The Shogun can be considered a fully armored version of the Sumo which is its next of kin. 44mm in diameter and similar with the earlier sumos which are powered by Seiko’s 6R15 50 hour power reserve movement but unlike the Sumo it is cased in hardened titanium case and bracelet. The Shogun is actually a nickname given by Seiko fans on the site to the watch and not the official name by Seiko. Based on the originator, it was named as such because of the full armor and crisp lines.
Things changed at the end of 2020 this year as the Prospex line welcomes new Shogun models: the Automatic Diver’s 200m Titanium SPB189J1 and SPB191J1 which are not longer limited to the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM). First things first, the original design of the watch, with its imposing and sharp case, has been retained. There can be no doubt concerning the origins of these new references, which have all the classic elements of a Shogun watch, with robust shoulders, sharp crown protection, angled inner lugs and a deeply notched bezel. As you would come to expect from a watch that bears this name, the case is made of brushed titanium with Seiko’s so-called “super-hard coating”. In addition to its resistance to corrosion and durability, titanium allows for a lighter watch; it weighs 121 grams on a bracelet and 99 grams on a silicone strap, whereas a King Samurai in stainless steel weighs 205 grams on bracelet. The proportions are rather large, with a 43.5mm case and 51mm from lug to lug. On the wrist, the watch is large but remains comfortable.
