In terms of style, I think the defining characteristic of any dive watch is the bezel. The Certina bezel is sublime; coin edge, graphic style and size, proportion to case and face, perfection.
I really wish certina would bring out the 38mm DS Action Diver with the upgrades they gave to the larger version. Now I've started wanting watches that don't exist. Total madness!
Good thorough video. I like both watches and I own the previous gen Sumo SPB101J. Everything is aligned perfectly and it runs about 3 seconds fast per day. I have a 7” wrist and the size and fit are nice. No mistaking it for a ladies watch.
Wow!!!! That seiko looks fabulous I’m definitely having one of those, I’ve 2 of the gen 3’s so love the sumos but this is on another level imo, great video
That Sumo looks wonderful, reminds me of my sbdc069, which I deeply regret selling.. It was running like a champ, very accurate, nuclear lume, unique look.
I like that new model Certina DS Action Diver. I used to have the DS Action Chrono Diver with the quick set date crown. I wished I still had it and Certina didn't replace it with their newer model. I love Seiko but I'm all in on the certina here. Hope you are doing well Mark. Kashton The Dive Watcher
These are exceptional watches and I have them both. The Sumo has somewhat better specs (eg superior lume, ceramic bezel, sophisticated case design) but is more expensive. Love your detailed review/comparison.
The only "spec" that is better on the Sumo is the lume. All the rest goes to Certina (it has a ceramic bezel as well). The bracelet and clasp are miles ahead (the outter clasp and diver's extension on the Seiko are cheap as hell). The Certina is ISO rated to 300m instead of 200. The movement is also better and has 10 more hours of power reserve. It has crown guards. I also think the sizing is much better (45 is just too big and it looks weird with 20mm lugs), but the sizing aspect is subjective of course. BUT watches aren't just "specs", if you prefer the Sumo, fair enough. I was just pointing out that your comment on the specs made no sense.
That Certina is a great looking watch, but sumos wear like turtles. Big watch....but so comfortable. I have an older sbdc069. Stunning watch. The lume? Crazy Strong
Great comparison, thank you Mark. I would like to say, there are no winner. Both are great. In terms of finishing, Seiko is better, but the price is 400 USD higher.
Thank you for the excellent review. Do you like your blue MM200 SBDC127 with its black bezel more than this King Ceramic Sumo? Both are very appealing.
I prefer the case and proportions of the MM200, although this new Sumo did exceed my expectations, the I just have too many other Seiko's that have set the bar much higher by comparison.
I always go for Seiko quartz divers, but when it comes to automatics I always go Swiss, for better accuracy. I have Hamiltons, Tissots and Certinas and all are +2 or +3 seconds a day. My experience of Seiko autos is not great, and no, I don't want to buy a watch and then have to regulate it.
Excellent review, I am a sucker for blue dive watches myself; My $300 San Martin equals if not exceeds both in all categories save for longevity - God only knows how long a pt5000 movement will last and how feasible dropping a new one in is;if I can find a watch repair guy willing to even mess with it. I think the blue version of the new Citizen 'barnacle'would be worth looking at next to these two . Thank you for your hard work
Replacing a PT5000 is identical to replacing any ETA 2824 clone. You can interchange the PT5000 with any other ETA 2824-compatible movement (another PT5000, ST 2130, ETA 2824, SW200).
Normally I would say the Sumo wins hands down for me. But seeing the newer Sumo (vs my gen 2), I do not like the font on the bezel and I am not a fan of the flat plain bracelet. The clasp is a definite upgrade. But it does not scream different like it use to.
I would love to buy the Certina but I worry about 43 being to big for my wrist - typically wearing 40 but I want the ceramic bezel so bad - 38 doesn’t have it and the clasp is also a lot worse …
Seiko fib about were their watches are made! All the prospects models are made in Malaysia, and it’s almost impossible to find out where because Seiko keeps it a secret. The J versions are made in exactly the same factories there is zero difference between the J and k versions! They are in no way made in Japan the ones that are shipped to Japan are allowed to be labelled made in Japan due to their laws, but they are made in China this is a fact
Old 2019 DS had better clasp and better bezel and better bevels while the new 38 DS have fold over clasp,I was really disappointed with Certina as their fan and owner of various Certina watches!!
It wears smaller like most Seikos do. I actually think that the 43mm Certina looks larger. Besides, guys with 7.5" and over wrists like the bigger watches.
![Average Bros [Mark Alamares]](http://yt3.ggpht.com/AMTyfBoS_HGUS5NeMIdml3FQHYPLCvE10yYPfvjGSZRfNEkgmgSJlVqPFEQ4yky_fTnRrnqQ=s48-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj)