Seiko Divers Strap Swap

So I have 2 Seiko Prospex Padi Divers, and I tried if a strap type swap would change the look and feel of these pieces.

Background:

1. SPB087J1 (Gen 1 MM200) originally on an oem Seiko rubber strap but replaced it with a Veloci rubber strap. Its simpler and shorter with less of an overhang from my small wrist. For me it already looks good on a black rubber strap but I always wondered if a metal bracelet would look good on these just like its Gen 2 MM200 cousins.

2. SSC795J1 (Sumo Chronograph) originally on an oem Seiko metal bracelet. The plain Sumo is already a chunky piece and with the added chronograph complication made this one even more chunky! But not so bad, the case design hides its dimensions very well. The bracelet however does not help in hiding its chunkyness, it has little to no taper and the first link does not match with the curves of the case lugs area and leaves sharp edges here and there.

While deciding what to wear (Grand Seiko Winter, ehem ehem… 😅) I realised just then that these 2 share the same lug width?! So I asked myself, if it is possible to swap the two? Brought out the tools and yes as you can see in the photos, it fits!

Results:

1. The Mm200 with a metal bracelet now feels more presence, premium, and heft. Even though it has little to no taper its not out of place. In fact the curves of the first link of the bracelet follows the countours of the case lug area better than the Sumo leaving no awkward sharp edges.

There are problems with the coating and the spring bars though. The case has a hard coating where the bracelet does not. So it has a different shine but its not really noticeable in most light conditions. The lug holes also does not align perfectly and the thick oem spring bars does not fit. Luckily I have spare thinner spring bars and with a little wiggle wiggle it fit right into place!

2. The Sumo on the other hand now looks and feels sportier but slimmer and smaller in a good way! The black strap really helps in hiding the chunky dimensions of the case.

Conclusion:

I feel like I have 2 new watches. 😅

Just sharing what I’ve done and discovered recently and I hope this helps as a reference for anyone.

Thank you Watchcrunchers and have a good day!