Seiko Mens Sumo Prospex Diver 200m Watch SPB101J1

Product Information

Today, we sat down to take a look at the new Seiko Sumo Prospex Diver at Baselworld 2019: an update to a fan favorite. Since 2007, the Sumo watches used the 6R15, and whilst this proved to be a trusted, sturdy, and reliable workhorse movement, Seiko decided it was time for an upgrade for this watch and therefore, it is powered by the latest version, the 6R35. This movement is still the same base but has been improved and refined.

We understand the importance of sizing the length of your watch bracelet or strap to provide the perfect fit. Our simple to use watch sizing guide allows you to measure the size of your wrist from the comfort of your own home. The movement is perhaps the biggest difference going from Seiko’s 14-year-old 6R15 to the new in-house caliber 6R35. The movement is automatic with a central rotor and offers a power reserve of 70 hours, which is a huge improvement of 20 hours from the 6R15. This robust and durable movement gives makes this SeikoSPB101J1 a greatwatch in this price class. The movement beats at a 3Hz frequency making 21.600 beats per hour.The watch is presented on a three-link satin-brushed bracelet with polished edges on the middle links. The bracelet has a diver’s extension and safety clasp. There are some updates though, mainly for the bezel and the dial. First, the still bezel retains its coin-edge profile and is still unidirectional with a 60-minute scale. Yet, you’ll notice that the insert has new fonts, without the extended “fat” numerals. It does, however, retain its internal facet. The second evolution regards the crystal. Previously made in mineral “Hardlex” glass, Seiko fits its new Sumo SPB103J1 with a sapphire crystal. I bought the Seiko Prospex Automatic Sumo SPB101J1 about ten days ago and I have been wearing it daily since then with great satisfaction.

The bracelet is very beautifully finished and feels solid. Generally, affordable watches tend to compromise on the bracelet the most and have things like folded links and hollow end links which results in the impression of poor finish, but with this bracelet, Seiko shows that you actually get your money’s worth. At this price point, we expect a well-finished case, and that is exactly what Seiko delivers. The lugs have a really nice ”curved” design, and is satin-brushed on the top, which, depending on how you see it, could be considered bevels. The inside of the lugs, however, also have bevels, but this time, it is polished. As a nice contrast, the sides of the case are polished. Lastly, the Orient Kamasu (RA-AA0004E19A) is another comparable watch to the Seiko Prospex Sumo. It features a similar design with a stainless steel case and a reliable automatic movement. However, the Kamasu has a slightly smaller case size and a more affordable price point, making it a great option for those on a budget. The new Seiko Sumo – or Prospex Diver 200m SPB103J1 – isn’t a complete departure from the older model and keeps most of the attributes found on the SBDC031. Consider this new version as an update, with multiple improvements and slight visual evolutions, rather than an entirely new watch. All in all, the fundamentals are still present but the technical side has been improved, for a better owner experience. The Prospex in the name stands for ”Professional specifications” and simply means that the watch is built according to the needs and wants of professionals. These watches are made to handle seriously harsh conditions, including those that professionals subject them too.In the same vein as what’s been done in 2019, as well as what we’ve seen on the King Samurai and King Turtle, Seiko this year once again adds another layer of high-end materials to one of its emblematic watches. The previous Sumo already started with a sapphire crystal. The 2022 Seiko Sumo focus on the resistance of all external parts, with new materials, as well as its looks, with new colours and dials. Because already at first glance, you will notice that the Seiko SPB103j1 and all of the other Seiko watches are big, bulky, and have a hefty weight. This is part of the personality of the Sumo, which of course goes very well with the purpose of the watches.