Why is the pre-owned SKX Seiko watch still in such high demand? I have the answer.
For some watch collectors, their journey goes a little like this. They buy a Seiko SKX, then they turn to something like an Oris Sixty-Five. Then, they move on to a TUDOR Black Bay before buying the Rolex Submariner.
For other collectors, the journey goes a little like this: They buy a Seiko SKX, then try the Oris Sixty-Five. Then, they move on to a TUDOR Black Bay before buying the Rolex Submariner. Then, they return to the Seiko SKX.
Is that the story of someone who bankrupted themselves and had to go back to the start? Absolutely not. Is it the story of someone who made some mistakes along the way?
Quite possibly, because he needn’t have gone to the top just to come back to the start. Or maybe he did?
Maybe he needed to experience a model like the Rolex Sub compared to the Seiko SKX. They both sit in completely different price brackets, but they both bring a lot of joy to the wrist. Maybe, just maybe, a watch like the SKX is enough.
In this article, I’m going to talk about the Seiko SKX and why it’s still knocking around years after its discontinuation. Now, years after, the supposed 5 Sport came along to take its place.
I’m going to dissect what makes never-worn-before or next-to-new, mint-condition Seiko SKX watches still so collectible. And why they now sell on the pre-owned market for $900 despite an average RRP of $250 during the 1990s.
Table of Contents
The History of the SKX Seiko Watch
The Seiko SKX Series arrived in 1996. However, the Japanese brand was excelling in the manufacture of quality dive watches way before then. You can trace the heritage of the SKX watch right back to the brand’s earlier 62MAS watch.
The 150M Diver watch, with its impressive robustness and accuracy, assisted with Seiko’s Official Timing Partner role during the Japanese Olympics.
Following this was the Seiko 600M and then the brand’s Hybrid Diver 150M in the 1980s. In 1986, Seiko released the ceramic Diver 1000M. Ten years later, the Seiko SKX series arrived, which we’re going to explore now.
Seiko SKX Models
The Seiko SKX model is one of the most iconic collectibles in the affordable dive watch category. In particular, the SKX007 proves to be the most popular. These watches are great for underwater exploration and also make great daily beaters.
All watches from the Seiko SKX series promise shared values of affordability, style, and accuracy. Sadly, none are still in production. But that hasn’t stopped enthusiasts from seeking out these models on the pre-owned market.
Their subtle retro-dive watch nods and neo-vintage aesthetics have bumped up investment propositions over the years. Today, it is not uncommon for watches from the SKX family to sell for much more than their original retail price.
As so often happens on the second-hand market, the discontinuation of a popular design sends prices skyrocketing. While the asking price of an SKX watch is by no means extortionate, its price inflation tells us something very key.
People still love the style and quality feel of this dive tool and will pay the price to secure one for their collection.
The Key Features of a Seiko SKX Watch
Seiko watches from the SKX series feature some important hallmarks that point to the brand’s heritage in dive watch manufacture. On the back of the cases, you’ll see a distinctive Tsunami logo. Many believe it’s a nod to Japan’s famous artwork.
The case of a Seiko watch wears pretty well on the wrist. A 42mm diameter, paired with a thickness of 13.5mm, enables it to sit well on most average-sized wrists.
Aside from a handy 200-meter water resistance, these watches feature screw-down crowns. A Hardlex crystal top also keeps costs down.
The dial of a Seiko SKX watch focuses on legibility above all else. The chunky hour markers and arrow-tipped hands feature Lumibrite lashings to assist with legibility. To further enhance the functionality and practicality of these models, they feature a 3 o’clock day-date complication.
At the heart of these sturdy mechanical watches is the Caliber 7S26 — a true workhorse. The movement performs at a rate of 21,600 vibrations per hour.
When fully wound, you also get to enjoy a power reserve of 40 hours. But, if you regularly alternate your watches, you may need something like a watch winder to keep them ticking over. Here are a few watch winder designs worth checking out if you don’t already own one.
Some lower-end Seiko 5 Sport watches feature automatic movement, with hacking seconds. It promises an accuracy of -20 / +40 seconds per day.
4 Seiko SKX Series
Now that we know what the Seiko SKX is good for, let’s take a look at some variations.
The Seiko SKX007
The most popular model of the series is unquestionably the SKX007. It’s also the easiest example to compare with modern-day 5 Sport (or SRPD) models. Yes, the watch has an outdated movement, and some consider it overpriced (since there are many modern alternatives on the market).
But it’s a beater watch that promises better water resistance than the 5 Sport line. What’s more, its black dial, luminous markers, and Hesalite crystal glass recall dive watches of a bygone era.
The Seiko SKX009
The Seiko SKX009 model sports the “Pepsi” bezel in blue and red and presents the time on a rich blue dial. Its Jubilee-style bracelet retains the iconic look of the SKX series, although a little “rattly”.
Similar to the SKX009, there are “K” references and “J” references. The latter refers to the “Made in Japan” lettering on the dial.
The Seiko SKX013
If your wrist measures smaller, the SKX013 is an ideal option. Its 38mm diameter makes it a great option for slender wrists.
This reference features a slightly different secondhand but shares the same black dial and bezel with the SKX007.
The Seiko SKX011
Surprisingly, the Seiko SKX011 never garnered the same affection as other SKX models. Despite its captivating orange dial, which recalled legendary vintage dive watches like the DOXA SUB, it went rather unnoticed.
This model features a Cyclops lens above the date window and a black rotating dive bezel.
Winding Down
There is no denying the fact that Seiko has manufactured some of the best dive watches in history. You can accredit watches from this collection to the retention of the dive watch culture throughout the 1990s.
Part of the brand’s journey involves the SKX Seiko series. Collectibles like the SKX007 and SKX009 have truly preserved the love for this genre of watch.
If you type “best affordable dive watch” into a search engine, the Seiko SKX watch is going to appear somewhere. So, if you’re looking for confirmation to buy one, my advice would be, “Just do it”. Go and buy an SKX watch.
The successor to the series (5 Sport) is by no means a bad choice, but there’s a reason why people love the original so much.
What do you make of the Seiko SKX watch? Do you own one? What do you love most about it? Drop your comments to us below!
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