Opinion: Alternatives to the Seiko SKX007.
The Seiko SKX007/009/013 was discontinued several years ago and Seiko has “replaced” it with the 5KX series, a dive style watch in a myriad of colours for the masses. The 5KX is not a horrible watch by any means, but it does not replicate the spirit of the SKX line of being an ISO-certified diver. If you can’t seem to get your hands on the Seiko SKX any longer, consider these other options.
Orient Ray 2 (FA002004B9)
- Diameter: 41.5 mm
- Thickness: 13 mm
- Lug width: 22 mm
- Lug-to-lug: 47 mm
- Movement: F6522
- Water resistance: 200 m
- Crystal: Mineral crystal
- Price: $150
The Orient Ray 2 boasts a movement that hacks and hand winds, and comes in either a matte black or blue sunburst dial. It has a similar dial layout and design as the Seiko SKX, with circle hour markers and oval/triangle markers for the cardinal hours. It has submariner vibes due to the classic dial layout and case shape, but has its own character due to the unique bezel. The Ray 2 can be easily dressed up or down with its classic design and colours. Overall, a great alternative to the SKX at an affordable price!
Orient Kamasu (RA-AA0002L19A /4E19A /3R19A /1B19A)
- Diameter: 41.5 mm
- Thickness: 12.8 mm
- Lug width: 22 mm
- Lug-to-lug: 46.8 mm
- Movement: F6922
- Water resistance: 200 m
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Price: $280
The Orient Kamasu fixes pretty much every flaw of the Seiko SKX with its hack and hand-winding movement and sapphire crystal. Also, the absence of a chapter ring with the minutes track printed directly on the dial means no more misalignment issues! Probably the best value proposition in this list, the Orient Kamasu also comes in several colours, from a beautiful sunburst blue, a deep emerald or a deep ruby. Its also has a distinctive dial design with its sharp edges, a nice departure from the “Submariner” style circular indices that is referred to a lot in dive watches, the Seiko SKX included. This is probably the best alternative to the Seiko SKX right now.
Citizen Fugu (NY008 series)
- Diameter: 42 mm
- Thickness: 12.5 mm
- Lug width: 20 mm
- Lug-to-lug: 48 mm
- Movement: Citizen 8203A
- Water resistance: 200 m
- Crystal: Mineral crystal
- Price: $300
The Citizen Fugu is perhaps the only ISO-certified diver on this list to be adopted for use by the military (it was issued to the Italian Navy Special Forces in 1997). The watch was given the Fugu moniker as the unique bezel took inspiration from the pufferfish. Another signature is the left sided crown at 8 o’clock to ensure that it doesn’t dig into your wrist. The movement allows for hand-winding but does not hack, a point to note if that’s important for you. The dial design with broad rectangular markers gives it a unique character, but the lume isn’t as strong as what you would get in a Seiko. The luminous dial variant (NY0080–12x) is perhaps the most interesting version from this line.
Seiko Mini Turtle (SRPC series)
- Diameter: 42.3 mm
- Thickness: 13 mm
- Lug width: 20 mm
- Lug-to-lug: 42.5 mm
- Movement: 4R35
- Water resistance: 200 m
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Price: $340
While the Mini Turtle may seem similar to the SKX on paper, they are very different watches. The Mini Turtles come on a much better strap or bracelet for starters and the movement has been upgraded. We now have tombstone shaped markers instead of circles for the hour makers, which I think is a nice touch of individuality. Lume on these are also brighter, in my experience (though it could just be that the Seiko SKX was produced a while ago). The biggest difference here is how that Mini Turtle wears with its cushion case and short lug-to-lug distance — it does give the watch a visually squat appearance, with a round bulge on your wrist due to the height. Check out the PADI version for an interesting textured dial! Of course, these are ISO-certified divers as well.
Seiko Monster Gen 4 (SRPD series)
- Diameter: 42.4 mm
- Thickness: 13.4 mm
- Lug width: 20 mm
- Lug-to-lug: 49.4 mm
- Movement: 4R36
- Water resistance: 200 m
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Price: $400
A fan favorite for its unapologetic design, the latest generation of Seiko Monsters have mellowed with the years. These have a slightly different case and bezel design as a subtle nod to the Monster moniker as the dial is refined further. The rectangular block markers don’t look as garish compared to previous generations (especially Gen 2 with the Shark Tooth markers) and could easily be dressed up now. The hallmark sloping bezel is now in matte black, a nice touch of refinement that gives it a visually smaller and muted appearance. The dial here is either a deep blue sunburst or matte black (I would go with the blue dial). The inclusion of a magnifier on the crystal may alienate some, but I personally think it is well executed. These do wear slightly larger than previous generations due to the revised case design, so take note. Elsewhere, the integrated bezel shroud, 4 o’clock crown and ISO-certification are carried over from previous generations. I think this is the best iteration of the Monster yet and is a great choice if you have the wrist size to pull it off!
