My Seiko PROSPEX Automatic 200M SBDC001 Cameltoe/Sumo Diver

The Seiko PROSPEX SBDC001 is yet another model that is highly sought after by Seiko fans around the world. This model is however still in production but the SBDC001 with the black dial is not as readily available as it once was. It is still available with the blue dial (SBDC003). There is also the SBDC005 with orange dial on rubber straps too.

The ‘Cameltoe’ or ‘Sumo’ as it’s nicknamed spots the 6R15 Caliber instead of the usual 7Sxx movement. The higher-end movement is one that is also present in most Seiko Spirit models. The SCVSxxx series are dress watches that are rather popular. In fact, I saw about 4 noteworthy models from the SCVS range. 2 of which I will be getting as gifts for friends’ birthdays.

At first glance, the Sumo looks un-proportionate with its dial and rather small lug width of just 20mm. Most other Seiko divers spot a lug width of at least 22mm. The result is a ‘huge face with skinny bracelet link’. It did take awhile before Seiko fans got comfortable with the unusual design of this timepiece. One can begin to understand how the nickname ‘Sumo’ came along.

This is my 2nd Seiko PROSPEX. Being a JDM (Japan Domestic Model) like all other PROSPEX line production, it does add a fair bit of novelty to my collection.

Seiko PROSPEX Automatic 200M SBDC001 Cameltoe/Sumo Diver

Ref : SBDC001
Listed Price: 63,000 JPY
Price: USD 558 (chronograph.com as of 06 Feb 2009 – SBDC003 only)
Type : Divers
Metal : Stainless Steel
Movement : 6R15 23J Automatic
Hack function & Hand winding
Case: Stainless Steel
Crystal: Hardlex
LumiBrite: Available
Accuracy: +25/-15 sec per day
Waterproof: 200 m water resistance for divers
Anti-magnetic: Available
Power reserve: 50 hours
Case width: 45mm (with crown 47mm)
Case thickness: 13.5mm
Lugs width 20mm
Crown: Screw-down crown
Bracelet reference: D3D9-GC

So, having acquired 2 PROSPEX models, I’m now 1 short to completing my collection:

7S25 – Seiko PROSPEX Automatic 200M SBDA001 Titanium ‘Samurai’ Diver (featured here)
6R15 – Seiko PROSPEX Automatic 200M SBDC001 ‘Sumo’ Diver (featured)
8L35 – Seiko PROSPEX Automatic 300M SBDX001 ‘MarineMaster’ Professional Diver (next up)

Running on the flagship 8L35 movement, the much coveted MarineMaster is now a little too rich for my blood. I am not about to strike it off my list of ‘must gets’ though. Maybe it’s psychological but until I got my Sumo, the Samurai was my most handsome watch.

Today, I will go with my Samurai for the clean lines and lower profile. My Sumo will be my first choice when impression counts. With a slightly convexed face on the dial, the Sumo does have a classic look to it. All this might change when I acquire the MarineMaster.