First Look: Seiko Prospex Sumo SBDC001

With my watch tastes evolving over the last year, from oversized and over the top to the "diver tool" styles, some more bold than others, I had been looking at the Seiko Sumo for some time. Seiko is probably my favorite watch brand (Orient is a close second) when looking for style, quality, and price point.

I wasn't shocked by the smallish size of the big sounding Sumo. It's barely 44mm across the bezel and only plays slightly larger than the Seiko Black Monster because of the open dial style with a smaller bezel than the Monster.

Some comlain that the bracelet lugs are too narrow for a watch with this case size, but I like the bracelet width, very comfortable, stylish, and upscale. 

I haven't tested the lume yet but looking at the huge Superluminova indices evidences it should be topnotch in this department. 

Stylewise, the Rolex look gives it a timeless, classic quality. While not as garish as my earlier watch choices from a few years ago, this subtle Sumo appears to be a keeper. 

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Comments

[jonnybardo]

Love it. The finish looks spectacular. I can't wait for mine, although it probably won't be until next week, maybe Friday if I'm lucky.

Jeff, I think your size sensibilities are still subtly calibrated to your years of Invictaddiction. I mean, I think that you are honestly into bigger watches but the 44mm of the Sumo is actually quite large in the watch world (which is why it is crazy that "mid-size" for Invicta means 44-50mm).

It seems about the same size as the SKA371/427 - is that right?

Remember, the Sumo is a grower, not a show-er. That's a beautiful watch you just purchased and will just grow on you.

[Gary]

Jeff,

That's a really nice looking watch, with a very clean, uncluttered design. I especially like the style of the hands and markers. I prefer the overall design of this watch to that of the Monster.

The bracelet does look a little narrow, but that makes the case and dial look bigger by comparison, which isn't a bad thing.

[herculodge]

I agree it's more of a grower than a shower. Good words. I like the watch a lot. I'm glad I spent money I made selling Invictas on eBay because I think without sapphire crystal and without better clasp material (uses same one as Monster's) it's 100 dollars overpriced. Yes, it's slightly bigger than the SKA371.

[herculodge]

I had a link removed at Watch City and the owner Raffi was impressed with the Sumo saying it looked great and was a great deal for $540. In a tunnel while driving my car, I looked down at the Sumo's lume and it was amazing.

[jonnybardo]

Two things about sapphire. One, its more scratch-resistant than hardlex but hardlex is more impact-resistant. Secondly, just the word "sapphire" doesn't necessarily mean high quality - it depends upon the thickness.

But I agree - this watch should have a thicker clasp, at least. If I really love the watch I might end up spending $108 on a ratcheting clasp from SeiyaJapan.com.

As for it being $100 overpriced, another way to look at it is that it is really a $1,000 watch based upon finish and movement. Without sapphire and a better clasp that makes it more of a $750-800 watch, meaning you got a great deal on it. Everything that I've read says this is a great deal for a watch of this quality, which makes the clasp in particular rather incongruous.

[herculodge]

Well I'm wearing it now at work and loving it. On another watch note, I'm going to miss the SKA371, could still take it off eBay (no bids but 8 watchers), but as much as I like it, I've read you have to wear kinetics a lot or else the lithium battery won't last like it should. Keeping it charged a lot might prove too much like a job with the Sumo, Orient et al vying for wrist time.

[herculodge]

I just took the 371 off eBay. I'll keep it by wearing it when I walk my children. It will be my official "athletic" watch.

[jonnybardo]

Glad to hear it (you mean the 427, right?) - I was thinking you were getting rid of that and the SKZ267 too quickly. They aren't Invictas, after all!

I'd still consider picking up the 427 at some point.

[herculodge]

Yeah, I feel relieved that I'm keeping the SKA427. I'll wear it daily and shake my other 5 autos a few days a week to keep the parts lubed when I'm not wearing them. I've been wearing the Sumo for four hours. I like it more and more. It's like magic.

[jonnybardo]

Yup - I had a feeling that would be the case. To be honest, every time I look at your pictures I like it more.

Any idea when your Orient arrives?

[Ulysses]

Seiko used to offer Sapphlex crystals which were a thin layer of sapphire over hardlex mineral glass. Scratch resistance and toughness combined. It was already quite rare but I don't think they offer any current watches with that technology.