Seiko Prospex SBDC003 Sumo vs Seiko SBDJ011 Solar Titanium

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biglove
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Seiko Prospex SBDC003 Sumo vs Seiko SBDJ011 Solar Titanium

Post by biglove » July 24th 2016, 7:55am

Seiko Prospex SBDC003 Sumo vs Seiko SBDJ011

After having just puchased the Titanium SBDJ011 from Sao, and having asked him a number of questions regarding the Sumo vs the SBDJ prior to purchase, I decided to put together a comparison of the two since I haven't been able to locate one on the interwebs.

The Sumo is a known entity to most WIS. The Seiko SBDJ011 Solar Titanium is a rather different beast. Like the Sumo, a JDM only watch, but a completely different feel despite similar dimensions.

I cannot begin to state how light the Solar Titanium is. Thought the packaging box was empty it weighs so little.

Seiko's work with Titanium is something to behold. Excellent finish and high polish. Not sure how much Sao wore it before I obtained it; but, there is not a single mark on it anywhere. Not the slightest hint of desk diver marks on the clasp even. Evidently Diashield is the tits!

The SBDJ has a much flatter feel and wears accordingly. The bezel is either, my best guess, Titanium or Aluminum, and the blue is polished on the edges and more flat on the bezel proper.

Starburst finish on the dial is fantastic; but, difficult to photograph. For the life of me I cannot find the solar charging section(s) on the dial.

Hands are certainly different and I like them. Lume may be slightly stronger on the Sumo.

The bezel action on the Sumo feels far superior, smooth and fluid. The SBDJ bezel feels loose and has a bit of play; but, doesn't wander.

The Sumo's movement is well known and respected. The SBDJ has a solar quartz movement, model V157, with an accuracy: ±15 seconds per month. Supposedly, the SBDJ has a 10 month power reserve and includes overcharge protection.

The seconds hand on the SBDJ is dead on with the minute markers and every other beat has a weird little wiggle.

I find that the SBDJ wears wider than the Sumo; but, lug-to-lug seems shorter despite the slightly greater length. The SBDJ certainly sits lower, owing to the flat case back, I presume.

Both dials/hand sets are highly legible for those of us with older eyes.

Will have to say that the Sumo, God I hate this term, is "sexier." Seems, despite its age, to be more modern and artistic.

The SBDJ, for me, ticks a lot of boxes. Lighter, Titanium that is virtually untouchable, better finish, wears much flatter and the blue dial and bezel are phenomenal. Will miss the domed crsytal and racier styling of the Sumo; but, at this time I am keeping the SBDJ and selling the Sumo. Why not keep both? Well, I just don't need two blue Seiko divers (like I need any diver in reality!)


Since I have an after market super engineer bracelet on my Sumo, I cannot fairly compare the bracelets; however, from what I remember of the stock Sumo bracelet, the SBDJ certainly has a better finish.

Although the Sumo was originally a JDM issue, it is now available on Seiko USA's site.

Comparison specs are listed below.

    SUMO-SBDC003
    Weight-170 grams (5.99oz)
    Case Width-45mm
    Lug to Lug-52mm
    Height-13.3mm
    Crystal-Hardlex, domed
    Case-stainless
    Lume-Lumibrite
    WR-200m
    Bezel-unidirectional, 120 click
    Lug Width-20mm
    Release Date-2007
    Crown-screw down, signed
    Case-screw down, solid back
    Movement-Caliber 6R15 w/ 50 HR reserve
    Accuracy= +25/-15 Seconds per Day
    MSRP-$625
    Grey Market Cost-$449 (Long Island Watch)

    SBDJ011 Titanium Solar
    Weight-99 grams (3.49oz)
    Width-44.1mm
    Lug to Lug-52.6mm
    Height-12.4mm
    Crystal-Hardlex
    Case-Titanium w/ Diashield
    Lume-Lumibrite
    WR-200m
    Bezel-unidirectional, 120 click
    Lug Width-20mm
    Release Date-May, 2016
    Crown-screw down, unsigned
    Case-screw down, solid back
    Movement-Solar V157, 10 month power reserve, overcharge protection, quick start
    Accuracy= ±15 seconds per MONTH
    MSRP-65,000 JPY ($612 conversion rate on 07/24/2016)
    Grey Market Cost-$466 (Shopping in Japan site)-$533 (Amazon-seller Moon-Dog)


SBDJ011 vs Sumo, dial
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SBDJ011 vs Sumo, lug/bracelet
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SBDJ011 vs Sumo, height on wrist
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SBDJ011 vs Sumo,case backs
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SBDJ011 vs Sumo,case sides
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SBDJ011 vs Sumo, dials/cases
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SBDJ011 vs Sumo, lume
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SaoGage
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Re: Seiko Prospex SBDC003 Sumo vs Seiko SBDJ011 Solar Titani

Post by SaoGage » July 24th 2016, 9:18am

I was waiting for this! Awesome write up!

The side profile shot is very telling; the Sumo is quite a bit thicker. I also noted the wonky bezel action of the SBDJ, but as you state it doesn't wobble. Just feels tinny.

Great watch though, I'm glad you're enjoying it. Was a pleasure doing business with you =)
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bedlam
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Re: Seiko Prospex SBDC003 Sumo vs Seiko SBDJ011 Solar Titani

Post by bedlam » July 24th 2016, 5:33pm

Great watches. Its a nice choice to be able to make!
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