Seiko SKX023 Watch Review: Great mid-size diver watch
A great mid-sized diver watch with automatic movement, the Seiko SKX023 is a part of the outstanding Seiko SKX line. It contains all the essential characteristics that you look for in a diver watch.
When the Seiko SKX line was first introduced in 1996, it was an immediate success. Watch collector’s sought-after models like the SKX007 and SKX009.
SKX023 Case and Dial
The stainless steel case of the Seiko SKX023 measures 37mm in diameter (crown not included), but this does not necessarily mean that it will fit small on your wrist. The fact that it measures 40mm in diameter, including the crown, and has a thickness of 12mm helps to give it a wrist presence. At the 3 o’clock position it has a screw-down crown with crown guards like a classic diver watch.
The SKX023 has a black dial with round hour markers, with the exception of the 12 o’clock position which has a fat arrow marker, and the 6 and 9 o’clock positions which use baton markers were inspired by a Rolex submariner dial. There is a day and date display at the 3 o’clock marker which is similar to other models part of the SKX collection.
Without a unidirectional bezel, you can’t consider it a diver watch, and the SKX023 is no exception. The black bezel is made of aluminum and features white markers from 10 to 50.
The Hardlex crystal protects the dial. The most distinctive aspect of the SKX series is the Hardlex crystal. Seiko has effectively trademarked the mineral glass. It will be more resilient than acrylic crystals, yet less scratch-resistant than sapphire glass.
SKX023 Movement
The 7S26 automatic movement, which was released to the market in 1996 and is as dependable as any other Seiko movement, powers the SKX023. Compared to quartz watches, which only tick once per second, it ticks six times per second, giving the second hand a smoother movement. The Seiko 7S26 features an automatic bi-directional wound using Seiko’s specialized Magic Lever mechanism, a quick-set day/date display, 21 jewels, a beat rate of 21,600 bph, and non-hand-winding and non-hacking. The accuracy range, however, is expected to be between -20 and +40 seconds every day, which is a fairly broad range. Check out our review about Seiko Tank a great affordable Cartier alternative.
SKX023 Availability and Price
You can’t get the SKX023 directly from Seiko anymore because the SKX line was officially discontinued in 2019. However, if you browse around on websites like Amazon, eBay, or chrono24, you might still be able to find this watch online. For a watch in decent condition, expect $200 or more this is still, in my opinion, a good deal.
Have you owned this watch before? What are your thoughts about this watch?
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