Seiko Sumo vs Seiko Turtle - Which to buy?

Thank you Juan for the question, hopefully this video is helpful for you. Guys, please let me know if you have any other questions or have any requests for content. Links to the watches in this video-
King Turtle- www.japan-onli...
Blue Coral Sumo- www.japan-onli...

[@juancabreu11]

Thanks so much for the video Bruce!!! Really appreciate you took the time to respond my email with a vid!! Thanks again, Juan

[@BruceWilliams]

You bet!

[@JoeSmith-np6nz]

Good comparison!

[@drwindsurf]

I would try a couple of Seikos on and shop around. I thought the Turtle would be too big and I tried it on and it fit way smaller than the size would suggest. I bought mine on eBay for $225 - considerably less than retail.

[@billmurphy893]

Juan Carlos Abreu I have both and so I agree with Bruce but would add that the sumo has less alignment issues than the turtles so in the buy decision this might be important. My seiko diver fleet includes an SKX, a 3rd gen Monster, a sumo and an anthracite turtle. I prefer the 6r15 but it really doesn’t make a difference as far as accuracy goes.

[@billmurphy893]

Thanks for the video I had the same questions in the beginning and started with an SKX007 and then bought too many more Seiko divers but kept em all.

[@juancabreu11]

Hey Bruce, I finally bought the King Turtle in black!!! Amazing piece and for $400 it was a steal!! Now I’m going for the Sumo!!!

[@thehypercovery]

sumo finishing wins hands down, the case is a work of art

[@plevine81]

I see your point, but I actually prefer the tool-ish look of the turtle finishing, and definitely prefer a shorter lug-to-lug length.

[@cowboyswami2017]

I own both, so I would say also get both. If only one choice I would pick turtle. I just picked up another turtle two days ago for $256 on ebay. U cant beat that. Great video !

[@Lee_K_5555]

I think Bruce did an excellent job comparing the two watches as well as considerations of other variants. I've owned three Turtles and two Sumos. My favorite Seiko diver of all time is the Sumo, mostly because of the bold design of the dial and the case is surprisingly sophisticated and elegant for the price point. I've never had a 6R15 movement that has impressed me. The 4R36 in the Turtle has been perfectly fine and reasonably accurate. I believe the 22 mm strap width of the Turtle blends better aesthetically with the 45 case diameter than the Sumo's 20 mm. The Sumo has really long lugs with the spring bars right at the end, so there is a large gap between the end of a traditional two-piece strap and the case side. That bothers some people, me included, so my Sumo is worn on single-pass NATO straps only for that very reason. I believe the Turtle is more strap-friendly, looking great on rubber, nylon, sailcloth, leather, or the OEM bracelet. Much as I like the Sumo, I think it requires a bit of thought and would not be surprised if most people prefer the Turtle due to the smaller lug-to-lug length, multitude of colors and variants, and lower price.

[@HammerK99]

Lee K Well said. I didn't know that about the spring bar space on the Sumo. You'd like a zulu from Bertucci then.

[@mellymelshaves]

Yo B-DUB! Based on this video, I picked up the Seiko Sumo over The Turtle. I just got it yesterday and BRUH!!! I am loving it! My brother recommended your channel. Ill try not to be in the rabbithole tho!!! Hehe!!

[@blackcatsarenopussies]

Yes, Sumo might have a slightly better finish and a slightly better movement but you can't beat that iconic design and heritage of a Turtle. Anyway, it's hard to pick one over the other. You'll probably have second thoughts all the time

[@tantu2395]

The 🐢 Turtle looks more "tooly" with day and date display and "pillow" case, Sumo is good looking ,more" dressy" but with a "Rolex" DNA that I don't like , that is why "save the ocean Limited Turtle" is one of my favorite daily beater .

[@chi-towncalifornia5916]

I’ve owned both, and I find the Sumo more nicely finished than the Turtle with a better movement. I ultimately kept the Turtle, because although the Sumo wrapped around my 6.75 inch wrists nicely, but the case felt like a Seiko SARB that took too many steroids, and the thinner bracelet made the watch less balanced on my wrist.

[@georgebeebe2385]

Juan - I recently bought the Gen 3 Sumo (my first Seiko) and really like it. It started me on a Seiko addiction and I then picked up the Pepsi Turtle. I don’t think you can go wrong with either one. I really enjoy them both. If I could only get one, it would be the Sumo, probably, possibly, maybe. Yeah - the Sumo. If money is tight, get the Turtle and you’ll love it.

[@Nahduge]

The blue coral was my best Seiko purchase ever.

[@aksaifuddinpb8978]

I love the Turtle especially the black series. But recently bought the Sumo Black Series and the Sumo Hawksbill Turtle (SPB192J1). IMO, the Sumo Hawksbill is definitely the best Sumo. Loving the 2 tone black and red bezel insert with rose gold bezel!

[@andrewhannam.]

The green sumo is very nice but the Turtles are my favorite Seiko divers period! Currently have a baby tuna and skx still in my collection but have multiple Turtles!

[@CC-yq5bw]

I have both the Turtle King and the new Sumo and regret having both because they are both so good it bothers me to have one sitting around. Both came out of the box within COSC specs which was surprising. I've had terrible luck with some brands such as Hamilton and Orient with out of the box accuracy. The SUMO is -3/day and the Turtle is +3/day when warn 24x7. Both are sapphire so the biggest difference is the movement. One advantage of the SUMO movement is the anti-magnetism rating due to the Spron mainspring. Regardless, the gauss rating is the bare minimum at 4,800 which can just about resist a refrigerator magnet (compared to 15,000+ with new Omega's). Overall, I would say go with whatever strikes you as having the best look.

[@greatonreviews]

I own both too, but I chose the King Turtle any time. Much more presence and the dial is just stunning 🥰

[@Starstreak170]

The 'Hardlex' mineral crystal on most of the Seiko divers is a joke. Why does Orient offer sapphire at a lower price? Seiko are supposed to moving upmarket, but the specs don't match the price.

[@BruceWilliams]

They are just slow in moving towards market preference. Mineral is good for diving which is the purpose of many of these watches. I really think Seiko could care less what other brands even sister ones like Orient are doing

[@thatsawesome2060]

I believe they intentions were planned obsolescence, Seiko has no problem Puting sapphire on cheap quartz but reluctant to put on automatic movement

[@jwags24]

I love the turtle! It wears so much smaller than what the specs would make you think. Definitely one of my favorite watches I have owned.

[@arnovda9479]

True 😍

[@_illmatic_]

I have both a Sumo and a King Turtle and yes I also paid more for my King Turtle than my Sumo however if I could only have one, I have to go with the Sumo. The finish and quality seems like a cut above the Turtle in all regards. Case design, movement, dial/markers and hands are all just amazing.

[@edteach3r]

I own both and prefer either, depending upon... I don’t really know! It’s just that I end up alternating between these two great watches as the mood shifts. P.S. I own 16 Seikos.😎

[@mrp9498]

I own 2 Turtles. Save The Ocean GWS and Okinawa Sea grapes. I’ll have to try on a Sumo and check out the difference. Thanks for the video!👍🏼

[@danielloera25]

I own a Turtle and love it. But that said, I’ve been getting wandering eyes for the Sumo but the lug to lug kind of scares me. Considering the Turtle and SKX are the largest watches I wear. My preference being for 38-40mm watches with some 36mm exceptions on a 7in wrist.

[@BruceWilliams]

I think you could definitely pull it off with a 7 inch wrist. The case wraps down nicely

[@petervernelen6784]

Thx for the video, just ordered my first seiko and went with the king turtle SRPE03K1 almost went for the king samurai but that iconic turtle design won me over.

[@theguardian3431]

Believe it or not, the Sumo actually wears quite well, even for smaller wrists. I have a 6.5 inch wrist and the new green Sumo just melts on the wrist and wears better than my PADI Turtle.

[@sblantipodi]

Agree, I have a 7 inch wrist and it wears perfectly.

[@KRW628]

Hey, Juan, The Sumo was the first serious (non-G-Shock) watch I bought. It is a great looking piece; what some would call a "dress diver". It looks good with a suit. It looks good wearing casual clothes..Buy the Gen 2- that's got the fat numbers on the bezel. I think it looks better than the new ones (and it's a LOT cheaper).

[@manuel_winde]

I love the sumo- having owned 5 along with every pretty much every modern automatic diver from Seiko over the last 10 years, the sumo is the best bang for buck. I loved the mm300 & 62mas and have owned 2 of each but you can pick sumos up for $400/£350 and at that price it blows everything out of the park. I have a 7in/18cm wrist and they fit and suit me fine. My only issue is the lack of specified accuracy (same problem with all Seikos though. I’d factor in £50 for a regulation as an insurance option. I currently have the padi/Pepsi version and may go for a strapcode jubilee/Angus to upgrade it at some point.

[@hamishmaude390]

Turtle for me hands down. Handset and bezel insert of sumo (IMO) are less attractive compared with Turtle. Would love my SRP777 with sapphire crystal + ceramic bezel.

[@Therollingpanda]

I’ve recently bought my first Seiko, a king turtle, and absolutely love it, the cyclops and that case design set it apart for me. Also it comes with a ceramic bezel and sapphire Crystal, so what’s not to like?

[@ma61king]

I own the PADI turtle but now I really want that green Sumo... and a Prospex LX

[@dpioli]

I think the answer should have been "if you are into retro history divers case watches go with The turtle, if you are look for a more modern tradicional design go for the sumo". I prefer the turtle... thanks for the video.

[@ericgrace9995]

One year later. Earlier this year I bought the latest version of the Sumo (70hr. Power reserve) for less than the RRP price of the King Turtle. I just ordered a King Samurai (white dial) from an AD with a £200 discount. Sale price £330 GBP. You take a risk with alignment buying online for the "best deal". I defer the gratification of buying until I get a really good deal from an AD. There are maybe half a dozen watches, in an affordable price range, I would like to own. When I see one on offer .. I buy it.

[@marcgoldbergdogtrainer]

Thanks Bruce! Really nice comparison. I’m sucker for a day/date complication so 🐢 turtle by a nose.

[@HealhoeGaming]

i dont get why people make such a big deal about watch to wrist size, maybe just me but i got pretty small wrists and ill wear any size watch. who cares what other people think if you enjoy the watch and wearing it.

[@NexDim.]

Totally agree, I have smaller wrists and actually like the look of bigger watches. It’s on my wrist, who cares what other people think.

[@Stclairm1]

I wear my turtle 70% of the time over my solar Seiko diver. I bought a new Sumo last fall and plan to trade it to the dealer soon. I like the looks of the previous gen Sumo better. I think for what the new Sumo cost, it should have come with a ceramic bezel.

[@zouki42]

Aluminium is more interesting as regards the color. Brings more shades of color

[@realfire6883]

I'm definitely digging seikos I just for some reason cant get past the crown position on some of their models. Just recently picked up a sbdc051 for 650 brand new, LOVE IT!!

[@sumanth13]

Where did you get that deal?

[@realfire6883]

@@sumanth13 Ebay...

[@ibastratepi]

If you like straps and mesh, it's gotta be the turtle because the Sumo has small 20mm lugs and that huge case gap. The turtle OEM bracelet also seems to fit the case a bit better.

[@okihaveaname]

"turn into a Seiko-path like me..." 😂 Love my turtle with lumed bezel but that's..... excessive.

[@1968jpy]

Awesome video comparison Bruce . I own both the Blumo and the Padi Turtle 🐢. Both are awesome and amazing watches but like you I like the Sumo more and to me is a more comfortable wearing watch . The Turtle almost seems to wear larger although I know both watches are 45,mm . I think it must have to do with the bracelet on the Turtle is 22 mm and the Sumo being only 20 . That being said Seiko amazes me with their watches and the optical illusion part of their watches 👍🏻

[@BruceWilliams]

They really do! No other brand makes big watches so wearable

[@phillippugh2161]

Big turtle fan here . To me just so unique , I have been thinking of adding the green sumo , Bruce what's your opinion of the green sumo. manly the color combination

[@BruceWilliams]

I really like it, it is a deep olive, almost black until you get it in the sun then it really lights up

[@phillippugh2161]

@@BruceWilliams thanks Bruce I need to just pull the trigger.....add another seiko hahah. Us seiko guys need help Haha 😉

[@sblantipodi]

Agreed, Sumo for me too. Don't think on it twice.

[@valueink]

The Sumo is almost too nice for everyday wear to me. I really like the SRPC023 for daily wear better.

[@haping1]

Nice video. Cannot believe that Seiko doesn't have a signed crown anymore. Although they raised the prices quit substancial.

[@MarttiSuomivuori]

If you work irregular hours and nights, it is great to have the day date. Other than that, you really have to nitpick to differentiate between the two.

[@511dydy]

Turtle of course, much better design.

[@Vintage-635]

"Which to buy?" both! 😉

[@2ndMr.RedCarp]

That’s the best!

[@awnik99]

As my wrists are only 14 cm i went for turtle because i was afraid that lug to lug on sumo would be too much. If my wrists were bigger i would definatly buy both!

[@blurayauthority]

It takes Juan to know Juan.

[@gerryfonklover7481]

Owning the first mm300 and many other seiko I would say the sumo, if you pay road price, its a lot watch for money, superior to the turtle and many other divers in the under 1k price range.

[@k.iskandar]

I much prefer the Turtle than the Sumo. But they are both beautiful.

[@wanfahmy8017]

I really wish that the 3rd gen sumo uses ceramic bezel instead of aluminum. Mine had a few scratches although I've been babying my sumo.

[@jinxUKBK]

Great vid Bruce. Would u change your bezel insert to ceramic on the new green sumo.

[@BruceWilliams]

I wouldn't because I don't really get into modding.

[@mohdfahmiahmadkhairi]

after watching your video, i think i will buy seiko sumo.

[@rlj151]

I recently picked up the king turtle. I love it. Just wish the straps were longer as I am on the last hole. So ordered a bracelet with diver's extension from strapco.

[@Orca2069]

My opinion the turtle worth to buy cos thats model n price so really" reasonable especially in new great white shark turtle model so great dive watches 💥💥💥

[@setter55]

Another great comparison video. I've had both the 033 blumo, and a 779 turtle. Both fairly large watches but wear great even on my 6.5" wrist. I did sell the turtle though to help fund a seiko marinemaster sbdx017. But I'll likely add another at some point.

[@late4086]

King Turtle FTW

[@mrbacchus6127]

Had both prefer the Sumo.

[@depellerinluc]

Great vid! Thanks for making it, I've loved the look of the Turtle for a while but am also looking for a Japan made version. Advice on where I could get ahold of a BNIB one?

[@BruceWilliams]

I put some links to the JDM versions I buy in the description

[@mrmarco2803]

I have both: the Sumo Coral and the Turtle Sto!!!

[@sblantipodi]

PS: congrats Bruce and thanks for your work here. I really like your work on this channel. Thanks

[@BruceWilliams]

I appreciate that

[@drwindsurf]

Thank you for a great comparison Bruce :)

[@RK-zo9vs]

If they had a Dark Manta Sumo with ceramic dial and spahhire crystal I would have gone for the Sumo, but they don't, so I went for the King turtle.

[@77898]

Love my Jade Sumo, And my King Turtle 🐢, Cheers

[@you.8208]

Buy both!

[@WINDINGCROWNS]

Compra la tortuga!!! Haha, just wanted to use the native tongue. The turtle is a great watch. I had a srp777 and a srpa21 and sold both. REGRET😩 now I’m considering buy one of them again! Haven’t decided which though. I bought a citizen pro master Titanium and love it to death BUT still miss and want a turtle again. Cheers

[@desmondjoyce1059]

Buy 2 of em

[@OCz4Life]

Sumo's a better watch, and fits great on a wrist. I got myself a turtle and it's a let down compared to a Sumo. From what I saw every person who saw or had both prefered the Sumo as well

[@1233-d3h]

Oposite with me. Own a Turtle and love it. Bought a Sumo, and sold it after a few days. Lug to lug is a bit large for me, and a 20mm lug width anoyed me. Also i hated the fact that you cant grab the bezel at 3 and 9 o'clock.

[@user-MFTI]

Hey Bruce, Huge fan of the channel. I own a great white turtle which i love & have been on the lookout for a black dialed & bezeled dive watch to add to the collection. I've looked at many sub homages, from everything from San martin to Steinhart & also the Oris aquis & the Longines hydroconquest. I thought I'd settled on one of the latter options mentioned but ive seen this new Sumo which I'm really digging. A) i wondered if you knew how the Sumo compares to the oris & longines & B) would you recommend getting one if you have the turtle. I'm hoping the Sumo might scratch the mm300 sbdx017 itch i have but its totally out my price range currently. I guess if there is a mm300 homage you would consider along with the Sumo, aquis & hydroconquest, I'd appreciate any input. Thanks

[@BruceWilliams]

Great question Terry I am going to film a separate video on this today. Hope to have it all edited and uploaded by weeks end. Stay tuned!

[@user-MFTI]

@@BruceWilliams oh wow great. I might add that any homage would really be last resort, in fact day by day my opinion of homages lowers & lowers. Thanks man.

[@SuperBocetildes]

The Turtle looks way better.

[@henrywest7217]

A nice and brief presentation today. And to me very relevant. Also thank you for not mentioning Horology House. That topic is getting boring.

[@BruceWilliams]

I agree no need to beat a dead horse

[@patpatterson6073]

Cool never heard that becoming a seikopath! I'm right with you

[@teodorpetrov7031]

Sumo. The elegant beast

[@Star_Sn1per]

That king turtle all the way

[@martinharrison4245]

Could get a sbdc051, for nearly the same price as a new sumo. And it's a better watch in terms of finishing than those 2.

[@roaddogg800]

I personally might suggest the Samurai.... Similar to the Sumo, but more affordable and comparable to the Turtle.

[@bradd5961]

Would you say wearability for a Daily driver is much better for the Sumo vs MM300. They are relatively close in weight from what I can see. I'm thinking that if the wearability comfort is similar I might as well step.up.to.the mm300 or bad idea?

[@James.008]

IM CURIOUS how many seiko's do you need to have , to become a Seikopath ??? i fear that im perilously close !!!

[@ismethadzic]

Just because my wife bought me a 6 slots watch box I need 6. I'm at 5 right now and I guess I'll go for blue coral sumo :)

[@Orca2069]

Ur words so correct fully bro, fear if collect manny" watch make me psycopath 😅😂😢

[@jackiechaniago]

I like both..but I had green turtle fits on my wrist.

[@Super1venom]

yeH i like the sumo too. id go for turtle anyday if they had 20mm lug width tho

[@smurf2818]

both

[@Tom_H327]

I wish I could get that Sumo bezel insert for my Turtle. 😂

[@levinnnnn]

Hi Bruce. I really love the green finish on the new Sumos but Im afraid they'd look too big on my 6.3-inch wrist. Do you think they're too big for me and if yes, do you know if there are other Seiko watches with a very similar shade of green?

[@jeffryaf]

Did you end up buying the Sumo? I have the same wrist size as you and am wondering the thing lol

[@davidstewart5721]

A GREAT! Video, Just two Questions about the 'SUMO In your Video: Does the Bezel turn anti clockwise as well as clockwise, Finally is Sapphire Crystal stamped on the Caseback?? Your reply will be greatly appreciated....Stay Safe...David Stewart

[@amgame9489]

not a fan of the sumo dial font. i do like how the turtle looks very much like an original seiko. sapphire crystal and ceramic bezel, winner. cyclops, still torn on this one.

[@SharpChronofighter]

Bruce, I already have the old Sumo. I was thinking to buy also the newest model, but eventually in Blue. Do you have any info on possible future colors for the Sumo...? Thank you!

[@BruceWilliams]

Yes the upcoming SBDC113 looks to be similar to the blue coral maybe a little more muted. Can't wait for more pics to surface.

[@SharpChronofighter]

@@BruceWilliams 🙏😉🖐!

[@andyl2726]

Can I swap the bracelet to a seiko jubilee for the king turtle

[@niconava9643]

I like the turtle

[@chrisgravel7157]

Love the Green Gen 3 Sumo but stamped clasp on a watch at that price? I'd buy green sunburst 62 mas instead

[@cyrussataravalla6731]

Ma786sai dua For me the Sumo any day. I just love the sharp-cut symmetry 3d case lines. Truly handsome. I have a black 2015 031 Sumo. Also love the green prospect Sumo as also this blue on your video.

[@isaimoreno]

I preffer te Sumo watch. He has a better caliber, the 6R. King Turtle is a beautiful watch, but his caliber in the 4R.

[@ripperx444]

Literally just making that choice now. Do I want to pre-order the new sumo black or just get another king turtle in blue!!??

[@BruceWilliams]

Go look at the Seiko Passion group on FB or on IG. New pics are dropping on upcoming Seiko models and there is a lovely blue sunray sumo coming sbdc113

[@ripperx444]

Bruce Williams awesome thank you! I sold off so many of my other watched just to collect a ton of seiko models! I’ll take a look! What is your though on buying the blacked out turtle from 2018? Seems like Japanese dealers like Japan online store still sell them? New Black series sumo vs 2018 black series turtle? Which do you pick?

[@BruceWilliams]

@@ripperx444 I really enjoyed the all black turtle but the prices are really high. The sumo will likely be 1000 or more so the 'value' would be more with the sumo imo

[@ripperx444]

Bruce Williams tough choice agreed. Seiko is approaching prices that are a boarder line too much! Like the Doxa sub 200T looks great also...

[@BruceWilliams]

@@ripperx444 spot on, Seiko isnt the value they used to be but I still find them really attractive ha. Sub200 looks good too, low price for a new doxa

[@andrewffay]

Can you review the nex seiko prospex lx diver? I just got the snr041j1 special edition, and cannot find any reviews of these new lx series spring drive seikos. Thanks

[@stevenuk]

for me, if the Turtle had 20mm lugs, would be perfect... and bracelet that tapers to 18mm.

[@johnalessi6004]

A seiko king samurai or Squale Military or Steinhart Military 39mm.....?????

[@stusims6567]

I personally prefer the Sump. The Turtle just looks like you’re wearing a stainless steel hockey puck on your wrist! 😁

[@neilziesing7761]

Great video. Plus one on the Sumo!

[@tedrobles3306]

my wrist is under 7 ( near 7 inches ). which is better for me?

[@donisiciliano]

I don't get why don't they put saphir glass in those, becouse Orient puts it Kamasu which is 250 🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️ 2 or 3 times cheaper.

[@cy4624]

The main reason is its more shatter resistant vs sapphire but since 99% are desk divers and life doesn't depend on it, people want sapphire...not a deal breaker though, I only managed to scratch 1 out of 27 seikos(some are sapphire) which keep growing and growing..

[@invisibleliman]

In the end, which is better?

[@prakashkumarp6264]

Sumo

[@helmiabdullah2271]

Sumo win

[@danielguzmansigh]

Hi, how do you get the turtle with the days of the week in Japanese? Is that a mod ?

[@BruceWilliams]

No I buy the Japanese market versions