Comparing Seiko Tuna and Seiko Sumo

 

 

Comments

[Angelo]

Wow, this is intriguing. Great comparison---and here's my reaction: Looking at the two watches, it's very easy for me, in a split second, to gravitate to the Tuna. Maybe I've been brainwashed by Invicta, but I like watches that make a statement. In the last couple minutes of this video from you, you mention that wearing the Tuna is like "an event" and I understood that the moment you said it----didn't even need an explanation. I have some great everyday watches and then I have some "event" watches and if there is no event, I wear them and feel as though wearing the watch IS the event. Back to the comparison: The Tuna styling stands out and KOs the Sumo. The Tuna size is more to my liking. Bracelet width is better on the Tuna---I find narrower bracelets less comfortable. It's like the Tuna is pitching a shut out until you get to two factors: 1) The Sumo costs half as much and you're still getting a very nice, well crafted watch. 2) The Sumo is an automatic and that alone gives it a higher perceived value. This would be an easy choice if the Tuna had the automatic and the Sumo had the quartz---but the one that costs half as much has the sweep second hand automatic, while the thousand dollar watch goes "tick-tick" and it's a Japanese movement, not even Swiss? If I were buying a watch for the purpose of having reliable time keeping and "fashion/style" wasn't part of it, I'd lean toward the Sumo. As a collector with various watches that already serve that purpose, I'd go for the Tuna instead, for the "event" nature of it. My vote? Tuna. The Sumo looks too ordinary at $500.00 with the bracelet. The Tuna is pricey, but you do get an iconic style that won't be confused with a $75.00 Invicta Pro Diver.

[herculodge]

Good points, Angelo. I'm not surprised to understand the "event" nature of wearing a watch. So now I have 3 quartz Tunas, and part of me wonders if I should sell them to fund the Holy Grail of all Tunas, the SBDB013: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Seiko-SBDB013-Prospex-Marine-Master-Professional-Spring-Drive-/142129045122?hash=item21178d1e82:g:VscAAOSwYIxX6CQ7

[Angelo]

I'm a quantity first watch enthusiast, so I would not sell three spectacular watches for one grail super spectacular watch. That's me. But I do wonder what "Best Offer" that seller would accept. If you ever did this, would you leave it on the rubber dive strap? The size and style of that piece is quite dramatic.

[herculodge]

If I got it, I'd keep it on rubber. I once dropped an Invicta Force Master on leather and broke the crown. Putting on rubber and leather watches is a lot more risky than putting on bracelets. I worry about dropping a 3K watch. For that reason alone, I'd want to put it on a bracelet but the essence of the watch seems like it's more preserved on the rubber. So I'd I have to cradle the watch on my lap and be super careful putting that thing on. Or better yet I could keep it on perpetually and never have to worry about it.

[Dave]

You can get the spring drive for a lot less than that price, email me if you want my guys name. I just got the sbbn025 and the new emperor is next, trying to decide between the gold and black versions, since I already have so many black tunas!

[Steve]

I would pass on the SBDB013. I appreciate what it is but I think the ones you have have a better look/style. There is a lot to be said for the grab and go of the quartz. Also it might just be me but I find watches that have a date at 4:00 a distraction. Almost everyone I have seen the date is not oriented properly so I feel like I have to tilt my head.

[herculodge]

Steve, I was just talking about this same subject with someone else who warned me that the SBDB013 could be pricey to maintain and that my quartz Tunas are more reliable over the long-haul. Plus the quartz Tunas are a more reasonable size. So I'm content with what I have. No SBDB013 for me.

[Bernard Paulsen]

Thank you for the interesting comparison! I have an 8-1/2" wrist and used to be a Panerai guy: 47mm or bust! I since have sold all of my big watches, including a 60mm Zlatoust 191ChS, and kept only my pre-V Panerai at 44mm because I'm emotionally attached to it.

I also sold my last Rolex because I realized that I no longer want to display what has become a status of wealth. I then bought what I thought I would never buy: a G-Shock! First a traditional square, and eventually the most badass watch they make, the original Mudmaster. Despite its size, it wears so comfortably because it hugs the wrist and because it's very light.

That out of the way, since I sold my Rolex, I've been trying to find a watch that can replace it: a daily that is "special" but sturdy. I've bought several watches since, including a Seiko Flightmaster and a Squale 1521, but have not been able to bond with either of them. So now I'm seriously looking into a Tuna, most likely the classic 7549-7010, the original Tuna Can.

Like with G-Shocks, I never thought I would consider a quartz watch, but I have to admit that it has an advantage, more so if you consider the service cost of Rolex or Omega, which can pay for a Tuna watch alone. I really like the monocoque Tunas, but here the issue with sending them in for a battery change arises.

Thanks again!