I used to own an SKX007 but it’s long since gone. There’s a healthy dose of nostalgia there for me. So I was looking on eBay and you can still find new 007’s for around 400 from sellers in East Asia. I also like the SKX013 on my 6.6 inch wrist, but those are new from Asia at around 550 on the rubber and maybe 600 on a bracelet. That’s kind of crazy money for a watch that was once considered a great deal for the money. Plus I wonder if watches are one of those things where you can’t go back again, and maybe my love for my lost SKX won’t be rekindled as strongly with a new one. And I’m also hesitant about misalignment issues as they’ve always plagued the SKX and these foreign sellers likely won’t do any quality checks. OTOH, I can get a new SRPD (“5KX”) on reputable internet sites for like 170 new. I would miss the 200M WR because it’s nice to have the option to take it swimming. But this is a great deal with a hugely upgraded movement and essentially the same aesthetics as the SKX. And a way better factory strap or bracelet that I might not even switch out. I feel like the only reason I would really go with the SKX is for the reduced size of the 013. But I can wear the 5KX. And the 600 price tag for an 013 is actually kind of insane relative to quality.
In 2019, I got an SKX007J1 / Made in Japan from Amazon, paid $371.21. Not sure about K1 versions but this J1 quality is impressive. I ended up modifying everything, now only the dial remains stock. It was quite a lovely and fun watch in stock except the bracelet imho. I am now thinking of getting SKX013 for my small wrist, after reading your post.
The problem with the 5kx in my book is that they've made it a bit 'mickey mouse' with all the different releases - I may pick one up I guess, but I doubt I'll feel the same way about it as my 007 & 009 - I think they have a great x-factor that a few classic Seikos have - they get the job done for a diver....
IMO, the true successors of the SKX are the homages done by Long Island Watch. Same case shape, 200m WR (though 100 is fine for anything short of diving), better movement, sapphire crystal. The 5kx are the streetware version.
I own a SKX 009 and one of the last 007's ever made, my GF has a 013, and I just purchased the rose gold 5kx and moded it. The case and bezel are exactly the same except it now has drilled lugs. The dials are slightly higher quality and have more than just printed dials with lume. Most of the 5kx's have much more detailed dials with raised areas around the lume dots like Rolex's. The down side of the 5kx is the 5 logo which makes the dial slightly more busy, but not by much. In owning them... the thing that struck me the oddest was after a decade of my 009 being a goto watch muscle memory on them makes me want to unscrew the crown first. Additionally, there is something slightly odd about a hacking Seiko diver to me... I see little downside and they can swap almost all parts directly, same bezels, bezel inserts, dials, movements, case, lugs, spring bar hole location, SKX Classic simpler dial screw down crown. Better WR Mid size option ( very hard to find) 5KX Better movement with hacking Drilled lugs Better Finished dial Display back Large selection of variations with more options. ( You can always swap a 007/009 dial on one) PVD coated options Both Highly customizable if that is your thing Classic shape Easy to wear for a 42mm watch as lug height is low, the watch is almost square.
I’ll chime in with some thoughts on the SKX013. Bought one new a couple years ago with the bracelet for ~$250, and it’s a total winner. This is my go to beater and it actually sees underwater pressure. I literally abuse the thing. To wit: I’ve changed a carb and a fuel line on a boat while wearing this watch, and then went water skiing right after while wearing it. I could go on. It still looks great on my small wrist. These pop up used on Reddit from time to time and sell for fair prices (if quickly).
That's one thing about the SKX line, the more you wear it, the better it looks. They really epitomize honest wabi sabi.
The SKX is a classic for a reason .Its definitely the go to watch & if there is work to be done ,the SKX can handle it & more & still look great . Looks good on the stock rubber strap , jubilee or my favourite the US president bracelet.
seeing yours I think I need an Orange SKX 011. @ConElPueblo I kind of expected you to have an SKX 173, the somewhat unloved USDM version which I heard was very popular in your neck of the woods.
Given the affordability of the Seikos, why agonize over it? Get both a SKX and a 5KX! I have a SKX007 (modded), a 009 , and a SRPD76 for a bit of bling, love all 3 of them!
This, I think, is kind of an unfair criticism. IMO all Seiko is really doing with all of the different options for the 5KX is recognizing the reality that so many peeps modded the heck out of their skx’s anyway, so why shouldn’t Seiko join in the fun. For me, the biggest downsides of buying the an SKX at this point are the price and the infamous misalignment issues. From what I’ve seen and heard, the quality control is very consistent on the new 5KX’s, for about half the price. Also, for me, the biggest downside of the 5KX is the lack of a 38mm option. I can wear the 007 or the 5KX on my 6.6 inch wrist, and it wears pretty well on account of the short lug to lug, but I prefer the 013 midsize. Just not enough to pay 600 (on a bracelet) from a seller in Hong Kong. They do come up used on Reddit or eBay for around 350 or less from time to time, but sell quickly at that price.
I hear what you're saying - perhaps i was a little unfair - I do think the 5kx is a good first watch to introduce people into the hobby - prices are decent now and 100m WR is all most people will ever need. But i do see them as more of a fashion watch, and i'm more of a tool watch kind of guy. I would suggest having a look at the new 38mm solar divers just released - but you're looking at £500, maybe 450 with a discount - which to me seems a bit on the expensive side...there are other options to the SKX - the islander has been mentioned and I bought the rotary super 7 last year which I think is good value at about £220 on rubber...they don't make them in mid-size though unfortunately.....
Well, in terms of this thread, I would opt for a mini turtle- I love this watch! But of course, only one that bears the mark of the beast is suitable for snorkeling.
I'm really, genuinely surprised by the increase in interest (and prices) of the SKXs since the model was discontinued. They are OK--I've owned a couple--but I don't think they're worth the hype. The new "turtle" models (SRP77X, etc.) are much more the successor than the 5KX and features a better movement than the SKX. That's the model I'd be going after if I was wanting an affordable Seiko diver.
I can't imagine that they sold many USDM models here? Anyway, I once owned a SKX013, which I got because I thought it would fit my rather slim wrists better. Sold it again as the proportions were, IMO, terrible.
I read an article that the 173 was popular in Scandinavia as it was harder to get. I personally never liked that dial variation and prefer the 007. My GF has a 173 on an isoframe strap and works perfectly for her small wrists. I’m guessing the mid size wore to small for you as these square watches wear deceptively small.
This is worth considering with the 013s. They do wear a bit small and they have the look and feel of an 007 smushed (for lack of a better word), somewhat unappealingly into a smaller face. For me, it took some getting used to, but now that the watch and I have some history together, I’ve grown to like it. That said, can definitely see it being a dealbreaker.