Technology in mechanical watches interest me immensely. One area that I follow closely is on dive watches, specifically extreme dive watches. Seiko has a number of watches that represent the best in technology. I am blessed to be able to own two of them, the 1000 meter SBEX001 (on the left of the photo below) as well as the iconic SBDX011 Emperor Tuna (on the right of the photo below).
Below is a comparative table of the specifications of both watches. As you can see, the SBEX001 appears to be just slightly bigger due to having a bracelet instead of a rubber strap. Just because the SBEX001 has a hi-beat movement, a bracelet and a limited edition, the price is more than twice of the SBDX011.
A unique feature is the monocoque watch casing of both watches. To minimise the number of ways water can force its way into the watch, reducing the number of openings is a basic requirement. Instead of having a detachable case-back, both watches are milled from solid blocks of titanium with only one major opening via the front and one minor opening at the side (at the 4 o'clock position) for the crown stem. It is through this major opening one is able to access the inside of the watch.
The SBDX011 also has an additional safety feature in the form of the shroud to protect the bezel from impact.
Both watches are immensely strong and exceedingly large. The lug design on both watches does help them wear properly for normal sized wrist. The best is the Emperor Tuna with the 'zero-length' lug. The short and downward curved lugs on the SBEX001 is not bad as well.
Height wise, the SBEX001is taller and on the wrist, it is very obvious compared to the SBDX011. The black surface of the SBDX011 also helps mask the height.
I find the SBEX001 is best paired with a silicone or rubber strap like the SBDX011. It helps keep the watch tight on the wrist. Both watches are best worn firmly on the wrist without any play. Due to the size of the watches, any play or 'looseness' makes it very uncomfortable and distracting.
After considering both watches relative to the price, I conclude the Emperor Tuna or SBDX011 to be the better value-for-money compared to the SBEX001. Although the movement is not a high-beat in the SBDX011 (plus it does not come with a titanium bracelet), it does not justify the premium (over twice the price) requested by Seiko.
Conclusion: In my opinion, Seiko's SBEX001 has been over-engineered in less than ideal way. Wearability has been compromised when compared to the SBDX011 and that's a shame considering the price of the watch. The Emperor Tuna, remains the better of the two and justifies its iconic status.
Below is a comparative table of the specifications of both watches. As you can see, the SBEX001 appears to be just slightly bigger due to having a bracelet instead of a rubber strap. Just because the SBEX001 has a hi-beat movement, a bracelet and a limited edition, the price is more than twice of the SBDX011.
| Specifications | SBEX001 | SBDX011 |
| Movement | 8L55 (running at 36,000 BPH) | 8L35 (running at 28,800 BPH) |
| Strap | Bracelet | Rubber |
| Dial | Black | Black |
| Diameter | 48.2 mm | 50 mm |
| Lug width | 22 mm | 22 mm |
| Lug-to-lug | 53.3 mm | 52 mm |
| Thickness | 19.7 mm | 17.4 mm |
| Weight | 199 gm | 147 gm |
| Crystal | Sapphire | Sapphire |
| Bezel Inlay | Titanium | Titanium |
| Base Material | Titanium + Diashield | Titanium + DLC |
| Water Rating | 1,000 meters | 1,000 meters |
| Manufacture | Limited edition | JDM |
| MSRP | YEN650,000 | YEN300,000 |
A unique feature is the monocoque watch casing of both watches. To minimise the number of ways water can force its way into the watch, reducing the number of openings is a basic requirement. Instead of having a detachable case-back, both watches are milled from solid blocks of titanium with only one major opening via the front and one minor opening at the side (at the 4 o'clock position) for the crown stem. It is through this major opening one is able to access the inside of the watch.
The SBDX011 also has an additional safety feature in the form of the shroud to protect the bezel from impact.
Both watches are immensely strong and exceedingly large. The lug design on both watches does help them wear properly for normal sized wrist. The best is the Emperor Tuna with the 'zero-length' lug. The short and downward curved lugs on the SBEX001 is not bad as well.
Height wise, the SBEX001is taller and on the wrist, it is very obvious compared to the SBDX011. The black surface of the SBDX011 also helps mask the height.
I find the SBEX001 is best paired with a silicone or rubber strap like the SBDX011. It helps keep the watch tight on the wrist. Both watches are best worn firmly on the wrist without any play. Due to the size of the watches, any play or 'looseness' makes it very uncomfortable and distracting.
After considering both watches relative to the price, I conclude the Emperor Tuna or SBDX011 to be the better value-for-money compared to the SBEX001. Although the movement is not a high-beat in the SBDX011 (plus it does not come with a titanium bracelet), it does not justify the premium (over twice the price) requested by Seiko.
Conclusion: In my opinion, Seiko's SBEX001 has been over-engineered in less than ideal way. Wearability has been compromised when compared to the SBDX011 and that's a shame considering the price of the watch. The Emperor Tuna, remains the better of the two and justifies its iconic status.
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