Did Seiko Kill The SKX!? New 5 Sports Automatic SRPD55K1 Review - Perth WAtch

[@Mike-kc8rl]

To be honest, the water-resistant isn't an issue, and I'm not worried about the crown either? Non alignment of the chapter ring still present and it's been said this watch lacks soul? Well I think the only thing I would have liked was the lume pip on the miss aligned bezel! The movement has got to be an upgrade over the 7s26 ? After all an automatic that doesn't hack was a real pain for me with the skx! I would bet skx lovers will buy this one regardless of the issues raised? I did ! I went for the blue on bracelet and being able to wind it without pulling the crown is great. I for one like it just as much as an skx!

[@PerthWAtch]

The dial and movement are definitely upgrades. Some SKX lovers will get this, others won’t. I wouldn’t trust this to be water tight for swimming after a few years.

[@wtfiswiththosehandles]

To be honest I don't understand the cult following of SKX. You really don't get a lot for this kind of money. A mediocre movement (at best), misaligned chapter rings, misaligned bezels, mineral crystal. The only thing that is good about it: it's comfy, it's got excellent lume, it's got ISO certification. When I asked my brother-in-law, who is a diver, if he or anyone else he knows use this type of watch for diving he looked at me like I was crazy. They all use dive computers these days. Does anyone use it for diving these days? I mean scuba diving, not a quick dip in the pool? Might as well get this Seiko 5, or an Orient Kamasu, or any other water resistant watch for that matter and it will be fine for 99.9% of activities we throw at it.

[@PerthWAtch]

Oh yes the vast majority of divers use computers these days... those who use watches have it as a backup, from the reports/discussions I have seen. People do talk about using the SKX and similar watches for that purpose (I'm no diver myself). It might be just a psychological thing of fearing to trash around in water with a watch that doesn't have a screw crown... Seiko seems to tell it's fine and maybe I just need to get over it!

[@wtfiswiththosehandles]

​@Dave Mendoza That was my point. The only thing that is unique at this price point is diver watch ISO certification which is overkill for vast majority of those raving about this watch. And those who do dive, likely don't use antiquated watches like SKX or even submariner. Let's face it, they're a fashion item. You want reliability, get a digital dive computer. I look at my Pagani submariner homage and it is better than SKX in almost all respects, except for lume. For $55.

[@wtfiswiththosehandles]

@Dave Mendoza Wow, and you're saying I am the one not being reasonable? Huh... :) Don't get me wrong, I like my SKX. I like all my Seikos. But this watch is just nothing special, and if it was selling for $80-100 I wouldn't start this topic.

[@Visitor555]

@@wtfiswiththosehandles I was in the same position as you before time, but guess what, i prefer the brand that i like doesnt matter if have "better for the price" chinese watches, when you have zero history & zero respect in watch community, Vostok Amphibia also have plastic crystal and doesnt have insane good quallity but for The price is awesome and have unique design on its own like Seiko Skx, the brands with history. Like you Will not buy Vintage Omega Seamaster for The specs right??? But it keeps the high price cuz for The name, for The prestige that chinese craps doesnt give it to you even with saphire and ceramic bezel for 60$, PLUS COPPY-PASTE design.

[@wtfiswiththosehandles]

@@Visitor555 Its just a seiko, a cheap brand. Like it or not, it will always have the value for money factor. I look at the crooked bezel and I honestly laugh out loud reading your comment. Respect for watch community? How exactly does seiko show this respect? By releasing low quality product at a premium? Gee, nice.

[@mkyhou1160]

If you need a low cost diver just for swimming and fooling around (ie how watch enthusiasts used their SKXs), I’d recommend the Citizen Promaster Diver EcoDrive. I’d rather take it in the pool or ocean than my more expensive watches. It is aligned (Citizen quality almost always trumps Seiko for these prices), it’s eco certified to 200m with a screw in crown, and the ecodrive movement keeps super accurate time / wont ever need repair (which you don’t want at this price point). A bargain.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for sharing that - the Promaster is solid product for sure, and I am tempted to get one. Many enthusiasts still prefer automatic however, and the automatic Promasters are somewhat less widely available.

[@JeeGee114]

@@PerthWAtch The Citizen NY0040 is still available. But I like the 007 better.(I have both) Don't know why really because the Citizen is the better watch.

[@rollyunicorn]

Yes, that's all very well, but in 10 - 15 yrs time, when the Citizen eco drive pack up, you will find that it'll be more or less impossible to get it fixed due to non availability of parts. I speak from experience, unfortunately.

[@mkyhou1160]

rollyunicorn I’d be happy with 15 years from a sub $200 beater watch. Less than the price of a service on many mechanical watches, if my Rolex leaks in the pool I’d be out more than a thousand. My old citizens seem to run forever, the rechargeable batteries they now use (no longer capacitors) can easily be replaced if die eventually. I’m guessing Seiko left out the screw in crown to move enthusiast (as opposed to fashion) customers upmarket - instead I think it will move some sideways into Citizen, Casio or similar, as going up quickly gets you into Longines / Oris territory, which isn’t a beater anymore for most people.

[@rollyunicorn]

@@mkyhou1160 Yes, I agree with you that 200 today would be a beater, but I paid £200 for one of Citizen's first Titanium eco drive chronographs around 18 - 19 years ago. Wore it for ten years before it packed up. It wasn't the battery that went, but some sort of capacitor linked to the charging process. Unbelievably, Citizen were unable to supply that part. And for that sort of money back then, you would expect to get more than just 10 years out of it. Or at least expect the thing to be repairable!

[@ednammansfield8553]

I enjoyed your review of this particular watch. I have never owned an SKX before but when I saw the release of this new range of watches I really liked the look of them and in December 2020 finally pulled the trigger and purchased one after seeing it in a watch sale online from a reputable dealer here in the UK for £195. I opted for the 'Hulk' green version on the stainless steel bracelet similar to the watch you have reviewed except mine has the gold accents on the Seiko logo and hands. I really love the watch I must admit and have worn it daily since I purchased it. In the shops here the price has varied between £260 to £320 for the watch I purchased so I cannot complain at the price I got mine for. I only have a small wrist size but this watch fits perfectly. The SKX is still available on Amazon UK priced at £280. Many thanks for your excellent review.

[@PerthWAtch]

Most welcome - glad you enjoyed the review. I think for the price you got it, it’s very reasonable indeed!

[@Adams5138]

I just bought the same one. I call it “Olive Goblin” 🤣👍🏽👌🏽

[@mattress38]

Honestly I think a screw down crown probably wears in time and probably gets metal into the movement. Also how many of us are really diving with this watch? Easier winding and hacking I really like that but I don't really like the drilled lugs, not as clean looking to me but the dial looks amazing to me better than the skx. Over all I think this watch is a winner over the skx007.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for the thoughts... some of the preferences are subjective aesthetics but for us who change straps there is no question how much better drilled lugs make it. Screw down crowns theoretically can wear down but in practice many of us use such watches for years without problem. 100m will work fine for most of us initially... the problem is that the sealing is not as reliable and prone to failure over time. So you can snorkel etc fine initially, but a couple of years later it would not surprise me if water manages to get in. That doesn’t tend to be the case with screw down crown watches, esp. ones with Divers 200m rating.

[@mattress38]

@@PerthWAtch I totally agree, If your going to get in the water then get as much water resistance as posible but for an everyday watch the seiko 5 just seems easier

[@vybtom1]

Exactly! I'm getting it as my first automatic watch and I already know I will be touching the crown a lot. When I'm at home I don't wear a watch as much so I'll be doing a lot of handwinding and day 'n' date setting. It's better not having to screw out and screw in the crown everytime for that. And I'm perfectly fine taking off the watch for swimming. Why would I need to check the time, when I'm enjoying a nice swim? And if I really needed to, 100 m of water resistance is just fine, if I don't over do it.

[@PerthWAtch]

See earlier comment for issues re: water resistance in a push crown watch. Plenty of times when I’m in water and I need to be aware of the time. Plus I’d much rather not have to take my watch off to get in the water… especially if it’s one that tries to look like a diver!

[@bigfunanAmericaninGermany]

this is the crux of my issues with Seiko, alignment problems, the bracelets are not what they should be for the price you pay, hollow end links, and no sapphire crystal..... as we all have seen, there are watches at less than half this price with sapphire, nicer bracelets. and no alignment issues... why would I buy a Seiko? great review!!

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that! Yeah the value proposition is really starting to be pushed with so much on offer from micro-brands. To be fair however, almost all those watches that offer great specs at low price have near zero design budget, having copied it all. So one big reason why Seiko will continue to sell is their design.

[@regjennings6695]

This new range is a toy not a tool, not worth a serious look for the money, there are many other very serious watches for the same dollar. Watches that will survive hard use and still look superb. I plan on purchasing an Islander or two, whilst I am an enthusiast I still want what ever is on my wrist to be road worthy so to speak.

[@MegaBlackley]

The most common argument I hear regarding this new 5 series and the SKX is that you're getting less for more. However, as a strict cost consideration, the SKX wasn't a very good value regardless, so I find those complaints to ring a bit hollow. For example, the SKX runs around $280 USD, and for that you get no AR coating, no sapphire, no hacking. For $80 less, you can get the Orient Mako II USA which comes with all those things, along with everything the SKX has. So, strictly from a cost perspective, I find the complaints puzzling. And really, if I was going to buy an entry level diver, it wouldn't be an SKX anyway, it'd be an Orient Triton, which is superior to the SKX in my opinion, and only runs around $120 more. As for the new 5 series, I have no problem with them. There are watches in my collection that tick all the boxes of a dive watch (even though I don't dive and never will), but my favorite Seiko is the SNZG15 and it has none of the features the SKX has. So looking at it from my perspective, I'm getting my SNZG's features in a nice SKX-inspired case for $180 or so (these watches have been on sale pretty much the last three months), which I find to be a price more than fair.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for the detailed comment - I appreciate the time and effort taken to put that down! Actually for $180 I would say that that’s a very fair price, just that I hadn’t seen it for that on all the usual places I searched, and as is typical we have for a premium here in Australia. Also I would clarify that the SKX regularly went for under $200 when in production, not the $280 you claim... the Mako II USA indeed does have those added features mentioned, but it isn’t a Diver’s 200m watch and while the lume is excellent the SKX probably edges ahead in that department also.

[@JohnBuckmaster-sw3wm]

MegaBlackley The SKX Can still be had for 220 and until they killed it you could get it for a ride around 200… All day long… It was the cheapest ISO rated dive watch. They took away the screw down Crown… And want you to pay the same amount… Check out the water resistance ratings and what they mean. Not what I thought and I bet you’ll be surprised.

[@igormarinkovic1531]

i bought an SNZG15 not a long time ago ... watch is just made for textile band .. i dont know but metal band just isnt made for it.. just my opinion.. divers are ok with metal bands tho..

[@randynovick7972]

While I don’t think it’s murder, really, it’s sort of an evolution of where the watch was headed anyway. Let’s face it, “dive watches” for diving is an anachronism all by itself. Automatics for dive watches are also anachronistic. What they saw was that the modding world had taken off, and rather than keep selling the platform for modding, they figured that they could sell a hack-and-handwind version that is pre-modded. When you figure that the cost of an SKX plus the mod parts was already creeping past $300 anyway, it’s a very compelling evolution. I think it’s fine.

[@PerthWAtch]

That's a very fair view of the situation Randy. I wish I had some insight into Seiko... maybe I had missed interview content where they were able to express the thoughts behind their decisions, but Seiko notoriously never explain anything to us. Targeting the modding community makes some sense to me.

[@marioaquilina248]

Nothing replaces my SKX007J. Eternal icon.

[@JohnBuckmaster-sw3wm]

ISO certification meant you didn’t have to worry about it in water… Ever. Go ahead and where are 100 meter resistance rated watch, without a screw down crown, Swimming all the time...Just don’t be surprise when it fills up with water like mine did. Check out what the water resistance ratings actually mean… It’s not what I thought and it’s not what you think...The whole water resistance thing is misleading. Seiko knows Most people don’t understand it and won’t realise that they turn the watch into a piece of sh@t.

[@cmo5123]

200m and out dated movement required for desk diving at all times!

[@PerthWAtch]

You betcha! ;)

[@FUNZO1975]

@ CMo "fuck'n right."

[@garyshepherd9226]

Just bought one - same model you reviewed - waiting for delivery but your review was helpful.

[@PerthWAtch]

Glad that you found it helpful! I’m sure you’ll should it :)

[@shubhankarsse]

How's the watch and where did you buy it from?

[@franka6790]

I'd still pick a skx over those new 5 Sports they recently launched. SKX has a soul into it.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thank you - I concur :)

[@KevinSmith-wp9qs]

I bet you've never been deeper than 2m 😂

[@PerthWAtch]

I bet you never read a watch water resistance chart 😂

[@oundurra4]

Good review. I swim but i'm not a diver, and I prefer lighter watches for swim mostly made of plastic like the mighty Garmin Instinct Solar that I love. So this beautiful lineup of Seiko is great value for the money. I started with the 61 and now i have the 81 and the 51. I liked so much the SPRD81 that is now my main everyday watch. I'm getting a couple more on the next months, totally recommended.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for sharing your experience - good to know you’re enjoying them :)

[@shbro3029]

Got one of these not long after they came out, I went for the green sunburst dial, I don’t swim in watches so wasn’t an issue for me, I’m really happy with it as a daily and like it also has a display back.

[@PerthWAtch]

Fair enough mate... the style is certainly Seiko’s own, and is a classic.

[@Mrgamezombie1]

You can't swim in this watch?

[@parenpi]

They could have hit a home run, but they didn’t. Main gripe is the water resistance. They should have kept the 200M with screw down crown. Don’t care much about ISO personally. Other disappointment is that Seiko is unable to do what microbrands can i.e. sapphire, ceramic, Q.C. Etc... I ordered the black one myself but returned it for a refund. Will keep my 009 on Strapcode forever.

[@PerthWAtch]

I think it's more that they are unwilling to do what micro-brands do and offer all those material improvements... I suspected most likely as it will cut into profits, which is ultimately one of the bottom lines for many companies.

[@Ham77ify]

brother, I am searching for skx009 for a while now. Cannot get my hands on it :(

[@PerthWAtch]

Keep looking bro - fight the good fight!

[@jamess8175]

There's no murder to talk about. In the first place, the SKX was never a quality watch despite its 200 m water resistance rating. It doesn't even feature a hacking and hand-winding ability. Accuracy is non-existent. Bracelet quality is sub par with rubber-like flexing. While the new 5KX does not have a 200 m water resistance rating, at least it is modernised with a better 4R movement with hacking and hand-winding which are far more practical. I used to own an SKZ diver's model. Getting it to wind sufficiently to keep it moving without wearing was a nightmare without hand-winding capability. Accuracy is not heard off as well. Though the watch looks good aesthetically, the hassle was unbearable. I flipped it while retaining all my other Seikos with 4R, 6R and 8L movements. In this modern day, 7S26 / 7S36 movements are seriously outdated and unacceptable.

[@PerthWAtch]

All true regarding the older movements, although in my experience I never had a problem getting them wound up enough to keep going sufficiently (e.g. not wearing for a whole day). The SKX had it's many flaws but it was in spite of these coupled with everything else it gave that made it such a favorite. The new models undoubtedly have a better movement, no arguing against that, and I think the dials have been improved... but they have lost something with the loss of the Diver's rating and questionable additions such as the display back. That's just my own view, and it looks like I am by no means alone in feeling that way.

[@gorgeou8]

The new SEIKO 5 adopted the look & feel from SKX, but people can't seem to keep it in their little heads that they are not and never have been intended to be 'replacements' to the SKX! It's never endorsed as a diver's watch, hence 'DIVER'S 200m' is no longer on display. How hard is that to understand?

[@PerthWAtch]

That's pretty straightforward. However fact is that Seiko discontinued the SKX models and shortly after introduced a higher priced Seiko 5 "fashion" watch which uses an essentially identical case and very similar overall design. Add to that the fact that an SKX styled update will likely come out in Prospex line in future, costing north of $500. That's what's causing fans and buyers to be upset. How hard is that to understand? ;)

[@bobreno4042]

These are selling for around $200, picked mine out at Costco for $180.00. Good value I believe.

[@PerthWAtch]

$180 is more reasonable

[@ibrahimb6226]

I wasn't initially sold on the new Seiko 5 line but after seeing them in person they look a lot better to me. The SRPD73 is probably my favourite, but I would change the bracelet to a metal one. There is also a lot of modding potential with these watches since they take most of the parts that would fit on the SKX line. The screw down crown and water resistance is not an issue for me and probably for the other 99.99% of people that never go diving.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts... I do like the look of some of the models too, especially the texture dials of the Sense range I would say. Interesting modding potential indeed that had been carried over from the SKX!

[@rickmayabolis]

Didn't people need affordable diving watches at the time of the release? Actual divers, labourers, fishermen and maybe even the Japanese Navy? So now people mainly wear them for fashion? They brought down the cost of an automatic watch with the feature most people don't need.

[@PerthWAtch]

A couple of things: 1. I think it’s definitely true that most wear it for the style rather than actually wanting it for diving 2. Yes a minority will actually dive, but these days people who dive (and certainly professionals) use dive computers, not mechanical watches

[@AuggieG]

Just purchased this watch and here are the reasons it's great for me. 1) This is my first automatic (enthusiast) watch. I also wanted a watch from a reputable brand, instead of a micro brand for my first automatic. 2) This watch is under $300. Although I bought it for $190 from a jeweler. 3) I'm not a diver. I can't even swim 😂. So I could care less about divers rating.

[@PerthWAtch]

Agree with 1 and 2 - auto is the way to go and Seiko is a great brand, plus you got a good price. Disagree with 3 - that’s got nothing to do with whether it’s great or not 😆

[@Supersyncopation]

Just buy an Orient watch before they start raising prices on those as well

[@PerthWAtch]

Yeah good point, Orient make many watches that are great alternatives!

[@stevesandwichproductions1043]

You got that right! Orient is a sure thing. Orient is one of the few universally respected brands.

[@robinj.9329]

My very first "mechanical" (since the early 60's, that is!) was the Orient Ray 2. An excellent, very reliable watch. AND, since for reasons of age and health, I no longer SCUBA dive, this watches underwater rating suits me just fine!

[@TheWeardale1]

yes, I have a orient panda which is lovely, and the Orient Kamasu looks amazing..!

[@wolframazer]

you mean asian uncle watch? nope looks so very normie

[@snacklofter]

I was a lifelong Seiko fan - But I buy Heimdallr watches now with Seiko movements and sapphire crystal for a fraction of Seiko's new much higher prices! atb snack.

[@TedCornish]

That's a great alternative really nice choice 👍

[@PerthWAtch]

I need to check out Heimdallr I think...

[@snacklofter]

@@PerthWAtch Ivan, there can sometimes be a little bit of snobbery in the watch world, but this is the best bang for buck, well specced dive watch with amazing lume I have ever bought for $131 !!!! www.heimdallr.watch/dive-watches/29-skx007-marine-master.html

[@JeeGee114]

I bought that SLA 17 hommage from San Martin on a rather good bracelet. and it so much better than I expected. I can't go back to a Seiko 5 Sports for 300 dollars. The SLA 17 is one of Seiko's best releases but is a limited edition which is also really annoying. Seiko has some great new releases but they are limited. Or they are JDM only. Which also sucks.

[@jesterxfan]

I’ve been stalking their site wanting the original SKX homage but it’s been out of stock for quite some time.

[@MichaelNNguyen]

I just pick up the SKX013 in nearly new condition for $280 and I love it. This new version is nice but I prefer the classic vintage of the SKX models.

[@PerthWAtch]

Nice one mate!

[@brianpatrik]

How many professionals need to reiterate this; Screw Down crowns DO NOT enhance water resistance. It's the design of the internal gasket system. Which is why you can dive with these type of watches without the crown even being flush to the base. It's internal. -PADI SCUBA Instructor

[@PerthWAtch]

Sure but the gaskets wear out with time… whereas the screw down will keep working, at least for activities for many of us do (beach, pool). Seiko says you should not dive with this watch - who should we listen to? Does being a scuba instructor mean you know about watch construction?? ;)

[@Kevins-Philippine-Retirement]

The non screw down crown is the main reason why I bought the 5KX over the SKX. I can quickly and easily set the time while it's on my wrist, not that I have to do that very often as the one I have is just -2sec/day. I have other screw down crown watches including a Rolex Datejust, which is also only rated 100m. I also have a Swatch Irony Scuba 200 Aluminum rated 200m without a screw down crown. As a retired oceanographer I will say this: a properly designed and made O-ring seal is all that's needed for subsea as the greater the pressure the better the seal. The screw down crown is just good security so the crown does not get hooked in something and pulled out while under water. So, the long and the short of it is screw down crowns are highly over emphasized for 200m or even deeper water resistance.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience. Reality is that parts degrade over time and I definitely wouldn’t take this underwater after it’s a few years old. Brand new, maybe…

[@Kevins-Philippine-Retirement]

@@PerthWAtch The same can be said for the SKX, Submariner, or any other watch for that matter.

[@PerthWAtch]

100% agree you can say it - you can say anything. 😂 But saying something does not make it reality. My experience is that my 30 year old Submariner which has never been serviced still proves to be water tight. And my 9 year old SKX is the same.

[@Kevins-Philippine-Retirement]

I recently purchased a 5KX in the new "Sonar" translucent dial style. Straight from the factory I can't believe the accuracy it has! After 18 days without setting it it is still within 1 second of the internet that i set it to. My friend has the same model and is experiencing the same. It is truly outstanding as my recently serviced Rolex Datejust is +2 seconds/day. That in and of itself is enough reason for me as traditionally the SKX were atrocious for careless regulation from the factory.

[@PerthWAtch]

That’s good for you and your friend Kevin, but I wouldn’t put even $1 on the next one being like that - there is a reason why Rolex can claim +/-2 sec/day accuracy and why Seiko can guarantee no better than -20/+40 sec/day.

[@chuckschillingvideos]

I just don't see the point of improving the movement but downgrading it to a 100m watch. No screwdown crown kills this for me and no doubt many others. And I'm definitely not a fan of the "look at me" crystal caseback. I have an idea for Seiko - keep the SKX like and come out with new SKX super models with the 4r36 movement, sapphire crystals and ceramic bezels. Then just sit back and watch them fly off the shelves.

[@PerthWAtch]

Yeah I think Long Island shrewdly jumped on the opportunity with the Islander model which is pretty much the “Super SKX” you described!

[@chuckschillingvideos]

@@PerthWAtch I jumped on the Islander as soon as Marc offered it. Great watch, great price. Exactly what Seiko should have done to make the SKX everything it could have been.

[@newgunguy4176]

True.

[@SodiumGated]

Missing lume in bezel

[@PerthWAtch]

Yeah

[@SodiumGated]

@@PerthWAtch Can't say it is the same watch. It isn't a diver anymore. It is just a water resistant dress watch.

[@PerthWAtch]

Didn't say it was

[@RuffellTube]

Lets just say I recently ordered a new SKX009J1 that they still had in stock. I could have bought a Seiko 5 Sports for cheaper, but no no no, they ruined it. You would think the success of the Grand Seiko has taught the company to always move forward, not backwards, on specs. For goodness sake, it was ISO certified and now it's not. If you think about it, dropping the ISO must have to do with price and profitability forcing real watch enthusiasts into more expensive models. Problem is they are going to find out that the new Seiko 5 now has competition in the $150 range for what you get, where as the SKX competition was closer to $250. I think Seiko is still waiting to see if they are going to get the consumer purchasing results they expect.

[@PerthWAtch]

Yep, I very agree that the strategy is about profitability... after all, a company *should* be looking at that at all times, at least partially. Seems to me like the success is undeniable, yet it does upset a lot of us longer time fans.

[@wardoec7411]

Loved it! i was just waiting for a price drop because was really expensive. Now @175 180 price range, is more accurate for what are you paying.

[@PerthWAtch]

Yeah agreed, at that price is certainly much more reasonable!

[@gonshocks]

I've had one for a while now and like it very much. I don't dive so 100m water resistance is fine for what I do, and the non screw down crown makes it easy to do a quick wind without having to unscrew first. Sapphire would've been nice but I can get one from Crystaltimes if I want since they take the same one as the SKX.

[@PerthWAtch]

100m is fine for the vast majority of humanity... I'm just not sure about trashing around in water with a screw crown. Maybe that's just a psychological hangover I need to get over! ;)

[@dparis2172]

The screw down crown might be the most overrated feature of watch design. Having watches of both screw down and push/pull, I feel the latter is such a practical convenience while s/d is strictly a vestigial feature of a tool whose day has long since passed. The screw down crown is more an inconvenience than a practical feature. Change my mind...

[@gonshocks]

@@PerthWAtch I think Seiko didn't want to upgrade the SKX because it would've put it on par with their more expensive divers. Putting them in the position of competing with themselves.

[@lindboknifeandtool]

@@gonshocks exactly. Anybody know if the new 5kx takes skx bezels?

[@brianmsahin]

The SKX has definitely had its day. No hacking, no manual winding option. There's better out there. The 5kx are upgraded without the 200m resistance. I'm a diver, for a long long time I've used a dive computer. I don't know anyone who dives with a dive watch. Many clubs insist on dive computers only. How many people who complained about only 100m, ever dived to 200m or 100m or even 20m......or more likely never scuba dived in their lives?.

[@PerthWAtch]

Other divers often comment that they will use a watch as a backup, dive computer as primary multi-capable instrument.

[@SirStamford27]

A lot of ppl knocking the SKX here, and not understanding why it has a cult following. Well it just has, and that should say something about the watch, not many watches attain that. It's not something you can pre determine, it just happens to certain items. The iso rating is part of that. It doesn't matter if 99% of ppl won't go diving with their watch, it's just knowing it can if needed. Also in has heritage which obviously takes time. Comes from a family of entry level divers. 6105, 6309, 7002, SKX. If you don't get it, then fine, but a lot of ppl do, and these Seiko 5's are not SKX replacements, they're nice watches but they don't follow the entry level diver family.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for sharing those thoughts - definitely agree that the SKX has a cult following, and sometimes the reasons are not easy to discern. The new watches are nice enough but what irks many of us that they chose to make it look nearly identical to the SKX while clearly taking away some of the key elements, *and* then charging more.

[@surfside75]

So glad I bought 3 of the skx007 because I've yet to see a watch that brings such an awesome tool look and performance without compromise😍 (maybe Marathon gsar $1,200) I'm worried that this new Seiko 5 available in any color you'd like will kinda cheapen the ownership experience with the skx007 original😐.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that. Actually I think the SKX was far from perfect, but in it's imperfection and unpretentious nature it offered something great.

[@surfside75]

I guess that's what I'm saying.. no applied markers, no outlined day/date window, flat black deep recessed dial (tool), a real mens watch with no hacking and no winding.. created before the age of computers as a true dive 'computer' hence the robust nature of the skx007.. legibility was so key.. the size, depth, loom and the floating lolipop letting you know at a glance your still alive while diving around "down there"

[@PerthWAtch]

Well said :)

[@NathanChisholm041]

Perfection hardly!

[@surfside75]

Update, I just ordered a 3rd 007k. Get it now if you want a new one otherwise.. used market😐 😁🍻 -in the future this watch will go for $500+ in the box for the k version (cleaner dial w/out the extra text✔️) j version will go for🤷

[@Xxxoo57]

They changed it from a diver’s watch to a modern day diver-style sports watch. The applied indices give the watch a more cosmopolitan style whereas the printed indices on the SKX make it more a tool watch. But they put in an arguably better movement and improved the bracelet. One can own both watches as they are still affordable. It’s not a case of one or the other. I own multiples of these in my collection. The SKX is nostalgic while the 5KX is more dressy.

[@PerthWAtch]

Yeah that’s not a bad way to put it. Although I still think the 5KX is a neutered watch with (initially) inflated price. It is indeed more “dressy” but the obvious thought here is that it’s a pretence. Anyway, just my view. You have a fair way of looking at it.

[@Psysso]

It is still a decent watch but not for the price tag of almost 300$. It would be perfect at about 150 to 180 range for what you get. I own a ny 0040 and i like that watch better than the skx anyway.

[@PerthWAtch]

Yeah agreed... the price tag of just below $200 would make this pretty sweet. Nice model you own the BTW! :)

[@jamesog8802]

What defines ‘shallow water’ 6 feet or possibly 7 feet ? Has anyone tested a ten bar in deeper waters?

[@PerthWAtch]

Seiko recommend pretty much just for surface swimming

[@ElBoyoElectronico]

Why doesn't anybody talk about the huge visual differences? The bezel is different, the jubilee is gone, the dial looks different, the orange text is missing, etc.... This makes the watch look vastly different to my eyes and I very much prefer the old SKX007 style.

[@PerthWAtch]

Actually I did mention all those differences.

[@BarnOwl61]

Seiko has build iconic status with the SKX. The only thing they had to do was swap the outdated movement, and keep the rest of the watch as it was. Then they could raise the price 100$. Not now, this is less for more money. Yes they killed the true soul of a proper dive watch. Marc from Long Island watch jumped to the opportunity and gave the consumer exactly what they wanted all along. Just get it over with and buy yourself a nice Orient instead! The new 5 line is pathetic and way overpriced.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks Joop - yeah it’s a curious move they made for sure... some other viewers have given thoughts on the rationale but I can’t help but feel they killed the SKX :(

[@443playground]

But your suggestion would kill their prospex line with 4r35/6 movements.

[@andrewd7586]

On “face” value when I first saw this model, immediately I assumed it was the NEW SKX, of which I have 2. I was excited until I read the fine print. So it’s a no from me, but am happy to see there are still plenty of SKX out there!👍🏼😎

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that... yeah for the moment there are still SKX available for purchase, but prices are starting to go up it would seem

[@Zeus-kj7nn]

I know the reasons Seiko didn't, but I just wish they upgraded the skx with the the 4r36 movement with hacking, with the screwdown crown to keep the iso rating and maybe thrown the classic jubilee strap with solid end links and applied indices. Sod it, just include it in amongst the prospex range. It would've been a sellout. The seiko 5 skx is just not either there or here. It somehow feels lost..Nice video. Agreed, definitely a husk. Subscribed

[@PerthWAtch]

Yep, agreed! Many suspect they will indeed release an “update” of the SKX in Prospex range in near future... probably sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel, at least 4R movements, applied indices, etc. And a price tag of around $600 😳

[@Zeus-kj7nn]

@@PerthWAtch Yes, it will be pricey! Thankyou for your reply. 👍

[@jarrodcilia]

Thanks for the review Ivan, was wondering when you'd cover this one. Although I did own an SKX, I never really loved it and sold it within a year of purchasing it. I just found that I rarely wore it and always found myself reaching for one of my other black dial divers more often than not. It will be interesting to see how well these sell. My prediction is that the SPRD price will drop quite a bit over the next couple of years, at which point it could become a much better value proposition.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks Jarrod, glad you found this of interest. I think you’re likely going to be right... the newer models will mostly need to be discounted to sell I suspect.

[@matthewgates4130]

Love the 5KX's 😏 Got 12 ,1 or more each style including 140th anniversary All around upgraded timepiece Fantastic to own!!!!

[@PerthWAtch]

They’re widely denoted as “5KX”. Glad to hear you’re loving them!

[@matthewgates4130]

@@PerthWAtch dyslexia moment...doh

[@trackpackgt877]

Perth watch I actually ordered two new Seiko fives 1 identical to what you're holding my other one has the 4r36 movement also it's the SRP599 I belive and it is running at + 3 seconds a day extremely accurate I'm very surprised I'm waiting for the other one to show up and see how it does. My old 5 sea urchin they call it I retired from its abuse from work and it had been in the ocean and hot tubs and pools no screw down crown never a drop got in it's still a great watch but unfortunately it built up sentiment value over the years so I needed a new work watch. great video

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that - great to hear that the seals held up and it has withstood underwater use over those years despite no screw crown. That is the major the reservation I have with this... doesn’t matter so much about Divers rating, but screw crown does give that extra reassurance.

[@trackpackgt877]

@@PerthWAtch yeah my old sea urchin is still waterproof to this day I really thought being in the hot tub several hundreds of times would eventually have killed it to be honest with you but it's still going LOL love your Channel buddy

[@claytonmedders6907]

I have this exact watch and I’m really happy with it. I don’t see it as a dive watch but as a tool watch with the added bonus of a timing bezel.

[@PerthWAtch]

I think Seiko sees it as a fashion watch. Without the bezel there is nothing tool left about it…

[@exsleepyink]

I love this watch. Mine usually loses a second or two a week, at most. Pretty crazy for the price point. The end links are a little funky, but I luckily have no alignment issues and the water resistance is fine. Nice upgrade with the applied indices and movement. Maybe one day I’ll get the jubilee from the SSK GMT for it, but the feeling that I settled on something lesser than the SKX has faded.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for sharing - yours is very accurate but that is sheer luck of the draw. The next person has no guarantee of anything better than -20/+40spd The water resistance could possibly be “fine”, but that depends on what you do with it (which you did not say).

[@exsleepyink]

@@PerthWAtch I don’t free dive anymore, so I only use it for swimming and washing dishes, but it has survived water impact and a daily spin brush sink. It’s not a depth rating, but one day I left it under water at the bottom of a bucket for a few hours, to see if anything crept in (it didn’t). I’ve never worn it 100m down, but I also haven’t gone 200m with my Sarb017 or Gshock DW5600 either. I’ll just take them at their word. A buddy of mine has a different color variant that is nearly as accurate as mine, while another claimed he took it diving down to half its rating, which is still pretty deep.

[@PerthWAtch]

The problem is with dynamic spikes in water pressure... which is why if you're gonna water-ski, 200m is recommended (even when realistically you will never be deeper than 1m in that sport). A push crown will need to have very good gaskets to resist for a significant portion of the life of the watch... that's why people don't trust these.

[@exsleepyink]

@@PerthWAtch I feel you. I’ve jumped off pretty high rocks with it, right next to a waterfall. Pretty dynamic. It was fine. That said, it’s not the norm and I wouldn’t choose to do it on the regular. To tell you the truth, I wouldn’t do it with most watches outside gshock, for fear of losing a spring bar, more than the resistance issue. Regardless, it’s a really good watch for the money and any friends of mine who own it seem to feel the same. Not to belabor a point, but I haven’t lost more than a second in almost a month now. Hard to go back to the SKX, for that reason (and the hacking). Of course I’d prefer a screw down, but this is a great daily driver.

[@PerthWAtch]

Fair enough mate!

[@dynamicsinesdynamicsines1161]

all things considering this is still a perfect mod base, example the screw down crown feature can still be avialable for moding..

[@PerthWAtch]

That's great to know - I wasn't aware that you can mod this to have a screw down crown.

[@dynamicsinesdynamicsines1161]

@@PerthWAtch engineering, the screw down part is available as 3rd party pieces, or simply mill out your own its only fitted with force, so is the glass right, see its just that same way. It's a pity its more costly than the original, but hay want a skx or not. Anyways dig your vids mate good education non the less.

[@Leturane]

Im fine with they discon the SKX as long as they kept the 200M WR. The new one lost the diver watch soul to me. Anyhow Seiko would probably release Skx “re-issue” with 4000$+ in the future like the MAS and the Turtle reissue.

[@PerthWAtch]

Did they do a turtle reissue costing thousands? I must’ve missed that...

[@Leturane]

@@@PerthWAtch Yes, it Seiko SLA033, limited 2500. Rtp about 4000€. That one expensive turtle to had but you got a top spec like the 65MAS. Worth the money? May be if you are hardcore Seiko diver fan.

[@PerthWAtch]

Ah I see.. thanks for that.

[@WizardWatch]

Great Review budd .... Iam waiting that the price will drop to 200$ then its a good time to review the SKX'5 :)

[@PerthWAtch]

Haha yeah maybe that’s the moniker - “5 Sports SKX”!

[@jesterxfan]

Wizard Watch if this hits $150...I’ll pull the trigger on one.

[@WizardWatch]

@@jesterxfan I believe they eventually will reach that price 150$-200$ .... I bought my skx013 190$ back then .....

[@saintdave1877]

Isn't it the case that the Prospex line is the direct replacement for the skx line? Water resistance isn't an issue for me in buying a watch , although I would expect the 100m would be fine for pool and a quick dip in the ocean

[@PerthWAtch]

Prospex has been around for quite a while now, and to me it has always seemed to be a more premium line. Looks like the move is now to have all the ISO divers in Prospex, with pretty much nothing in the Seiko 5 range having screw down crowns let around ISO compliance.

[@trrajeesh5754]

I bought a Seiko SPRD51k from Amazon India. For regular use with hacking and manual winding it is a good option. SKX on the other hand don't have hacking and winding option. Seiko wants a fashion Icon more than a Diver.

[@PerthWAtch]

Yeah I think you're right there... they are going more for a style icon series rather than for the original tool functionality.

[@alexsdg3441]

Almost everyone knows that Seiko is upping their games and pricing, specially pricing on most of their lower end watches with some modifications and changes. I have been hearing the complains from many youtubers about this. IMO, that was and is inevitable because of resurgence of so many Chinese brands. As I heard from few sources, some of Chinese & Taiwanese are planning to take the lower end watches into world marketing very soon, like Seiko and Casio has done many decades ago. If and when that happens, we will be getting NH35 or good Seagull, solid bezel (at least better than this new Seiko you just have reviewed), solid end link, milled and proper clasp and with sapphire glass...all for between $100 to $200 range. But with local distribution and repair/customer service centers all around the world. That is not just lower end Automatic watches, but also digital watches (plastic watches). When this happen, there is no way that any lower-end Japanese companies can compete with the pricing of mainland China companies. I believe that is one of the biggest reasons that they are changing their marketing and model line ups, mostly from $250 to $1000 range, specially Seiko. Thanks Ivan and Merry "Almost" Christmas!

[@udojager2673]

Great conclusion. You are totaly right.

[@fattmatt200]

Check out the San Martin brand on aliexpress that totally out competes Seiko on quality for value.

[@alexsdg3441]

@@fattmatt200 just checked that out, san martin from aliexpress. nice looking and specs. I have seen san martin watches via youtube and they certainly can compete with most of all Seiko lower end models and be better at at. I believe that san martin has better brand recognition than Parnis or Pagani design and better unified service... hence the higher pricing then other lowend china brands, such as Parnis, Pagani...etc. by the way, the biggest difference I see between san martin and other chinese brands is the Lume. San Martin's lume can compete with many other reputable brands. ... but even that, if other lower chinese brands really want to do it, it would be piece of cake for them to do the lume right.

[@brianbuchert6382]

I bought a lower end skmei 1456 Chinese full metal G-Shock knock off I got it for 14.00 and I’m truly impressed I’ll give it more time but so far it’s a great watch! I wanted the full metal G-Shock but the price was too high

[@alexsdg3441]

@@brianbuchert6382 absolutely. Skmei is a solid watch. Just can not beat the prices to value ratio

[@jbbrabant]

Drilled lugs, hacks & winds, are good improvements but 100m not good. I’m sure the 4R36 meets or exceeds the robustness of the 7S26. There’s no pip on the 5’s bezel and it looks cheaper to me. I own the 009 & I’ll never part with it. The Seiko Prospex SRPA21J1 PADI Turtle “Special Edition” Air Diver (Pepsi) Made in Japan, would be a good upgrade!

[@PerthWAtch]

Yeah Made in Japan would indeed be an upgrade... but I fear that one always comes with an upgrade in price too!!

[@jbbrabant]

Prices are going to rise but it’s no wonder, we, the consumer, are complaining about crystals, complications, power reserve and bracelets to name a few. We seem to be turning up our nose at watch products that once upon a time were acceptable and then we complain if we have to pay more. Seiko’s 4s & 6r lines are pretty damn good in my humble opinion & the GS & Spring Drive watches are true winners. The 5’s are there for the average person who wants a reliable “desk diver” at a reasonable price. You get what you pay for after all is said and done.

[@andybarnes3967]

This is a great watch, remember its NOT an SKX replacement, it's a good size has a lovely dial with applied indices and a really nice feature with the display case back. The best thing about the watch is the movement, equivalent to high end watches it is an accurate, windable automatic with hacking ability. Yes it has a push crown but with 100m wr it is plenty, I have been in the sea with it as well as the hot tub with no issues. If your a serious diver get a proper dive watch such as a Prospex, if not, this is a great dive style watch.

[@PerthWAtch]

Correct - it is not an SKX replacement... it is a Seiko 5. Just so happens that Seiko killed the SKX and then shortly after released this line which has identical case shape and index design. You are however mistaken about the movement - it is not considered "high-end", but rather is entry level. Can be found in many many watches costing

[@andybarnes3967]

As I said, this is a great 'dive style' watch, as for the movement I said it was 'equivalent' to high end movements in that its windable with hacking. I have a few Swiss automatics, Tudor, Tag and a new Seamaster 300m but this is my auto beater watch and as such is unbeatable.

[@PerthWAtch]

Yes, not a dive watch... Seiko neutered the SKX design by taking the case and making it into this. Having hacking and hand winding does not make a movement “equivalent” to something more expensive. I wouldn’t go around saying that a $15 Chinese movement which happen to have these features is equivalent to the Seiko 4R series either.

[@andybarnes3967]

Apart from the screw down crown, it is a far superior automatic than the skx.

[@PerthWAtch]

Wrong again Andy. Do you know what ISO 6425 means? In any case, not the place for me to detail this here. Also, take a look at my comparison between SKX and 5KX for more details ;)

[@hvacae6904]

The only thing they did is the movement upgrade if they upgrade the skx movement it will be much better

[@PerthWAtch]

Well... the dial has been made prettier and I would also say the bracelet is better :)

[@El-AYE-Ra1s3d]

Love the video my man. You just earned yourself a new video subscriber!

[@PerthWAtch]

Awesome, thank you!

[@dank5015]

I love my SKX 009 but I wanted one I could hand wind so I ordered one of these with the black dial. Hopefully I like it. I never took my watch diving so that's not really a concern. Perpetrating the style of a dive watch when it's not is kind of lame, but I do like the style. It's kind of like putting a fake badge on your car to perpetrate. It's naughty but I don't care hand winding is kewl. I have to reset my SKX every time I wear it as I don't wear it daily, so perpetual motion becomes annoying.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for sharing the thoughts - I get what you mean about the hand winding advantage. Other options including modding an SKX or getting a custom like the Long Island one

[@dank5015]

@@PerthWAtch I just received the SRPD55K1. I have a very nice Strapco on my SKX that looks identical to this bracelet. The only real difference is the clasp is not nearly as nice and there are pins instead of screws in the band. As far as wear, weight, etc. you can't tell the difference. The Strapco is a little shinier but I can fix that with some polish. Obviously the Strapco is a much better band but would I pay $80 to upgrade this band... I really doubt it. That's definitely a consideration as the jubilee band on SKX is just tin junk imo.

[@PerthWAtch]

Nice one - thanks for sharing those details!

[@peterbeck-rasmussen8514]

I´m not going to take one of those new 5´s swimming thats for sure (well I´m not going to own one either - THATs for sure). Yes they have absolutely murdered the old SKX and have dressed up the corpse to give us what is essentially a fashion watch, without the divers specs and for a higher price tag, but with the misalignment issues remaining. The old SKX was far from perfect - no hacking and winding, rattly braclet, misaligned etc. etc. ......... BUT it was rugged and could take a beating, and you could take it swimming and diving without worrying !! All Seiko had to do was to upgrade the movement, give us applied markers and brand on the dial and sort out the quality control at the assembly line to get rid of the misalignment issues ! Hell, they could even pop on a sapphire crystal and a better bracelet and then get away with upping the price $100 + whithout anybody complaining. The SKX has been the entry point into the world of dive watches for so many through time ............. for a very modest amount of money you would get a simple yet true ISO certified dive watch to start out with ! I very much doubt that the new fashion watch iteration will have the same effect ! Shame on Seiko !!

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for taking the time to share those thoughts Peter, I find myself agreeing with most of that. I would indeed be very happy if Seiko simply upgraded the movement, and added a better bracelet. Applied indices would be nice, and I reckon leave the dial layout the same (no "5" branding for me thanks!). Cheers, Ivan.

[@JohnBuckmaster-sw3wm]

Seiko Is also playing of the fact that most people don’t understand the water resistance rating. Or what ISO diver means.I hate the water resistant standards… Very misleading and they know that… Taking away a screwdown crown is a bigger deal than most people realise. Had 100 meter $300 watch fill up with water all of a sudden after swimming with it for awhile…

[@antoniotula262]

Alot of marketing hype in 100m vs 200m in terms of real world swimming. I've been swimming a whole lot with with a 100m Casio with no probs, a 100m Wenger Escort and my Eco-Drive 200m certified diver. It's 6 years I've had it, obviously no accuracy issues, no battery changes, great lume & all for alot less than an SXK even then!

[@PerthWAtch]

Not just hype - lookup reports of water resistance failure if you want to find out more. It depends on how they made the watch and what it’s designed for. 100m without screw crown will likely fail with vigorous swimming at some early stage.

[@alanwright3172]

Merry Xmas and look forward to the channel in the new year

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks Alan - wishing you a blessed and safe Christmas also :)

[@PerthWAtch]

What?

[@norvieYT]

Definitely gonna buy this one.

[@PerthWAtch]

Great!

[@Fine_art_aerial]

Noob here.. Just curious, +2 sec a day is excellent?? So every 5 months will the watch will be 5 mins fast?? Great videos!!

[@PerthWAtch]

If the watch ran absolutely consistently then yes, but mechanicals tend to vary (with temperature, air pressure, moisture etc) and so it will be most likely something different

[@rdor011]

I don't care if most people who owned an SKX didn't dive with it, the fact that it was solid and fit for purpose was a big part of the appeal and gave it value for money. .What next, a 'diver style' replacement for the SRP line?

[@PerthWAtch]

Yep I feel much the same way. There are already SRP lookalikes in the 5 range actually, in the baby monster and baby tuna models.

[@carlosdelacadiz6658]

Orient Mako looking better all the time.

[@PerthWAtch]

Yes it is! Or Ray II for my choice of aesthetics!

[@theplasticdesert2408]

Carlos De La Cadiz makos were always better imho

[@quantametric]

Except that it looks like crap.

[@vincentpickett121]

I will be getting 1 or 2.maybe 3 but not on those bracelets NATO and mesh I like them all the reviews seems pretty good.

[@PerthWAtch]

So what are you going to get?

[@443playground]

I think ppl got it wrong, this is not a replacement. Wait for the skx in coming years to be promoted to prospex line.

[@PerthWAtch]

Yes, I think that is actually correct... but the facts are that Seiko discontinued the SKX, and around the same time gave us a very similar looking line of watches, so I can see why the perception is as such. They may well release an SKX looking watch in the Prospex line in the future, and it will $600 or higher, and we shall have another fresh round of dissent ;)

[@dougroddy6045]

I picked one up for about $170 about a month and a half ago. I don't get the hate these things get. Hacks, handwinds, upgraded movement, looks good, wears well. I like the variety of colors, and may pick another one up if I can find it for the same price. None of my watches will ever get anywhere near the ocean, so the 200m and screw crown aren't really a must have feature for me. I've a bunch of different watches in the box, and find myself reaching for this one a lot.

[@PerthWAtch]

I think the disgruntlement (call it hate if you will) is mainly at the discontinuation of a very good budget diver, with no replacement on offer. This watch is actually fine taken on its own merits, no diver but perfectly competent otherwise. If an SKX replacement comes along eventually, it will likely (and sadly) be multiples higher in price.

[@jesterxfan]

Where did you find one for that price?

[@bravesdoug]

@@jesterxfan kohl's black friday on sale. Also picked up a second colorway from drop for around $200

[@angelos6817]

They've turned the SKX into a fashion watch.

[@PerthWAtch]

Haha probably not as extreme as that but I get where you're coming from!

[@stormrider01]

I hate drilled out lugs, it looks cheap. Prefere the SKX case.

[@PerthWAtch]

I actually like drilled lugs in divers...

[@ramonalbertotamayoisla2592]

Great review. Thank you for sharing. They did kill the SKX007 but we are hard to satisfy, that's why seiko fan mod them. And the always do so...

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks - yeah I guess we can be grateful for the rich modding options available!

[@darkestfugue]

I bought the mini turtle, very happy with it, really good looking little dive watch that's not that little.

[@PerthWAtch]

Haha nice! What's the model number of that one?

[@darkestfugue]

@@PerthWAtch SRPC37K1, it holds up well against my oris aquis

[@jeffreyalbarandorivera8595]

One reason that seiko killed the SKX007 or other SKX is I think people used that watch as a casual watch rather than being use in a real purpose which is for scuba DIVING. Well that new replacement is no longer a dive watch. If you want to have your OLD SKX upgraded then buy a new NH36 movt. and load it in your case.

[@PerthWAtch]

Seiko may have done that but unfortunately none of us can know as they never bother to publicise or communicate their rationales!

[@somewhereintimewatchreviews]

I've had a look at one of these & my first thoughts were a bit ugh! What have they done but on reflection I think these things are great value & perfect for newcomers to the world of watches, if you want an ISO rated dive watch buy a prospex simple! But for someone looking for an affordable proper daily wearable watch that's Not an overpriced "bling master 3000" fashion thing then I think these are great & a really good way into the world of watch collecting. 😊

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for the comment Adrian, it’s a fair view... however the lament I’m hearing is in fact to do with the continual loss of value proposition from Seiko, and the push upmarket even in their entry level. Gone then are the days of getting a proper diver for under $200, and getting a darn good value Seiko 5 for under $100. There is also considerable lament of transferring the SKX design into the 5 series, but that’s another matter.

[@elleonhart]

i bought 1 with my first paycheck. and i love it so much

[@PerthWAtch]

Glad you like it!

[@kevinhaynes9091]

They're a nice looking watch, but I have the SKX and a couple of Duros, so I probably won't be getting the SRPD. If I was, I'd also have to seriously consider Orient's Ray II and Mako II...

[@PerthWAtch]

I wouldn’t get this if I already have an SKX either

[@kellypaws]

Well, I bought one just because. The thing I actually miss most is the nasty jubilee bracelet, which has very little quality, but acres of charm. Easily fixed though.

[@PerthWAtch]

Haha nice... did you find a third party jubilee to swap in?

[@kellypaws]

@@PerthWAtch Yes, I have ordered a Strapcode thanks. Enjoy the videos thank you, keep them coming!

[@Fredrikwatchesandartwork]

Buy One today ! Beautiful 👍

[@PerthWAtch]

It’s ok

[@WolfgangVonKempelen838]

Very good & informative review as per normal. Thanks man. I have an old SKX which I thought was value for money. This one, I like the up-graded bracelet & the window to show the movement; which I am a big fan of on any watch. It looks like a logical evolution rather than a revolution, some guys might find the decrease in ATM/screw down crown an issue if you are into scuba diving. I like to know that my diver watches are capable of that sort of thing but I am to scared of actually try scuba diving because of the massive beasts in the oceans, not that I kook tasty but you never know who fancies a nibble ;) Can you show how to remove links out of the old SKX please, I just bought a new tools kid but I never had any instructions manual that came with the watch and I am not sure how to tackle it.

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for sharing that man, I had to laugh at the notion of “cool tasty”!! :) Which SKX bracelet do you have? If it’s got push pins it’s best to do that with a watch pin pusher, can easily get a kit that has that. If it’s the folded metal one, well unfortunately that’s a real bitch to size... you basically have to get a tool to gently hammer out the securing piece, very difficult to explain!

[@WolfgangVonKempelen838]

@@PerthWAtch I actually meant "look tasty" but my chips finger often hit the wrong key ;) then I forget to double check my typing and occasionally it happens to be more fun than intended (dsepending on who finds me tasty of course). I think that I have an idea of what you are explaining as I just bought a Christopher Ward pro 600 which I had to adjust. A lot of watch for the money but a bit disappointed with those push pins (prefer screw pins like in my Oris Aquis) and the blue colour is not as nice in the metal than on pics on their official site. However, it might grow on me. Thanks for your help fella. ;) Oh and a happy Christmas of course !

[@PerthWAtch]

Haha no worries - wishing you a great Christmas also :)

[@Xxxoo57]

I think it was part of Seiko’s new pricing and tier strategy. Seiko probably figured they were underpricing the SKX severely. Because which other brand can offer ISO diver certification for under $200? Most brands are increasing prices - so why can’t Seiko? People need to get over this and get used to the new reality.

[@PerthWAtch]

Orient :)

[@joshuaposton1070]

Great review found it very helpful😊 Ps do u think this watch will be ok to surf with?

[@PerthWAtch]

Most welcome :) I would have my doubts using this for surfing given the lack of a screw down crown...

[@joshuaposton1070]

@@PerthWAtch ok thanks for reply and clarifying it i am still pretty new to this world of watches

[@baltazarwagie9290]

Which one of the new Seiko 5, corresponds to the SKX013 model? I am looking or a smaller watch.

[@PerthWAtch]

The 37mm classic? Nah sorry, they haven’t released one in that size yet...

[@baltazarwagie9290]

@@PerthWAtch Yes, that one. That is a shame. Thanks

[@rayquintanilla614]

To me, the real murder was the Seiko 5 line. What was always a solid line of watches that has great affordable quality, is now going to be out of reach for some of us poor folk. I had no problems with the pricing of the older line of SKX. I just picked up the SKX011j and I would have paid much more for it if need be. I guess I’ll just keep collecting as many of the previous Seiko 5 lines as I can.

[@PerthWAtch]

Yeah I think it’s becoming rather clear that Seiko are trying to move their entire range upmarket... it’s too bad they feel the need to push even their fantastic lower end this way. A lot of the previous models under $200 were great value and many were fantastic sellers, so one wonders how wise the strategy is...!?

[@mr.airgun6921]

I don’t see this as an SKX replacement, it’s a watch for Seiko to cash in on all the desk divers... The only water resistance they need is protection from splashes at the water dispenser. The SKX is properly rated for diving and a very popular watch, they will either come out with another budget certified diver or not at all and the turtles can cover it. But to me this watch isn’t an skx replacement it’s an skx lookalike for a certain market.

[@PerthWAtch]

I agree with the majority of that. So... basically they killed the SKX ;)

[@421pL]

a lot of opinions in these comments are a touch outdated only 1 or 2 years later. An skx now resells for a lot more than a 5 series.

[@421pL]

in today’s market I could not justify spending significantly more for a used skx over a new 5 series.

[@PerthWAtch]

The outcome is to be expected and is not surprising

[@shaneweightman]

Most owners of the skx didn’t dive , only desk or sofa , they made the things for 20 yrs ,, they will still be easy to get hold of for yrs , and yrs , I easily bought a 7002 ,, the model before the skx,, also seiko still make and supply at least two other proper iso certified divers ,, I love the new 5 sports and bought one before Christmas, great to hand wind and hack , and all the colour and strap combos there should be one that everyone likes , on the negative side people like me don’t help with the out of alignment issues and seiko poor Qc, cos mine is badly out of alignment on the chapter ring and really should have returned it and asked for a replacement,, if everyone did that I guess seiko would correct the problem cheers Shane 🇬🇧 uk

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks Shane - I do hope the SKX will continue to be available. The reality for me is that when I go looking I see prices that have gone up considerably in the last 12 months.

[@duck853]

Agreed. It’s degree felony murder. I had a job change and a 60% paycut in mid-2018. I said to myself as I browsed the cases at Bic Camera in Japan that I’ll grab an SKX007 in 2020 when my pay got closer to being restored. Nope. Guess I’m going to have to learn the mod hobby and find some donor movements and build my own. RIP

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for sharing... maybe keep a look out still, they continue to sell and sometimes new-old stock still come up.

[@surfitli]

Great review. I really like Seiko and I like the SKX. However, I don’t like what Seiko is doing with there new releases. I don’t consider this an SKX replacement, the replacement would have to be a diver. What they did is they made another Seiko 5 Sports model, which is similar in specs to other Seiko 5 Sports Models. It looks like they are using a modified version of the same case, I am not sure, no way to prove. There really is nothing wrong with this watch besides the price and Seikos continued QC issues. However, I can understand being very disappointed with this. The pricing is way to high. It’s possible hat will drop over time. There are still some nice Seiko 5 aviable for under $200 US, and there are Turtles that are less then this .

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for that man... yeah you're right, the main gripes (if we take a look independent of the identical style) would be the QC issues, and the price/value proposition which hits up against so many other brands who offer sapphire +/- ceramic +/- solid screw bracelets, etc. I would also gripe for the lack of screw down crown.

[@keresadministratum5008]

They saw the popularity of the modding community and turned it into a fashion watch.

[@PerthWAtch]

Haha second person calling the new SKX a fashion watch!

[@surfside75]

Basically that is it... And available in all sorts of colors😐 Seiko, what the duck🦆 have you done to the skx legacy 🤷😂🍻

[@keresadministratum5008]

Perth WAtch there’s nothing wrong with it being a fashion watch. It just went a different path to be focused on the aesthetic presentation rather than concentrate on its mechanical tool heritage. In many ways the modern watch has some improvements but I think also the old models flaws lead to a charm that’s rare in modern watches which seek to tick every box. I enjoyed the fact that the skx wasn’t a perfect watch yet offered so very much.

[@franciscoalmazanalhambra1143]

I don't know many fashion watches with an automatic movement, 100m of water resistance, and good lume...

[@1968jpy]

I’ll stick with my skx009 👍🏻

[@PerthWAtch]

Yeah I think most owners will be hanging on to their SKX models!

[@1968jpy]

Perth WAtch Ivan I’ve tried on one of these watches at a local mall and they are nice watches . It’s just a shame they didn’t add a screw down crown and make it an ISO rated diver .

[@dschlac1]

Will the original skx rubber band fit this series? Thanks

[@PerthWAtch]

Rubber? That should fit anything as long as it’s the same lug width

[@valengreymoon5623]

Unfortunately, it's been reduced to a fashion watch now. For the price, you can still get a real SKX, AND a 4R36 movement to put in it and have the watch they SHOULD have made.

[@PerthWAtch]

Yep good point... that’s close to what the Islander model from Long Island Watch is from what others have said.

[@del0373]

I love these videos. People complaining that the dive watch only has 100m (300+ feet). Most watch nerds aren’t diving that deep. An 8 feet swimming pool is 2.5m deep. lol this watch is fine.

[@PerthWAtch]

Nope - you don’t understand how it works. Why do you think a 200m watch is recommended if you’re going to waterski?

[@PerthWAtch]

I love these comments where people who got no idea wanna think they do and lol lol lol

[@kyleblandon2250]

@@PerthWAtchdidn’t you ask for people’s thoughts? Then you just try to sh!t on their view (which you asked for)…nice. An “official” dive rating really doesn’t mean much to *most people, only KZbinrs who think it’s a magic horological standard

[@PerthWAtch]

Talk nice, get nice. Talk smack, get smack. Understand? You don’t get it and don’t want to get it. I can’t help you mate.

[@kyleblandon2250]

@@PerthWAtchboy you must be fun at parties 🙄 you should get out more, fresh air is good for mental health and wellbeing

[@RingoLombardi]

I don't get the point of rating watches to 10 or 20 bar (100 - 200m) but then don't recommend diving with them. When most dive are done above 30m (4 bar).. It kinda defeats the purpose of the rating. If you can't dive but only swim with them then they are rated to 0 or 1 bar.

[@PerthWAtch]

On the surface that sounds logical, but the reality is that it is the dynamic spikes in water pressure that will break the limits of the seals - it’s not just about static water resistance. Trash your arms around at depth and the pressures a watch might be subjected to can rise sharply. That’s why if you are going to JetSki, a 200m rated watch is recommended. Hope that’s clear.

[@greekpapi]

I own both. The SKX is better.

[@PerthWAtch]

Agreed!

[@taufikherjanto]

How long your wrist? Is it suitable for 6 inch/15 cm wrist?

[@PerthWAtch]

Did I say in the video?

[@4syth]

Do different world markets get different boxes? The box in this vid is different to every other new 5KX box I've seen from other reviewers.

[@PerthWAtch]

In my experience Seiko packaging can be rather random. The watches are shipped separate to the boxes, and dealers may well get different styles.

[@islandterror5198]

Controversy isn't over I'd say . Waiting for the limited edition runs on SKX to land inevitably...

[@PerthWAtch]

Oh dear me...

[@ivrsn_1569]

Why this watch also have a name of srpe55k1?

[@PerthWAtch]

It doesn't

[@patnathan7963]

The SRPD is a natural evolution from the SKX ; so where does the murder part come in ? At the end of the day, Seiko will only be interested in how well the new watch sells, and judging from the many favourable comments here, it’s gonna be a top seller. I’m very happy with mine. Thank you Seiko !

[@PerthWAtch]

It's a devolution in many ways, not an evolution. I think I've said enough about the issues in the video - check it out if interested ;)

[@patnathan7963]

Perth WAtch , not interested. I’m very happy with my watch and you can cry till the cows come home that it’s murder and no one would bother.

[@PerthWAtch]

Wrong... *you* wouldn’t bother. You can’t speak for everyone else. And you obviously are interested else why comment? ;)

[@maximus3233]

Can i use it without servicing for atleast 20 years ? Will the watch work & show accurate time if not serviced for around 20 years ? That's the main reason i confused to buy between Citizen Eco Drive & 5 Sport, because i don't want a watch that needs of maintenance say servicing every 4-5 years. A reply will be helpful Thank you

[@PerthWAtch]

Seeing as the movement has only really been around 14 years, nobody can rightfully answer that question. But chances are it will be fine, as the predecessor movements have proven so. However, Eco-Drive might be a better bet if you really want to take it to 20 years with no problems.

[@maximus3233]

@@PerthWAtch Thank you for the valuable information. One last question How often do you Service your Seiko 5, Citizen or any other automatic watches (not swiss luxury watches only mid range Japanese watches like 5 Sports & Ecodrive models ) ?

[@PerthWAtch]

I have never serviced any of my watches actually

[@maximus3233]

@@PerthWAtch Thank you, Sir.

[@Dave062YT]

Skx was my pet hate due to lack of hacking and hand winding [No shocks there ] Didn't even care about the crystal or nasty bracelet .Typical of Seiko to give you a decent movement finally and no screw down crown .Never owned a Seiko and prob never will but I do feel for their loyal customers..

[@PerthWAtch]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts - I think you do understand the gist of what many are feeling about this!

[@kgain673111]

What’s the extra price tag for tho? Colors, and better movement? I’m up on the air about this one.

[@PerthWAtch]

What do you mean by “extra price tag”?

[@kgain673111]

@@PerthWAtch the SKX was $250 ish

[@PerthWAtch]

Now these Seiko 5 models (predictably) are around $200

[@jrgdrumsandwatches]

Don't look at it as a SKX replacement. It's not a dive watch, it's a sports watch. It is not the only Seiko 5 that looks like a diver or Prospex model, never heard anyone complain about the others.. I'm sure they will release a proper diver with the SKX look.

[@PerthWAtch]

Actually I've heard plenty of comments regarding those 5's that look like diver's but really aren't, but I get where you're coming from. AFAIK none of those 5's have an identical case to a Prospex, they just look kinda similar. If they do release an SKX look Prospex I shudder to think of what they'll be asking for...!

[@derekshearer9049]

The skx 7s26 movement non hacking no hand winding and a stated accuracy of -20 to + 40. I guess the only thing you could say about the movement is it's bulletproof. The one thing the movement has to do is keep time and it can't even do that. To be quite honest would you trust a company to do ISO standard testing on a dive watch when they can't even line up a chapter ring? I never understood the interest in the skx. Maybe it's just as well it has passed. Cheers

[@wtfiswiththosehandles]

As an SKX owner I agree. Mine was running at the threshold from the box, then it started to get slower to the point it was -40 or -50 seconds a day.

[@PerthWAtch]

I think the idea of ISO certification is that you have a external independent organisation whom you can trust and who audits/certifies the process. That's the value of ISO compliance. Can we absolutely trust it? Well it's probably not 100% but it's a damn side better than trusting them to align that bezel! :)

[@derekshearer9049]

@@PerthWAtch. I worked for a company that was ISO 9002 compliant and other than the initial set up for certification l never saw them again. I don't own a seiko and l have no long term aspersions to own one. I am expecting an other Orient to arrive soon even though Orient operates under the seiko umbrella. Cheers

[@PerthWAtch]

Actually Orient Watch Co. operates under a different arm of the Seiko Group, whereas Seiko Watch Corp is grouped under the Seiko Holdings Corp arm. Based on all the info I have read on this over the years, Seiko Watch do not have any direct say over what Orient Watch Co. does.

[@derekshearer9049]

@@PerthWAtch. I don't think you're right but if so even better then.... Cheers