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Seiko SKX007 vs SKX009: Two Most Popular Dive Watches

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Jacky Chou

Seiko is one of the most popular watch manufacturers in Japan. It offers a wide range of watches with varying price points, styles, and functions. We take an objective look at two very different versions- The SKX007 vs SKX009 - to compare their features and performance.

The "seiko skx007 vs skx009 vs skx013" is a comparison of two popular dive watches. The Seiko SKX007 and the Seiko SKX009 are both popular choices for divers, but which one should you choose?

Black vs. Pepsi: SKX007 Seiko vs. SKX009

SEIKO Men's Automatic Analogue Watch with Rubber Strap SKX007K
  • Quality Japanese Automatic movement; Functions without a battery;...
  • Hardlex crystal
  • Case diameter: 42 mm
  • Stainless-steel case; Black dial; Date-and-day functions
  • Water resistant to 660 feet (200 M): suitable for recreational...
SEIKO Men's SKX009K2 Diver's Analog Automatic Stainless Steel Watch
  • Battery-free automatic dive watch featuring two-tone...
  • 42 mm stainless steel case with Hardlex dial window
  • Japanese automatic movement with analog display
  • Five-link stainless steel band featuring fold-over clasp with...
  • Water resistant to 200 m (660 ft): In general, suitable for...

These are undoubtedly the most well-liked diving watches made by Seiko, and for good reason. You can obtain a ton of high-end features for a very little cost.

The magnificent diving watch design, which is eerily similar to the Rolex Submariner that we all know and adore, is the perfect finishing touch.

What distinguishes the SKX007 and SKX009 watches from one another, if you are considering purchasing one of them?

Is the watch's internal mechanism different? The crystal is it identical?

And what the heck are all those strange letters? Yes, SKX may be quite perplexing.

This is the reason why I'm delving into the SKX line and comparing these two storied Seiko watches in this piece.

The Two’s Differing Characteristics

You can quickly and readily observe that there is no technological difference between the SKX007 and SKX009 by comparing their technical specifications side by side in the table below.

It would be wise to know the precise specifications that these watches have.

The SKX007 and SKX009’s Primary Difference

This is the key area where the SKXs in this review vary from one other. The SKX009 sports a dark blue dial and a blue/red (also known as Pepsi) bezel in contrast to the SKX007's black face and black bezel. The other features of the watch face are those of a dive watch, such as the big, often round hour markings that make it much simpler to read a watch when diving. When things grow a bit deeper in depth, its huge, well-lumed hands make it even easier to read. The extremely sharp extremities of the hands, which you may not see at first but are really rather nice, are one of the watch's most distinctive features. Even while they may not make it easier for you to discern the time more precisely, they outperform the typical tapering point seen on most watch hands. Naturally, the day/date feature is less significant while you are scuba diving. However, it is also visible and conveniently located at 3 o'clock and, in certain models of these watches, may be set in a number of languages. Once again, a standard diving watch bezel is used. Every 10 minutes, it features big, legible numerals around the dial. Additionally, not every diving watch has minute indicators that are apparent at every minute. The majority only consume them during the first 10 to 20 minutes of diving since this is when oxygen is needed the greatest. The SKX009 goes one step further by using the well-known Pepsi blue/red color scheme, with the red area serving as the "danger" zone—so to speak—when it is really time to consider ascending during a deep dive. A diving watch is also a very great method to stand out since the majority of them have a single, dial-coordinated color. Dual-color bezels, or Pepsi, are not very frequent.

Characteristics Of Seiko SKX Models

The Case

Both the SKX007 and 009 have 42mm casings, making them somewhat larger than average. Due to the nature of diving watches, they cannot be thin and inconspicuous since that is not how they fly (or swim?).

Due to the automated mechanism it contains, it is also not the thinnest watch ever made. Large serrated cuts on the bezel make it simple to hold and well-raised for this use.

Everything is brushed Steel is stainless, to give a more laid-back yet classy look to the watch. The only really shiny bits, ie. polished, are when you turn the case over to study the back. But, given you will be wearing it most of the time, you won’t see this part very often.

The huge flanges on the 4 o'clock position crown, which are meant to prevent anything from catching, are another well-known feature of the SKX line. A superb feature on an excellent diving watch.

The Available Straps

There are two main strap options for the SKXs. The first is perhaps the most common, the jubilee Steel is stainless bracelet that compliments the case perfectly. Of course, this makes the watch a little more of a dress watch, so it is not to everyone’s taste.

To make the watch a bit more casual, some individuals remove the strap entirely and swap it out with a NATO or Perlon strap.

Another diver staple that you can purchase is the black rubber strap. I must admit that I am not a great admirer. To me, it gives the watch a rather cheap appearance. However, if you're genuinely going diving, it could be the best choice. It never gets wet. And just needs a fast rinse to remove the salt water from it in terms of cleaning.

200-meter water resistance and dive-ready

Actually, the SKX watches are diving watches. Since they are rated to 200m, which is the minimum depth for a dive certification, you could really use them on a pretty routine dive. Keep in mind that the rating's number (200m) only represents the method used to perform the test; it does not represent the depth to which you may dive. The truth is often much, much less.

A well-waterproofed watch should also have a screw-down case back and crown, and the SKX has both.

This watch is perfect for diving because to its dive-focused bezel, which has easy-to-grasp edges and numerals that are equally simple to see on the dial. Additionally, Seiko excels in Lume, so you can be sure that this will be simple to read in low light. Before you start diving, just make sure it's a bit in the sun. Lume is fantastic, but it need assistance to get rolling.

A Movement Automatic

Even though the 7s26 is one of Seiko's workhorse automatic movements, it is still a purchase that is worthwhile. It's really very astonishing that you get automated anything on a watch like this since you are spending only a few hundred for one.

It comes with over 40 hours of energy reserve, which translates to almost 2 days without use. So, you may not need to buy a winder, unless you put it away quite often.

Although a bit disappointing, the lack of hacking or hand-winding is expected at this end of the Seikos price range. Even more costly movements on comparable watches, like the Longines HydroConquest family of watches, are really extremely similar, while being a much more premium watch line.

Which One Suits You Best?

I can't make the decision for you, but for me, the SKX009 is my favorite since it sticks out so much for a diving watch. Owning a Pepsi blue and red bezel is like owning a piece of watch history today since it is nearly a classic of Seikos.

Of course, if you want to blend in a little more, choose the SKX007. It can go with practically everything and may easily be used as a formal watch or an everyday watch.

Related Tags

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About
Jacky Chou

Jacky Chou is the co-founder of Uberwrists and has gotten into watches from his father from a young age. His first watch was a black G Shock that was comedically large for his wrist. He appreciates watches from Seiko to a Patek Philippe.

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