Seiko's LATEST Blacked Out SUMO SPB125J1 LE

One of Seiko’s most popular and recognized mid range divers watch is none other than the collection from their Sumo lineup.

Left: 20mm Super Engineer II watch band for SEIKO Sumo SBDC001, SBDC003, SBDC005, SBDC031, SBDC033 SS202003B031
Right: 20mm Super-O Boyer watch band for SEIKO Sumo SBDC001, SBDC003, SBDC005, SBDC031, SBDC033 SS201820B032

The very first sumo released to the market was the Seiko Prospex 200M Automatic Seiko Sumo Ref. SBDC001, which was initially released back in 2007.

20mm Hexad 316L Stainless Steel Watch Band for Seiko Sumo SBDC001, V-Clasp Button Double Lock SS201820B042

Since then, there has been three commonly distinct generations of Seiko Sumo watches that have been launched, and currently available on the market. The only difference between the first and second generations of Sumo models is the new Prospex “X” logo that is added into the dial.

Left: 20mm Super Engineer II watch band for SEIKO Sumo SBDC001, SBDC003, SBDC005, SBDC031, SBDC033 SS202003B031
Right: 20mm Super-O Boyer watch band for SEIKO Sumo SBDC001, SBDC003, SBDC005, SBDC031, SBDC033, PVD Black SS201803BBK032

However, drastic changes were made between the second and third generation of Sumo models that attracted a lot of attention. The 6R15 caliber were used for the first two generations. It was not until the release of the third generation, where the new 6R35 caliber was placed.

20mm Angus-J Louis 316L Stainless Steel Watch Bracelet for Seiko Sumo SBDC001, Brushed/Polished, V-Clasp SS201820B057

Nearly four months into the year 2020, and Seiko have been releasing new models, one after another of exquisite time pieces to feed the addiction for watch heads around the world. While the four new 2020 Prospex Alpinist models was the talk of the town back in January, we can put that aside and perhaps talk about the all new Seiko Prospex The Black Series Limited Edition which include 1) SPB125J1 Sumo 2) SLA035J1 300MM, and 3) SSC761J1 Solar Chronograph.

Left: 20mm straight End Black FKM Rubber Quick Release Watch Band, Brushed FKM01A-20A18BIW01
Right: 20mm Super-O Boyer watch band for SEIKO Sumo SBDC001, SBDC003, SBDC005, SBDC031, SBDC033, PVD Black SS201803BBK032

For those who are contemplating to pick up the 3rd generation Seiko Sumo Prospex Diver 200M SPB101J1 (Black) & SPB103J1 (Green), there’s also the latest of the 3 models released from the Seiko’s black series, SPB125J1.

20mm Super-O Boyer watch band for SEIKO Sumo SBDC001, SBDC003, SBDC005, SBDC031, SBDC033, PVD Black SS201803BBK032

The SPB125J1 Sumo is a limited edition of 7000 pieces. In terms of differences when comparing with Seiko’s latest third generation Sumo, are the visual aspects with various colors used on parts around the watch. The most obvious difference on the new SPB125J1 model would be the watch fully blacked out with a hard coated, zaratsu-polished around the watch case.

The colors of the markers are no longer white, but in a cream color, as well as an orange colored minute hand. Last but not least, the details on the back of the watch case for the SPB125J1 is slightly different then the other third generations Sumo models by adding the “Limited Edition”, as well as the production number of xxxx/7000.

Whether it is the first, second, or third generation of the Seiko Sumo collection, they will remain as one of the best mid ranged divers collection ever produced. Of course, there will be complaints about the changes that will add to the cost for the latest Seiko Sumo watch. However, there will certainly be some who would be pleased with the new movement and additional power reserve that they would consider and happy to pay that extra amount for the upgrade.

Specifications:

45mm diameter x 12.9mm
Height – 52.6mm lug-to-lug
Stainless steel with a hard black coating
Sapphire crystal
Unidirectional aluminium bezel
200m water-resistant
Calibre 6R35
Automatic
In-house
70h power reserve
3.5HZ
24 jewels
HMS and date
Black dial
Sillicone Strap
Ref. SPB125J1
Limited to 7,000 pieces