The Seiko SBDB013 is a discontinued Marinemaster Tuna diver that pairs a 600 m saturation-diving specification with Spring Drive caliber 5R65. Its titanium construction keeps the listed weight to 126 g, but its 50.7 mm width and 16.2 mm thickness make it a deliberately oversized specialist watch—not an easy choice for anyone seeking a conventional daily-wear diver.
What is the Seiko SBDB013?
The SBDB013 is a Seiko Marinemaster Spring Drive Tuna, released in August 2015 according to specialist retailer Inoue Watch Shop. Fratello identifies SBDB009 as the corresponding Japan-market reference. The watch combines the Tuna family’s protective case design with a Spring Drive movement and a case back; it is not a conventional small-profile dive watch.
Its dial has arrow-shaped hands, a stepped layout, a date at 4:30, and a power-reserve indicator. These details distinguish it from a stripped-back tool diver, while the large hands and LumiBrite on the hands and indices support at-a-glance legibility. Fratello’s 2021 overview discusses the design and reference relationship.
How large is the Spring Drive Tuna?
Inoue Watch Shop lists the case at 50.7 mm wide, 49.6 mm tall, and 16.2 mm thick, with a weight of 126 g. Those are listed model specifications, not independent measurements. The titanium case and silicone band may help keep the stated weight down, but they do not make the watch compact: the width and thickness are the key fit considerations, especially under a shirt cuff or on a smaller wrist.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems#1 Best Overall
- WATER-RESISTANT: these water-resistant men's dive watches are ISO scuba-approved to depths of 200 meters
- AUTOMATIC: these self-winding, automatic men's watches are powered by your movement, with a power reserve of 41 hours
- STAINLESS STEEL: features a durable 43.8mm stainless steel watch case and bracelet.
- LUMIBRITE DISPLAY: this men's automatic watch features a highly-legible display with LumiBrite hands and markers
- 4R35 CALIBER: equipped with the reliable caliber 4R35 automatic movement, this accurate men's watch keeps precise time
The case is bright titanium with a hard coating, and the crystal is sapphire. The bezel is unidirectional, the crown screws down, and the case back is screw-secured. As with any watch this large, wrist fit is better assessed by trying it on than by relying on diameter alone; lug-to-lug fit and how the case sits on your wrist matter too.
What movement is inside the SBDB013?
The watch uses Seiko Spring Drive caliber 5R65, which includes a power-reserve display. Spring Drive is the defining mechanical-electronic element of this model: it gives the Tuna a different movement proposition from a conventional automatic dive watch, while retaining the watch’s tool-oriented case and diving specification. The retailer’s model listing identifies the caliber and power-reserve indicator.
Rank #2
- WATER-RESISTANT: these water-resistant men's dive watches are ISO scuba-approved to depths of 200 meters
- AUTOMATIC: these self-winding, automatic men's watches are powered by your movement, with a power reserve of 41 hours
- STAINLESS STEEL: features a durable stainless steel watch case and coordinating silicone watch band
- LUMIBRITE DISPLAY: this men's automatic watch features a highly-legible display with LumiBrite hands and markers
- 4R36 CALIBER: equipped with the reliable caliber 4R36 automatic movement, this accurate men's watch keeps precise time
For instructions, Seiko’s official guidance is to check the caliber code inscribed on the case back, then select the corresponding manual. Seiko lists English instructions for 5R65, including an instruction for Spring Drive divers, on its instruction page.
What does the 600 m rating mean?
Inoue Watch Shop lists the SBDB013 as water resistant to 600 m for saturation diving. The listing also specifies anti-magnetic construction. These are published model specifications reproduced by a retailer; they are not independent test results or a recommendation to use a particular watch for diving. Anyone intending to dive should follow Seiko’s instructions and have the watch’s condition and water resistance assessed by a qualified service provider, particularly when buying a discontinued example.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- STUNNING BLUE DIAL: this rugged sports watch features a beautiful Manta Ray-patterned blue dial, with Lumibrite dial indicator hands and markers for low light and a magnified day/date calendar
- BLACK BEZEL: this versatile men’s watch features a black ceramic unidirectional bezel with distinctive scalloped edging, for elapsed timing
- AUTOMATIC & MANUAL: SRPF77 automatic watches for men power up with your natural movements, and feature the ability to wind manually, with 41 hours of reserve power
- WATER-RESISTANT: these rugged stainless steel dive watches for men feature a deep blue silicone strap and are both stylish and robust, following ISO standards for scuba, and are water-resistant to 200 meters
- 4R36 CALIBER: equipped with the reliable 4R36 caliber, these precise men’s wrist watches ensure the most accurate timekeeping
The combination of a unidirectional bezel, screw-lock crown, screw back, and stated saturation-diving rating signals a purpose-built instrument rather than a dress diver with a high rating used mainly as a design cue. The real-world value of that capability depends on the owner’s use, and it does not offset the practical trade-off of the case size.
Is the SBDB013 discontinued?
Yes. Fratello reported in 2021 that Seiko had discontinued the SBDB013 around 2020. That is an approximate timing from the publication, not a cited official discontinuation notice. Inoue Watch Shop currently marks its model page sold out, so a buyer should expect to look for a verified pre-owned example rather than assume new stock is available.
Rank #4
- WATER-RESISTANT: these water-resistant men's dive watches are ISO scuba-approved to depths of 200 meters
- AUTOMATIC: these self-winding, automatic men's watches are powered by your movement, with a power reserve of 41 hours
- LUMIBRITE DISPLAY: this men's dive watch features a highly-legible display with LumiBrite hands and markers
- STAINLESS STEEL: this diving watch for men features a stainless steel watch case and bracelet, a uni-directional rotating elapsed timing bezel, and a bold blue dial evoking signature PADI colors
- 4R36 CALIBER: equipped with the reliable caliber 4R36 automatic movement, this accurate men's watch keeps precise time
Inoue lists the original Japanese retail price as ¥380,000 plus tax and gives the release date as August 2015. These figures describe the original listing, not today’s market value. Fratello’s 2021 article discussed a historical secondary-market example; that older price information should not be treated as current guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the Seiko Spring Drive Tuna worth buying?
The SBDB013 makes most sense for a buyer who specifically wants the combination of Tuna case architecture, Spring Drive caliber 5R65, and a 600 m saturation-diving specification. Its titanium construction and 126 g listed weight are appealing on paper for a watch of this scale. Its size, specialized character, and discontinued status are meaningful compromises if you want one versatile diver for varied settings.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Best Value
- WATER-RESISTANT: these water-resistant men's dive watches are ISO scuba-approved to depths of 200 meters
- AUTOMATIC: these self-winding, automatic men's watches are powered by your movement, with a power reserve of 41 hours
- LUMIBRITE DISPLAY: this men's dive watch features a highly-legible display with LumiBrite hands and markers
- STAINLESS STEEL: features a durable stainless steel watch case and bracelet, unique case shape resembling teeth, and PADI red and blue colors on its elapsed timing bezel
- 4R36 CALIBER: equipped with the reliable caliber 4R36 automatic movement, this accurate men's watch keeps precise time
Fratello’s earlier look at the Spring Drive Tuna argues that more conventional luxury divers are easier to wear and more versatile. That is the reviewer’s assessment, not a measured comparison. The practical choice is to decide whether this watch’s distinctive case and movement are the point of the purchase, rather than expecting it to behave like a restrained everyday diver. See Fratello’s look back at the Spring Drive Tuna for the family’s design context.
What to check before buying a pre-owned SBDB013
Because the model is discontinued, the individual watch’s condition and documentation matter as much as its specification sheet. Before committing, verify the exact reference and review:
- Condition: inspect the case coating, crystal, bezel action, crown operation, and strap condition. Ask for clear photographs and details of any damage or replacement parts.
- Service records: request dated documentation and clarify what work was performed. Do not assume a 600 m rating remains valid simply because it appears in the model specification.
- Completeness: check whether the box, papers, and any included accessories are present, and whether the seller’s description matches the specific watch.
- Seller safeguards: review the seller’s return terms, buyer protections, and process for resolving a discrepancy between the listing and the delivered watch.
- Price: compare current verified examples of the same reference and adjust your assessment for condition, service history, and completeness. The original retail price and a 2021 market example are not current valuation benchmarks.
Do not assume a replacement strap or repair part will fit because it is described as suitable for a Tuna or for caliber 5R65. Confirm compatibility with Seiko or a qualified watchmaker for the exact reference.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
