The 2022 Seiko Sumo Prospex Diver 200m SPB321J1 SPB323J1

Tuna, Samurai, Alpinist, Turtle, and plenty of extra… There are dozens of emblematic watches with Seiko‘s emblem printed on their dials. Many are a part of the Prospex vary, devoted to dive watches and professionally-speced fashions usually. The gathering has been largely revamped not too long ago, with lots of the basic fashions up to date and upgraded with extra resistant supplies and higher execution – take into consideration the King Samurai, the King Turtle or the brand new Shogun. Barely ignored not too long ago, it’s now time for the Sumo to resurface, with new editions with revised supplies and funky design parts. Listed below are the Seiko Sumo Prospex Diver 200m SPB321J1 & SPB323J1.

An emblematic mannequin from 2007

As with lots of Seiko’s dive watches, the nickname Sumo wasn’t official at first… nevertheless it caught and is now even acknowledged by the model itself. A few theories can clarify the origin of the title. The muscular, outsized look of the watch paired with a skinny 20mm bracelet might be the primary clarification. Additionally, the potential resemblance of the 12 o’clock marker with a Mawashi, the underwear worn by Japanese sumo wrestlers throughout a battle. Or maybe it was that the bezel’s form resembles the Dohyo or ring the place Sumo takes place. Regardless of the motive, the title is now nicely established.

The Seiko Sumo was launched in 2007 underneath the reference Prospex Diver 200m SBDC031 as a mid-range provide, above the entry-level Turtle and Samurai, however beneath the MarineMaster 300m. A greater motion than the 2 inexpensive items on one facet, a case with extra consideration to element too, however a decrease water-resistance and no sapphire crystal just like the MM300. This watch was typical of Seiko’s Divers, with a big and hefty 45mm x 13.5mm case, a crown positioned at 4 o’clock and enormous markers on the dial. It didn’t evolve from 2007 to 2018 and was powered by the well-known computerized calibre 6R15.

In 2019, underneath the brand new references SPB101J1 and SPB103J1, the Sumo was barely revised. The general design was maintained, with solely minor alterations. The bezel insert was redesigned with a extra discreet scale, a brand new inexperienced dial/bezel mannequin was launched. What actually modified was the usage of a sapphire crystal and the brand new calibre 6R35, with a beefed-up energy reserve.

The 2022 Seiko Sumo

In the identical vein as what’s been executed in 2019, in addition to what we’ve seen on the King Samurai and King Turtle, Seiko this 12 months as soon as once more provides one other layer of high-end supplies to considered one of its emblematic watches. The earlier Sumo already began with a sapphire crystal. The 2022 Seiko Sumo give attention to the resistance of all exterior components, with new supplies, in addition to its seems to be, with new colors and dials.

Wanting on the case and the general design, these up to date Sumo SPB321J1 and SPB323J1 are typical no-surprise fashions. It’s all about bettering the standard, not the model. As such, the outsized dimensions of the unique Sumo are maintained. No downsizing coverage right here, the Sumo was and nonetheless is a big watch with a 45mm diameter, a 12.9mm top and an unmistakable lug-to-lug measurement of over 52mm. Studying it will definitely cease a couple of potential buyer, nonetheless, remember the fact that regardless of what the specification sheet indicated, the Sumo has all the time been extra comfy on the wrist than you’ll ever think about. However don’t anticipate the consolation of one of many new compact Prospex.

The general form of the watch can also be intact, with the identical twisted lugs and curved profile, with alternating polished bevels and brushed traces. The crown retains its 4 o’clock place and the watch will really feel acquainted to house owners of the earlier generations. The sapphire crystal, screw-down caseback and crown and 200m water-resistance are additionally unchanged. What has developed then…? At first, the watch is now manufactured from chrome steel with Tremendous-Laborious coating, benefitting the general resistance of the watch in motion.

Second, the bezel now encompasses a ceramic insert with a redesigned 60-minute scale. Gone is the daring scale of the previous fashions, in addition to the inner side that was once discovered within the two earlier generations. The Sumo SPB321J1 and SPB323J1 are actually outfitted with a flat and shiny insert, accessible both in black or darkish blue relying on the dial.

Some evolutions are additionally seen on the dials. To begin with, the emblematic markers and fingers, which participated within the general design of the watch since 2007, are intact. The signature “Sumo Belt” index at 12 o’clock remains to be current and the handset retains the identical form as earlier than. All parts are largely coated with Lumibrite, and there’s a brand new small luminous marker subsequent to the date window – the latter being unframed now. What has modified are each the colors and the textures. The dials now have a gradient impact over a blue or gray background, which has a tremendous horizontal wave sample. Nice, and comparatively discreet, it provides a contact of enjoyable to an in any other case fairly conservative replace.

If the motion stays the identical as earlier than, perceive the 3Hz and 70-hour computerized calibre 6R35, the bracelet has been redesigned. Additionally manufactured from metal with Tremendous-Laborious coating, the 3-link bracelet is now solely brushed and encompasses a new, stable folding clasp with safe lock, push-button launch and wetsuit extension.

The brand new Seiko Prospex Diver 200m Computerized Sumo SPB321J1 (blue) and SPB323J1 (gray) will quickly be accessible from retailers, and might be priced at EUR 1,250 – as soon as once more exhibiting Seiko’s upmarket technique, nonetheless, partially compensated by a number of upgrades and improved general high quality and resistance. For extra particulars, please go to seikowatches.com.