Big, Round and Japanese... | Seiko Sumo SBDC031

Today we are looking at another Seiko watch, this time one of their divers. While not a current model, it can still be found pretty easily second hand and it makes a compelling case for itself. This is none other than the Seiko "Sumo" SBDC031, from the second generation of Sumo watches and is, in my opinion, the best generation of Sumos.

[@hcastel]

Very good review. I just purchased the blue version of this one SBDC069 because I wanted to add a Sumo to my Seiko collection. I chose this one over the new version for the exact reason you said. The boldness of the numerals is classical to this model.

[@addicted_to_watches]

Thank you! Sounds like you made a great choice. The blue looks awesome

[@roziroslan7891]

Great review. Prompted me to buy the 2nd gen sumo. Managed to get one pre owned. love it..agreed that this 2nd gen seems the true nice look sumo. The big font on the bezel n the signed crown makes it stands out,look different from my MM300 sbdx01! Yeah..again love this sbdc031 sumo.!tqvm.

[@addicted_to_watches]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Sorry it made you spend money 😅

[@jettyung2389]

The camera shots of all the different straps on the sumo was very much appreciated.

[@addicted_to_watches]

I'm glad you liked it. It's always good to see how a watch looks on a variety of straps

[@sinesaii]

I love Sumo’s. I have owned half a dozen. My current love is the SBDC097 (grey). The ZIMBE and the Ginza models are amazing. This watch wears well and just fits right on my 7.5” wrist. The original Sumo’s did have more character, but sapphire is a big deal.

[@MarkM58]

I also own the SBDC033 "Blumo". It is one of my favorites. The 6R15 movement has given me no grief in the 3 years I have owned it. The fit and finish are on par with SEIKOs in the upper ranges. I was relieved when I saw the newer version of SUMO because I knew I had bought the right one. I don't like the new one, even if it has sapphire (overrated) and the 6R35.

[@addicted_to_watches]

Completely agree

[@1968jpy]

I own the SBDC033 Blumo and totally 💯 agree. Love my Sumo . The newer ones just don’t have character like the first and second generation Sumo’s 👍🏻

[@KRW628]

After 33 years of wearing 5000 series G-Shocks, my first "real" watch was an 031 Sumo. It was the best watch you could buy for under $500; a great value for the money. The current Sumo may be a better watch, but at nearly double the price, it is no longer the bargain the Gen 2 was.

[@addicted_to_watches]

That's a great watch to "upgrade" too although the g is nothing to turn your nose up at either. Completely agree about the new gen sumo

[@michaelmazurkiewicz3959]

Thanks!

[@1968jpy]

Outstanding review on your 031 . I have owned the the SBDC033 Blumo now over 3 years. I totally 💯 agree with you on this being the golden era of Seiko on this second generation Sumo. Actually I think the first and second generation Sumos are the best . Not only do I think it’s the best Sumo but I’d go as far as saying that other than the Marine Master watch this is Seiko’s best watch for the money. I added a Marine Master clasp to my Blumo and takes the watch to another level.

[@addicted_to_watches]

Thank you! Great idea with the mm clasp. I'm sure it'll serve you well for many more years

[@WorldTravelerCA]

Just ordered one here in Asia it’s second gen. But brand new for 420$USD. I will do upgrade a bezel for ceramic and double dome sapphire glass. Maybe strap,ecode bracelet but still not sure

[@addicted_to_watches]

It's hard to beat at that price. Your planned mods sound awesome

[@fungus70]

At first I thought that font on the 3rd gen bezel's is not as interesting or outstanding but it's fine once the watch on the wrist. Less comical 😅 I think price of the 3rd gen Sumos are still good value if compared to the Capn Willard, the numerous 62 MAS reinterpretations and the so called MM200 Reduced.

[@addicted_to_watches]

The new bezel is much more subtle but I think the big numbers are part of the charm of the older sumo models. I agree with the value compared to those other watches. Some new seikos are way too expensive for the movements that have inside

[@petep2785]

Now I think I need one of these 🤣

[@addicted_to_watches]

Get one while you can. Soon the 2nd gen will be hard to find

[@conradwu3247]

Nice. I like the seiko sumo also

[@addicted_to_watches]

You have good taste! :)

[@maxhou3396]

how large is your wrist?

[@addicted_to_watches]

It's 18cm, which is 7 inches

[@jackkennedy8817]

I want a Pepsi tuna.

[@addicted_to_watches]

Good news, there is one. The SNE499

[@jackkennedy8817]

@@addicted_to_watches I’ll be darned.

[@richardthompson1781]

I purchased Seiko Sumo a few month ago and it does not keep time very well I will never purchase another one, they are not worth the money, the Seiko Sumo is not worth any money...

[@addicted_to_watches]

Sounds like you got one with a dodgy movement. You should be able to get it replaced under the warranty though