I was heartbroken six months ago when after seeing the Seiko SBDB009 Spring Tuna Diver at 3K because here was the embodiment of a manly watch that rendered all my watches irrelevant. Alas, the price point was out of range or at least out of justification.
But then the very similar Seiko SRP655 showed up with the 4R36 (not the Sumo's 6R15, as I had thought) movement and at $570 I had to get one.
As you can see, I now have a school of Seiko Tunas.
Jeff,
The SRP655 uses a 4R36 movement. The Sumo uses a 6R15 movement.
From ABlogtoWatch:
"Inside, the Seiko Prospex Scuba SBDC003 Sumo is powered by Seiko’s more upscale 6R15 movement. It’s a much more convenient and usable movement compared to the older 7S26 because it can be hand wound and it hacks. The 6R15 movement is also a step up from the 4R36 movement found in the new Monster divers because of its longer, 50-hour power reserve – courtesy of a mainspring thats made out of Seiko’s special Spron 510 alloy."
http://www.ablogtowatch.com/seiko-prospex-scuba-sbdc003-sumo-dive-watch-review/
Posted by: Gary | June 17, 2015 at 04:21 PM
Gary, thanks, I'll paste your comment on my YouTube channel as well.
Posted by: herculodge | June 17, 2015 at 04:44 PM
I've read mixed opinions on the red outline around the white markers on the Black Monster series. Some people call it "blood around the shark's teeth." Me? I like the look. I think the tiny bit of red trim gives serious pop to a dial that can look too austere without it.
Posted by: Angelo | June 18, 2015 at 07:14 AM
(To clarify) I know this isn't a Black Monster----but the use of the red is similar to one of those models. This watch is very impressive Jeff.
Posted by: Angelo | June 18, 2015 at 07:15 AM
Angelo, I'm curious to see how low its price goes on eBay in the next couple of months. It's currently 562. Will it hit 400? We shall see.
Posted by: herculodge | June 19, 2015 at 08:03 AM
Are you staying with the rubber strap on this one? On that Black Monster I purchased recently: I purchased a heavy stainless bracelet for it----haven't had a chance to have it put on yet. My plan is to fit the Black Monster with the stainless link bracelet and use the rubber strap from the Monster for an Invicta Pro Diver I have----that has the same lug width. The Invicta's original silicone strap is actually softer and more comfortable than the Seiko rubber strap----but it's old and starting to fall apart. I'll feel good about getting use from the new Seiko rubber strap after replacing it so quickly with stainless...won't go to waste.
Posted by: Angelo | June 22, 2015 at 05:08 AM
I always prefer stainless steel, but this looks damn good on rubber. SS is more comfortable, but the black shroud might clash with stainless steel. I avoid black PVD because it scratches so easily and you can't buff it out. So unless I'm convinced I can mate it to a 22mm SS, I'll keep the rubber.
Posted by: herculodge | June 22, 2015 at 04:46 PM