Quality of Seiko SKX series watches?

[billziss]

I have recently purchased my first Seiko SKX watch and I have been rather disappointed with the quality. I have specifically ordered the SKXA35 (yellow dial) from Amazon.

The first watch had a problem in that the supposedly unidirectional bezel could turn in both directions. It would also be as fast as 10+ seconds per day. I returned this one and received another one.

The new one has a unidirectional bezel, but the minute markings on it do not properly line up. The crown is hard to screw in and it feels as if the threads do not line up properly. Timing wise it is better (but not great): only about +7-8 seconds per day.

Given that people often rave about the SKX's in this forum (which certainly influenced my decision to get one), I am wondering what it is: is it the merchant (Amazon), bad luck or am I simply expecting too much from a sub-$300 watch?

Thanks.

[bricem13]

Hi

Skx are grest value watches. Also they are given for -15 to 25 secs/day... So you ve got two nice runners.

You re right crown is at beginning hard to screw in but feel better after some use. You can also use the dental floss trick.

Rgds

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[Veatorious]

The SKX is a great line considering the price point. I don't have any personal experience with your modal, but plenty experience with the 007 and been consistently pleased with the 007's diverse range in styling, decent accuracy, and ability to mod to my personal liking. As for the accuracy you noted above, be happy as those variances are well in spec. If you are not happy with the lower end Seiko's may i suggest you consider some of the Prospex lines... They are far superior but come with a mid (Sumo) to hight (MM300) level price tag. As for the misalignment, this can happen, as I have read various other threads noting this problem. (I personally have lucked out). Did the watch come in a true Seiko box from a AD, or is this a gray market seller on Amazon? Sometimes you can send the watch into Seiko for correction. I think 'bricem13' answered your crown problem, just give it time to break in.

[mngambler]

your expecting too much from a $200 watch...in life, 99.9% of the time you get what you pay for...not that the 007's are junk, but for the price your fooling yourself if you think it will be 100% perfect

[Raoul Duke]

in regards to accuracy- you're expecting too much. +10 per day is excellent for the 7s26

bezel problem could have been fixed easily- and i would have done that myself if i scored a 7s26 with that kind of accuracy. sounds like the click ring may have been bent, but a replacement is cheap

[Ottovonn]

I wish my SKX007 had around the same accuracy as the OP's watch. Mine runs about 25 seconds a day fast. But I don't mind since everything else about it is perfect. <3

[Ninjastar]

+7-8 seconds per day for a mechanical time piece is very good in my opinion. I would be thrilled if I got that much from a 7S26 unregulated movement from the factory.

[billziss]

Thanks everyone for the answers. It does appear that I have been expecting too much.

Did the watch come in a true Seiko box from a AD, or is this a gray market seller on Amazon? Sometimes you can send the watch into Seiko for correction.

The watch has come in a real Seiko box. The seller was Amazon (not one of the merchants in the Amazon Marketplace). I do not think Amazon is an AD however.

your expecting too much from a $200 watch...in life, 99.9% of the time you get what you pay for...not that the 007's are junk, but for the price your fooling yourself if you think it will be 100% perfect

I absolutely agree.

I purchased this watch for use in water sports, where I expect it to get scratched and banged up. For this reason, I think I will end up keeping it despite some of its (admittedly minor) faults. I just wanted to hear from the board whether the quality I am seeing is to be expected.

[staiiff]

I have a Black Monster since 2002 or so... it is a tank !

[Chefdog]

I think on average the skx are quite good, for what you're paying. Some variance should be expected since these aren't getting any special attention or regulation. I happened to get very lucky with my second hand skx173, it's running -12 since the beginning of June with almost constant wear. The fit and finish can't compare to the Halios Bluering I used to have, but that's a $500 watch.
The beauty of the skx is that it looks good, runs well, won't easily break, and doesn't cost so much that you have to really worry about it.
Wear it and enjoy!