Just had a look at a Seiko SKX

[Ed Rooney]

It was the 173, I believe. It was at a kiosk at a very busy mall, so I transferred my SD to my right wrist while trying on the Seiko.

Boy, what a nice watch for under $200 (internet price). Applied indices, matte dial, day-date, terrific lume - What's not to like? I definitely need to get something from the SKX range. The only thing that has stopped me so far is that I always figured I could put the $200 toward my next Rolex "upgrade". Now that I own a Sea-Dweller, there is no possible way to improve.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Found it!

I agree! Very nice Seiko!

[Ed Rooney]

That looks nice on leather, but a Seiko diver's natural habitat is on a rubber strap.

[fear]

ED--Solid watch. I like mines a lot, everyday wear. And I don't mind getting this thing dirty.

Mind the lint.

[Letsgodiving]

Great looking watch and tough as nails. I've heard they are generally 10+ secs off a day though, is that right?

[fear]

"I've heard they are generally 10+ secs off a day though, is that right?"


When I first bought it about three months ago the watch did run a little fast. Dunno about 10 seconds a day. I reset it once about a month ago. It settled down since. I don't think it's up to chonometer specs but time's consistent with my iMac.

[Gedanken]

I've had the 173's 6309-based predecessor for the last 20 years and had no complaints:



While the watch is tough as nails and looks good on the rubber strap, I went through enough straps because they kept breaking, and I eventually fitted a Jubilee-style Seiko bracelet to it.

The lack of hacking and manual winding can get annoying to someone who's used to a modern Rolex movement, and of course, if you like COSC accuracy you're likely to be disappointed.

However, keep in mind that the 7S26 was never designed to be like the 3135 in function, and in that light, it's an excellent watch.

[vukotab]

Very good watch,Ed.I got similar one,with Pepsi bezel.It`s very reliable and precise.And great buy for that price!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Letsgodiving

Great looking watch and tough as nails. I've heard they are generally 10+ secs off a day though, is that right?

.Well IMO without the Seiko 7S26 and comparable movements from Miyota (Citizen), Orient, and Swatch, many people would not be able to experience the joy of owning a mechanical watch.And given the reliability and robustness of the Seiko 7S26 movement.IMO I would not be shocked to see this movement run for 15-20 years without a service.Its a well made movement,but not a pretty movement,but with many good things like the Diafix cap jewels,and the nickel power train wheels,that are stronger than the traditional brass.And can be easily tuned to around + 3 +5 secs a day,most mass produced Seiko's I have found, tent to run +10 to+20 out of the box.

There is a misunderstanding in some, that people assume Seiko equals affordable/cheap. Most are undoubtedly referring to Seiko's normally found on the street in Europe and the Americas, and they are definitely a good, fantastic, value for the money. But you can also get vintage and new high end Seiko's, which, until the advent of the Internet, were relatively unknown outside of Japan. And a few other far east Asian countries (Taiwan, HK, Singapore ETC.) "King Seiko","Grand Seiko", and "Seiko Credor", you will find in these watches that, movement and case finish wise, easily compete with the best of mass produced swiss watches, i.e. Omega, Rolex, etc. As for style… well, that is in the eye of the beholder. At best they can be considered very conservative.

But it really depends which movements,and watches you are comparing to. What this all boils down to is: Seiko makes some truly outstanding products, and some mediocre ones, just like many other companies. If you want to buy one, you should, by all means do it. Because their bang-for-the-pound-factor is amazing value, at both ends of the spectrum.



And Japanese movement test, to a very much higher spec than the Swiss COSC.

[JimSnyder]

The first is from 1980 bought for $69. My first purchace of this new year. The 2nd is my daily wear watch since 1978 it was a graduation present from High School; Jim .us/img

[haakon59]

I have the Seiko Orange Monster and it's a solid watch. Although I haven't timed it for awhile, it was around +15 seconds per day, but consistent. It does glow very well at night and I have used it swimming many times and had no problems at all. The price makes it an attractive buy.

[DS/B MINI S]

Here are a few pics of my Seiko 007. I picked the watch up from everyone's favorite auction site, and sent it off for customization with aftermarket dial, hands, and chapter ring from Bill Yao at Mark II watches.
I have about $225.00 total in the watch, parts, and assembly. It is my Clemson Football gameday watch

[JimSnyder]

Here are my 2 vintage 6309's

[Andad]

I bough a couple of black monsters. One on a NATO and one on a bracelet. I gave the bracelet monster to my son Ricky, he wears it as a daily and it is bulletproof.
Also bought a Seiko Kinetic - another HUGE watch (compared to my SD) with excellent accuracy.

[Han]

Ed & Fear,

What is the size of SKX 173? One I saw was KKX 013, which I believe is 38 mm.
How did it compare heft wise to the SD?

[Han]

Ed & Fear,

What is the size of SKX 173? The one I saw was SKX 013, which I believe is 38 mm.
How did it compare heft wise to the SD?

[fear]

Han,

The SKX 173 case with is 42.3 mm. The SD is 40 mm. The Seiko's a bigger watch but the SD can go much, much deeper.

I am very impressed with the Seiko and it's 7s26 movement.

[timackerman]

I am not really a fan of the Seiko Dive watches.

However looking at the Grand Seiko line, I am impressed. It has me looking much closer as a possible next purchase

[JimSnyder]

[Widows Son]

I have an early 1960's Seiko World Time. I've been wearing it since the 7TH grade!!! I recently had it overhauled and a new crystal installed. It's a beauty and keeps good time.

[Terry Newton]

Man that's a workhorse of a watch. Looks bulletproof and rugged. That is a lifetime tool watch.

Terry Newton

[Baptistman]

tough one that