Seiko discontinued the SKX, so what now? Grab one of these alternatives, obviously!
There is no real need for those who love the design, style, and functionality of the Seiko SKX to graduate from it. This is especially true if the watch has always been their idea of a grail. It delivers solidity, robustness and accuracy by the bucket load. Its recognizable design is timeless and carries status; plus, you can get it for an affordable price. But if you want to explore the affordable dive watch category further, you can find some great Seiko SKX alternatives. I’m going to show you some in this article.
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The Legendary Seiko SKX 009
The Seiko SKX series is arguably the most popular affordable dive watch category on the market. It was also a well-kept secret until 1996 and a big part of the company’s history. The brand fitted these robust daily beaters with its own Seiko movement, the 7S26 Calibre, complete with a 40-hour power reserve.
The two key models introduced at the time were the SKX007 and SKX009, both of which became best-sellers. The line, however, can trace its roots back to an earlier Seiko model, the 62MAS, and, in particular, the ref 7002. The models feature 42mm cases, a clean, handsome case, and 200-meter water resistance. The backs of the cases also bear engraved Tsunami logos, a nod to Japan’s famous artwork.
While the SKX007 gets the most attention out of the two, the SKX009 is a close second. The Seiko SKX009 has the iconic Pepsi bezel. The unmissable bezel has the first 20 minutes marked in red and the remainder in blue for optimum legibility. Its navy blue dial features luminous hour markers and hands and a day-date at 3 o’clock.
Although these two references are the most popular, other significant variants exist within the SKX Series.
Seiko SKX Mods
The Seiko SKX007 and SKX009 are not just two watches from one of the world’s most popular dive tool collections. They also happen to be designs that connoisseurs love to modify. Experienced watch modders can change everything in the dial, from the hands to the movement.
Modifications to the SKX can be as simple as a strap change. Collectors like to switch things up a little, giving the watch military vibes by adding a NATO strap. The sportiness of a Tropical rubber band is another popular choice.
Switching out the bezel on the SKX can make it look like many other iconic watches. Take, for example, the Rolex GMT-Master II, the Submariner, or the Omega Planet Ocean. Other reasons for Seiko SKX mods on the bezel include upgrading to ceramic or more color options.
Seiko SKX watches feature the brand’s Hardlex crystal, which is harder than the average mineral glass. Still, upgrading to sapphire crystal or modifying the dial or movement is a popular move for Seiko SKX collectors.
Some Great Seiko SKX Alternatives
We now know where the SKX design originated and why it’s so popular. I can now show you some SKX alternatives. Here they are, in no particular order.
1. Orient Kamasu
Fittingly, Orient is a Japanese brand, just like Seiko. The Kamasu, too, has an in-house-developed automatic movement but features sapphire glass. Considering sapphire is the superior material of the two, the Kamasu is an excellent alternative. The watch also features an impressive 200-meter water resistance and a robust metal bracelet similar to the SKX.
2. Seiko 5 Sports SKX GMT
Of course, there is nothing more akin to the SKX watch than another Seiko model. Although not a direct replacement, the new 5 Sports watches offer many similarities. This SSK035 model is even a GMT, promising more wrist-wearing functionality than the SKX. With this green iteration, you can track two timezones, while its beads-of-rice bracelet gives it a touch of retro. The watch is only 100 meters water resistant but features the Seiko 4R34, with a useful 41-hour power reserve.
3. Citizen Promaster Eco-Drive
With a 200-meter water resistance and screw-down crown, you never need to worry about water damage with this Citizen watch. The Promaster Eco-Drive is iso-compliant and screams “tool watch.” The Eco-Drive movement eradicates the need for battery replacements, and the deep bezel notches provide an easy grip. This Seiko SKX alternative helps tell the time at a glance thanks to its black dial with bold, luminous markers. The Citizen BN0150-28E is also a watch with great quality-price-ratio.
4. Victorinox I.N.O.X
This SKX Seiko alternative is a large offering, measuring 43mm in diameter. But if you liked that the former was an ISO 6425-certified diver, rejoice: this one is, too! So yes, it has everything the SKX had, and then some. It features a mechanical movement, a dive extension on the bracelet, and a sapphire crystal coated with anti-reflective treatment. If you’re all about the specs and can rock a bigger watch, there is no better option than this Victorinox I.N.O.X. Its textured dial surface gives it an edgier twist. Although black, like the SKX, its guilloche-inspired pattern donates a sense of depth to the display.
Victorinox experts equip it with luminous hour markers and a red-tipped second hand but place the date at 4:30. It puts a nice spin on the classic layout of the SKX. This watch promises strong geometrics and puts performance-focused features at the forefront of the design. In fact, even if you weren’t looking for an SKX alternative, the I.N.O.X offers everything you need in a daily beater. The watch’s case shape differs from the other options in this list. Although the bezel is round, the sloping sides give Victorinox watches their distinctive look.
5. Steinhart Ocean 39
As far as Seiko SKX alternatives go, this is a pretty close fit. I chose this black and steel Ocean 39 watch from Steinhart because it’s the most legible of the series. It’s also a Rolex Submariner homage watch, for sure! The date sits tastefully under a cyclops window against a black dial. Then, you have a black ceramic bezel, a 300M water-resistant steel case, and a sapphire glass. All three are great material choices, constituting a solid water-ready design. Even better, this case measures a compact 39mm diameter, so it’s great for smaller wrists!
6. Orient Mako II
If the Orient Kamusu is too large, consider another Orient option—the Mako II. This watch measures a more compact 40mm diameter and boasts this entrancing purple dial color.
The Mako II’s color scheme might be a little out there, but it does offer features similar to those of the SKX. It’s robust, legible, and accurate. It features automatic movement, a date window, and 200-meter water resistance. Its dark blue leather strap adds a classic spin, contrasting tastefully with the orange tip on the second hand.
FAQs
Learn more about the ins and outs of the Seiko SKX with these frequently asked questions.
Is the Seiko SKX Discontinued?
Yes, Seiko discontinued the SKX. Although collectible, these watches are common, so finding them in good condition on the pre-owned market is easy.
What Replaced the Seiko SKX?
Seiko discontinued the SKX in 2019 and followed it up with a new version of the 5 Sports watch. The models from this series are fun, reliable, and stylish enough to wear every day of the week.
Is the SKX and the SRPD the Same?
No, the SKX is not the same as the SRPD. The SKX has thicker spring bars, meaning that the straps for both are not interchangeable. Aside from that difference, they are nearly identical.
The Takeaway
The market is abundant in dive watches, but the Seiko SKX watch is, by far, one of the most popular of all. Thanks to its ruggedly handsome aesthetic, dive watch capability, legibility, and reliability, many brands offer similar designs. Hopefully, these Seiko SKX alternatives will give you some ideas. From the compact Ocean 39 by Steinhart to Citizen’s Eco-Drive Promaster, you have plenty of options.
If you can’t find a watch that ticks every box, don’t worry. The Seiko 5 Sports SKX models are as close as you’ll get to the original SKX. These models promise a distinguishable bezel, a legible dial, and a robust Seiko bracelet. Failing that, why not explore the pre-owned market for a second-hand Seiko SKX? You won’t struggle to stumble upon a good deal.
What do you love most about the SKX? And have you found a great alternative? Share it with us in the comments below, and sign up for our newsletter at the same time!
