Today we’re looking at the Seiko Shogun vs Sumo.
Of the many reasons why we find the Seiko brand interesting, one of the top ones is the way they name their watches. Seiko chooses names that are catchy and pricks one’s imagination. We’ve seen Samurai, Turtle, and Sumo. Today we will be comparing the Shogun with the Sumo.
Both of these watches have a number of other models under them. But in this review, we will zero in on one particular model of each of these watch lines – the SBDC029 for the Shogun and the SBDC033 for the Sumo.
These two watches belong to Seiko’s collection of diver’s watches. And as usual, Seiko has delivered. These watches offer outstanding value for money.
Even if you don’t swim, or dive, Seiko’s watches can help you make a statement when dressing for an outing or for work.
We hope you stay with us until the end of this review. But if you can’t that’s okay. We already factored this in and prepared the “comparison overview” section. You’ll find it right after this section.
Alright, let’s get to down to the Seiko Shogun vs Sumo review without further ado.
Table of Contents
Seiko Shogun vs Sumo – Comparison Overview
If you can’t spare the time for a lengthy review, this section is for you. We have summarized the Seiko Shogun vs Sumo review for a quick and easy read. Check it out here.
Seiko Shogun vs Sumo – Where Both Watches Get It Right
The most important aspect of these watches is their movement. The Seiko Shogun and Sumo both use an automatic movement which is expected at its price.
The automatic movement Seiko uses here is the 6R15. And the 6R15 is a fantastic movement with loads of benefits.
First, it is hackable. This means that the second-hand stops ticking when the crown is pulled fully out to set the time.
Secondly, the movement comes with manual winding. This means that you can manually crank up your watch if it has not been in use for a long time and you need to quickly head out.
Also, the 6R15 movement is great for its power reserve time. This movement reserves time for up to 50 hours after a single charge, which is pretty impressive.
Finally, it also shows the day/date complication as well.
Other things that are impressive about these two watches are their luminescent hands and markers, which can be seen clearly underwater. In fact, both watches meet all the ISO 6425 standards.
In the end, the Seiko Shogun and Sumo are well-made watches and are worth their prices.
Seiko Shogun vs Sumo – Where The Seiko Shogun Does Better
What features stand Seiko Shogun apart from Seiko Sumo?
The main feature that stands Seiko Shogun apart from Seiko Sumo is in the quality of its bracelet. A titanium bracelet, of course, floors a stainless steel easily. It is lightweight and quite resilient.
Also, the bracelet feels adequate when compared to the case of the watch. But with the Seiko Sumo, the opposite is the case. The bracelet feels a little too inadequate to support the watch.
Besides the bracelet, the conservative and refined look of the Seiko Shogun is something the Seiko Sumo lacks. People with more conservative tastes would love the Seiko Shogun. And to be honest, of the two watches, the Seiko Shogun is the more likeliest to compete with the Rolex Submariner.
Seiko Shogun vs Sumo – Where The Seiko Sumo Does Better
What features stand Seiko Sumo apart from Seiko Shogun?
The primary advantage the Seiko Sumo has over the Seiko Shogun is its affordability. The Seiko Sumo is more affordable than the Seiko Shogun for obvious reasons. At least for one, its bracelet is not made from a difficult-to-mill material. Stainless steel is pretty easy to get, so, it doesn’t add much to the cost of the watch.
Besides that, its winding feels a bit smoother than the Seiko Shogun. It winds smoothly and easily.
Finally, even though the Seiko Sumo doesn’t meet up to the level of Shogun in terms of quality, it gives a good touch to your dressing. This is a watch you can easily wear for a night out or any casual outing.
Seiko Shogun vs Sumo – Where Both Watches Don’t Get It Right
What are the drawbacks of the Seiko Shogun and Sumo?
The major drawback of Seiko Shogun and Sumo is with their crystal. They smudge easily and there have also been cases where the crystal cracked. You might want to change the crystal from mineral to sapphire, to ensure that your crystal lasts.
Also, both watches are quite large. This limits the number of people that can use it. If you’re too slim, you might find these watches a little too large for your wrist.
Finally, these watches do not have options for rubber straps which some might prefer to wear when diving.
Seiko Shogun vs Sumo – Our Opinion On The Price/Value Ratio
Which watch gives more value for money?
The Seiko Shogun offers more value for money than the Seiko Sumo. This is because of the bracelets that both watches come with. The bracelet of the Seiko Shogun is made of titanium. Titanium is quite difficult to mill and its qualities are also really hard-to-get. This adds a lot to the quality of the Seiko Shogun.
Seiko Shogun vs Sumo – Comparison Of Major Specs And Features
Seiko Shogun |
Seiko Sumo | |
| Model Number | SBDC029 | SBDC033 |
| Movement | Seiko Automatic 6R15 | Seiko 6R15 Automatic |
| Display | Analog | Analog |
| Complications | Day/Date | Day/Date |
| Case | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Case Diameter | 44 millimeters | 44.5 millimeters |
| Case Thickness | 13.3 millimeters | 13.5 millimeters |
| Lug to Lug Length | 50.75 millimeters | 52.1 millimeters |
| Lug Width | 22 millimeters | 20 millimeters |
| Strap | Titanium | Stainless steel |
| Strap Thickness | 22 millimeters | 20 millimeters |
| Clasp | Deployant with safety | Deployant with safety |
| Bezel | 120 click One Way Rotating Elapsed Timing Bezel | 120 click One Way Rotating Elapsed Timing Bezel |
| Dial Window | Hardlex | Hardlex |
| Water Resistance | 200 meters / 656 feet / 20 Atmospheres | 200 meters / 656 feet / 20 Atmospheres |
| Power Reserve | 50 hours | 50 hours |
| Get the Seiko Shogun here! | Get the Seiko Sumo here! |
Video: Seiko Automatic Diver Duel Shogun vs Sumo
The video breaks down the Shogun vs Sumo analyses.
Seiko Shogun vs Sumo – Which Watch For What Occasion?
Seiko Shogun |
Seiko Sumo |
| So, who’s the Seiko Shogun for? From the looks of this watch, and we believe it’s quite obvious, the Seiko Shogun is quite conservative. It also has this refined feel to it that makes it classically beautiful. It can easily hold its own among the more expensive watches we know like the Rolex Submariner. So, you won’t feel out of place wearing this to work or any other formal gathering. Also, if you don’t care for heavy time pieces, you’re going to love the Seiko Shogun. With its titanium bracelet, the Seiko Shogun is not as heavy as the Sumo. For many, that’s great because it makes the watch more comfortable for the wearer. But then again there are those who equate the weight of a watch with its quality. If you’re one of those, of course, this watch might not exactly appeal to you for obvious reasons. That said, the Seiko Shogun wears large so it isn’t something that someone with a slender wrist might be comfortable wearing. Also, diver or not, everyone can wear the Seiko Shogun. | The Seiko Sumo, on the other hand, is dressier. It lacks the conservative appeal of the Shogun and is showier in its looks. It’s not our recommendation for you if you need something for formal use. You can use this as a dress watch or for those quick evening out. It’s got a sportyish feel to its looks though if you don’t mind it. Next up, you should know that the Seiko Sumo is pretty large. This is a watch for people who have pretty large wrists. Those with slimmer wrists might find the watch a little too large. Finally, if you think you can’t afford the Seiko Shogun, then the Seiko Sumo is a great option you can easily go for. You won’t be missing much since the two watches use the same automatic movement. Its bracelet is lousy and the crystal could be better. But altogether, it’s a great watch by most standards. |
| Get the Seiko Shogun here! | Get the Seiko Sumo here! |
Seiko Shogun vs Sumo – Which Features Do They Have In Common?
Let’s now check out the Seiko Shogun vs Sumo with respect to the features they both have in common. As much as knowing where these watches differ, knowing the features they have in common should also help us better understand these watches as we compare them.
Here are the common features between Seiko Shogun and Sumo
1. Cases
2. Dials
3. Markers and Complications
4. Unidirectional Rotating Bezels
5. Crystal
6. Crown
7. Movement
8. Water Resistance
9. Dive-Ready
Now that we have seen the list of the common features of these two watches, let us now discuss them in detail.
Common Feature 1: Cases
What are the features of the cases of Seiko Shogun and Sumo?
The features of the cases of Seiko Shogun and Sumo are similar in many respects. The case of Seiko Sumo is 44.5 millimeters in diameter, while that of the Shogun is 44 millimeters. Also, the case of Seiko Sumo is 13.5 millimeters thick and that of Shogun measures at 13.3 millimeters. For lug to lug length, Seiko Sumo has a length of 52.1 millimeters, while the Seiko Shogun has a length of 50.75 millimeters.
So far, we can see that both the Seiko Shogun and Sumo pretty much have the same case. In both watches, the cases are stainless steel and the dimensions tell us that these are watches that wear large. People with slender wrists may not enjoy wearing any of these two watches.
The cases are quite good looking, alternating between a brushed effect and a polished effect by the sides.
Unlike the Sumo and other Seiko watches like the Turtle, the Shogun does not have a distinct appearance. Instead, it pretty much looks like any other conventional watch you know. This understated appearance of the Shogun is what makes the watch more flexible and versatile than the Sumo.
The Sumo, on the other hand, has an appearance for which it is named. It looks like sumo with its tapering sides included to give your wrist a snug hug for better fitting.
Lastly, on the back of the case, also made of stainless steel, we find the famous Seiko tsunami insignia indicative of the water-resistance capabilities of both watches.
Common Feature 2: Dials
In the Seiko Shogun vs Sumo comparison, you also find similarities in their dials. They both have pretty similar dials with the slight differences coming in only in the style of their hands.
Let’s try to look into each of these watches specifically in the appearance of their dials.
Seiko Shogun |
Seiko Sumo |
| There’s the Seiko Shogun on the one hand. It comes with a black matte dial which further proves the fact that this is a pretty conservative watch. Some might find it somewhat boring but it might also be a point of attraction for the more conservative watch people. Plus, matte is a pretty logical choice for a dial since it makes the watch more legible. If you’re going to be diving under water, then you’re going to need to be able to see the dial clearly under water. The white markers on the dial make a nice contrast to the black dial which also adds to the overall looks of the Seiko Shogun. | The Seiko Sumo, on the other hand, is not as conservative as the Shogun. It is quite showy and would probably be considered more interesting by people with a more bubbly personality. In this case, the Seiko Sumo comes with a blue matte dial. So the material is the same however, the colors of the dials are different. We already explained the benefits of matte while discussing the Seiko Shogun. So, we won’t be repeating that. Anyway, just like the Seiko Shogun, the Seiko Sumo comes with white markers as well. Its contrast with the blue dial makes the watch super attractive as well. |
Get the Seiko Shogun here! Get the Seiko Sumo here!
Common Feature 3: Markers And Complications
In the table below, we will be checking out the markers and complications of the Seiko Shogun and Sumo watches, which are also quite similar.
Seiko Shogun |
Seiko Sumo |
| The markers on the Seiko Shogun representing the hours and minutes are quite typical. These are pretty much the same kind of markers you see on dive watches, especially Seiko dive watches. That said, we found the markers quite interesting and impressive. The markers representing the minutes and seconds are quite similar but the real attraction is with the 12 O’ clock marker. As is common in Seiko watches, the 12 O’ clock marker comes in a rhomboid shape. And then running down the middle and partitioning the rhombus into two halves is a downward stroke. The 6 O’ clock, 9 O’ clock markers are also rhomboid. However, they have a more tapering end with a pointed tip when compared to the Sumo. The 3 O’ clock position is where the complication is located. You find the minute and second markers on an outer ring also colored in white. The minute markers are small square blocks while the second markers are slim white strokes. This outer ring then slides down and connects to the main dial on which the hour markers are found. As for complications, the Seiko Shogun uses the 6R15 movement. So, it has the day/date complication which is found at the 3 O’ clock position. Finally, there are other markings on the Seiko Sumo besides the hour/minute/second markers and the complication. At the 12 O’ clock position is the brand name “Seiko,” and then at the 6 O’ clock position, you find the signatures “Automatic,” and “DIVER’S 200 m.” | The markings on the Seiko Sumo are pretty similar to that on the Seiko Shogun except for slight differences here and there where the Seiko Shogun is more tapering and pointed. Just like the Shogun, the Sumo’s 12 O’ clock marker also comes in the shape of a rhombus and features the downward, partitioning stroke as well. Also, the markers for the minutes and seconds are found on an outer ring just like the Seiko Shogun. And the markers are also similar as well. Alright, we will just go into the complication. It’s also at the 3 O’ clock position. And since the Sumo uses the same movement as the Shogun, the 6R15, it also displays the day and date. Other signatures and markings as found on the Shogun are also found on the Seiko Sumo as both watches belong to Seiko’s Prospex line. The Prospex line contains watches built by Seiko to meet professional standards. |
Get the Seiko Shogun here! Get the Seiko Sumo here!
Common Feature 4: Unidirectional Rotating Bezels
All standard diver’s watches come with unidirectional bezels which are important for marking time underwater. Usually, it’s common to find Seiko watches with bi-colored bezels. However, in these two cases, these watches come with one solid color.
Usually, diver’s watches come with bezels and as per standard procedure, these bezels are unidirectional. They rotate in only one direction which is counter-clockwise. Unidirectional bezels are important for the safety of the diver as they ensure that whatever mistake is made, you’re safe. Let’s explain.
The unidirectional bezels are important in the case of any minor accident that could adjust the movement of the bezels. In such a situation, because the bezel is moving in one direction, the movement of the bezel would gain time rather than lose time. So, you will end up spending less time underwater than spending more time. This way, you’re safer and less likely to run out of Oxygen from staying too long underwater.
What are the features of the bezels of Seiko Shogun and Sumo?
The Seiko Shogun and Sumo have good looking bezels. The bezels are ribbed with a polished stainless steel. The ribbed surface makes the bezel easier to grab and each turn gives a satisfying click. Seeing as these watches will primarily be used underwater, these few features are big benefits for both the Shogun and the Sumo.
Next is the markers of the Seiko Shogun and Sumo. They both feature a large arrow which acts as the main marker. And then there are the second, minute, and hour markers as well.
The minutes and seconds on the bezel are represented by the same markers which are small, white dots. At every fifth minute/second, these dots turn into slim, tick lines also in white. As for the hour markers, there are no hour markers. Instead, at every tenth second/minute, the markers are represented by Arabic numerals. These numerals count from 10 to 50. The 60th minute is represented by the large arrow we talked about earlier.
The Seiko Shogun and Sumo both come with black bezels.
Video: How To Use A Bezel On A Watch
This is a video showing you the simple way to use a bezel on a watch
Common Feature 5: Crystal
The crystal on the Seiko Shogun and Sumo are the same shatter-proof Hardlex. The Hardlex crystal is not the worst type of crystal you’d ever find on any watch. Nonetheless, Hardlex isn’t the best either. There are a few challenges that this crystal presents and we will go into them right away.
Is the Hardlex crystal a good crystal?
The Hardlex crystal is not such a good crystal. The major challenge that the Hardlex crystal has is that it smudges a little too easily. Plus, it is not completely scratch resistant. Due to the fact you’d be cleaning the surface of your watch on your shirt quite often in one day, there will be little scratches on it.
However, it is actually shatter-proof. It will take quite an impact to actually crack through this crystal. So, the Hardlex crystal is not so bad, but there is room for improvement. This is why the crystal of most high-end Seiko watches are made of sapphire.
Some people might be wondering why these more expensive watches should come with the same crystal as that of the lower-priced SKX line. However, we found out that of the several upgrades Seiko made to these watches, the crystal was not one of them. Seiko seemed to have spent more time and resources working on the movement instead, which you’d agree is a worthy tradeoff.
Get the Seiko Shogun here! Get the Seiko Sumo here!
Common Feature 6: Crown
What are the features of the crown of Seiko Shogun and Sumo?
The crown of the Seiko Shogun and Sumo are quite similar. They are large-sized with fine teeth on the sides. This helps to give you the friction that helps your grip. In essence, they are the same crowns.
Although the crowns are large, they also come with crown guards which help to minimize their size just a little bit.
The Seiko Sumo has its crown positioned at the 4 o’clock mark. On the other hand, the Seiko Shogun has its crown at the 3 O’ clock position.
When you try to set the time of these watches, the Seiko Shogun feels slightly grittier and not as smooth as the Sumo. The Sumo, on the other hand, has a pretty smooth operation.
However, both crowns feel solid with a reassuring weight to them.
Common Feature 7: Movement
What type of movement do Seiko Shogun and Sumo use?
The Seiko Shogun and Sumo both have a common movement which is the 6R15 automatic movement. The 6R15 automatic movement is a fantastic movement with an impressive operation.
It beats at 21,600 beats per hour, which means that it beats 6 times in one second. With this number of beats, you can be sure of an accurate movement all the time.
The accuracy of this movement is at +25/-15 seconds per week. So, according to our evaluation, these are pretty accurate watches.
The next thing about the 6R15 automatic movement is that it comes with manual winding. Usually, since the movement is automatic, it powers itself by the swinging of the wearer’s arm. But thanks to manual winding, you can crank up your watch manually and get it working immediately.
Another feature of the 6R15 movement is that its power reserve is pretty solid. This watch can stay about 50 hours in your drawer (that’s more than 2 days) without needing a recharge. However, as the power reduces, the accuracy of the movement also reduces as well.
Finally, this movement is hackable which means that the second-hand stops ticking while you set the time. This ensures that when you set the time, it can be accurate, down to the last second.
As for the regulation of the watch, you can do it yourself. The video below can help you with that. Or you can choose to do that at your local watch shop. It’s better to do it at a local watch shop so you don’t tamper with the back of the watch and affect the water-resistance of the watch.
Video: Seiko 7s26 4r36 6r15 Movements
This video shows you how to regulate different types of movements.
Common Feature 8: Water Resistance
As expected with any diver’s watch, both watches are water-resistant. And both watches are fully compliant with the ISO standards for diver’s watch. This is an important factor as it assures you of the quality of craftsmanship Seiko put into making the Seiko watches.
Feature 9: Dive-Ready
Do Seiko Shogun and Sumo meet the standard of dive-ready watches?
Both Seiko Shogun and Sumoare dive-ready watches. They follow the ISO standards on dive watches strictly. The two watches meet the highest safety and quality standards required of a dive watch.
The bezels are unidirectional, hands and markers are luminescent, and the cases are water-resistant.
If you need to read more about ISO 6425 standards, you can check out our review on the Seiko SKX007 vs SKX009.
Seiko Shogun vs Sumo – Features Unique To Each Watch
Now that we’ve looked at the similar features of the Seiko Shogun and Sumo, it’s now time to look at the unique features of each watch. We’re pretty sure this section will form the deal-making or breaking point for many buyers. So, you might want to pay attention closely in order to make the best decision.
Features Unique To The Seiko Shogun
There are two features that are unique to the Seiko Shogun watch. They are the Titanium bracelet that it comes in and the shape of its hands.
Titanium Bracelet
What are the features of the titanium bracelet of the Seiko Shogun?
The bracelet of the Seiko Shogun is made from titanium. Other watches in the Seiko diver’s watch line are made from stainless steel.
Titanium is a really strong element and is literally impervious to almost anything. However, what really makes it attractive is the fact that it is lightweight.
Additionally, the Seiko Sumo’s titanium bracelet comes with a diashield coating.
There are two peculiar things about titanium. The first is that titanium is quite difficult to mill. Of course, this affects pricing as the Shogun is pricier than the Sumo.
Secondly, they are resistant to scratching, which is the reason for the diashield. The coating protects the watch’s bracelet from scratch.
The coating of the Seiko Shogun is better on the exterior than on the interior. You’re less likely to get scratches on the exterior than on the interior.
This makes a lot of economical sense and helps to keep the price relatively cheaper.
If you’re someone who equates the quality of a watch with its weight, then you’re not going to want to bet on the Shogun. The Shogun barely clocks in at around 105 grams, which is pretty light. As we said, this is a matter of personal preference. If you like your watch feeling substantial when you wear it, you’d be more inclined to the Sumo and less inclined to the Shogun. If not, you’d probably find the Seiko Shogun to feel toy-like.
Seiko Shogun Hands
What are the features of the Seiko Shogun hands?
The hour hand of the Seiko Shogun looks just like an arrow with a partition down the middle that makes it resemble the 12 o’clock marker. Also, the minute hand has the shape of the 6 o’clock marker. It comes in slender, rhombus-like shape. The tip is tapering but not pointed.
As for the second hand, it’s thin and needle-like as expected. There are two parts to the hand. You have the thicker part in grey and the thinner part which serves as the pointer. In the middle of these two parts sits a small wedge that demarcates the pointer from the other part of the hand.
Of course, like all diver’s watches, the hands are luminescent. Seiko has filed them with LumeBrite which makes them glow in the dark and with great intensity.
Features Unique To The Seiko Sumo
Seiko Sumo also has two unique features that can be found in its bracelet and the shape of its hands, just like in the Seiko Shogun.
Stainless Steel Bracelet
What are the features of the bracelet of the Seiko Sumo?
The bracelet of the Seiko Sumo is made of stainless steel. This is the common material for the bracelet of most Seiko watches. It has its closure in the form of a deployment clasp. On this clasp is the signature Seiko logo inscribed on the flap, which adds to the overall beauty of the watch as well.
There are micro-adjustments with which you can fit your wristwatch to size. This does not mean that the watch can be made to fit a slender wrist.
Of course, the claps of this bracelet comes with the diver’s extension.
However, even though this bracelet seems to cover most parts on the practical end, it still has a few issues. Thankfully, it’s mostly aesthetic.
Now, with the size of the wristwatch, you should expect more substance along with the bracelet. However, this is not so with the Sumo. Instead, the bracelet is only about 20 millimeters in width which makes it feel a little inadequate. You should seriously consider swapping it to something more solid.
Seiko Sumo Hands
What are the features of the hands of the Seiko Sumo?
The minute hand of the Seiko Sumo has a slim, long rhombus-like shape with a tapering end. Then there’s the second hand that’s needle-like. This hand comes in two parts demarcated by a small circular wedge. The thicker part of the hand comes in deep grey color while the pointer part comes in a lighter grey color.
In the hour hand, instead of an arrow, it has a similar look to the minute hand. However, the hour hand is wider than the minute hand. It also has a small curve on the hand, demarcating the marker into a triangular top and a rectangular bottom.
In the light, these hands are colored white just like the markers. However, with LumeBrite, these hands are super luminescent in the dark. It’s safe to say that Seiko applied the LumeBrite generously. So, the hands are visible whatever the condition and from a long distance away.
Seiko Shogun vs Sumo – Unique Pros
What Are The Pros Unique To The Seiko Shogun?
The pros unique to the Seiko Shogun are:
1. The titanium bracelet is a definite win for this watch. It is impervious to anything. It is also lightweight for those who like their watches light.
2. Unlike the bracelet of the Sumo, the bracelet of the Shogun feels adequate for the watch.
What Are The Pros Unique To The Seiko Sumo?
The pros unique to the Seiko Sumo are:
1. It’s more affordable than the Seiko Shogun thanks to a stainless steel bracelet.
2. The winding of the Shogun’s crown feels less gritty than the Seiko Sumo.
3. It feels more substantial than the Seiko Sumo which some wearers might actually prefer.
Seiko Shogun vs Sumo – Unique Cons
What Are The Cons Unique To The Seiko Shogun?
The cons unique to the Seiko Shogun are:
1. The Seiko Shogun comes in pretty lightweight which might be a problem for people who like to equate quality with weight.
2. Titanium is scratch-prone. Although Seiko tried to mitigate this by applying the Diashield coating, it still did not take care of the problem completely as the coating is just on the outside.
3. It’s a pretty pricey watch, especially in comparison to the Seiko Sumo.
What Are The Cons Unique To The Seiko Sumo
The cons unique to Seiko Sumo are:
1. The stainless steel bracelet of the Seiko Sumo is probably its biggest drawback. It is of less quality compared to the titanium of the Seiko Shogun.
2. The bracelet of the Seiko Sumo measures 20 millimeters. This seems a little too small to be supporting the entire watch with its well-crafted case.
Seiko Shogun vs Sumo – Common Pros
Seiko Shogun |
Seiko Sumo |
| This comes with an automatic movement. And not just anyone, it’s the 6R15 automatic movement from Seiko. First off, the fact that it is automatic makes it quite easy to use. Plus, it’s also great that it comes with manual winding, day/date complication, and is also hackable. | The Seiko Sumo also comes with the 6R15 movement. |
| The Seiko Shogun is obviously well made barring a few compromises here and there for a watch so decently priced, at least relatively. | The Seiko Sumo is also well built for its price. |
| The 6R15 is a super accurate movement. Seiko has advertised this watch as having an accuracy of about +25/-15 seconds per day. However, from use, users have discovered this to be modest on Seiko’s part. This watch is actually quite accurate and in fact, you’re likely to experience that much variance only over a week and not in one day. | Same goes for the Seiko Sumo. |
| Seiko kept to the ISO 6425 standards strictly while making this watch. So, divers can go diving with this knowing that they are using a standard device. | Also applies to the Seiko Sumo. |
| The hands of the watch are very luminescent which is great as it increases visibility underwater. | Hands and markers are also very luminescent. |
| This watch boasts a 50 hour power reserve. This means that you won’t need a recharge in two days after your last use. So you can leave it in your drawer that long. Just keep in mind though that as the watch loses its charge more and more, it also loses accuracy correspondingly. | Also comes with a 50 hour battery power reserve. |
| The watch is hackable which means that you can set all the hands on the watch including the second hand. This works to ensure that the watch is accurate to the minutest detail. | The second hand of the Seiko Sumo is also hackable. |
| Get the Seiko Shogun here! | Get the Seiko Sumo here! |
Seiko Shogun vs Sumo – Common Cons
Seiko Sumo |
Seiko Turtle |
| The hardlex crystal is somewhat mediocre. For one, it smudges easily. Two, though it is scratch-resistant, it could probably crack if you try hard enough. | Also applies to the Seiko Turtle |
| Wearers who do not like to wear large wrist watches might find this watch a little too large for them. | Same applies for the Sumo and perhaps even more. |
| The Seiko Shogun has the rubber strap option which some people might have preferred for the purpose of diving. | Also does not have the rubber strap option. |
Seiko Shogun vs Sumo – General Feeling Among Users
Now hear how the Seiko Shogun vs Sumo case is faring in the people’s court.
Seiko Shogun |
Seiko Sumo |
| Now, the first thing people seem to love about the Seiko shogun is the fact that it comes with a titanium bracelet. The fact that the bracelet made the watch a bit lighter to wear seemed to be one attribute many people loved about the Seiko Shogun. Of course there were those that would have preferred a bit more heft but generally the weight was okay by many users. The bracelet itself also got a great commendation from many users. Even though titanium is scratch-prone, users observed that the Diashield indeed worked wonders. The coating kept the bracelet honest for as long as possible. Plus the bracelet seems to be pretty quiet too from what customers as saying. As for value, it’s a generally accepted consensus that the Shogun gives good value for money. Although about a couple of hundred dollars away from one grand, there were almost zero complaints of overpricing. We guess the movement of the watch and titanium bracelet sold it for most people. That said, we go to the mineral crystal. Seiko did get a pretty decent level of bashing for the crystal of the Seiko Shogun. There were quite a number of complaints about the quality of the crystal with some deciding to change out the mineral crystal for sapphire which they feel is more befitting for a watch in this class. And who can blame them? We did see instances where customers complained of the pretty serious scratches on their crystal after a short time of purpose. But in all though, we guess most people found this wristwatch to be excellent diver’s watches. And it’s easy to see how with the way Seiko kept strictly to the ISO standards. PS: This time around, Seiko got their chapter ring perfectly. | The Seiko Sumo got a good number of nods of approval from its users. Here’s what we were able to deduce from all of that. First off, the quality of the watch appealed to its users. Obviously Seiko did a killer job on the case especially and customers noticed. Plus, the watch passes the ISO standards test in flying colors too which, again, is great news. As is common, and is also probably expected, the Seiko Sumo found itself in a competition with the SKX watches in the people’s court. While some felt the SKX07 watches gave better value, others favored the Seiko Sumo giving it accolades as a worthy upgrade. Alright, to the complaints. First off is the chapter ring misalignment. So many customers happened to receive their watches with a misaligned chapter ring. Rather than the ring sitting dead center, it came off slightly off. Thankfully, Seiko got that corrected on the Shogun. The bracelet too was another pain point for users. Trust us when we say there were many replacements. Just like we already mentioned before, comparing the case to the bracelet, the bracelet just didn’t match up. It seemed pretty inadequate and the 20 millimeter thing too didn’t work for many people. But even at that though, the 5 star reviews still continued flying in. Apparently, these few cons weren’t enough to sway people from thinking this watch was awesome. |
| Get the Seiko Shogun here! | Get the Seiko Sumo here! |
Check out these articles to read more on watches
How Does Fitbit Track Your Sleep
Seiko SKX007 vs Rolex Submariner
Seiko Shogun vs Sumo – Conclusion
If you’re the more conservative watch person and you don’t care for all the fanciful stuff, then the Seiko Shogun should be your go-to. It comes with an understated, classic elegance that would appeal to such a class of people.
Now, even though both watches do not have rubber strap options, we’d pick the titanium bracelet of the Seiko Shogun over the Seiko Sumo’s stainless steel bracelet. It’s lighter, of better quality, and more substantial in relation to the watch itself.
However, if you equate weight with quality, you’re going to want to lean towards the Sumo. But the Sumo’s bracelet looks tiny compared to the build of the case.
Another good thing about the Seiko Sumo is that it is the more affordable option. That is as long as you can bear the chapter ring misalignment and lousy bracelet.
Altogether though, the Seiko Sumo is a great deal if that’s all you can afford. You sure won’t be missing much on the Seiko Shogun.
As usual, it really depends on you. However, if we were absolutely supposed to make just one choice, it would definitely be the Seiko Shogun. The quality of Seiko Shogun beats the Sumo.
| Get the Seiko Shogun here! | Get the Seiko Sumo here! |
Seiko Shogun vs Sumo – FAQs
Are Seiko PROSPEX Watches Good?
The Seiko PROSPEX line of watches are very good and come with a lot of quality. PROSPEX is the acronym for ‘Professional Specification’. This is Seiko’s answer to the needs of professional users of their watches. The main people that the PROSPEX line caters to are divers.
The PROSPEX watches are built to be tough and secure. Because of the stringent standards, they must meet to be regarded as diver’s watch, the PROSPEX line of watches became one of the best watches made by Seiko. Some of these watches are known to last for upwards of 20 years, with good maintenance and proper use. Seiko Tuna is regarded as the best watch in the PROSPEX line of watches.
Why Is it Called Seiko Shogun?
The name Shogun was given to the Seiko Prospex watch because of its toughness and regal looks. The name Shogun is a reference to the title of shogun in the Japanese political structure. It was the name given to Japanese military dictators during the Japanese feudal era. The shogun was the supreme military leader appointed by the Emperor during that era.
Because of the attributes of the shogun as a tough ruler in the Japanese political structure, this Seiko watch model was given the name.
Seiko normally gives their watches reference numbers. However, almost all their watches come with a nickname. Most of these nicknames are curled from sea animals, while others have a historic attachment.
Where Are Seiko Watches Made?
The majority of Seiko watches are made in Japan. The rest of their watches are made by Seiko subsidiaries in China, Singapore, and Malaysia. The watches made outside the main company in Japan are made following the strict standard of the parent company.
However, all of Seiko’s luxury watches, like the Grand Seiko are produced in-house in Japan. They are produced in Shizuku-Ishi Watch Studio located in Iwate, Japan. This watch studio is where Seiko houses the best of their watchmakers. Most of Seiko’s best-performing watches are produced here.
Why Is Seiko 5 So Cheap?
The Seiko 5 watch is cheap because of three main reasons.
The first reason is that the engine parts used in making them have already been paid for. These are old parts that have been used and reused, therefore their costs do not matter anymore.
Secondly, their parts are produced in a mechanized way. Handmade watches cost a lot more than machine-made ones.
Finally, the cost of exporting the Seiko 5 from Japan to other countries is quite low.
Ordinarily, automatic movement watches are expected to cost more than their quartz movement counterparts. But in the case of the Seiko 5, they come at a ridiculously cheap price compared to other automatic watches.
How Do I Set the Date on My Seiko Turtle?
To set the date on your Seiko Turtle watch :
1. Pull out the crown to the first click.
2. Turn the crown until the previous day’s date appears in the calendar frame.
3. Now, pull out the crown to the second click and advance the hour and minute hands until the desired date appears.
4. Adjust the time by turning the crown in the desired direction.
5. Push the crown back into the normal position.
To set the time on your Seiko Turtle watch:
1. Pull out the crown of your watch all the way.
2. Adjust the time by turning the crown in the desired direction.
3. Push the crown back into the normal position.
What Is the Difference Between an Automatic watch and a Manual Watch?
The major difference between an automatic watch and a manual watch is in the way they are wound. A manual watch requires the user to manually wind it in order to retain power. The crown is wound to tighten the mainspring in the watch. The mainspring is the power source of all mechanical watches.
However, in an automatic watch, the watch gets wound automatically by the movement of the wrist of the user. An automatic watch has a rotor. This rotor is connected to the mainspring. When your wrist is in motion, the rotor spins and winds the mainspring, which in turn powers the watch.
Pingback: Seiko SKX007 Vs Rolex Submariner – Honest Review - Theta Watches
Pingback: Seiko Solar Vs Citizen Eco-Drive – Detailed Comparison - Theta Watches