I’m doing the same thing with that exact watch. The shroud that is. Different bracelet. Also going to go a Horween leather strap on it. Total excitement for a watch nerd!
Simple Mod but exquisite. I ordered this watch after your First Video now I’m thinking I’ll copycat your mod too! I’m thinking a sapphire crystal might complete it! Great job thanks for the inspiration.
Mark you have impeccable taste in watches my friend. Great review as usual. Just picked up the Helson 38 in the blasted finish. Really looking forward to seeing that one in person.
Looks fantastic...I have this model arriving tomorrow, Endmill from my SRP637 ready and waiting...just need the shroud and likely a double domed crystal and it’ll be one bad ass Baby Tuna.
First up, Great video! I have the SNE 497 also, and am concidering the same upgrades. I have the SS Yobokies on order. Is there an aftermarket MM300 style clasp available anywhere, aside from the OEM Seiko one? Thanks in advance, I'm new to modding but definitely love my Seiko's.
Hi, I just wanted to know if you know of a replacement shroud that's full height? I have just refreshed my SNE 497 with a stainless steel bezel insert, wow it really changed the look of the watch, I too ended up with the same style bracelet and stainless steel shroud and although it was much better than the standard, it didn't quite do it for me, the steel bezel insert really transformed it, and it's almost perfect now, if only the shroud was the same height as the bezel.....
I have the same solar tuna. However, I hate the bezel insert. Has anyone been able to source an aftermarket replacement? Or does anyone know the size of the bezel insert?
What would be my possibilities if I wanted a domed Sapphire crystal? Would any watchmaker do or would it be better to have it done by someone known in the community? Or would official Seiko stores do that upgrade?
I have just bought one of these with the intention of doing something very similar, I had already ordered the shroud before I realised that finding a new SNE497P1 might be tricky. I thought I'd secured one with a deposit only for the store to contact me later and claiming that they shop floor sales staff had sold it even as I was paying the deposit! Frustrating! Plan B. I had already located 3 more online and while two were at a high price $600 & $800 (rounded up) the third from Spanish Retailer TicTacArea, was discounted. No faffing around with deposits this time I paid within 10 mins of the initial fall thru and received the watch (in an incredible piano lacquered, carbon fibre case some 8 inches square and 5 inches deep, absolutely beautiful) just 24 hours after receiving the shipping notification. In pictures I really didn't like the black shroud but it looks better in the flesh but I'm really looking forward to getting the stainless steel one on it. I really like the fact that it's a Solar, I'm more of an automatic guy and I wouldn't consider buying a battery Quartz. Funny really that making it solar powered or even Kinetically powered changes my perception, and only having to adjust the time monthly is a real bonus. I have another solar powered watch with Seiko Epson VS37A and it gains just 2 seconds per month, if the Tuna lite is similar I'll be very pleased. I have to say that your watch looks great, exactly how I want mine to look, the stainless steel shroud really makes it look like a Tuna (albeit a svelte Tuna) I'm also considering swapping the Hardlex glass for an AR coated sapphire dome, but I don't want to overdo it. I think the bracelet design that it comes on suits it, so I guess I'll try and find one of a similar style from Strapcode. Great video thank you.
Hey Mark, is this shroud taller than the original? I have a SNE498 and love it...thinking abour getting a black steel shroud and an engineer bracelet for it haha
I have a Strapcode Hexad for my SBBN033 and to me its sharper contours work better than the Endmill (which adds too much 'roundness' to the already pretty round watch head). The Hexad contrasts the roundness better IMHO. On the other hand, I think the hard contours of a Super Engineer would overpower the look and wouldn't work as that kinda strap rarely works with any watch lol.
I bought one of these to modify into something more Tuna like, similar stainless steel shroud and bracelet fitted. What really pulled it together was the addition of a stainless steel bezel insert. I'd still rather have a full height shroud but now the bezel is sorted (Seiko really take the proverbial with this watch's retail price, £420 and it's got a horrible fake 3 link bracelet, plastic shroud and plastic bezel insert. Whoever is in charge at Seiko has utterly destroyed their reputation for quality) With decent fittings this could have been a truly practical usable dive watch but retained appeal for Seiko appreciators, out of the box it's an ugly & cheap assed looking watch barely worth 25% of the RRP, With decent fittings it's still something of a bargain, £550 V's the £1500 price of it steel bezeled big bro, keep the charge topped up and you could get years of good use from it.
You won't need to change the batteries, but after a while, you'll need to change the capacitor, which is a job for more skilled people. Not just opening the caseback and popping another battery in. That's the only reason I don't go for Solar and Kinetic Seikos.
If you don't let it run completely down often you wont have to change it as often as you think. I know of 17 year old watches still on their original batteries. My solar citizen is currently 14 years old
that s why to mod this solar watch may not be advisable...authorised seiko service centres will not entertain you. They wont do service maintenance on modded watches.
![Average Bros [Mark Alamares]](http://yt3.ggpht.com/AMTyfBoS_HGUS5NeMIdml3FQHYPLCvE10yYPfvjGSZRfNEkgmgSJlVqPFEQ4yky_fTnRrnqQ=s48-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj)
Now you only need a domed sapphire crystal with AR coating.. it becomes the Marinemaster SBBN031! Excellent, intelligent modifications!
I already buy it yesterday… change shroud with stainless steel and engineer II bracelet… its gorgeous!!!
I bought one of these and added the steel shroud and it’s a fantastic watch , just need to save up for a better bracelet
Im gonna get one and do the exact same. It looks psycho!
I’m doing the same thing with that exact watch. The shroud that is. Different bracelet. Also going to go a Horween leather strap on it. Total excitement for a watch nerd!
Looks great. Looking forward to receiving my Yobokies SS Shroud soon to complete the mod on my SNE499.
Hi how do I get in touch with yobokies?
Simple Mod but exquisite. I ordered this watch after your First Video now I’m thinking I’ll copycat your mod too! I’m thinking a sapphire crystal might complete it! Great job thanks for the inspiration.
Great video, great watch, live the bracelet. Looks sooooooo good.
Man that thing looks killer!👌😍👍makes it look way more expensive now!
Very nice, like it a lot.
Mark you have impeccable taste in watches my friend. Great review as usual. Just picked up the Helson 38 in the blasted finish. Really looking forward to seeing that one in person.
Great looking mods...... Nicely done.
Looks fantastic...I have this model arriving tomorrow, Endmill from my SRP637 ready and waiting...just need the shroud and likely a double domed crystal and it’ll be one bad ass Baby Tuna.
Duuuude... the SS shroud does it! Very nice mod.
Great review. Had a laugh as well. Just bought my first "tuna" . Can't wait to wear it in the pool doing CSS.
I have a small wrist -- wow Great job that's really cool !!!!
Wow man you just made me think about doing the same 😁!!
It may not be the "REAL" one but WOW it looks great, excellent job 👍
The Solar Tuna is thinner than the original Tuna. Thats positive for me.
That thing is so fking cool.
Whow...love to have one of those ..!! Very Cool..👍👍👍
That’s awesome 😎!! Love it. The 033 is too big for me.
Oh, that's great. I wonder if Yobokies makes a black PVD coated shroud that fits this model.
First up, Great video!
I have the SNE 497 also, and am concidering the same upgrades.
I have the SS Yobokies on order.
Is there an aftermarket MM300 style clasp available anywhere, aside from the OEM
Seiko one?
Thanks in advance, I'm new to modding but definitely love my Seiko's.
Hi, I just wanted to know if you know of a replacement shroud that's full height? I have just refreshed my SNE 497 with a stainless steel bezel insert, wow it really changed the look of the watch, I too ended up with the same style bracelet and stainless steel shroud and although it was much better than the standard, it didn't quite do it for me, the steel bezel insert really transformed it, and it's almost perfect now, if only the shroud was the same height as the bezel.....
With the metal shroud the diameter of the watch is smaller? Where did you buy the shroud?
No more yobokies shrouds out there to get a hold of anymore 🥺
Very nice watch! Did you buy the 22mm or 21.5mm bracelet from strapcode? Thanks
I have the same solar tuna. However, I hate the bezel insert. Has anyone been able to source an aftermarket replacement? Or does anyone know the size of the bezel insert?
awesome MOD!!
may i ask the size of bracelet??
22mm or 21.5mm??
AMAZING mod!, where did you get the shroud?
After using it, do you recommend this watch model?
thank you
What would be my possibilities if I wanted a domed Sapphire crystal? Would any watchmaker do or would it be better to have it done by someone known in the community? Or would official Seiko stores do that upgrade?
I have just bought one of these with the intention of doing something very similar, I had already ordered the shroud before I realised that finding a new SNE497P1 might be tricky. I thought I'd secured one with a deposit only for the store to contact me later and claiming that they shop floor sales staff had sold it even as I was paying the deposit! Frustrating! Plan B. I had already located 3 more online and while two were at a high price $600 & $800 (rounded up) the third from Spanish Retailer TicTacArea, was discounted. No faffing around with deposits this time I paid within 10 mins of the initial fall thru and received the watch (in an incredible piano lacquered, carbon fibre case some 8 inches square and 5 inches deep, absolutely beautiful) just 24 hours after receiving the shipping notification. In pictures I really didn't like the black shroud but it looks better in the flesh but I'm really looking forward to getting the stainless steel one on it. I really like the fact that it's a Solar, I'm more of an automatic guy and I wouldn't consider buying a battery Quartz. Funny really that making it solar powered or even Kinetically powered changes my perception, and only having to adjust the time monthly is a real bonus. I have another solar powered watch with Seiko Epson VS37A and it gains just 2 seconds per month, if the Tuna lite is similar I'll be very pleased. I have to say that your watch looks great, exactly how I want mine to look, the stainless steel shroud really makes it look like a Tuna (albeit a svelte Tuna) I'm also considering swapping the Hardlex glass for an AR coated sapphire dome, but I don't want to overdo it. I think the bracelet design that it comes on suits it, so I guess I'll try and find one of a similar style from Strapcode. Great video thank you.
How much is the SNE497?
Hey Mark, is this shroud taller than the original? I have a SNE498 and love it...thinking abour getting a black steel shroud and an engineer bracelet for it haha
when you unscrew the shroud, the screws get scratch/ding by the allen key - how visible are the dings?
is the Lume Green or Blue?
Hi..
Do not speak English well
I'm Sorry.
Does the crown part shake a lot?
I hesitate to buy.
Thank you ( 감사 합니다 )
Would you do a double domed sapphire to get closer to that Tuna look?
for me, no. not worth it, I meant to make this one an affordable beater not really some top shelf alterniative
I have a Strapcode Hexad for my SBBN033 and to me its sharper contours work better than the Endmill (which adds too much 'roundness' to the already pretty round watch head). The Hexad contrasts the roundness better IMHO. On the other hand, I think the hard contours of a Super Engineer would overpower the look and wouldn't work as that kinda strap rarely works with any watch lol.
There’s some nice shrouds on Etsy
How do I buy this shroud?
I bought mine on Etsy
Where did you get the shroud?
Does your head in as to why Seiko won't use a bracelet like this from factory.
SBBN015. Not SSBN.
and signed crown?
I prefer the original bracelet. The shroud looks much better though!
I bought one of these to modify into something more Tuna like, similar stainless steel shroud and bracelet fitted. What really pulled it together was the addition of a stainless steel bezel insert. I'd still rather have a full height shroud but now the bezel is sorted (Seiko really take the proverbial with this watch's retail price, £420 and it's got a horrible fake 3 link bracelet, plastic shroud and plastic bezel insert. Whoever is in charge at Seiko has utterly destroyed their reputation for quality) With decent fittings this could have been a truly practical usable dive watch but retained appeal for Seiko appreciators, out of the box it's an ugly & cheap assed looking watch barely worth 25% of the RRP, With decent fittings it's still something of a bargain, £550 V's the £1500 price of it steel bezeled big bro, keep the charge topped up and you could get years of good use from it.
whats your wrist size if i may ask?
7.25"
I noticed that you wore the watch on your right wrist. Are you left - handed?. Just wondering.
You won't need to change the batteries, but after a while, you'll need to change the capacitor, which is a job for more skilled people. Not just opening the caseback and popping another battery in.
That's the only reason I don't go for Solar and Kinetic Seikos.
If you don't let it run completely down often you wont have to change it as often as you think.
I know of 17 year old watches still on their original batteries. My solar citizen is currently 14 years old
that s why to mod this solar watch may not be advisable...authorised seiko service centres will not entertain you. They wont do service maintenance on modded watches.
The benefit to Solar is that it only has to be opened every 10-15yrs. That greatly reduces the chance of an improper seal by a Watch Shop.