“It goes without saying,” is a phrase that perfectly sums up the Seiko Diver’s Watch, especially the SKX007.
Let’s rewind to 1965, when Seiko introduced its first water-resistant watch, rated for 150 meters. Back then, Seiko wasn’t the giant it is today. Fast forward to the 1970s, and even the prestigious Swiss manufacturers barely paid attention when Seiko started dabbling in quartz watches (battery-operated timepieces). Big mistake. When Seiko launched the SKX007, the Swiss watch industry felt the sting, losing half their market share to this affordable, elegantly designed competitor.
As famed watch enthusiast Jack Forster once said about the Seiko 5 series: “A $75 Watch That Looks Like A Million Bucks.” Those words couldn’t be more fitting for Seiko’s commitment to mechanical watches and their philosophy behind creating this tough-as-nails Diver.
Even at a budget-friendly price, the SKX007 holds a significant spot in Seiko’s line of diving watches. This model embodies the Japanese ethos of durability and timeless appeal, with its sleek stainless steel body growing even more striking as the years roll by.
The SKX007 is a testament to Seiko’s minimalist approach. Its case, crafted from the durable 316L stainless steel, is paired with a Julibee strap of the same material. While the clasp is stamped and may look standard, it’s sturdy enough to handle whatever life throws at it. The dial stays true to its diving roots, ditching numerals for the iconic, glowing lume dots that have come to define the 007. The bezel is solid and satisfying, completing the overall look. These simple yet thoughtful design elements come together to form a piece of jewelry that any true mechanical watch lover would be proud to own.
There’s nothing flashy about this watch, but that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s one of the only dive watches under $200 that meets the ISO 6425 certification for professional dive watches.
The Julibee strap may seem lightweight, but don’t be fooled - it’s incredibly comfortable, unlike the stiff Oyster bracelets you find on Rolex Submariners (which, in Vietnam, you can find fake versions for 300K VND, much to the disappointment of many).
The bezel? It clicks with a satisfying tic-tic, and even though I’m no diver, I use it to set timers all the time.
The lume is outstanding, especially for the price. Other than its sibling, the SKX009, nothing else at this price point compares.
But the real star here is the 7S26 movement - it’s a workhorse. Whether I’m bouncing down rough roads or getting into some rough-and-tumble activities, this watch handles it with ease. Now, it won’t survive a sledgehammer, but for under $200? A watch with such a reliable, shock-resistant movement? That’s a steal. Seiko’s dedication to simplicity and functionality has earned respect from even the Swiss watchmaking elite.
Sure, there are a couple of drawbacks - the lack of hand-winding, and a power reserve that’s just under 40 hours. But those are minor trade-offs for a watch that’s this tough and dependable. It pairs perfectly with my worn-in jeans, and when Monday rolls around, I slap it on with a suit and dress shoes. I get questions like, “Why not an Apple Watch?” or “Why not a Rolex for status?” My answer? Because…
HELHIND
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