Seiko Prospex Marine Master Ref. SBBN040
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
2018
Maker / issuer
SeikoThe Seiko Prospex Marine Master Ref. SBBN040 is a limited edition diver's wristwatch, numbered 0489/1978. It features a large construction with a 44.5 mm diameter, increasing to 49.5 mm when incorporating its signature black ceramic protective outer shroud.
The primary case is composed of yellow gold-plated steel and titanium. It is powered by the quartz caliber 7C46 movement. The watch displays a black dial with day and date indications at the three o'clock position, accompanied by luminous hands and markers. The timepiece is finished with a black rubber strap secured by a Seiko yellow gold-plated steel buckle. The watch is marked as a limited edition on the case back, which also bears the Seiko wave logo and technical specifications.
The assembly includes a fitted box, certificate, instructions, and hangtags. The auction report indicates the movement requires an overhaul.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Diver's watch
- Condition
- Overhaul recommended
- Reference
- SBBN040
- Case Diameter
- 44.5 mm (49.5 mm with shroud)
- Case Material
- Ceramic, steel and titanium
- Place recorded
- Japan
- Limited Edition
- 0489/1978
- Movement Caliber
- 7C46
- Maker / attribution
- Seiko
Design
- Visible features
- • The watch features a distinctive black ceramic outer shroud over a gold-colored case. • The dial includes a day-date display at the three o'clock position. • The case back is engraved with the wave logo, 'Marine Master', and serial number. • The crown is positioned at the four o'clock marker.
- Dial and Movement
- The watch utilizes the Seiko caliber 7C46, a quartz movement specifically engineered for professional diving applications. The movement powers the display on a matte black dial, which is marked with luminous indices and hands for visibility in low-light environments. A day and date aperture is integrated at the three o'clock position on the dial. The overall aesthetic is utilitarian, with high-contrast markings indicating its professional status and depth capability. While the dial is described as in as-new condition, the movement itself is subject to an auction-reported recommendation for an overhaul to ensure optimal functionality.
- Provenance and Documentation
- This watch is identified as a limited edition, marked 0489/1978, distinguishing it within the production run of the SBBN040 model. The timepiece is accompanied by an extensive set of original accessories, including a fitted Seiko box, a certificate of authenticity, an instruction booklet, and original hangtags. The auction records indicate the watch was sold new in 2018. The combination of its original packaging and the documented status of the watch components confirms the provenance as a complete retail set provided to the original purchaser.
- Case and External Construction
- The Seiko Ref. SBBN040 exhibits a distinct construction characterized by its protective outer shroud, which is fashioned from black ceramic. This shroud is designed to shield the internal core, which is constructed from yellow gold-plated steel and titanium. Measuring 44.5 mm in its basic diameter, the watch expands to 49.5 mm when the ceramic component is included in the measurement. It is further marked with specifications confirming the use of ceramics, titanium, and steel in its assembly, alongside its designation as a professional diver's instrument rated to 1000 meters depth.
Identification
- Reference
- SBBN040
- Serial number
- 0042/1978
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The movement is noted by the auction house as requiring an overhaul.
- Research required: The discrepancy between the limited edition number on the card and the case back requires verification.