 72 hours power reserve.
The Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Professional Zaku II Limited Edition SLA029J1 is a 1000m diver inspired by the military green colour of its namesake robot.
The final watch in the series is the Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Professional Char’s Zaku II SLA031J1, inspired by the Mobile Suit of Char Aznable, the principal antagonist.
Specifications
Driving system: Automatic with manual winding mechanism
Caliber: 8L35; 26 jewels; 28,800 BPH
Accuracy: -10 to +15 seconds per day
Manufactured: Made in Japan
Case material: Titanium in a single monocoque casing
Band material: Silicone
Glass: Sapphire crystal
LumiBrite: Hands and indexes
Power reserve: 50 hours
Water resistance: 1000 meters suitable for saturation diving
Magnetic reluctance: Magnetic resistance 4,800 A/m
Size: H53.5 mm x W52.4 mm x D17.2 mm
Lug width: 22 mm
Perimeter of strap: 210 mm
Weight: 165 gm
Additional details:
- "LIMITED EDITION" engraved on the case back
- 1,000 examples only
- Serial number engraved on the case back
- Unidirectional bezel
- Screw-down crown
- Date wheel
- Stop second hand function
MSRP: YEN400,000; RM15,900
Photo Gallery
The Dial
Generally, the Gundam Tuna has a dial design more reminiscing to the later redesigned Emperor Tuna, the SBDX013 compared to the original (SBDX011) which I have. Below is a comparison between the two models.
 |  |
SBDX013
|
SBDX011
|
As you can see, the main hour markers, the location of the date window and the shape of the hands are all different. Personally, my greatest gripe about the SBDX011 is the location of the date window. Putting it over the 3 o'clock hour marker destroys the symmetry of the dial especially in the dark when the LumiBrite paint shines on every hour markers except for 3 o'clock. Repositioning it between the 4 o'clock and 5 o'clock positions is more elegant and I approve of such a redesign.
The Gundam Tuna is more akin to the SBDX013. Some subtle changes, a part form the military green coloured dial, have been made to tie-in to the Gundam lore. The first is the the seconds hand’s counterweight. The frame is coloured in red to reflect the Cyclops visor on the Zaku II piloted battle robot. The second is the 'reverse-style' chapter ring. Instead of white line minute markers, the spaces between the minute markers are coloured white instead, similar to the “power pipe” on the Zaku II. The third is the frame on the hour markers and hands. Instead of polished steel, the hour markers and hands are coated with a military green colour. The fourth is the presence of an embossed black line similar to the contact line on a Printed Circuit Board along the edge of hour markers and date window. The fifth and final is the use of the Gundam font for the text "1000m" as well as replacing the iconic "MARINEMASTER" reference with the Prospex logo instead.
These changes are generally cosmetic in nature.
The markers on the dial (as well as the markers on the bezel for the first 20 minutes) and hands are covered copiously with Seiko's in-house formula LumiBrite paint for excellent low light visibility. To top off the dial, a slab of Sapphire crystal with anti-fogging coating was added.
Below is a photo of the watch in the dark. As you can clearly see, the night illumination is classic Seiko; bright, clear and long lasting. Since all markers have Lumibrite paint, the glow on the dial is symmetrical without any gaps. Moreover, even the first 20 minutes of the bezel markers have nighttime glow.
The Strap
The watch is paired with a set of custom silicon strap in green with Gundam inspired markings (the Zeon logo). The strap is so supple and smooth. I must say that Seiko got the formula right when it comes to silicone straps. The large titanium strap follower looks unwieldy but it size makes it easy to manipulate even when it is on the wrist.
Compared to the buckle of the original SBDX011, the Gundam version has a more pronounced fairing which gives space to have the brand stamped on it (in the original, the buckle was sterile).
Note the dash lines arranged in a diamond or kite formation on the backside of the strap. It provides additional grip against the skin yet allow limited airflow between the gaps. This makes for hours of comfortable wear.
The Movement
Similar to the previous Emperor Tunas, the Seiko Gundam is equipped with Seiko's higher end in-house automatic movement, the 8L35. This 26 jewel self-winding movement is the base movement for the higher end 9S55 calibre Grand Seiko. With manual wind and hacking second mechanisms, it operates at 28,800 BPH or at a frequency of 4 hertz. It has a 50 hours power reserve and the movement is rhodium plated. Its has an accuracy rating by Seiko of +15 ~ -10 seconds per day. The movement is made out of 192 parts. Accuracy easily matches certified chronometer levels, and often exceeds them. Beyond its deep water capabilities, this watch also capable of withstanding an impressive magnetic resistance of 16,000 A/m.
The Seiko Gundam has a solid case-back. Access to the movement must go through the front of the watch. On the flat case-back, there is the famous Tsunami art in the centre. There are some interesting information about the watch stamped on the case-back. Seiko took the effort to indicate that the watch is a mixed-gas capable dive watch. The connection to Gundam's 40th anniversary is also printed prominently. It is also here that the limited edition serial number is stamped on. In my case, it is 986 out of 1,000 examples worldwide.I was also able to do a simple accuracy test using the Toolwatch application. Straight out of the box, the 8L35 movement was able to record a +3.7 second per day (SpD) accuracy which is well within the +15 SPD to -10 SPD accuracy range as stated by Seiko for the 8L35.
One burning question I have is why the 8L35? For the price set for the Seiko Gundam, it would be more appropriate to upgrade the movement to a 8L55 high-beat movement instead.
Moreover, as a special commemorative timepiece, putting a package that includes perhaps a figurine of a Gundam or even additional strap accessories would make it more presentable considering the price one pays for the watch.
The Wearing Experience
You cannot get a sense of wearable experience by just looking at the watch. The hidden lug design makes is easy to wear, comfortable and secure. Although the height precludes it from being part of a formal wear ensemble, it is not unwieldy which is helped in part by the lightness of the titanium metal.
The green colour is refreshing. Even though it is olive green on an unpolished surface, the watch is visually striking on the wrist. Below are series of photos on my wrist.
As highlighted earlier, the height of the watch is very obvious. This is the bane of the watch but also its uniqueness. As a professional dive watch, you need something substantial to easily look at. Something small and insignificant can be easily overlooked during stressful situations.
In reality, professional divers now generally rely on dive computers as it provides substantial more tracking data than a simple analogue wristwatch. Nevertheless, most professional divers also utilises back-up systems which in this case, analogue wristwatches make excellent choice. The mechanical dive watch is the necessary redundancy.
Below is a short video of the watch on my wrist.
Overall I am pleased with the purchase. The watch is as I imagined. The tie-in with a famous genre adds to its already impeccable resume. What would make it even better if Seiko also took the time to surround the watch with a proper packaging and accessories.
The Purchase
I was able to get my example from my main AD in Mid Valley. I got it for RM12,700. Apart from the watch, I was also given a pair of tumblers from Seiko. My AD dealer also threw in a long wallet made of leather by MIDO. As part of the Gundam experience, the watch box is unique to this model. It has a long rectangle shape with cushioned surface in khaki green. Instead of the 'Seiko' on the top surface, it has the word "ZEON" and a logo printed in green. This signifies that the watch is associated with the Principality of Zeon as part of the Gundam folklore.
It is also interesting to find that the packaging sleeve was printed in Japan. In other high-end Seiko watch packaging I ever bought, this has always been made in China. The Seiko Gundam is truly a Made in Japan timepiece in every sense.
The watch box has a thin deep slot in the middle which can't even fit the watch or anything else. Once the watch is in the watch box, there is no other place to place the manual and guarantee card. Definitely a design flaw. How can one expect to keep such important documents apart from the watch box?
Part of the packaging is a pair of tumblers. These vacuum sealed stainless steel tumblers have a liquid capacity of 420 ml. Painted all white, each have sublimation printing of Gundam piloted battle robots.
Overall, I am disappointed with the packaging on this Gundam timepiece. It does not do justice to the fans of the genre. If you have the chance to visit any Japanese toy shop in Japan, a huge section of floor space is dedicated to the genre with countless amount of toys and memorabilia associated with Gundam. What Seiko has cobbled up is pathetic. I had expect a watch box that is a shape of a Gundam piloted robot or even a figurine of such a robot in a special slot in the watch box. What Seiko could come out with is just a simple box that couldn't even fit the manual and guarantee document - pathetic.
The Series
The Seiko Gundam 40th Anniversary Limited Editions series consists of three watches. This series is made to commemorate the anniversary of The Mobile Suit Gundam. This television series started in 1979 by the Japanese animator Mr. Yoshiyuki Tomino. The main storyline is about giant human-piloted machine robots (the so-called Mobile Suits) that are controlled by a human pilot located in a cockpit within the torso. Set in the 22nd century, the war between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon battles is vaguely similar to the storyline of Star Wars.
SLA029J1/SBDX027
MSRP: YEN400,000
1,000 units
| 
SLA031J1/SBDX029
MSRP: YEN400,000
1,000 units
| 
SBDB033
MSRP: YEN630,000
300 units
|
Mobile Suit Gundam only aired on Japanese television for a few years. Nevertheless, its impact on anime and science fiction has been phenomenal. The series follows Amuro Ray, a teenage mechanic, who pilots a giant battle robot (as part of the Earth Federation, the good guys) in a war against the battle robots of the Principality of Zeon (the bad guys). Although the initial series ran for only 43 episodes, it inspired a lot of spin-offs, toys, and films. It has reached iconic status and is part of Japanese popular culture.
The flagship watch of the series is the Seiko Prospex LX Spring Drive GMT Gundam Limited Edition SBDB033. The tricolour red, blue and yellow livery is modelled on the RX-78-2 Gundam robot manned by the hero Amuro Ray. Rated to 100 meters, the watch has a titanium case that measures 44.8 mm in diameter, with a white and blue ceramic bezel insert. The watch features the Earth Federation Force mark on the crown and case back, along with the “RX-78-2” engraved on the left case band. Limited to 300 units, this model is powered by the Spring Drive 5R66 that has a 72 hours power reserve.
The twin “Tuna” models, each limited to 1,000 units, are inspired by the one-eyed Zaku Mobile Suits used by the villains of the series, the Principality of Zeon. They are powered by the automatic 8L35 movement that has a 50 hours power reserve.
The Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Professional Zaku II Limited Edition SLA029J1 is a 1000m diver inspired by the military green colour of its namesake robot.
The final watch in the series is the Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Professional Char’s Zaku II SLA031J1, inspired by the Mobile Suit of Char Aznable, the principal antagonist.
Specifications
Driving system: Automatic with manual winding mechanism
Caliber: 8L35; 26 jewels; 28,800 BPH
Accuracy: -10 to +15 seconds per day
Manufactured: Made in Japan
Case material: Titanium in a single monocoque casing
Band material: Silicone
Glass: Sapphire crystal
LumiBrite: Hands and indexes
Power reserve: 50 hours
Water resistance: 1000 meters suitable for saturation diving
Magnetic reluctance: Magnetic resistance 4,800 A/m
Size: H53.5 mm x W52.4 mm x D17.2 mm
Lug width: 22 mm
Perimeter of strap: 210 mm
Weight: 165 gm
Additional details:
- "LIMITED EDITION" engraved on the case back
- 1,000 examples only
- Serial number engraved on the case back
- Unidirectional bezel
- Screw-down crown
- Date wheel
- Stop second hand function
MSRP: YEN400,000; RM15,900
Photo Gallery
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