Don't buy a NEW Seiko SKX007 (before you see this)

Have you seen the prices of a new Seiko SKX 007 lately? Or a new SKX 009? The prices have gone completely through the roof and are now insane.
How much would you pay?
$799?! Oh but it does not stop there!
See the madness in all it’s glory here.
Subscribe to my channel and hit the like button if you find this interesting please. It is really motivating. Thanks for watching!
00:00 Intro
00:38 Insane prices
01:53 The SKX gateway
02:38 Seiko's 2019 revised product strategy
03:19 New watch, New Old Stock
04:06 Who's buying?
04:30 The SKX shortcomings
05:19 Alternatives
05:50 The Must-Have-SKX Myth
06:50 Speculations
07:58 Don't fall for the SKX scam
#seiko #seikoskx #watchreviews #wristwatch #watchprice

[@Jason-hv4eu]

I agree with your SKX assessment. I own both the 007 and 009. I would not spend over $300 for a replacement. However, I would gladly sell either of mine for over $2000.00😊

[@HansWatches]

Haha yeah that would be a real profit machine 😅

[@marioaquilina248]

Very good point and I agree. My collection consists mainly Seiko pieces. Its my absolute favourite brand. But , if you love Seiko seriously the SKX is a must have.

[@KRW628]

Three months ago. I bought a purchased new but rarely worn 2017 SKX for 305USD. DO NOT buy a new one. You can find good deals on a 007 if you are patient.

[@christopherJesus-iw7mt]

Just bought an skx007 today on OfferUp for 250$. Came with the original jubilee strap and the rubber strap as well 🎉

[@HansWatches]

That is a great deal! Congrats.

[@ivanmejia6843]

People don't buy it for specs. Plenty of vintage Rolex/Omega with terrible materials and movements by today's standards are very expensive.

[@HansWatches]

Indeed. However those watches are much older and production stopped decades ago. So they are vinta in the true sense, while the SKX just went out a few years ago. Seiko's from the 60-70's also can be super expensive.

[@mariog7213]

@@HansWatchesyes, so it’s best to buy one now while they’re in the 500 dollar range

[@pragmatist7455]

Wow you're right. That's utterly insane! I remember buying a JDM one for $350 a few years ago.

[@adamdevito8376]

Bought my first automatic Seiko SKX011 because I always admired my brother’s Seiko dive watch in the lake 70’s early 80’s. Bought a new old stock for $220 know I might have to have it serviced because it would stop and go. But it was mint! And yes it cost $250 to service but now it’s perfect and I love it!!! There is nothing like that flat 🍊 color and a lock down crown. Received it with the black rubber and the jubilee Seiko bracelet. I’m in love… 🧡

[@pk464]

Well said Hans, from a seikoholic, really appreciate your take on things, I subscribed.

[@simonwright6882]

I got my 009 a few years back for 300 and then had the movement upgraded to the nh36 by a professional. It might have devalued it but I would never sell it and it makes it easier to live with.

[@peraperic535]

I got skx 007 and I love so much.He never trait me, and work perfectly like first day . ❤

[@HansWatches]

It is a solid work horse indeed👌

[@bestboy897]

Excellent vid. Really great points. I think for $250 it will be a good deal but anything above it is a bit much

[@janedrill]

I love my SKX, but you're quite right.

[@jazzman5598]

They also “discontinued “ their QC Dept. Alas, I have a Sarb 017 and that’s it for automatics but my collecting of Quartz rolls along. 1978 I got a hybrid analog/digital…many of those. I have apx. 35 watches in my collection. Only a couple of high end: mid 70’s 14K bracelet and case Omega dress watch (my Dad’s watch :-) and others. Nice, ancient pocket watches. I enjoy your vids! Thanks

[@HansWatches]

I think their QC dept is a myth - probably never existed for entry level pieces 😅 Sounds like an interesting and a bit out of the ordinary collection you have there! I have seen a lot of those 70’s Seiko quartz and they are georgious. Thanks for watching my vids and commenting!

[@gazzertrn]

Trouble is people pay the price for them . I bought a refurbished SKX007 , about 5 yrs ago . Going strong still , paid £300 for it , im happy and it still looks new . But make sure it was professionally done .

[@nopeitwasepilepsy4616]

I bought one before watching this and there’s nothing you can do to change that

[@HansWatches]

Haha, thanks! U made my day with that comment.

[@winstonlanda7731]

Nice Certina. Just legibility is FANTASTIC on SKX. I wanted uniform indices until i needed to tell time on my motorcycle. The 12 triangle and the 6/9 oblongs put in WORK on the SKX.

[@HansWatches]

Thanks, never thought of that point actually

[@ivanmejia6843]

Great point. When wearing sunglasses and need a quick glance, the SKX007 is PERFECT with it's fast legibility contrast.

[@winstonlanda7731]

@@ivanmejia6843 Yet another reason why the SKX still remains relevant 👍

[@4booger403]

You're even weirder than me! Subbed

[@HansWatches]

Haha thanks for the sub! Much obliged!

[@surfside75]

Quick question to the community. SKX007 produced April 2019. Has air divers 200m engraved above a small wave. Is this real. All others have bigger wave and scuba divers engraved. Any ideas? -someone told me maybe it's part of last batch skx007 meant for North America. Is it a fake? Seiko did make air diver watches, but in a skx007 form?

[@HansWatches]

There is a reddit post about this too. www.reddit.com/r/Seiko/s/pe5xQG7jQI You could compare the serial number on that pic. If it is different from yours my guess would be you’s is legit

[@jonathanworth2131]

Bought Seiko SKX011J for 450 +/- when I realized I could be waiting years for a reissue ( screwdown crown , solid caseback). 5KX simply won't cut it for a many enthusiasts and no close copy in their prospects line.

[@sarelmalan873]

007 €308 in 02/2018 - 009 €308 in 03/2018 - 011 €290 in 04/2019 - 013 €220 in 04/2019 I’m happy with these purchases and I think I would spend up to €500 for a new skx today

[@HansWatches]

That's some decent pricing I agree. Enjoy your watches! :)

[@80srenaissance67]

Its a beautiful watch .

[@noelmartin5930]

It is lucky for me then, that I bought my SKX in 2012 !. I paid, I think, £200/£250 new. Only two years ago, I had the movement upgraded to NH35 because the 7s26 movement was failing and it was much cheaper to upgrade than to service the 7s26. It works great and looks lovely!. It has a Militat Oyster with solid end. This is my second Seiko watch. My first Seiko~~~which I still own and am still in love with, is my pepsi 5m63 kinetic~~~bought new in 2002. It needs a new capacitor but it will have to wait because the upgrade purchase and installation of the NH35 cost me £147. The purchase and installation of a capacitor for my pepsi, will cost £175. I will have it working soon, I am hopeful.

[@kylebarns]

I love the skx 007, but there is now way I’m paying those nuts prices. I bought a brand new heimdallr homage. Under 200

[@eurocraftccr]

In the end it is a market rules and one can ask any, even crazy amount and it is right of another to pay if they wish to. You are doing this video to educate us and for that I thank you. I think it was even worse with the omega/swatch so called bio ceramic one. It was already overpriced garbage that people would travel far from home, wait days in lines while others would pay triple and more for it. I wonder it it will be collectable piece lets say 25 years from now. I wonder if Citizen is planing to discontinue promaster dive.

[@Xxxoo57]

I bought four SKX’s recently. I paid less than $400 each. Those prices you are referring to are ridiculous. Bunch of opportunists. I don’t think anyone would pay that. The Made in Japan SKX’s are more expensive. I bought the non-JDM models. They are exactly the same. My dealer told me a bloke in the UAE stocked up on SKX’s before they were discontinued. He’s controlling supply in order to jack up prices in the grey market. Unfortunately there are people like that in this world. I m sure he’s not alone. I think around $400 is still good value due to the specs the SkX’s offer (200 metres WR ISO certified with a screw down crown and the iconic Seiko 5 case design). At $150, it was extremely good value and I think Seiko realized it was under priced. Now under Seiko’s new pricing strategy, a model with a screw down crown and 200 metres water resistance will be upwards of $1,000. So at $400, I think the SKX still offers value, even despite the non hacking and non winding 7s movement. The fact the SKX is iconic makes it also worth $400 imo.

[@dark_antihero]

If you have a normal sized wrist there's like 0 reason to buy a skx007 or 009. The only reason I can see anyone getting a skx is if you're getting a 013 for its midsize case

[@simonwright6882]

My wrist is 6.5 inches and in my opinion they wear fine if you prefer your watch to wear smaller the 013 is great too. The 013 was my first ever automatic.

[@michaelstienbeck7970]

SKX 0071J discontinued series will be worth over $10,000 USD with in another 20 years. Nothing wrong here as older dive watch seiko models from 1968 are selling for $20,000 ++

[@HansWatches]

You really think so? The older 1968 Seiko models were (probably) produced in way smaller numbers (I'm assumin).

[@HarryUnchained]

They will never be that much lmao, it has probably stopped at $500 and will not rise more. There’s a lot of SKX007 out there so the option is vastly superior than older models. I got mine for $150 a few months ago at like new condition.

[@michaelstienbeck7970]

@@HarryUnchained New old stock is already selling for over $1500.00. Rolex sold millions of submariner watches at $150.00 in 1957. There now selling for over $50,000. Seldom to find an NOS Rolex from that year. The vast majority of SKX where thrown in the garbage. Combine that with the massive cult following and discontinuation and you can see why they will one day be worth over $10,000 USD in NOS condition. IMHO

[@jamesp3022]

I've got every Seiko SKX in the line and regularly wear them it's pure speculation but I wouldn't think there worth anymore than the original retail price back then

[@mixodorians12]

The Seiko flightmaster has gone nuts too. Double the price I bought mine for.

[@watches.]

You said it yourself: “doesn’t really have much going for it other than being an icon”. Name one other legitimately attainable icon at or around this price. I’ll wait.

[@user-ig6nu4oo5p]

Around what price ? the price the skx used to be or the insane prices people ask now ? The skx is not affordable any more and you can buy a king turtle for half the price and get a much better watch.And if you want to pay the old skx prices than citizen promaster is your answer, same watch better specs.

[@watches.]

@@user-ig6nu4oo5p loved the king turtle. Love the citizen pro master. Incredible machine. They’re better ‘watches’ in many ways. But they’re just not icons 🤷‍♀️ the skx is. Any collector anywhere will know your SKX

[@HansWatches]

Sarb017 and Sarb033

[@watches.]

@@HansWatches why suggest the sarb which has seen astronomically higher secondary prices than the SKX? You’re proving the skx at 700 is a bargain. I just saw a sarb on eBay for 3100 usd!

[@HansWatches]

Well the Sarb033 been sold in my country is around SKX price point. And if you look at what the two last Sarb033 actually been sold for on eBay lately it is between $260 and $660 for the last 2 auctions

[@ElBoyoElectronico]

Love my SKX007 and my SARB033, I will never get rid of them.

[@HansWatches]

Loved mine and sold them both to buy other watches 😅 Always keen on a rebuy though

[@pinikpikantv3555]

Seiko in Asia produced skx007k2 and skx009K2 basically the same watches on regular prices but goes easily sold out due to flippers. Wait for it to go on sale. In asia it is an urband legend that it is hard to find. 300$ max price full set here. In other part of asia used pieces goes for like 80$-100$ but a lot are either franken or are mod. Though they are mostly legit parts mixed together.

[@beberforumer9715]

have you tried the aliexpress homages of the skx? they already answered yoir concern. skx is already back in circulation

[@HansWatches]

Great question. I am not a big fan of Ali watches due to my previous experience with quality issues, customer service and return policy - and there is so much more to chose from. If I wanted an skx homage I’d probably chose Islander.

[@kahib3723]

macys is closing where I’m from and they’re selling all watches for 40% off.that being said I’m looking at buying all 7 of their skx’s.

[@HansWatches]

They have 7 SKX in store?🎉

[@cp365]

How much are they asking? Did you end up buying them all? Looking for 1!

[@skd]

I clicked the back button only to like the video, because I forgot ;)

[@HansWatches]

Appreciate it 😅👍

[@IvMacCuts]

Got mine last year used but in mint condition for $250. Yes over retail, but I would do it again if I had to. I would not buy it for over $400 even if it was NOS, these resellers are trippin 😅

[@stevewheeler8640]

They're "only" $611.00 on Amazon! Such a deal....! I paid $191.51 for my 007 in Dec. 2017 on Amazon. Crazy....

[@HansWatches]

$611 is a bargain compared to $799 - not to mention $2.649 :) - But still pretty pretty crazy indeed!

[@marclafferty6416]

I have a mint condition 009j that I have been struggling to sell for agaes it’s all original box and papers and I was asking £200.

[@HansWatches]

Now that is odd.

[@user-cy4fz7mo7v]

Do you still have it for sale ?

[@zanniert]

With the mod hype there is no more genuine/stock of skx every skx as been modified in a way or another and people are looking for nos now that is is discontinued. The low prices were from an old era before massive inflation on the planet and was to fulfill the mod market before discontinuation in 2019. I am among the ones who stocked 007 and 013 nos in full set when it got stopped. These are real divers with screw crown don’f forget. Also at the price they were sold people never keep papers and boxes. . . Now that it is collectible it is a must to get a full set .

[@HansWatches]

I find it a bit hard to believe that the modders emptied all the inventory, even though quite a few peeps are modding, most are not. Agree on the inflation pasrt, but even factoring that in, if the SKX was sold today it'd probably be a $300ish watch I suppose. Not $799. Or $2.649. That's just crazy. Plenty of other great true divers to chose from from $300 today and even lower too - but without the icon status ofc.

[@zanniert]

@@HansWatches you are right actual prices are a lot but nowadays prices are not correlated with value for goods … also if we minimize the mods impacts skx are watches people bought to use and not babying they are often not in good shape after years of usage for the intended tool watch they are. Hard to find second hand in good condition full set except NOS

[@HansWatches]

@@zanniert100 %👍

[@flaggedowntown]

There's certainly a nostalgia with a robust design like the SKX my example survived some near apocalyptic conditions, was very luminous when new, had & still does perform with accuracy, though I agree there is now awful price gouging with it that is simply robbery.

[@HansWatches]

Yes it must be the worst inflation ever - at least in the watch market!

[@davidsparling3505]

Price gouging? An item is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it. No one is forcing you to buy it at any price.

[@jefferyneu3915]

For $150, it was an OK watch. More than that… Not for me.

[@dmks2146]

there must be millions of them out there. anything over 300$ I'd consider insane.

[@ivanmejia6843]

There are millions of out there, modded to hell.

[@Martek127]

ebay UK is full of skx's under $300

[@HansWatches]

Used i presume

[@angoloco1597]

Used but they are 2019 production still good price. I got one 275£ skx007j

[@wayneturner1336]

Really not a great watch, it is a staple of the watch community due to its combination of price, reliability, and design. You can easily get a watch with better specs, better build quality and materials. I do have a few seikos around, an skx007 amongst them, and I know I can get parts for it, dials, bezels and any type of mod I’d like. It’s way past its prime though; 200m is standard now, a non hacking movement, anodized aluminum bezel, case finishing is average, etc. it was a good entry point to mechanical tool watches for me at $200. Would I buy it for $2000? No. I’d buy a marine master, a grand seiko, a secondary market Tudor, a vintage Rolex, an omega or any other piece with a quality movement, sapphire crystal, excellent case finishing, ceramic bezel, bracelet with a milled clasp and so on and so on. Nice video, new subscriber, liked the whole video front to back. Also great glasses.

[@timothyfoley3000]

Scored my 007 last month for 275. It's real. Will be sending it out to get NH 36 and Sapphire crystal upgrade.

[@HansWatches]

Nice 👌 Used or new?

[@timothyfoley3000]

@@HansWatches Used. 2009 according to serial #

[@user-bs9uc7nz4r]

Long island watch is my choice

[@peraperic535]

❤🎉Skx007❤🎉😊

[@altbinhax]

I bought one in 2011 when they were cheap and plentiful; the movement is ok, but gave up after four years. Like so many budget mechanical watches servicing cost doesn't make sense. All prices have gone up, including labour/servicing costs which makes collecting mechanical watches an expensive hobby where you'll end up with a draw of non functional 'time pieces" Of course if you've got the skill you can buy replacement movements and swap it out.. and that kind of defeated the purpose of "repairability", you know the charm of mechanical watches.

[@winstonlanda7731]

SKX can be upgraded to NH36 for relatviely cheap. You dont service an SKX. You upgrade it and it lasts you for decades. That assuming your 7S26 gives out. (It wont).

[@altbinhax]

@@winstonlanda7731 My 7s26 movement became erratic after four years, it now sits in a draw. People have the romantic idea that you can service these watches - a Patek, yes I understand that high horology you can service the movement and Patek will supply parts to older movements, not just replace it. Grand Seiko is another maker that properly services its watches and yes, even the quartz models. Seiko has vacated the budget market and there's a flood of decent Chinese homage watch brands which are much better value for money.

[@theleastsignificantbit4794]

I wish Seiko would stop spamming the SKX design. My SKX had alignment issues and ran for 12 years, but the watch is top heavy, the crown difficult to access, and the rubber strap trash. The new 5KX is a better option. Only a few people dive with watches, and when they do, it’s a backup to a dive computer. The fetish with ISO certification is ridiculous especially when most of these watches are worn as jewelry and some form of daily cosplay-today I’m a racer car driver; tomorrow a diver; the next day a pilot, etc.

[@pannan80]

There are no new ones left.

[@HansWatches]

There is plenty it seems. E.g. CW

[@jeromef2001]

I can find a skx for 300€ every days, so they are not rare and not expensive at all….

[@HansWatches]

Used I assume - yes not a rare bird to catch in the open

[@jeromef2001]

@@HansWatches yes, used , but who cares if it is in a good state.. honestly there are really easy to find around 300 or 350 €

[@HansWatches]

@@jeromef2001 100%

[@johnwheat5199]

The cheap and cheerful SKX was okay for the money, but come on! Who can forget that notoriously inaccurate movement, the misaligned bezels, the crummy printed dials, and that lousy bracelet that rattled like a skeleton in a biscuit tin. Sorry, no RIP from me, more a good riddance, especially at stupid prices.

[@HansWatches]

100 % - and still I want one! Weird huh.

[@johnwheat5199]

@@HansWatches No, I get it, but it is what it is!

[@iancraig6070]

Don't buy Seiko they are overpriced.

[@HansWatches]

They certainly have become overpriced compared to what they used to be, and to their competitors.

[@iancraig6070]

Dont buy a Seiko at all.

[@Ferien7]

The skx is garbage. One of the worst looking, worst proportioned watches out there. Excessively thick and heavy, and the movement is inaccurate trash. Total junk

[@darrenfry4695]

Something tells me you don't like the skx...... Lol

[@ivanmejia6843]

Regarding the thick and heavy case you mention; the SKX case is fit for manly wrists, which seems like your wrists are the contrary.

[@nxmxorology]

girl lol