I doubt that most complaining about the Sumo’s price have ever held one in the steel. Solid as a tank. Beautifully sculpted case. Phenomenal finishing. Better than many Swiss pieces, and that’s coming from someone who’s owned Rolex, Tudor & Girard Perregaux. Yes, Seiko is raising their prices across the board, and that sucks for us. But at the same time, their prices are now more aligned with the pricing strategy of other established brands.
I've never had a Swiss made watch running at +/- 16 seconds per day. My cheap Tissot Gentleman runs at -1 second per day. My others run between +2 to + 9 seconds per day. Everything lines up as well. Seiko has no respect for their customers. They know fan boys will buy them no matter how inaccurate or misaligned their watches are.
I was able to get a Bluemo for about $750 Canadian a few years ago. I somehow put a scratch in the Hardlex and so stopped wearing it. That is until I sent it to Scott at Watchmods and he replaced the Hardlex with sapphire, added a lumed ceramic bezel insert and I added a Strapcode Hexad braclet with 6 micro adjusts. It weighs in at 201grams! I only just noticed that mine has a signed crown. This is a terrific watch, more so with the mods and new bracelet, currently weaing it right now.
My dyslexic ass read Chinese instead of shines and it took me only 3 minutes to figure out that there isn’t a Chinese night club called Chernobyl who advertise with green lights.
I had an original Sumo and I loved it. I really regret selling it. It also tricked me into thinking that I could wear 45mm watches because of those chamfered edges on the back of the case. The old Sumo with the 6R15 movement is thicker than the new one though. It does have a signed crown however.
I've loved Seiko for years like most of us, but their prices are crazy now. A shame as I've always thought the GS's deserved more recognition, bow they have it, I can't afford one at all. It's like you're favourite band getting big
Yes. With this pricing policy... I see at least two of my friends who switched to ChrWard for same price and they are much happier with C60 then with any seikos at least because of "swiss made". I just don't understand why seiko thinks they are now 1st class brand or something like that. I can agree if it's GS, but not this affordable divers made popular by the "great watch for it's money" formula. Now it is not great watch for it's money. Old anecdote: Saturday food market. Two farmers selling potatoes. One have potato that costs $ 1 per kilogram, and the other $ 1 per piece. The buyer asks one: why is your neighbor's potatoes 50 times more expensive? I see no difference! Farmer replies: because he bought a new house and now he really needs money. That's how seiko prices working nowadays.
@@elmatroso7125 True, you're right, Grand Seiko is top notch. I think as far as the standard Seiko brand goes they're beginning to capitalise on their horological history and upping the brand awareness......and the prices. They need to up the Quality Control consistency as well though. This Sumo was +16s, I got one of the newer gen Seiko 5 a couple of weeks ago and I'm getting an extremely good +2s a day, and a perfectly aligned chapter ring! I was lucky, but unfortunately there still is a certain about of luck when you buy a watch. I've just ordered an Orient Tristar for casual wear, so I'll see if I'm lucky again. I don't know how well Orient does in the qc department.
@@brianmsahin No, please don't say that :) Lexus is Toyota for people who like to buy things that have doubled in price just because this store is on the main street :) GS is completely different. GS have soul of the art. But Lexus doesn't.
As much as i love this watch: its in the price area of Yema (despite the horrendous service) and Squale offerings, just to name two competitors - Seiko really have to reconsider their pricing imho.
Love my gen 3 green sumo.....a better looker than the black imo. Mine is running around +3 seconds a day. Get plenty of positive comments when I wear it and I love wearing it, it feels great on wrist and is definitely a keeper for me.
i have a 6 inch flat wrist and the sumo fits perfectly on me. Strange i know, i was surprised too! It really wears a lot smaller than the dimensions suggest
Nice watch. I bought the Seiko black series sumo a few months ago with the same 6R35 movement. The dial is beautiful and the watch is running well. Accuracy is OK for the price. These sumo's are great watches, sapphire glass, made in Japan etc, if you can. get with a decent discount its great value. Nice review!
A friend of mine owns a 2nd gen sumo and I gave it a try. Although humongous, it's surprisingly comfortable on my puny 15cm wrists. The case shape really does give a good wearing experience.
I picked up a 2nd gen JDM “ Blue Coral” SBDC069 last month, mildly used, full set for 400€.. What a watch! Beautiful case, signed crown, mesmerising blue sunburst dial, very accurate, just stunning. I own a Turtle too, by it doesn’t get a lot of wrist time any more...
I am a 6ft 2 inch tall guy with a 20 cm wrist. About 3 months ago I saw the Thongsia Limited Edition , “Hawksbill”, with a brown wave dial and rose gold highlights. I have had a Vietnamese croc strap made that fills the gap and fits my wrist and compliments the coloring. And I find it about 5 seconds fast per day. So a bit pricey , $700 all in, but I am not going to see another. A big hit for me. Great review, Professor.
I love the Seiko Sumo. I have three JDM versions. One is standard blue, one is sunburst blue and one sunburst green. If you don't like the bracelet, I highly recommend Crafterblue rubber straps. They make rubber straps for brand and model specific watches. I have my two Tudor Pelagos both on Crafterblue straps, and I have two of my Seiko Sumo watches on Crafterblue rubber straps. They look great and very comfortable.
As a designer I have say the case is very cleverly designed. Quite unique with the inverted outer bezel edge disappearing into cowlings at the side that stop it being knocked...but open at top and bottom for turning. A hard thing to design. Milled clasp and ceramic bezel....and I'd have one of these.
I have the green MkIII Sumo and love it. Mine runs +5s/day steady and fits perfectly (8" wrist), but the bracelet and clasp don't come up to scratch. Turtle bracelets are not perfect but they fit the case better than the Sumo's. Crafter Blue and Strapdode make much better options, $65US for rubber or $80+ for 316L. I think one of those upgrades is almost a mandatory purchase, so people should consider the extra cost when they get a Sumo. Having said that, it's a fab bit of kit. And you're absolutely right about the old bezel numerals, but the old guard Sumo fans love 'em. Each to their own. EDIT - and if the wonky pip gets too annoying, DLW are making ceramic inserts for the Sumo: everything from stealth to full lume lighthouses.
@@davidgonzalezc.9307 No, out of the box it was +15 for the first day, then settled at +5. 18 months since purchase and it's about +10. My timegrapher is buried in a cabinet behind a pile of craft materials and junk though, so the latest number is a bit fuzzy.
I have one of these en route and bought a strapcode as soon as the deal went through for the watch. I particularly don't like this clasp. I might give it a shot with an aftermarket clasp tho.
Take a seiko 5, slap on a bezel, ruin the sleek profile with the ridiculous oversize off set crown which was added so you can grip it through your diver glove while at 200 meters so you can let in some lubricating water. Then it's off to the grinder where we added some wierd angles and if you look closely you can see the our pantented multi finnish, finnish, half polished and brushed some around the edge on the same angle. Add a chinese bracelet, and you're ready for this boat anchor to tow you straight to the bottom.
I think with Seikos under a certain price point, a lot of people who know about their proclivities regarding the straps and clasps they use would change them out anyway.
@@robertnorris8367 Those frickin' 1 giant link shaped like 3 links type bracelets are the worst. But they're hamstrung by their business model. Factory ➡️ Distribution ➡️ Retailer ➡️ Consumer That's - at the ᴠᴇʀʏ ʟᴇᴀsᴛ - 1 extra layer of 'margin' in the increasingly predominant digital market. Long Island, San Martin etc. catch shit for copying Seiko, but why wouldn't they? My $300AUD SM Willard is every bit as good as my mates ~$1K AUD Seiko Willard...better if you prefer the 'OG' Willard case design and/or your Seiko has alignment issues! But then they drop the Alpinist, or the 62MAS inspired SPB143J - just beautiful and well spec'd watches, that can always be picked up at 30-40% below retail if you wait... So I can never simply say f#%k Seiko! 🤷♂️
I was lucky to pick up a double discount on a green sumo just before Christmas, so paid just £444, but like you say straps are nonsense on this watch which is shame. Nato/single pass/marine nationale are ok but its a heavy watch to hang on a 1mm thick piece of fabric
I was tossing up between one of these and a transocean. However, date position on it is terrible. Maybe the sumo is better but with an additional strap code hexad bracelet.
I'm in the King Samurai wish list mode at the minute and the bracelet looks horrible for the price of it. The Sumo looks even worse at a grand. Alot of people swear by Strapcode as a replacement. I don't know much about Strapcode to be honest. That Pip would bug me forever and a day.
Thanks Jody you just saved me buying this thinking I could pop it on another strap. I love the look of the Sumo and I'm certainly (unfortunately) a big enough guy for this beast. If only Seiko would make a fitted rubber band like Deep Blue do.
I really like the dial. The index at 12 looks great with the second hand sitting in the gap, and I love the hand set. A really impressive dial set is let down by the usual Seiko seikoness. I'd still rather a Gin Clear.
I love the names of these watches as much as the watch itself. Nothing like being able to say you've got a samurai or a sumo on your wrist. Now all we're missing is a model called the ninja or, more accurately, the shinobi.
I agree, the case is amazing but their bracelets are not up to the same level. Plus for 750 AUD you can buy a Tissot with the powermatic 80 which in my experience runs +/- 3 seconds
Totally agree about the smaller bezel numbers, the larger numbers made it look a bit toy like. This looks much more classy. But, pressed clasp, misaligned lume pip, terrible timegrapher figures for that amount of money is unforgivable! You can see why some people would rather buy a decent homage!
I'd love to see you gets you hands on one of the Seiko Sportura GMT Models (SUN015, 017, 025). I know it's a kinetic watch but trust me, the finishing and quality of the case and bracelet is so overlooked. I just picked one up and I'm blown away. Sapphire Crystal, screw down crown, beautiful finishing, high quality bracelet, milled clasp. True GMT as well. Seriously. Best bang for you buck, and I love the kinetic movement.
Lovely watch, I picked one up in 2019 and put it straight on an uncle seiko bracelet. The watch wears really well and very comfortable. Excellent review mate
I have the black ltd edition Sumo. Nice watch, well finished for the money and I can't complain about the bracelet as mine is on the silicon rubber (but let's be honest Seiko don't do bracelets do they). No my only complaint is the 6R35 movt. Mine tends to run 20 secs plus a day fast, not impressed. If only Seiko would regulate their cheaper movements to tighter tolerances. Surely it would be a no brainer. A few tweaks to the 4r and 6r movements and I'm sure they could get close to COSC standards. Am I thinking totally out of the box or am I just being daft?
It is mad how much more value Orients have now compared to Seiko in the value range. My last two Seikos I sent back, one for bad alignment, the other for a stuck bezel, both brand new from AD's. My first nice watches were Seikos in the 80's and 90's and the quality was better, I still have them. I am all in on Orients now.
12:35 I agree about the look. A while ago i bought a chinese watch case to build a lookalike of a Tudor i can't afford and this watch case has TWO sets of holes on either side! With a bracelet i use the outer holes and in case i want to wear it on a nato i use the inner/upper holes for a smoother look. Maybe you can find a watchmaker who drills a second set of holes, i would just not recommend to drill them all the way through the lugs as that would certainly kill the look. Nice watch though and no problem on my 7 1/4" wrist. Thumbs up for the watch and your review!
I bought the Seiko hulk for 17,900thb (750Aud) and I love it. Accurate to 9 seconds a day which is ok, very well made the the 70 hrs power reserve is great for when I take it off for a day or two. It sits on my wrist ok and I have 6.8” wrists.
I never considered it before, until I stumbled upon my SBDC069 locally for a fair price. I found Bruce Williams’ raving review, and I quickly picked it up. The Sumo really looks impressive to me, even with the ‘ NASCAR’ bezel font. The way the case flows, the contrast between polished and finely brushed parts, the signed crown, the slightly domed crystal, giving nice distortion under certain angles, the engraved caseback ( vs. Laser-etched), it all adds up to a very cool looking watch. The Sumo design is pure genius.
Nice review. I actually have a 6.7" wrist and love this watch. Due to the sharp drop and curve it fits well on smaller wrists. A talent of Seiko. I also believe diving and pilot watches should be bigger, but that's my taste
Have a Steel Dive Sumo and an Original Seiko Sumo. The Steel Dive is good, but has much lower quality, finishing and movement though. The Sumo is well worth it’s price.
Yup. And the 4R movement they'd put into it would almost certainly perform better. I've seen a number of videos where the 6R35 accuracy in various (expensive) Seikos is just unimpressive.
I bought the addiesdive version and its great. I think the addies version actually has a better bracelet fitting on the lugs and with a lovely sapphire glass and nh35 movement its really nice
I can't justify the price for this new Sumo, but the old blue Sumo however (or Blumo how everyone else calls it, SBDC033) is a better value proposition if you can find one at around 350-400$. The big numerals on the its bezel were not to my pleasing initially, but then they grew on me and I've come to consider this as a definitive trait of the Sumo. The fact that Seiko redesigned the bezel, in my opinion it makes the Sumo just another diver watch. The old bezel with big numerals was something of a signature for the Sumo. As for the fact that they slapped a sapphire crystal and a movement with a bigger power reserve, don't justify that price increase. The movement isn't actually better than the old 6R15, it just has 20h more of PR, which I frankly didn't need in the first place since 6R15 already had 50h of PR. Anyways, I like the Sumo for its case finishing and for the fact that despite its big size, it wears really, really well.
I totally agree about the big numbers. I liked it right away. I have a gen 2. I enjoyed the large numbers right away. I am not into traditional divers. This is the only one in my collection. Ashame the price is so much now. I will never sell my Blumo.
750 AUS is the equivalent of 420 GBP and i think that's ok for this watch. jewellers prices in the UK seem to be the same as you've found - around 750GBP / 1340 AUS and that's way too much.
I had the original sumo, exactly same as new vision except without the "X" logo and with signed crown. Even though it's a bit big for my taste now, I still love it especially I only paid HK$1800 (around USD$230) for used at that moment.
There's such a price jump to get from a cheapo Seiko to get to a really nice one (which are way too pricy now). This feels like the middle ground... but not pumped about it. I like the dial and bezel look of it. But not the case, nor the bracelet. Think i'll keep wearing my SKX007 and be happy with it. Still the goldilocks of price and specs. just right :)
I agree. I enjoy my SKX (which with the mods I've made is probably the same total price as a discounted Sumo...) and Samurai, but just can't get excited about anything other than the 8L marinemaster or maybe the spring drive tuna. I'd love for them to start using the 8L more of their new releases. The 6R35 just doesn't do a lot of them justice and I still see it as only just equal to a 2824 (better PR, worse positional error, good if regulated) while the 8L is a step above the 2892 imo. Sadly all of the GS divers are both enormous and hideous, fantastic finishing can't cover up the terrible aesthetic choices with those abominations.
Thank you very much Jody for bringing to us this very nice japanese piece. Sincerely I consider this as a very atractive and a dressy horology piece as well, but I'm a bit dissapointed with its accuracy and second, with this crazy policy the brand is using face to its commercialization. In a brand like this I could not expect it. Anyway, I still consider this as a good choice and a very affordable item, for 700$ it is. Thank you one more time for your precious effort. Saludos!!!
I've often wished that I had a bigger wrist because I would collect every seiko diver going. Love my skx on my 6.5" wrist and I'm considering other seiko divers. Maybe the mm 200 sbdc187?
So Jody you must try the crafter blue rubber strap on your sumo, I have a seven and three quarters wrist and i wear it loose when just bopping around then one notch up when things get serious , but when wearing it loose it is just amazing it just kinda stays right side up and just floats there and the integration of the strap covers the gap and fits very tight against the case so it doesn't pull away from the case when flexing the strap in or out, some people don't like the keeper because it is metal but I like it think it gives it a bit of flash anyway check it out , as always keep up the great job
I have the Anthracite dial Sumo and I love it! I improved the stock bracelet with a fully milled clasp, from Ali Express for US$4.72. I also purchased a Beads of Rice from Uncle straps, and 2 fitted rubber straps from Crafter Blue. So the Sumo has plenty of nice shoes in its closet! 😂
Got mine for $840 cad last year (20%off msrp) and love it. Only complaint is the not so smooth crown and how it only takes 3/4 of a turn to unscrew/screw in
Hello great review. The black and green versions for this watch now sell for $670 AUD at some of the online sellers. What is your opinion of the Sumo Noosa it has a blue black dial with yellow/orange hands. The retail price is $1500 but you can find them on line now for $1100. They are limited to 1000 and come with a extra rubber strap. Do you think the Noosa is a good deal or would you go for the basic black or green version at 60% of the price of the limited edition.
I have the sbdc033, Blumo a second generation Sumo. Mine does have a signed crown . I prefer the first and second generation Sumo. As far as alternative straps crafter blue makes a rubber strap that fits the Sumo perfectly. Nice watch you have and thanks for sharing.
I just recently got the Black Sumo Solar Chrono LE. I paid $1000 aud and worth every penny. It’s currently running within two seconds a month. And looks a million bucks on a nato.
Owned it for a month, wanted to like it but didn’t. Bezel action was very poor, chronograph is unusable, as it maxes out at 1hour. Lume is poor, and the case is slightly different to the regular Sumo, so strapcode bracelets won’t fit. Replaced it with a 2nd gen blue coral JDM Sumo, impressive watch, no comparison to the solar version.
@@e28forever30 man I love those blue coral watches. The Monster is great too. You’re right about the chrono but for me I rarely time anything over an hour, that’s what my G Shock is for.
I doubt this will ever happen - it would cannibalize a ton of their other, more expensive Prospex dive models... The mere existence of a 3rd gen. Sumo is, IMHO, already a bit of an oddity given Seiko’s strategy to move upmarket.
I've just bought one of these 2nd hand, and I'm picking it up tomorrow. I already have a Sumo 'Hulk' and it's a great watch. There are a few things that you mention in the review that do bug me too though. The bracelet. I don't keep any of the OEM bracelets on my Seikos, and Orients. Strapcode has got a fair chunk of money off me over the last couple of years. Completely worth it to put these watches on a much better bracelet, with a much better fit to the case too. I have a green NATO on my Sumo 'Hulk', which looks really nice. As well as a Crafter Blue fitted rubber strap that I use on it too. But, as you mentioned, that gap between the lugs and the case is far too big. It definitely limits strap options to use on the watch. Which is a shame. I'm really keen on seeing the matte dial on this one though. It's a great looking watch, and having a 7.75 inch wrist, it's very wearable for me.
Thanks Jody. I have the green one. Mine's on the edge of spec at about +25 SPD but otherwise it's a great watch. Crafter Blue makes a great rubber strap for it as well. Keep the reviews coming!
Luv the T-shirt 😎😂. Would I pick up a Sumo if I just need a bomb proof daily diver beater? 🤔 not sure, it’s a bit of a half way house when it comes to price. I’ve sort of settled into cheap everyday beater Diver and Doxa for best.
The Sumo looks and wears a little bigger than the MM300, but is still very comfortable and looks fantastic. Also, get a Crafter Blue fitted rubber strap, it is a perfect fit for this watch.
Hi Jody... so I’ve always liked the sumo and I particularly like this one because of… How did you put it?… The last version had a cartoonish basil! I agree totally and that’s what stopped me from purchasing one… Please please please look at the San Martin sumo homage that just recently came out… I saw a review on it and I have to say that I think it’s better than this one at $210 US...Would you please get one to do a comparison before you flip that one because I know you’re not going to keep it!
Haaa cmon the lume pip ... *Gloowing like a Chernobyl nightclub* That's legendary :D It seems the 4R is better then 6R. I saw many +2 sec/day / less the 0.2 beat errror 4R. 6R is all over the place .. Maybe on a Marine Nationale strap??
Thank you so much for your video. I pulled the trigger on getting the green sumo with lingering doubts about its size. I have 6.75 size wrist and it suits perfect. 🎉
I really like the look of these Prospex watches, particularly the Samurai. However, I cannot get over the lack of quality control, the cheap bracelets, timekeeping and most importantly , what Seiko are asking for them. I picked up a Citizen BJ7111-51M Super titanium GMT about a month ago in a sale for £250, incredible spec with a 6 year guarantee at about half the price of the Seikos. Sadly, I just cannot make a case for a Seiko given my points above. Great video as usual Jodie.
Great content. Any reason some will have a printed white frame around the date complication at 3 o’clock and some don’t have a white printed frame? Referring to black and green dial variants. Thanks
I had a choice at Christmas this year between a sumo and a monster, or the tuna sbb031. I went for the tuna as this is my ( to use the oft over used term) grail watch, and was not disappointed. In the end it came down to cost as I picked up the 031 for less than 800usd, but the sumo is still a fabulous watch but the prices here in the uk seem to be overly high. Will this still be in your collection at the end of the year?
Very interesting watch piece Jody. If I were to get an chunky boi though with almost similar size and price, the Certina Action Diver Powermatic 80 seems to draw me more.
I picked up a new turtle over the sumo I quite liked the green one with the black bezel and don't have to worry about a pressed clasp with a rubber strap
Will the aluminum bezel become discolored over time? Please give an answer immediately. The discount is about to end. I will buy according to your answer
Makes me think how crucial of a feature originally for me was that the SKX had a matte dial, painted markers, an aluminium bezel and that ISO rating with it's individual testing, it's "visible in the dark" bezel pip and "indication that the watch is running", i.e. a lumed second hand, and all that. The SKX was old, goofy, curvy but boxy, awkward but flashy with it's odd swoopy and bulbous case contrasting weirdly with it's flat bezel and insert and flat crystal, and that blingy, chintzy bracelet failing against the rattle and jangle of the clasp and end links... But it had purpose right where it counted: That dial, those hands, that bezel insert - they just did what they should. It had been designed and tested to do what it was supposed to do - and be weird doing it. In other words "it had it where it counted." I wonder if we loved the SKX because it reminded us that you can be totally weird and awkward and financially meager, but you can still be effective, purposeful, and unique at the same time? This is what the 5KX no longer has. It's still weird amd awkward - how could you not be with that case design - but form and function has been shifted out of balance. The combination is no longer there. The Mini Turtle mentioned. Great watch it seems: Sapphire, better movement, the right size... But is it weird enough? The colours are as sombre as the tombstones, the bracelet as normal as your cereal bowl. The Samurai featured. Now we're talking! Looks like a Japanese helmet from the side, has weird sword hands... It always left me wanting for just that extra bit of weirdness. It was just slightly too coherent a design. It's gorgeously angular, precise, and even unique. All it needed was a few parts to inexplicably be bulgy or curvy or molten or just something even some suitably odd colours, to push it over the edge of weirdness. With all this in mind I go to this review of the Sumo. So far it always struck me as just big, too big. But on side view I'm beginning to like it. The bezel insert is flat and angular, the case curvature round and swoopy, the bracelet, while plain and ordinary, at least is weird in being way too narrow for the watch. Also, that bezel is too wide, and the whole thing is too big. I'm beginning to like it. Damn.
I have always loved the Sumo (have a 2nd gen Blumo). The only issue is for the upgrades (better movement, etc) and downgrades (no signed crown), it is not worth the extra price vs the previous. I bought the previous on the higher end at $475 (seen as low as $425 back then).
I doubt that most complaining about the Sumo’s price have ever held one in the steel. Solid as a tank. Beautifully sculpted case. Phenomenal finishing. Better than many Swiss pieces, and that’s coming from someone who’s owned Rolex, Tudor & Girard Perregaux. Yes, Seiko is raising their prices across the board, and that sucks for us. But at the same time, their prices are now more aligned with the pricing strategy of other established brands.
Most complaining about the price are guys that pay the same amount on 5 shitty microbrand-watches.
Bought it today. Black.
I have this exact watch. The case is remarkable, truly iconic
I've never had a Swiss made watch running at +/- 16 seconds per day. My cheap Tissot Gentleman runs at -1 second per day. My others run between +2 to + 9 seconds per day. Everything lines up as well. Seiko has no respect for their customers. They know fan boys will buy them no matter how inaccurate or misaligned their watches are.
@@JosephONeal-d3t you’re completely right on accuracy! No arguments there.
I was able to get a Bluemo for about $750 Canadian a few years ago. I somehow put a scratch in the Hardlex and so stopped wearing it. That is until I sent it to Scott at Watchmods and he replaced the Hardlex with sapphire, added a lumed ceramic bezel insert and I added a Strapcode Hexad braclet with 6 micro adjusts. It weighs in at 201grams! I only just noticed that mine has a signed crown. This is a terrific watch, more so with the mods and new bracelet, currently weaing it right now.
I love the Sumo PADI out of the Sumo series. So clean and striking
"Shines like a Chernobyl night club" 🤣🤣🤣
Awesome Jody quote!
It really does.
Lume on my 2nd gen is really strong, it is even visible during daytime.
My dyslexic ass read Chinese instead of shines and it took me only 3 minutes to figure out that there isn’t a Chinese night club called Chernobyl who advertise with green lights.
I had an original Sumo and I loved it. I really regret selling it. It also tricked me into thinking that I could wear 45mm watches because of those chamfered edges on the back of the case.
The old Sumo with the 6R15 movement is thicker than the new one though. It does have a signed crown however.
The Sumo is a modern classic. A unique new design in a sea of vintage inspired.
I've loved Seiko for years like most of us, but their prices are crazy now.
A shame as I've always thought the GS's deserved more recognition, bow they have it, I can't afford one at all. It's like you're favourite band getting big
Yes. With this pricing policy... I see at least two of my friends who switched to ChrWard for same price and they are much happier with C60 then with any seikos at least because of "swiss made". I just don't understand why seiko thinks they are now 1st class brand or something like that. I can agree if it's GS, but not this affordable divers made popular by the "great watch for it's money" formula. Now it is not great watch for it's money. Old anecdote: Saturday food market. Two farmers selling potatoes. One have potato that costs $ 1 per kilogram, and the other $ 1 per piece. The buyer asks one: why is your neighbor's potatoes 50 times more expensive? I see no difference! Farmer replies: because he bought a new house and now he really needs money. That's how seiko prices working nowadays.
Very true. I suppose Grand Seiko is like the Lexus is to the Toyota.
Couldn't agree with you more 👍
@@elmatroso7125 True, you're right, Grand Seiko is top notch. I think as far as the standard Seiko brand goes they're beginning to capitalise on their horological history and upping the brand awareness......and the prices. They need to up the Quality Control consistency as well though. This Sumo was +16s, I got one of the newer gen Seiko 5 a couple of weeks ago and I'm getting an extremely good +2s a day, and a perfectly aligned chapter ring! I was lucky, but unfortunately there still is a certain about of luck when you buy a watch. I've just ordered an Orient Tristar for casual wear, so I'll see if I'm lucky again. I don't know how well Orient does in the qc department.
@@brianmsahin No, please don't say that :) Lexus is Toyota for people who like to buy things that have doubled in price just because this store is on the main street :) GS is completely different. GS have soul of the art. But Lexus doesn't.
I love the sumo I really think this should be called the baby marinemaster they look so close to each other. But the sumo is worth every dollar
As much as i love this watch: its in the price area of Yema (despite the horrendous service) and Squale offerings, just to name two competitors - Seiko really have to reconsider their pricing imho.
Love my gen 3 green sumo.....a better looker than the black imo.
Mine is running around +3 seconds a day. Get plenty of positive comments when I wear it
and I love wearing it, it feels great on wrist and is definitely a keeper for me.
Im bidding for green now ) Great color. Please, advise if they really need servicing every 3 years? My PAM runs 9 already quite well without opening.
@denist7085 you should get well over 5 years good operation before requiring a service.
i have a 6 inch flat wrist and the sumo fits perfectly on me. Strange i know, i was surprised too! It really wears a lot smaller than the dimensions suggest
No matter how flat your wrist are . Under 7inch wear wear 41 42 look like a kid
Nice watch. I bought the Seiko black series sumo a few months ago with the same 6R35 movement. The dial is beautiful and the watch is running well. Accuracy is OK for the price. These sumo's are great watches, sapphire glass, made in Japan etc, if you can. get with a decent discount its great value. Nice review!
A friend of mine owns a 2nd gen sumo and I gave it a try. Although humongous, it's surprisingly comfortable on my puny 15cm wrists. The case shape really does give a good wearing experience.
I picked up a 2nd gen JDM “ Blue Coral” SBDC069 last month, mildly used, full set for 400€..
What a watch!
Beautiful case, signed crown, mesmerising blue sunburst dial, very accurate, just stunning.
I own a Turtle too, by it doesn’t get a lot of wrist time any more...
I am a 6ft 2 inch tall guy with a 20 cm wrist. About 3 months ago I saw the Thongsia Limited Edition , “Hawksbill”, with a brown wave dial and rose gold highlights. I have had a Vietnamese croc strap made that fills the gap and fits my wrist and compliments the coloring. And I find it about 5 seconds fast per day. So a bit pricey , $700 all in, but I am not going to see another. A big hit for me. Great review, Professor.
I love the Seiko Sumo. I have three JDM versions. One is standard blue, one is sunburst blue and one sunburst green. If you don't like the bracelet, I highly recommend Crafterblue rubber straps. They make rubber straps for brand and model specific watches. I have my two Tudor Pelagos both on Crafterblue straps, and I have two of my Seiko Sumo watches on Crafterblue rubber straps. They look great and very comfortable.
As a designer I have say the case is very cleverly designed. Quite unique with the inverted outer bezel edge disappearing into cowlings at the side that stop it being knocked...but open at top and bottom for turning. A hard thing to design. Milled clasp and ceramic bezel....and I'd have one of these.
they now sell these with a milled clasp and ceramic bezel. the SPB321J1 and the SPB323J1
I have the green MkIII Sumo and love it. Mine runs +5s/day steady and fits perfectly (8" wrist), but the bracelet and clasp don't come up to scratch. Turtle bracelets are not perfect but they fit the case better than the Sumo's. Crafter Blue and Strapdode make much better options, $65US for rubber or $80+ for 316L. I think one of those upgrades is almost a mandatory purchase, so people should consider the extra cost when they get a Sumo. Having said that, it's a fab bit of kit.
And you're absolutely right about the old bezel numerals, but the old guard Sumo fans love 'em. Each to their own.
EDIT - and if the wonky pip gets too annoying, DLW are making ceramic inserts for the Sumo: everything from stealth to full lume lighthouses.
mine runs +35 s/d 1 year old. did you have yours regulated?
@@davidgonzalezc.9307 No, out of the box it was +15 for the first day, then settled at +5. 18 months since purchase and it's about +10. My timegrapher is buried in a cabinet behind a pile of craft materials and junk though, so the latest number is a bit fuzzy.
sumo with a grafter blue strap trans forms the sumo to another level 👍
If you can handle the casio duro size , the sumo wears smaller....i wear mine on a 6.5 inch wrist and no probs at all. Most g shocks are bigger too
Seiko really needs to up their bracelet game.
YES!! I'd choose that over sapphire crystals if it came down to it. If San Martin can offer better bracelets for sub-$300 watches, why can't Seiko?
@@BetamaxBabe for $1000 bucks you shouldn't have to choose between sapphire and a nice bracelet.
@@jodysilvia2 Very true!
Nothing wrong with this bracelet. Does the job.
I have one of these en route and bought a strapcode as soon as the deal went through for the watch. I particularly don't like this clasp. I might give it a shot with an aftermarket clasp tho.
Take a seiko 5, slap on a bezel, ruin the sleek profile with the ridiculous oversize off set crown which was added so you can grip it through your diver glove while at 200 meters so you can let in some lubricating water. Then it's off to the grinder where we added some wierd angles and if you look closely you can see the our pantented multi finnish, finnish, half polished and brushed some around the edge on the same angle. Add a chinese bracelet, and you're ready for this boat anchor to tow you straight to the bottom.
Surely they could’ve soaked a milled clasp!!
You would have thought so eh? Those damned dividends.....
I think with Seikos under a certain price point, a lot of people who know about their proclivities regarding the straps and clasps they use would change them out anyway.
@@robertnorris8367
Those frickin' 1 giant link shaped like 3 links type bracelets are the worst.
But they're hamstrung by their business model.
Factory ➡️ Distribution ➡️ Retailer ➡️ Consumer
That's - at the ᴠᴇʀʏ ʟᴇᴀsᴛ - 1 extra layer of 'margin' in the increasingly predominant digital market.
Long Island, San Martin etc. catch shit for copying Seiko, but why wouldn't they? My $300AUD SM Willard is every bit as good as my mates ~$1K AUD Seiko Willard...better if you prefer the 'OG' Willard case design and/or your Seiko has alignment issues!
But then they drop the Alpinist, or the 62MAS inspired SPB143J - just beautiful and well spec'd watches, that can always be picked up at 30-40% below retail if you wait... So I can never simply say f#%k Seiko! 🤷♂️
I was lucky to pick up a double discount on a green sumo just before Christmas, so paid just £444, but like you say straps are nonsense on this watch which is shame. Nato/single pass/marine nationale are ok but its a heavy watch to hang on a 1mm thick piece of fabric
I’d love to visit the factory and see how those things are made.
I was tossing up between one of these and a transocean. However, date position on it is terrible.
Maybe the sumo is better but with an additional strap code hexad bracelet.
Press clasp for 1k yuk
Strapcode needs to make a living you know.
I'm in the King Samurai wish list mode at the minute and the bracelet looks horrible for the price of it. The Sumo looks even worse at a grand. Alot of people swear by Strapcode as a replacement. I don't know much about Strapcode to be honest. That Pip would bug me forever and a day.
I don’t own any Seiko, micro brands offer more
@@kevinr206can you name a few?
Love my old Blumo, I don't wear it enough. This Sumo wears great on a crafter blue rubber strap imo
Bit too big for me 6.5 inch wrist. It’s a cracking looking watch though.
Great review! The Sumo is imbued with dark magic. I have a 6.25 inch wrist and it fits just as well on my wrist as it does on yours!
Thanks Jody you just saved me buying this thinking I could pop it on another strap. I love the look of the Sumo and I'm certainly (unfortunately) a big enough guy for this beast. If only Seiko would make a fitted rubber band like Deep Blue do.
Strapcode sells these
I really like the dial. The index at 12 looks great with the second hand sitting in the gap, and I love the hand set. A really impressive dial set is let down by the usual Seiko seikoness. I'd still rather a Gin Clear.
I love the names of these watches as much as the watch itself. Nothing like being able to say you've got a samurai or a sumo on your wrist. Now all we're missing is a model called the ninja or, more accurately, the shinobi.
70h power reserve is a very good improvement on the 4r. Really like the curves on that case, almost reminds me of the Speedy casing
Yes, the lugs have a Speedy look, noticed that too.
I agree, the case is amazing but their bracelets are not up to the same level. Plus for 750 AUD you can buy a Tissot with the powermatic 80 which in my experience runs +/- 3 seconds
Totally agree about the smaller bezel numbers, the larger numbers made it look a bit toy like. This looks much more classy. But, pressed clasp, misaligned lume pip, terrible timegrapher figures for that amount of money is unforgivable! You can see why some people would rather buy a decent homage!
I’ve got the one with the signed crown I think it must be a early addition, it wears well on a nato strap as well , great watch
I'd love to see you gets you hands on one of the Seiko Sportura GMT Models (SUN015, 017, 025). I know it's a kinetic watch but trust me, the finishing and quality of the case and bracelet is so overlooked. I just picked one up and I'm blown away.
Sapphire Crystal, screw down crown, beautiful finishing, high quality bracelet, milled clasp. True GMT as well. Seriously. Best bang for you buck, and I love the kinetic movement.
Lovely watch, I picked one up in 2019 and put it straight on an uncle seiko bracelet. The watch wears really well and very comfortable. Excellent review mate
I have the black ltd edition Sumo. Nice watch, well finished for the money and I can't complain about the bracelet as mine is on the silicon rubber (but let's be honest Seiko don't do bracelets do they). No my only complaint is the 6R35 movt. Mine tends to run 20 secs plus a day fast, not impressed. If only Seiko would regulate their cheaper movements to tighter tolerances. Surely it would be a no brainer. A few tweaks to the 4r and 6r movements and I'm sure they could get close to COSC standards. Am I thinking totally out of the box or am I just being daft?
I wear my Sumos on nato straps, and the black Sumo is a real nato strap monster!
Yup, me too, got a grey dial JDM Sumo with orange second hand worn on a colour coded NATO - looks great as no gap between strap and watch head.....
Get a Crafter Blue customized for SUMOs. You’ll thank me later!😎🤪
It is mad how much more value Orients have now compared to Seiko in the value range. My last two Seikos I sent back, one for bad alignment, the other for a stuck bezel, both brand new from AD's. My first nice watches were Seikos in the 80's and 90's and the quality was better, I still have them. I am all in on Orients now.
yeh I have a samuria with a stuck bezel and it pisses me off
12:35 I agree about the look. A while ago i bought a chinese watch case to build a lookalike of a Tudor i can't afford and this watch case has TWO sets of holes on either side!
With a bracelet i use the outer holes and in case i want to wear it on a nato i use the inner/upper holes for a smoother look.
Maybe you can find a watchmaker who drills a second set of holes, i would just not recommend to drill them all the way through the lugs as that would certainly kill the look.
Nice watch though and no problem on my 7 1/4" wrist. Thumbs up for the watch and your review!
I bought the Seiko hulk for 17,900thb (750Aud) and I love it. Accurate to 9 seconds a day which is ok, very well made the the 70 hrs power reserve is great for when I take it off for a day or two. It sits on my wrist ok and I have 6.8” wrists.
I’d never considered the Sumo until this video. Love that case design!
I own one. Its a beautiful watch , the bracelet is kind of crappy though
I never considered it before, until I stumbled upon my SBDC069 locally for a fair price.
I found Bruce Williams’ raving review, and I quickly picked it up.
The Sumo really looks impressive to me, even with the ‘ NASCAR’ bezel font.
The way the case flows, the contrast between polished and finely brushed parts, the signed crown, the slightly domed crystal, giving nice distortion under certain angles, the engraved caseback ( vs. Laser-etched), it all adds up to a very cool looking watch.
The Sumo design is pure genius.
The shirt wins again. 😂👏
Nice review. I actually have a 6.7" wrist and love this watch. Due to the sharp drop and curve it fits well on smaller wrists. A talent of Seiko. I also believe diving and pilot watches should be bigger, but that's my taste
Very good. I have 7 inch wrist not round. I am ready to place an order but little confuse about its size.
Honestly, I’d be more likely to buy the Steeldive homage to it. Good quality for a fraction of the price.
You're absolutely right!
Proxima's version seems also not a bad choice.
Have a Steel Dive Sumo and an Original Seiko Sumo. The Steel Dive is good, but has much lower quality, finishing and movement though. The Sumo is well worth it’s price.
Yup. And the 4R movement they'd put into it would almost certainly perform better. I've seen a number of videos where the 6R35 accuracy in various (expensive) Seikos is just unimpressive.
I bought the addiesdive version and its great. I think the addies version actually has a better bracelet fitting on the lugs and with a lovely sapphire glass and nh35 movement its really nice
I can't justify the price for this new Sumo, but the old blue Sumo however (or Blumo how everyone else calls it, SBDC033) is a better value proposition if you can find one at around 350-400$. The big numerals on the its bezel were not to my pleasing initially, but then they grew on me and I've come to consider this as a definitive trait of the Sumo.
The fact that Seiko redesigned the bezel, in my opinion it makes the Sumo just another diver watch. The old bezel with big numerals was something of a signature for the Sumo. As for the fact that they slapped a sapphire crystal and a movement with a bigger power reserve, don't justify that price increase. The movement isn't actually better than the old 6R15, it just has 20h more of PR, which I frankly didn't need in the first place since 6R15 already had 50h of PR.
Anyways, I like the Sumo for its case finishing and for the fact that despite its big size, it wears really, really well.
I totally agree about the big numbers. I liked it right away. I have a gen 2. I enjoyed the large numbers right away. I am not into traditional divers. This is the only one in my collection. Ashame the price is so much now. I will never sell my Blumo.
750 AUS is the equivalent of 420 GBP and i think that's ok for this watch. jewellers prices in the UK seem to be the same as you've found - around 750GBP / 1340 AUS and that's way too much.
Looks like it should fit my 8 1/2” wrist about right! Great review as always Jody!!!
Ha
I just picked up the Addiesdive homage of this, so it should be interesting to compare and contrast!
I'll be interested in that - looking to pick up the Addies Tuna in the next Aliexpress sale.
@@karlsenula9495 I'll be unboxing mine this Saturday!
I'd buy that in a heartbeat if it didn't come on such a narrow bracelet. But, it's a homage so I can't blame Addies for that.
It will probably be better.
@@TheWatchtowerWatchReviews can you make me a channel logo like yours please
I had the original sumo, exactly same as new vision except without the "X" logo and with signed crown. Even though it's a bit big for my taste now, I still love it especially I only paid HK$1800 (around USD$230) for used at that moment.
There's such a price jump to get from a cheapo Seiko to get to a really nice one (which are way too pricy now). This feels like the middle ground... but not pumped about it. I like the dial and bezel look of it. But not the case, nor the bracelet. Think i'll keep wearing my SKX007 and be happy with it. Still the goldilocks of price and specs. just right :)
I agree. I enjoy my SKX (which with the mods I've made is probably the same total price as a discounted Sumo...) and Samurai, but just can't get excited about anything other than the 8L marinemaster or maybe the spring drive tuna. I'd love for them to start using the 8L more of their new releases. The 6R35 just doesn't do a lot of them justice and I still see it as only just equal to a 2824 (better PR, worse positional error, good if regulated) while the 8L is a step above the 2892 imo. Sadly all of the GS divers are both enormous and hideous, fantastic finishing can't cover up the terrible aesthetic choices with those abominations.
Your t-shirt is glorious. I love the watch, but the price (the "regular" price) is a bit high...
Great watch! I have the green Sumo and absolutely love it!
Crafter blue makes a fitted rubber strap that fits perfectly...no gaps. I also have the militat strapcode bracelets that are the perfect upgrade.
The Seiko 20mm silicone strap works perfectly on this watch.
I got my Greenmo for 575$ (discounted Ofcourse)at retail and couldn't be happier, my daily and only watch at the moment. Love it!
Thank you very much Jody for bringing to us this very nice japanese piece. Sincerely I consider this as a very atractive and a dressy horology piece as well, but I'm a bit dissapointed with its accuracy and second, with this crazy policy the brand is using face to its commercialization. In a brand like this I could not expect it. Anyway, I still consider this as a good choice and a very affordable item, for 700$ it is.
Thank you one more time for your precious effort.
Saludos!!!
I've often wished that I had a bigger wrist because I would collect every seiko diver going. Love my skx on my 6.5" wrist and I'm considering other seiko divers. Maybe the mm 200 sbdc187?
I love the case Symmetry though, very unique! Ugh but 45mm and 51 lug to lug😞. Once again a 39 would be perfect! Also the price is absurd.
So Jody you must try the crafter blue rubber strap on your sumo, I have a seven and three quarters wrist and i wear it loose when just bopping around then one notch up when things get serious , but when wearing it loose it is just amazing it just kinda stays right side up and just floats there and the integration of the strap covers the gap and fits very tight against the case so it doesn't pull away from the case when flexing the strap in or out, some people don't like the keeper because it is metal but I like it think it gives it a bit of flash anyway check it out , as always keep up the great job
This specific watch works really well on the crafter blue rubber strap made for this model, in black.
NATO strap works perfectly on these so you aren’t stuck with the bracelet and they don’t leave a gap.
For a strap option, check out the Helm canvas. They are chunky and would fill more of that case/lug gap for sure.
I have the Anthracite dial Sumo and I love it! I improved the stock bracelet with a fully milled clasp, from Ali Express for US$4.72. I also purchased a Beads of Rice from Uncle straps, and 2 fitted rubber straps from Crafter Blue. So the Sumo has plenty of nice shoes in its closet! 😂
I remember paying $500 for my Sumo back in the day. Cant say I would pay more for it, especially with the X on the dial now.
Got mine for $840 cad last year (20%off msrp) and love it. Only complaint is the not so smooth crown and how it only takes 3/4 of a turn to unscrew/screw in
konnichiwa!
Thank you for introducing Seiko watches😄
I am proud of Seiko,Orient,Casio,Citizen porducts as Japanese👍
Great review , does the sumo strapcode angus jubilee bracelet fit the solar powered seiko sumo sfk001 ?
Hello great review.
The black and green versions for this watch now sell for $670 AUD at some of the online sellers. What is your opinion of the Sumo Noosa it has a blue black dial with yellow/orange hands.
The retail price is $1500 but you can find them on line now for $1100. They are limited to 1000 and come with a extra rubber strap.
Do you think the Noosa is a good deal or would you go for the basic black or green version at 60% of the price of the limited edition.
I have the sbdc033, Blumo a second generation Sumo. Mine does have a signed crown . I prefer the first and second generation Sumo. As far as alternative straps crafter blue makes a rubber strap that fits the Sumo perfectly. Nice watch you have and thanks for sharing.
I just recently got the Black Sumo Solar Chrono LE. I paid $1000 aud and worth every penny. It’s currently running within two seconds a month. And looks a million bucks on a nato.
Owned it for a month, wanted to like it but didn’t.
Bezel action was very poor, chronograph is unusable, as it maxes out at 1hour.
Lume is poor, and the case is slightly different to the regular Sumo, so strapcode bracelets won’t fit.
Replaced it with a 2nd gen blue coral JDM Sumo, impressive watch, no comparison to the solar version.
@@e28forever30 man I love those blue coral watches. The Monster is great too. You’re right about the chrono but for me I rarely time anything over an hour, that’s what my G Shock is for.
The T shirts Fantastic Jody. Just can’t say the same about the Sumo unfortunately.
I wish they made a baby version of this. It is a nice-looking watch but my wrist can't handle the sumo. hehe.
I doubt this will ever happen - it would cannibalize a ton of their other, more expensive Prospex dive models...
The mere existence of a 3rd gen. Sumo is, IMHO, already a bit of an oddity given Seiko’s strategy to move upmarket.
I've just bought one of these 2nd hand, and I'm picking it up tomorrow. I already have a Sumo 'Hulk' and it's a great watch.
There are a few things that you mention in the review that do bug me too though.
The bracelet. I don't keep any of the OEM bracelets on my Seikos, and Orients. Strapcode has got a fair chunk of money off me over the last couple of years. Completely worth it to put these watches on a much better bracelet, with a much better fit to the case too.
I have a green NATO on my Sumo 'Hulk', which looks really nice. As well as a Crafter Blue fitted rubber strap that I use on it too. But, as you mentioned, that gap between the lugs and the case is far too big. It definitely limits strap options to use on the watch. Which is a shame.
I'm really keen on seeing the matte dial on this one though. It's a great looking watch, and having a 7.75 inch wrist, it's very wearable for me.
"Lume pip not centered" my Casio Duro listening from my watch box "Ha!"
just picked up the green sumo 2nd hand but as new, boxed with cards for 400 eur. Super happy with it.
Thanks Jody. I have the green one. Mine's on the edge of spec at about +25 SPD but otherwise it's a great watch. Crafter Blue makes a great rubber strap for it as well. Keep the reviews coming!
Get it to a good watch-dealer and he fixes this problem for you.
Luv the T-shirt 😎😂. Would I pick up a Sumo if I just need a bomb proof daily diver beater? 🤔 not sure, it’s a bit of a half way house when it comes to price. I’ve sort of settled into cheap everyday beater Diver and Doxa for best.
The Sumo looks and wears a little bigger than the MM300, but is still very comfortable and looks fantastic. Also, get a Crafter Blue fitted rubber strap, it is a perfect fit for this watch.
Hi Jody... so I’ve always liked the sumo and I particularly like this one because of… How did you put it?… The last version had a cartoonish basil! I agree totally and that’s what stopped me from purchasing one… Please please please look at the San Martin sumo homage that just recently came out… I saw a review on it and I have to say that I think it’s better than this one at $210 US...Would you please get one to do a comparison before you flip that one because I know you’re not going to keep it!
Haaa cmon the lume pip ... *Gloowing like a Chernobyl nightclub* That's legendary :D It seems the 4R is better then 6R. I saw many +2 sec/day / less the 0.2 beat errror 4R. 6R is all over the place .. Maybe on a Marine Nationale strap??
Yes, I'd put it on a NATO strap. That will cover up those gaps between strap pins and case. And those fat pins won't be a problem.
Good idea. Certainly solves the hairy arm gap. Lol.
I have all 3 non-prospex 1st gen models - black, blue & orange. love them!
Thank you so much for your video. I pulled the trigger on getting the green sumo with lingering doubts about its size. I have 6.75 size wrist and it suits perfect. 🎉
Whoa that Tshirt caption! Mind BLOWN! (NO...NOT CHERNOBYL RELATED PUN!)
I really like the look of these Prospex watches, particularly the Samurai. However, I cannot get over the lack of quality control, the cheap bracelets, timekeeping and most importantly , what Seiko are asking for them. I picked up a Citizen BJ7111-51M Super titanium GMT about a month ago in a sale for £250, incredible spec with a 6 year guarantee at about half the price of the Seikos. Sadly, I just cannot make a case for a Seiko given my points above. Great video as usual Jodie.
Was gonna get the T-shirt but the web page said its $120, that’s a big no thank you lol
Same here!! Holy cow...I would have paid 30 bucks, but 120, that's enough to buy all of my Mod parts....
Great content. Any reason some will have a printed white frame around the date complication at 3 o’clock and some don’t have a white printed frame? Referring to black and green dial variants.
Thanks
I had a choice at Christmas this year between a sumo and a monster, or the tuna sbb031. I went for the tuna as this is my ( to use the oft over used term) grail watch, and was not disappointed. In the end it came down to cost as I picked up the 031 for less than 800usd, but the sumo is still a fabulous watch but the prices here in the uk seem to be overly high. Will this still be in your collection at the end of the year?
Very interesting watch piece Jody.
If I were to get an chunky boi though with almost similar size and price, the Certina Action Diver Powermatic 80 seems to draw me more.
I've got a 6.5" flat wrist and the Sumo fits me great!
I picked up a new turtle over the sumo I quite liked the green one with the black bezel and don't have to worry about a pressed clasp with a rubber strap
Will the aluminum bezel become discolored over time? Please give an answer immediately. The discount is about to end. I will buy according to your answer
Jody, that T-shirt is freaking awesome! LOL!!!! Great vid as always!
Makes me think how crucial of a feature originally for me was that the SKX had a matte dial, painted markers, an aluminium bezel and that ISO rating with it's individual testing, it's "visible in the dark" bezel pip and "indication that the watch is running", i.e. a lumed second hand, and all that.
The SKX was old, goofy, curvy but boxy, awkward but flashy with it's odd swoopy and bulbous case contrasting weirdly with it's flat bezel and insert and flat crystal, and that blingy, chintzy bracelet failing against the rattle and jangle of the clasp and end links...
But it had purpose right where it counted: That dial, those hands, that bezel insert - they just did what they should. It had been designed and tested to do what it was supposed to do - and be weird doing it. In other words "it had it where it counted."
I wonder if we loved the SKX because it reminded us that you can be totally weird and awkward and financially meager, but you can still be effective, purposeful, and unique at the same time?
This is what the 5KX no longer has. It's still weird amd awkward - how could you not be with that case design - but form and function has been shifted out of balance. The combination is no longer there.
The Mini Turtle mentioned. Great watch it seems: Sapphire, better movement, the right size... But is it weird enough? The colours are as sombre as the tombstones, the bracelet as normal as your cereal bowl.
The Samurai featured. Now we're talking! Looks like a Japanese helmet from the side, has weird sword hands... It always left me wanting for just that extra bit of weirdness. It was just slightly too coherent a design. It's gorgeously angular, precise, and even unique. All it needed was a few parts to inexplicably be bulgy or curvy or molten or just something even some suitably odd colours, to push it over the edge of weirdness.
With all this in mind I go to this review of the Sumo. So far it always struck me as just big, too big. But on side view I'm beginning to like it. The bezel insert is flat and angular, the case curvature round and swoopy, the bracelet, while plain and ordinary, at least is weird in being way too narrow for the watch. Also, that bezel is too wide, and the whole thing is too big.
I'm beginning to like it. Damn.
Seiko are the masters of making a big watch fit small wrists. Still. Probably too big for me though. Thanks for another cracking review.
I really really like the Sumo, but it's too big for my 6.5" wrist.
I have always loved the Sumo (have a 2nd gen Blumo). The only issue is for the upgrades (better movement, etc) and downgrades (no signed crown), it is not worth the extra price vs the previous. I bought the previous on the higher end at $475 (seen as low as $425 back then).