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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Diver's wristwatch

Seiko Prospex Marine Master Ref. SBBN040

Partially verified

The 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.

Front view of the Seiko Prospex Marine Master Ref. SBBN040 showing the black ceramic shroud and gold-plated case.
Front view of the Seiko Prospex Marine Master Ref. SBBN040 showing the black ceramic shroud and gold-plated case. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Diver's wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Seiko
Reference
SBBN040
Catalogue / lot identifier
282
Source-reported date
2018
Source-reported place
Japan
Source-reported serial
0042/1978

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “black ceramic protective outer case”
  • “yellow gold-plated steel and titanium diverwristwatch”
  • “Diameter 44.5mm. (49.5mm - with ceramic protective case)”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “quartz yellow gold-plated steel and titanium diverwristwatch”
  • “Caliber 7C46”
  • “date and dayindication”
  • “Dial: 1-01 As new”
  • “Movement: 2* Very good Overhaul recommended”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “LIMITED 0489/1978”
  • “Sold in 2018”
  • “Accessories Seiko fitted box, certificate, instructions booklet, hangtags”

Open research questions

  • What is the reason for the discrepancy between the limited edition number 0489 stated in the text and the 0042 stamped on the case back?
  • Does the 7C46 movement retain any specific service requirements beyond standard quartz maintenance to reach the 1000m depth rating?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Seiko Prospex Marine Master Ref. SBBN040
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ReferenceSBBN040“SBBN040”
Case MaterialCeramic, steel and titanium“CERAMIC,STEEL AND TITANIUM”
Movement Caliber7C46“Caliber 7C46”
Case Diameter44.5 mm (49.5 mm with shroud)“Diameter 44.5mm. (49.5mm - with ceramic protective case)”
Limited Edition0489/1978“LIMITED 0489/1978”
ConditionOverhaul recommended“Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Visible details

  • 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.

Research qualifications

  • The movement is noted by the auction house as requiring an overhaul.
  • The discrepancy between the limited edition number on the card and the case back requires verification.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

SEIKO REF. SBBN040, PROSPEX MARINE MASTER, CERAMIC,STEEL AND TITANIUM, LIMITED 0489/1978

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record bb58bb77df

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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