The “Tuna” moniker is one all too familiar to Seiko enthusiasts. The first was released in 1975 after a seven year hiatus dedicated to research and development to address the issues brought forth by a disappointed saturation diver concerning the 6215 and 6159 300m variants, Seiko’s first attempts at a true professional diver. The result was the 6159-7010, or what we now refer to as the “Grandfather Tuna.” The flat cylindrical construction and shrouded case resembled the shape (and nearly the size) of certain canned fish. The nickname stuck, as did the design, and has given rise to many Tuna models since. Though newer than what we typically offer, the Y187 and Y182 variants of the late 90’s are an unconventional offshoot on the fringes of the Tuna family. Though hard evidence is lacking, it appears that they were created for, and only ever released in the Italian market. This raises several questions at first glance, but there is some speculation that they were dreamed up by famed Italian automobile designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. He can certainly be credited with the design of more than a few Seiko greats. Trading JDM cred for IDM design may certainly be worth it in this case. It would appear that the Italian Tuna models were only produced in 1998 and very early ‘99, and for a specific and rather small market. Getting your hands on a great example now 20 years later can take some patience. This example from April of ‘98 is amazing. The case is a beastly 46.5 mm, and though it doesn’t have a true shroud, the case is constructed to resemble the classic Tuna shroud. The mid case is round and flat with short contoured lugs and a sandblasted finish. The fixed bezel adds quite a bit of height. It sports a linear brushed finish with polished grooves at the hour positions, and houses a flush, glossy black tachymeter insert. The original domed  hardlex crystal is a whopping 4.5mm thick, and partnered with a steeply set black and white chapter, this watch has astounding depth. The glossy white dial is set with applied and polished ring markers with ample luminous. The sub registers are tightly wound concentric circles in black that create a subtle sunburst effect in direct light, and each is trimmed in a polished silver frame. The hour and minute hands are unique segmented arrows with luminous in each window. The chronograph hands are bright red and spear tipped, and add great contrast against the black and white background. The only other spot of color is the water resistance designation in a pleasing muted orange. In addition to time and date, it incorporates a 60 sec. / 30 min. chronograph, fixed 24 hour register at nine, and small seconds at six. All functions are operating smoothly, and there is a link below for setting instructions. The movement has been cleaned and lubricated, and a new battery has been installed. It is unpolished and completely original including the hardlex crystal. This one comes attached to the original articulated solid link bracelet for a true original finish. A head turning continuation of the “Tuna” legacy, this one is bound to be a favorite.

Setting instructions: https://www.manualslib.com/manual/377869/Seiko-Y187.html

Original Seiko Articulated Solid Link Bracelet in Stainless Steel

Serviced 6/21/20

Diameter- 46.5mm

Lugs- 22mm