Need some advice - First time watch owner - SKX007 vs. SKX173

[Stingraid]

Hello everyone, thanks for taking the time to help me figure this out. I've spent the last several weeks doing research online and in all of the watch shops/authorized dealers in my area, and I have decided that I really love the Seiko designs and pricing as well. Now, here is where I think I need some of the expert advice that I have seen so abundantly on this site.

In particular, I really like the design of the SKX007 and the boxier face on the SKX173 as well. From what I've found online, the only difference between these two models is that the 173 was made specifically for the American market whereas the 007 was meant for non-US market (if there are any other notable differences, please correct me as it might make my decision easier?). I want the watch to be somewhat for dress occasions, but also wearable in an everyday situation, which is why I have decided that I want a metallic band over the rubber; the jubilee bracelet in particular.

Now, online I have found a good deal on an SKX007K with jubilee bracelet for around $175 with free shipping and sizing. After searching loads of stores in person, I have located an authorized dealer who has given me a great deal on an SKX173 with rubber strap that he will order directly from the factory this week, with no tax, for $210. The $35 difference doesn't seem like a whole lot, but if going the cheaper route will save me the trouble of locating the strap I want, I will go that way. However, if the SKX173 is in someway more desirable or is worth more than $210 brand new, I will go that way (I also somewhat favor the rectangular design on the watch face at the hour marks).

So my question is this: Should I go with the slightly cheaper SKX007 that comes with the strap I like, or should I go with the slightly more expensive SKX173 with rubber strap that I will quickly replace with a jubilee bracelet (or keep as a spare for non-dress occasions; that is however assuming that I'm not already hooked on these things and won't want to collect more and more of them.... )

Thanks for enduring my incoherent rant, I just wanted to make sure I listed all the information I had in order to make it easier for you all to give me better advice. Best wishes to you all.

I know everyone (including myself) loves pictures, so here are some pulled from google.

007 that is available to me:


The 173 as it is available to me:

[JERSTERCA]

I pick the 007 I keep finding myself wanting one even though I have almost the same watch in the SKX175 Pepsi, it has a dark blue dial and a red and blue bezel. looks much better in person than the photos.

I would get the watch with the bracelet you want. the rubber strap can be found on ebay very cheap if you ever wanted to get one. the jubilee braclet is very comfortable to me. there is a new anvile bracelet out that will fit and looks great.

last point I just dont like the second hand on the 173 it might be just me, I think the 007 second hand just looks much more symetrical. I have a Tuna and the 007 second hand looks just like the one on the Tuna

edit Welcome to the forum

[mcw53]

Welcome to the forum !!

Be careful ... I bought an SKX173 earlier this year. My 1st Seiko automatic. Now I own a dozen Seiko and Orient autos.

Getting to your questions, $210 is a great price for the 173 from an AD. I paid just under $200 for mine on the grey market. The watches are identical except for the dial and second hand. As far as paying more for the 173, I think it boils down personal tastes. I was willing to pay more for the 173 because I liked the dial more than the 007's dial. I also preferred a stainless steel bracelet over the rubber strap, so that was an additional cost. I started with a Seiko President and know have it on a Super Oyster. Don't worry about finding a bracelet, they are all readily available.

You can't make a wrong decision, you will be pleased with either one.

Here's a couple pics of my SKX173 ...

On Seiko President ...


On Super Oyster ...

[JERSTERCA]

[QUOTE=mcw53;2013228]Welcome to the forum !!

Be careful ... I bought an SKX173 earlier this year. My 1st Seiko automatic. Now I own a dozen Seiko and Orient autos.

Getting to your questions, $210 is a great price for the 173 from an AD. I paid just under $200 for mine on the grey market. The watches are identical except for the dial and second hand. As far as paying more for the 173, I think it boils down personal tastes. I was willing to pay more for the 173 because I liked the dial more than the 007's dial. I also preferred a stainless steel bracelet over the rubber strap, so that was an additional cost. I started with a Seiko President and know have it on a Super Oyster. Don't worry about finding a bracelet, they are all readily available.

You can't make a wrong decision, you will be pleased with either one.

Here's a couple pics of my SKX173 ...

On Seiko President
----------------------------

Both are great looking watches do you know if the lume on the 173 is brighter it looks like it might be thicker in your photos. I like lume

[nhoJ]

If you don't have a preference for the watch itself, why spend more for the 173 and then have to spend more again for a bracelet? The bracelets always cost more when they aren't attached to a watch, for some reason.

[LUW]

If you don't have a preference for the watch itself, why spend more for the 173 and then have to spend more again for a bracelet?

Agreed.

[Cabaiguan]

I like the square/rectangular markers on the 173 better.

[mcw53]

Both are great looking watches do you know if the lume on the 173 is brighter it looks like it might be thicker in your photos. I like lume

The lume on the 173 is absolutely awesome. I've never owned a 007, so I can't compare the two, but I suspect they are comparable.

[Nick1016]

The lume on the 173 is absolutely awesome. I've never owned a 007, so I can't compare the two, but I suspect they are comparable.

The lume on the 007 is incredible, too. In all honesty, aside from the tube-based watches (like Luminox and Ball), I'm hard pressed to find a watch with better lume than a modern Seiko diver...

[Stingraid]

Wow, thank you all very much for your helpful comments. However, this decision just gets more and more difficult the longer I continue to browse watch shops, haha. I've pretty much come to the realization that I will likely end up buying more watches in the near future .

While I'm still here asking a million questions, I think I might bring up my interest in the old Tuna, SBBN007. I absolutely love this watch and while it's definitely more expensive than these two, and is completely different in every way, I can't help but already see myself wearing one of these. Is it impossible to find one of these new, or are they pretty much only existant in the used market? Thanks again for all of your help! :thanks