If you’ve spent any time browsing online watch communities, there’s no doubt you’ve come across the Seiko SKX007J on many occasions. Indeed, the SKX007J is often hailed as the best first automatic watch, or the ideal entry dive watch, or even the perfect option for a one-watch collection.
Can it be said that the popular Seiko SKX007J is any or all of these things? In this article, I’ll try to answer this question by reviewing the watch in detail through the following sections:
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Seiko SKX007J Specs & Price
Seiko SKX007J Case Dimensions
On paper, the SKX007J’s case size can at first seem large. However, the watch sits comfortably on the wrist, if only a bit tall though this is to be expected of a sports or diver style watch.
I measured the watch’s case dimensions to be:
- 42.5mm in diameter
- 13.4mm thick
- 46mm lug-to-lug
- 22mm lug width (strap size)
A screw-down crown also gives the case of the SKX007J a depth rating of 200m/660ft.
As you may have gathered from the pictures, the case and bezel of the SKX007J are crafted completely of stainless steel. However, Seiko has employed different finishes on the case to impart contrasting textures. For instance, the top of the case is brushed (including the lugs) while the flanks of the case are in high polish.
Diver’s Bezel
Like the flanks of the case, the bezel is polished on its outer surface and it also boasts a raised “brick” pattern that aids in gripping the bezel.
Cradled inside the unidirectional bezel is a metallic insert with a black background, silver minute markings, and a luminous pip at the starting index.
Lastly, the face of the SKX007J is shielded by a Seiko Hardlex crystal. While this crystal is the component most often upgraded (to sapphire) by SKX owners, the proprietary Hardlex does a proper job of repelling scratches and is also shatter-proof, something that cannot be claimed by sapphire crystals.
Flat Black SKX007J Dial
Seiko did not stray far from tradition when selecting the dial color for the SKX007J. This being said, they did execute it in a particularly appealing manner.
More than a flat black tone, the SKX007J’s black dial looks slightly faded, much like vintage Submariners with “Tropic Dials” do. The luminous hour indices printed right on the dial also help augment this aesthetic. This lume being Seiko LumiBrite, it’s a bright green color in low-light conditions.
Surrounding the entire dial is a slanted rehaut on which white minute calibrations have been printed. This being the Japan SKX007, it also has “21 Jewels” printed under the orange “Diver’s 200m” text. There’s also a small “Made in Japan” marquee under the 6 o’clock index.
Lastly, the hands at center axis possess a polished finish with white luminous fills. These are also quite large therefore when coupled with the oversized hour indices on the dial, make for very easy time-telling even if just at a glance.
The SKX007J’s Black Rubber Strap
The black rubber “wave” strap that accompanies many SKX007J watches makes for yet another recognizable characteristic of this model. Unfortunately, it is also a very uncomfortable one.
Most fans of the SKX line are generally fond of this peculiar strap, however, I cannot say that I am among them. I find these black rubber straps to be quite stiff, bulky, and awkward when on the wrist.
I don’t mind wearing the SKX007J on this black rubber strap for a short amount of time. But if I’m taking the SKX007J on a trip, I’ll usually take a couple of other straps to change out this OEM rubber. Fortunately, this is a very versatile watch that works with many different strap colors/materials as well as different types of bracelets.
I am aware of the fact that, after extended wear, the rubber strap will eventually take the shape of your wrist. Yet, I’ve never worn the watch long enough for the strap to accommodate my wrist comfortably.
SKX007J Movement: Seiko 7S26
The SKX007J is powered by a self-winding Seiko 7S26 movement that, as the dial and caseback indicate, has been manufactured in Japan.
The 7S26 caliber imparts the day & date complication observed on the dial as well as a 40-hour power reserve. Moreover, the movement can be expected to be quite durable and affordable to service (if need be). The 7S26 is widely recognized as a “workhorse” movement that will take anything you throw at it and keep ticking and keep telling time with modest accuracy.
Seiko SKX007J On-The-Wrist Review
After wearing the SKX007J regularly for a couple of weeks, I quickly began to understand why the watch has gathered such a positive reputation.
Broadly speaking, the SKX007J has a simple design that is very attractive. Moreover, it is truly easy to wear with most casual outfits and even the odd button-down shirt. The ease with which straps can be interchanged also supports this aspect substantially.
It’d be disingenuous to say that the SKX is a very accurate watch; perhaps you’d be well-served with readjusting the time once or twice a week. However, I don’t expect a watch at this price point to be super accurate. Indeed, if I’m looking for accuracy at this price, I can simply go with quartz.
I purchased an SKX007J because I wanted to learn what “all the fuss” was about and I was not disappointed. I found myself regularly snapping wrist shots of the SKX007J on my wrist – it photographs very well and very easily. The “Made in Japan” wasn’t a big deciding factor for me but I do think it’s a nice-to-have. If you don’t care for such details, I can easily recommend going for the non-Japan SKX and learning for yourself why this watch is the internet’s favorite affordable automatic diver’s watch.
"There's a reason why the SKX007J has a cult following and largely positive reputation. However, you'll have to get it on your wrist to understand. When you do, there's no question you'll be satisfied and wear it for many years to come."
Further Reading
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