- biglove
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Seiko Prospex SBDC003 Sumo vs Seiko SBDJ011 Solar Titanium
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




SBDJ011 vs Sumo, lug/bracelet


SBDJ011 vs Sumo, height on wrist


SBDJ011 vs Sumo,case backs

SBDJ011 vs Sumo,case sides


SBDJ011 vs Sumo, dials/cases


SBDJ011 vs Sumo, lume


"We should just sanction stupidity as our national pastime and be done with it."-TemerityB, Loser like me