We here at WWR have long been fans of Seiko. In fact, our default recommendation, when someone asks for a watch suggestion, is to check out the Seiko Monster line. It’s got classic looks, amazing lume, and the robustness that a dive watch brings to the table. Now, if you ever wondered what would happen if the Monster got into body building, well, wonder no more, as the Seiko SRPA83 seems to answer that question.
Yes, I know, the Seiko SRPA83 is more commonly referred to as the Tuna, or Tuna Can, given the shroud around the watch. When I opened up the box, though, I could not help but to be reminded of my lowly first-gen Monster. Sure, the dial and bezel aren’t exactly the same, but there’s enough of a similarity that I took to calling this watch the Monster Tuna.
Seiko, of course, doesn’t mess around with names like that, and sticks with the Seiko SRPA83. What differentiates this model from other, similar, Tunas would be the logo signing the dial down there at 6 o’clock – PADI, which stands for the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. What this brings to the table is a rather lovely blue and red color scheme that matches the PADI logo, as well as the feeling that, well, I shouldn’t be the one wearing this watch.
You see, with most dive watches, I’m totally ok with wearing, as they are more of a tool watch that happens to have some amazing water resistance and legibility. With this special-edition Seiko SRPA83, though, this one feels different. With a 50mm case and the shroud around the case and bezel, this really seems like it’s meant for more than desk diving. And add in the PADI association, and well, I’m just a poser flaunting this Monster Tuna.
As a non-diver, though, there’s still plenty to dig about the watch. The dial is hard to describe, as it’s sort of a sunburst degrade dial, with lighter and darker shades of blue. In fact, the blue is throughout this watch, from the dial to the polished ceramic bezel, the shroud, and even the silicone strap. The strap is another indicator that this is a watch meant for diving. I don’t feel I have particularly small wrists, by any means, but this is a giant strap. Once fit so the watch wouldn’t slip around (and yeah, a 50mm steel case wants to move if it can) I had a decent tail sticking up. If it were canvas, it’s enough you’d try to tuck it back into the keeper. Which means, along with the ripples in the strap, this is meant to be placed over the sleeve of a wetsuit – not necessarily under a shirt cuff.
That said, you can fit the Seiko SRPA83 under a cuff, but just bear in mind it is a big watch, so you’ll need to choose your shirt wisely. For it’s size, though, it fits to the wrist quite superbly, due to the curving on the case sides and the dishing on the caseback. Even so, this is not one I tried to wear with a suit. Some divers you can, but this is not one for that. Instead, this is an office and weekends sort of a watch. At least for us desk divers. For the true divers out there, this is quite likely something that would be a nice backup to your dive computer.
If you can’t tell from this review, the Seiko SRPA83 is one I am conflicted about. On one hand, I really dig the Seiko aesthetic – particularly in tool watches – and have long been a fan of their dive watches. With the Monster Tuna, though, this is a watch I kind of feel bad wearing. I mean, yes, it’s a watch, and it does it’s job keeping time and telling you the date. At the end of the day, though, I feel that he Seiko SRPA83 is meant for something more than being an oversized statement piece for desk diving. This is a watch that seems built for adventure in and around the waters. So, if you do pick one up for $795, do us (and the watch) a solid, and take it out into the world. seikousa.com
Review Summary
- Brand & Model: Seiko SRPA83 (aka the Monster Tuna)
- Price: $795
- Who’s it for? You’re a diver, and are looking for a way to fly your PADI association while adventuring around
- Would I wear it? No – this is a watch meant for more than desk diving
- What I would change: I wouldn’t mind seeing a bit of a curve to that crystal
- The best thing about it: For me, it’s the through-and-through blue
Tech Specs from Seiko
- PADI Special Edition
- Hand and automatic winding capabilities
- 21,600 vibrations per hour
- Power reserve: approximately 41 hours
- 24 jewels
- Day/Date calendar
- Screwdown crown and caseback
- One way rotating elapsed timing bezel
- LumiBrite hands and markers
- 50.0mm diameter
- Water Resistance: Diver’s Watch to 200 meters (660 feet). Meets ISO standards and is suitable for scuba diving.
- Caliber 4R36
- Stainless steel and ceramic case
- Silicone strap
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