Seiko automatic dive watch recommendations

[rhmc]

Hello all,

I’m new to the forum and this is my first post. I've been looking to buy a Seiko automatic dive watch. I have and still wear a Seiko Divers Quartz 7548 that I bought in Guam in 1980.


The two automatic models I’m looking at are the Seiko SKX007J1 which I believe is made in Japan and the Seiko SKX173 which I understand is made in Malaysia. The one made in Malaysia is quite a bit more expensive but I don’t know why. The Japanese made Seiko is listed as 21 Jewels.



Also is their another Seiko Automatic Divers that is better in terms or reliability and accuracy that I haven’t considered? Appreciate any responses and helping me be the informed consumer when I make my purchase.

Many thanks

Richard
Burnet, Texas

[johnny action]

Just get a Monster. You know you want one....

[seikomatic]

[dorianinside]

If you want accuracy, you should stick to Quartz watches, or a high end auto..otherwise you have to be very lucky to get a 200-300$ auto seiko out of the box accurate.

[oogabooga]

Probably just less of the 173 available.

I'm going to give you some links, none seiko, one not even auto. The 2 you picked are 2 of the best, so no need to look too much further into seiko autos imo (I assume your price point is around $200). I think the Malaysia vs Japan products are really identical, quality wise, if I had to guess.


Orient Black Ray Automatic Dive Watch CEM65008B: Watches: Amazon.com
Citizen Men's BN0000-04H Eco-Drive Professional Diver Black Rubber Strap Watch: Watches: Amazon.com

[zyxwvutsr]

The 173 and 007 are basically the same watch with only superficial differences: rectangular hour markers on the 173 versus round on the 007. The 173 is made for the US market and can be bought from Seiko authorized dealers whereas the 007 is "grey market," i.e., sold elsewhere in the world and imported to the US outside of Seiko's authorized channels.

I got a SKX007K2 from Amazon a month ago and couldn't be happier with it. It is probably about $50 less than the SKX007J, the only difference between the two is the "Japan" and "21 Jewels" on the dial - some people think the "Japan" means it is a made-in-Japan watch and therefore higher quality, but all indications are that the quality is identical.

[rhmc]

Thanks to all that replied concerning my post. Im rooting around and seriously looking at the 173. However I want to find one that is not grey market so if it fails Seiko will look at it under warrenty.

Rich

[Medphred]

Essentially the same watch as zyxwvutsr points out. I owned a 007 and it was a great watch. Seriously robust. Accuracy is good, although not as accurate as higher end seikos such as a Sumo. You can generally find the on eBay from a few reputable sellers as well as on Amazon and the forums for <$200.



Personally I wouldn't be too concerned about it failing and having to fix under warranty. Warranty only covers materials and manufacturing defects and this is probably <1%.YMMV.

Thanks to all that replied concerning my post. Im rooting around and seriously looking at the 173. However I want to find one that is not grey market so if it fails Seiko will look at it under warrenty.

Rich

[Medphred]

Also check out 10watches.com
jake builds some cool mods using the same 7S26 seiko movement.

[arutlosjr11]

SKX007. Very nice for the $$$.