A Light Dive: Seiko SKX007

Backstory:

The veritable Seiko SKX007. This is it; the original entry level grail watch. The true daily beater, highly moddable, go anywhere, do anything every mans diver.

She’s descended from the Seiko 6215 in 1967, the first Seiko diver with a WR of 300m.

Of notable notes, we make a stop in 1970 with the 6105-8110/9, of “Captain Willard” in Apocalypse Now movie fame, and was indeed very popular with Vietnam serviceman and divers due to its quality and ruggedness. In 1996 we were graced with the introduction of the SKX007. Rumors suggest that she is out of production today, but easy attainability on your favorite jungle river site may suggest otherwise.

Wearing Experience:

The SKX007 is a purpose built diving watch. While it may be considered an entry level piece by some, make no mistake for its quality. Like Ian Fleming meant for 007 to use his steel sport watch, this one as well in a time of need could be used as a knuckle duster. The SKX007 is a tank, and has engaged table corners and doorknobs with fury and kept going.

She comes in at 43.5mm wide with the crown at 4 for comfort, and 22mm at the lugs but she looks bigger than she wears. Her crown at 4 really slims her down and she wears wonderfully comfortably on a nato or marine national strap which are my preferred ways. Some will always say to buy a watch on the bracelet but I say pass on the bracelet and go for the rubber this time. The end links are of the stamped variety and have a habit of blowing out for me on occasional strap changes. That said the jingle of the jubilee bracelet is particularly charming. But let's be honest, she’s a strap monster, you’ll have her on something new every day. The SKX007 also has 200 meters of water resistance so shes good for the pool to that holiday scuba trip.

Verdict:

The SKX model, of any variety is almost a right of passage for the watch collector. Comes in at a sweet price point of around $300, and I can’t imagine not having one in my collection. Only downside may be 22mm wide straps strays from the usual 20mm norm, but not a huge issue.

Pros:

-Extremely moddable

-True day to day beater

- Classic Design

Cons:

-Weight

- Super jingly bracelet

-22mm Straps