Hi all,

Finally received my Seiko SKX009 diver. I'm really scratching my head over this one. I paid USD $ 199.99, brand new, warranty, in box and delivered to my door, for a mechanical watch,as accurate as any luxury mechanical, excellent fit and finish, screw down crown, super lume, 200 m certified dive watch on bracelet. I must be dreaming?

I knew all about them through members and all, but having one in the flesh makes me think that Seiko knows something other manufacturers don't. I don't want to cause a stir or a debate here, but Rolex commands $ 10k for a Submariner. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of Rolex (ok, the older ones..) and proudly own a couple that I love dearly.

This Seiko, and I suppose the others in this line, are more than an excellent value, they are an absolute steal. My cherished Sub and GMT-Master now have company with this exceptional timepiece. I am as impressed as I am happy!

Cheers,

 

There are 2 things about the SKX that belie the price point. The bezel finish on the knurling doesn’t quite match the watch and the non applied dial. Too fix those issues you spend at least 2x for the next model up.

Those minor issues aside, mine is my go to watch. I love the short lug to lug on it as it wears smaller then any other 42 mm Diver.

 

Lovely watch - the accuracy on yours is, however, incidental. It varies greatly on the Seikos I've had, including new ones. I think their circa 1970 offerings are very close to the Swiss watches they are emulating and there are heaps of cheap thrills to be found there.

 

In their defense they list +\- 30 I’ve never seen one delivered that off mine has been about plus 4 for years. A friends needed regulation after 2 years.

 

I've often wondered if Seiko is just a giant money-laundering operation, selling most of their products at a loss in order to keep the appearance of a legitimate business. How else could you explain such high-quality products sold at such ridiculous prices?

I'm being facetious, of course. The prices we see are due to extreme efficiency in manufacturing, and relatively low profit margins on individual units sold.

 

My first watch was a Seiko Presage. I think when people first hear of Seiko, their good impression of the brand is that it is a good quality, established company. I had 2 Seiko Presages (both sold), a vintage Seiko quartz chronograph (Age of Discovery), and a vintage Seiko dress quartz.

Having said that it is a different market we are talking about. In the same logic a phone like Huawei or Xiaomi can be very durable and even have better cameras than your iPhones, but an iPhone is an iPhone, and when consumers buy Rolexes, they are buying a lifestyle.

 

I've had my SKX007 for about 5 months now and I absolutely love it. Its a daily beater that I am sure can take just about anything, Changing oil on my vehicles, working on the house, or any other tasks that I wouldn't dare wear my speedmaster to do.....

I have a slight mis-alignment with my bezel but something I am willing to live with. Cheers from my SKX to yours.

 

And, of course, you can mod 'em to look like whatever you dream of! I can't find a photo right now but you know what I mean. TBH they wear a bit small on me which is why I end up letting them go.

 

I have to confess I bought one as a beater a few years ago but couldn't get on with it. It just didn't feel comfortable to me and nothing I can put my finger on - it did have a decent finish; the bracelet was on the jangly side, but nothing unforgiveable. Still, I bought it cheap and sold it for the same price I paid.

 

The Rolex Submariner is now marketed as a luxury item, but in the 1950's it was a tool watch. The retail price then was about $150 which, with inflation, equates to about $1200 today. So I guess the Seiko current retail price is the result from the reduced costs of manufacturing. A good deal indeed!

 

I have an automatic Pulsar (division of Seiko). I bought it for $39 off Woot about 10 years ago. Looks solid and always keeps accurate time. I wear it almost exclusively while traveling overseas, so in case it gets yanked I won't shed a tear. However, several times people stopped me and told me I had to remove such an expensive watch in such a high pickpocket area.

 

Currently have a new SKX 007, SNZH053 and a used (but newish) SKX013.
I wear them when I'm not in a suit (when I use various Omega vintage dress watches).
All are completely reliable and a delight to wear!
If only I had more arms.............

 

Or just double up

 

Never could resist a challenge!!!

 

Dang!

I need another Seiko to be like @Spruce!

Pictured below, my beloved 6309-7049 (left wrist) and SRP777K1 (right wrist)...good flying watches!

 

Yup

 

the 1200 equivalent of today is still out of reach to most consumers...

 

They stand up to the test of time like many expensive watches. Serviced and relumed by @JimInOz a few years ago and going strong everytime it gets called to lawnmower/garden duty or fishing

 

The 6180 ready hits the mark for me, but I have yet to try out any of their other models. I had a turtle on my wrist for a short period of time, loved the fit. Might pick one up soon after sorting through this thread.

Cheers!

@MPWATCH