Not one, not two, but three new Sumos! These three new models will be made available online and at Seiko retailers and boutiques shortly. The case remains nice and chunky at 45mm. All three watches maintain the Sumo’s screw-down crown at 4 o’clock and have 200 meters of water resistance. The “PADI” text is squeezed in under the cannon pinion over the rest of the dial text at 6 o’clock. The Prospex logo finds a new home under the Seiko logo at 12 o’clock. This matte black color also carries over to the seconds hand and base of the minute and hour hands. Instead of waves, we see the globe texture of the PADI logo executed with a matte black finish. The dial is also different from the other two. And just like the other recent PADI releases, the blue-and-red colorway makes way for black and light blue. Finally, the SPB325J1 is part of Seiko’s PADI line. This offers a nice bit of contrast from the light gray vignette dial. The SPB321J1 has a blue bezel that matches its blue vignette dial, whereas the SPB323J1 has a black bezel.
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It plays with the light and has a glossy look comparable to but not the same as that of the Omega Seamaster Professional 300M. However, the wave-textured vignette dial looks fantastic, especially that of the SPB323J1. Combined with the more plain bezel text, I feel that this change removes some of the Sumo’s original charm. Personally, this change is not one I’m too keen on. It resembles the more traditional Oyster-style bracelet and does away with the central ridges found in previous generations of Sumo bracelets. The bracelet has been toned down and now has a more classical three-link design. So, besides a new ceramic bezel and a super-hard coating applied to the case and bracelet, the main differences come in the shape of a new dial and a new bracelet. The new Seiko Sumo SPB321J1, SPB323J1, and SPB325J1 Like that model, these watches have also been given a special hard coating to prevent scratches and dings. Whereas the 50th Anniversary model’s bezel was just shiny in appearance, the three new models are equipped with ceramic bezels. However, the days of ceramic have caught up with them. Luckily, though, the three new Sumos have maintained the handset found in the models of the previous generation. This rather odd model foreshadowed some of the upgrades that have come to the new models, namely the bezel’s slimmer markings and shiny appearance.
I must give the Seiko SBDC027 “Sumo” 50th Anniversary an honorable mention. Since then, the design has been refined, compressed, and trimmed down to a sleeker, more elegant, and somewhat boring look. This watch, to me, is the pinnacle of Seiko Sumo cool. Looking at the SBDC001 below, you’ll notice its chunky hands, lack of Prospex logo, and big, bold bezel font. The main “issue” for me is something that Sumo connoisseurs will be familiar with. And yes, I still call the changes “upgrades” as they ultimately improve the watch overall. Unfortunately, these upgrades have stripped some of the charm of the original Sumo away. On the other hand, all that glitters ain’t gold. Personally, I’d say there’s a lot of good that’s been done to these watches. Looking at the new Seiko Sumo models, you might spot some aesthetic changes. And there are worse ways to do that than with a Seiko Sumo on your wrist! Plus, there’s something fun about wearing a piece that makes you step a little bit out of your comfort zone. I got to spend some time with Jorg’s when shooting it for his Strap Check article, and I couldn’t help but enjoy wearing it more than I ever expected to. I think you’ll find that for its dimensions, it actually wears rather nicely. Now, hold on just one minute! Yes, you! Before you scroll down and comment that the Sumo is “too big to wear,” let me come out and say it: the Sumo is an unapologetically chunky watch, and that’s how we like it! Also, if you haven’t had the chance to put one on your wrist, you should immediately head to the nearest Seiko boutique/AD and try it on. So, let’s take a closer look and see what the new Seiko Sumo dive watches offer. These subtle changes not only bring the Sumo up to current-day standards but also transform the watch significantly. The new SPB321J1, SPB323J1, and SPB325J1 are ready to make a splash and take over where the former generation left off. And though the changes made are subtle enough to demand a second look, I feel they certainly do the watch justice. Fans of the Sumo - and there are many out there - will be happy to see Seiko give the watch some well-deserved attention. The Seiko “Sumo”, a crowd favorite, cult classic, and underrated value proposition since its 2007 debut is back, upgraded to meet modern standards.
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