Should I Get the Seiko Sumo or the Seiko Kinetic Diver SUN019?

Lemuel writes:

This is a very beautiful watch. I am contemplating on getting this one or the SUMO. Would you know where is this watch made?

What does it say on the bottom?

Your reply will be my deciding factor, thank you.

***

To answer your question, the back of the case on the Seiko Kinetic Diver SUN019 says "Japanese Movement," so I'm going to assume the watch is made in China. However, the SUN019 has sapphire; the Sumo doesn't.

If I were you, I'd make the decision on style: The SUN019 is a big 48mm, aggressive watch. On the other hand, the Sumo is more elegant, a sort of 44mm Rolex-like dress watch. Both watches are versatile and can be dressed up or down.

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Comments

[Ulysses]

The Kinetic diver easily wins on looks. The Sumo looks very generic, and as a result, though unintentionally, looks "cheap", and more like a Rolex homage. The Kinetic diver on the other hand has its own unique identity. Combined with the modern-looking hands and those 3D hour markers, I reckon it's the better option.

[jonnybardo]

I'm going to disagree with Ulysses. What you call "generic," Ulysses, could be seen as understated, even classic. The kinetic is more high-concept, more scifi. So I think it comes down to whether one prefers a more high-concept/scifi look, or a more understated/classic look.

[herculodge]

Honestly, I love both. I may have both by 2016.

[Angelo]

Tough call. If I could only have one watch, I might opt for the Sumo because it's more "conventional" and for that reason, perhaps more versatile??? But I totally get what Ulysses is saying. The Kinetic looks more sculpted in my opinion---unique and original. I hate to call the Sumo "cookie cutter" because it's a Seiko---with quality and finish that probably deserves better than "cookie cutter" or "generic." Jonny: Yes, you can call it "classic." But I can say that about my Invicta Pro Diver too. It's a more familiar style for sure----while the Kinetic diver is bolder. I know, I know----I didn't give an answer. Oh well, I like them both.

[herculodge]

I tend to love the Sumo more when I don't own it.

[Gary]

Another thing to consider is comfort. The SUN019 is much wider, thicker and heavier than the Sumo. Obviously, Jeff likes his SUN019, but I've seen reviews on the watch forums that complained about its bulk and/or weight. It's probably best to try one in person if possible.

Regarding the styling, I actually like the Sumo better than the Submariner as a classic dive watch, mainly due to the hand set. I'm not a big fan of the Rolex's Mercedes hour hand. Obviously, the Submariner has a higher build quality, commensurate with its much higher price.

[Gary]

Jeff,

Maybe you should have put one of your former Sumos in storage for awhile, until you loved it again. Just sayin'.

The main thing I dislike about the styling of the Sumo is the skinny 20mm wide bracelet. I think it would look better on a 22mm wide bracelet.

[jonnybardo]

Jeff, you're not allowed. Never again. NEVER.

[herculodge]

I'm on Sumo hiatus till 2016 and by then I may be off my watch obsession.

[jonnybardo]

And then your collection will be complete.

[herculodge]

Title of my novel or a coda of some sort.

[Angelo]

You might have enough friends, you might not be looking for any new friends---but in life, you never know when a new friend might find you.

[Adil]

Kinetic Diver SUN019 is better