Seiko SKX009 Automatic Diver’s Watch Review

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Aside from its popular “Pepsi Bezel”, the Seiko SKX009 Automatic Diver’s Watch has a number of features that made it an instant classic. It runs on the 7S26 workhorse movement that beats at 21,600 beats per hour, complete with day and date features.

This technology has played a big role in Seiko’s line of entry-level mechanical movements and best known for its durability and timekeeping reliability.

The dial is dark blue with luminous hour and minute hands, topped off with a sweeping second hand for precision. The watch band is a rubber strap that goes well with water activities, but buyers can also opt for the stainless steel Jubilee bracelet if desired.

A closer look at the Seiko SKX009

Dial and window

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The deep blue dial of the SKX009 is very legible with its white hour markers and sweeping second hand. The hour markers together with the hour and minute hands are all luminous. Powered by Seiko’s LumiBrite technology, it can suck up the light like a sponge and produce a bright lume in pitch black conditions.

Its lume can stay visible after being fully recharged for 7 hours. This makes the watch very reliable for diving and snorkeling, or for simply reading the time when in the dark. For instant readability, a convenient day and date calendar is displayed at the 3 o’clock position.

Crystals are a standard for Seiko watches, and the SKX009 is no exception with its Hardlex mineral crystal window. While it’s not as scratch-proof as sapphire crystals go, Hardlex crystals are tougher against breakage so it’s also a good choice for professional use.

Case and bezel

The dial and its inner works are enclosed in a stainless steel case for scratch resistance and that extra shine. Running along the side of the casing are sleek curves, while the crown guards seamlessly integrate into its design that gives the SKX edition its trademark look.

The crown is screwed down, as a professional diver`s watch should be, and smoothly screws and unscrews for easy adjustments. The caseback is screwed-down stainless steel and has a carved Tsunami logo, just like other divers from Seiko. The blue and red “Pepsi” bezel of the watch is also made with solid stainless steel for extra strength.

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It also has Arabic numerals and indexes that provide easy readability. As a unidirectional, 120 clicks bezel, it can be used to measure short intervals without the need for timing accuracy. Each turn of the bezel gives a ratchet-like click so you can measure elapsed time without looking.

Bracelet

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The Seiko SKX009 comes with a Z22 rubber strap which repels water naturally, making it ideal for water activities like swimming, diving, snorkeling, surfing, and more. This material is also known to be stain-proof and is easy to clean. It’s also very durable and can last a long time with proper maintenance.

To make sure that the watch stays on after each dive, a buckle-type clasp secures the watch on your wrist. Alternatively, the diver’s watch is also available with stainless steel Jubilee bracelet that offers a more refined look. It can also be fitted with the Super Oyster 1 and 2 replacement bands.

Similar model: The Seiko SKX009K2SKX009K2-a

While the SKX009 is a very popular model, some people prefer this watch with a metal band. So Seiko have catered for this demand from their customers, and came out with the SKX009K2. It has all the same inner-workings as the 009, but with more of a dress-watch look and feel to it. So if you prefer the metal band over the rubber one, then the Seiko SKX009K2 is the ideal option for you.

Click here to find out more about the SKX009K2

Additional information

The Seiko SKX009 Automatic Diver’s Watch has a case diameter of 46 millimeters and thickness of 13 millimeters. The Z22 rubber strap has a Men’s Standard length of 8.5 inches and width of 26 millimeters. The watch is water-resistant up to 660 feet (220 meters) and tips the scales at approximately 11 ounces. Seiko has the SKX009 Diver’s Watch covered with a 2-year limited warranty on parts and service.

What’s to like about the SKX009…

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The SKX009 really epitomizes the classic ‘dive watch’ look. The rubber band is both durable and comfortable to wear, and will stay firmly on your wrist if you are diving or just through regular wear. The bezel is easy to move, and has a smooth feel to the movement rather than a rough grinding movement that we have felt in other dive watches.

The main dial is also very clearly laid out. Obviously, being designed as a dive watch it is essential that the watch can be seen in poorly lit water, and Seiko has done a great job of achieving this. The luminous hands and digits show up very well, so you should be always be able to see the time even in poor light.

The Seiko SKX009 also provides excellent value for money too, we love the quality you get at the watches price point.

And what’s not to like…

This watch does not use Atomic timing, so you do not get the perfect accuracy that the Atomic watches provide. We found this watch gained (never lost) about 2 to 2 ½ minutes a week. This is certainly an acceptable level of accuracy in our book for a dive watch.

Should you buy the Seiko SKX009 dive watch?

There are no weak points to the Seiko SKX009 dive watch, it does everything it is designed to do very well. It is comfortable to wear, very durable and easy to read. At the current selling price, you are getting a lot of value for your money with this watch.

Click here to purchase the SKX009

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will add value to our readers.

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