Seiko SKX007 vs. SKX013: Which One Is BEST For You?

If you’re standing at the crossroads of Timepiece Avenue and Decision Lane, you’ve come to the right place. Think of this as a battle of the Titans; instead of clashing on Mount Olympus, they’re vying for space on your wrist. Choosing between a Seiko SKX007 and SKX013 is a decision that demands more than just a coin flip. 

Why? Because they’re both legendary pieces with unique styles and strengths. With the SKX007, you’ve got the quintessential dive watch – a chunky and reliable timepiece. On the other hand, the SKX013 offers a subtler, more compact take on the classic design. Which one will be your go-to? The bold SKX007 or the understated SKX013? 

Not to worry – I’m not here to swing your vote in favor of one or the other. Instead, I’ll arm you with all the sumptuous details you need to make an informed decision. We’ll look closer at the aspects that set these two Seiko gems apart: case dimensions, wearability, dial proportions, hands, and strap options. So, let’s get to it.

About The Seiko SKX

The Seiko SKX collection is like the original Star Wars trilogy. It has its stalwarts, each with a distinct personality and set of fans. The group’s Darth Vader is the SKX007 — a mean-looking watch with its sleek black dial and versatile persona.

Then comes the SKX009, the “Luke Skywalker,” with its “Pepsi” blue and red bezel. Ideal for those who like a splash of color or a solid alternative to Rolex’s soda-themed GMT Masters. It’s the same classic design as the 007 but with a more playful edge.

Last but not least is the SKX013, the Yoda of the trio. It’s smaller and subtle but boasts the same horological finesse as its larger counterparts. If the 007 and 009 are your weekend warriors, the 013 is your everyday sage.

While some watches can dive deeper than the Mariana Trench, they cost more than a semester at an Ivy League school for the most part. But the Seiko SKX, with its ISO 6425 certification, water resistance up to 200 meters, and automatic movement with its affordability, tops them all.

Perhaps the most appealing aspect is its accessibility – they cost a couple hundred dollars and are readily available at retailers.

History Of The Seiko SKX

The history of the Seiko SKX dates back to 1996, when dial-up internet was all the rage and “Friends” had just started dominating TV screens. Seiko unleashed the SKX series onto an unsuspecting world, and the series has become a mainstay in the world of dive watches. 

It would seem that Seiko’s mission was to create a dive watch that was dependable, versatile, and affordable. Hence, the Seiko SKX was born – a timepiece featuring an automatic movement, a day-date window, and water resistance up to 200 meters. Talk about an overachiever, right?

Now, you might be wondering why it garnered such cult-like devotion. Well, it’s not only for its sophisticated appearance. It also delivered on performance. We’re talking ISO 6425 certification and an automatic movement that made it as accurate as a Swiss watchmaker’s ruler.

And the best part? You didn’t need to be a hedge-fund manager to afford one. But all good things must come to an end. In 2019, after more than two decades of being the darling of the dive watch community, Seiko decided to discontinue the SKX series.

Why did Seiko do it? Probably to make room for new models, or the SKX had reached its endgame, with its arc complete and its legacy assured. Either way, today, the Seiko SKX enjoys its status as a modern classic. New models, like the Seiko 5 Sports, attempt to fill the SKX’s rather large shoes. But for many, the original will always have a special place in their hearts.

SKX007 vs SKX013: The Similarities

The SKX007 and SKX013 are like two peas in a pod. They share the same features and are so closely related that you’d think they were separated at birth and reunited at a watch convention. In fact, choosing between them is like picking a favorite child; it’s best not to, or at least not to let the other one find out.

Here’s what makes these Seiko siblings so similar.

Materials

When it comes to materials, the SKX007 and the SKX013 are as identical as two parallel lines that decide to take a nap on the same geometric plane. Both models come in stainless steel cases, strongly built to handle more than just the occasional accidental knock against the door frame.

And like true dive watch models with stainless steel cases, they’re also incredibly lightweight. So whether you’re dodging coral reefs or office desk corners, these models are up to the task.

Bezel

The SKX007 and the SKX013 share a unidirectional rotating bezel with the kind of satisfying click that ASMR artists only dream about. Both bezels are so similar that it’s as though one bezel said to the other, “I want to be just like you when I grow up”.

They can be your underwater timer, makeshift egg timer, or even your “how-long-until-I-have-to-get-back-to-reality” timer.  There are no differences here – save for the bezel in the SKX013, which is slightly smaller than the SKX007.

Crown

Have you ever had a wrist accessory that required you to summon the strength of a Greek god just to set the time? Fear not! 

The screw-down crowns are located at the 4 o’clock position on both models, ensuring that your time-telling endeavors are a breeze. Easy to grip and pleasing to the touch, their crowns are the quintessence of usability. Simply pull out and turn the crown clockwise to adjust the time and date, and push the crown right back in to ensure a watertight seal.

Crystal

Still, on the similarities, let’s talk about the crystal – a watch’s window to the world. Both SKX models come equipped with Seiko’s Hardlex crystal. The Hardlex crystal is probably Seiko’s answer to the “How can we make this thing as sturdy as Captain America’s shield?” question.

Sure, it is not a sapphire crystal, but neither watch is pretending to be the Hope Diamond of wristwear. They’re hard, durable, and incredibly similar in their scratch resistance.

Movement

Last on our list of similarities, let’s talk about what makes these watches tick. Beneath the rugged exteriors of these Seiko siblings lies a shared heartbeat – Seiko’ very own Caliber 7S26 automatic movement. This movement boasts a day/date complication, 21 jewels, a 43-hour power reserve, and a 21,600 bph.

Recently, Seiko diver models have been powered by the 4R movements, which come with hacking. So, if you’re a purist keen on getting the original movement, it is advised that you are a lot more vigilant during purchase.

SKX007 vs SKX013: The Differences

The saying “no two people are alike” doesn’t just apply to people. It also holds when evaluating the features of twin or sibling watches like the SKX007 and its charming counterpart, the SKX013. 

Both watches steer their course with captivating and uniquely appealing features. Note, though, that these differences, albeit minute, can swing your vote in favor of one another. So, here are the aspects in which the SKX007 and the SKX013 differ:

Case Dimensions

If size matters to you, pay close attention because this is where the SKX007 and SKX013 begin to differ. The SKX007 is the big brother (literally) of both watches, with a case diameter of 42.5mm, while the SKX013 is smaller at 38mm. 

Think of it this way: the SKX007 is the Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson of this Seiko pair – bold and impossible to ignore. The SKX013, on the other hand, is more like Joseph Gordon-Levitt, slightly more understated but no less captivating.

There is only a 1mm difference in case thickness, so there is no wide disparity in weight. However, if you’re a member of the “bigger is better” clan, you’ll be inclined to purchase the SKX007. And if you fancy small, or should I say “standard” dive watch sizes, then go for the SKX013 model.

Wearability

Because of the size difference, wearability becomes an intriguing debate. If you have larger wrists, the SKX007 wraps around like it was always meant to be there. The SKX007’s broader case exudes a robust aura, perfect for those who embrace wrist presence with open arms.

But if your wrists are slender and you wear the SKX007, it might look like you’re a kid playing dress-up with your dad’s watch. Again, if you are a fan of big watches, this is not necessarily a bad thing, so long as you wear it well.

Conversely, the SKX013’s compactness ensures a snug fit as comfortable as a sailor’s hammock. The SKX013 sits more comfortably on smaller wrists and doesn’t shout for attention. But don’t underestimate it. Much like a cat waiting to pounce, its appeal is in its subtlety. It’s all about how you want to rock your maritime flair – bold or understated.

Dial Proportions

Aside from the case, the next obvious set of differences presents itself in the dial. This disparity is because although the Seiko models come in different sizes, they are powered by the same movement. Thus, the SKX007 has a larger dial proportion, with each element from the indices to the day-date window enjoying a little more breathing room.

The SKX013, although smaller, manages to fit everything without making it look like a cramped New York subway car during rush hour. The smaller dial does mean everything is just a tad closer together, so if you’re a fan of personal space, this is something to consider.

Hands

Both watches’ hands are styled similarly but scale differently to fit their respective dials. But beyond the room on the dial, subtle differences in its elements are only visible to the keen eye.

For instance, the hour and minute hands of the SKX007 are a lot thicker, with sharper edges and more intense lume application, allowing for brighter visibility in low-light conditions. The hour hand of the SKX013 features a gradual tapering to its arrowhead, while the SKX007 boasts a sharp arrowhead with a broader base.

Additionally, the second hand of SKX013 has a distinctive design with a thick, tapered tip and base, contrasting the slim design and black base of the SKX007’s second hand.

Strap Options

Both watches come with a variety of strap options. Well, not so much of a variety – you get to choose between the stainless steel Jubilee metal bracelet and the Seiko “Wave” rubber strap. However, the SKX007 offers a beefier bracelet, which can be a bold style statement due to its larger size. 

The SKX013 has similar options but scaled down to match its size, providing a more classic look. Think of it as the difference between wearing combat boots or loafers. Both are footwear, but the impression they create couldn’t be more different.

What About The SKX009?

The Seiko SKX009 model embodies the presence of the SKX007 and the SKX013 – it’s modest and unassuming with an aura that announces itself. It is the cherry (or Pepsi) on top of the SKX series sundae. Yeah, that’s our “Pepsi” bezel hero.

You see, while the SKX007 and SKX013 come in elegant black bezels, the SKX009 decided to up the ante with a Pepsi-colored red and blue bezel. It’s a mind-boggling color combo that screams, “Look at me!”. Yet the red and blue combo isn’t just eye candy; it serves a purpose for divers by offering a visual cue for elapsed time, making it both functional and fabulous.

Even if you didn’t, Seiko was ready to go over and beyond with this watch by switching up the dial from the conventional black in the SKX007 and SKX013 models to a blue in the SKX009 model. 

In terms of the size, the SKX009 shares its 42mm diameter casing with the SKX007. So, if your wrist can rock the latter, it can carry the former. But hey, big or small, there’s an SKX for all – no SKX009 for small wrists, though.

Also, the SKX007 and SKX009 offer options for rubber straps or metal bracelets, giving you the versatility to go casual or formal. The SKX013, on the other hand, prefers to come with a rubber strap – like its own personal choice of being a bit more understated.

Aside from the differences already stated, however, the other features of the SKX009 are similar to those of its siblings, the SKX007 and the SKX013. In essence, the SKX009 model is powered by the Seiko Caliber 7S26 automatic movement and sports Seiko’s Hardlex crystal and luminesce coating.

SKX007 vs. SKX013: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between the Seiko SKX007 and SKX013 is always challenging, except for people whose choices are influenced by case dimensions. If you are a watch enthusiast, saying no to a Seiko is like refusing a free ticket to Disneyland, Hogwarts, or Narnia. You get the idea.

Both models have a die-hard following and are highly functional. We’re talking about water-resistant, stainless steel marvels with a unidirectional bezel and that classic “take-me-seriously-I’m-adventurous” look.

These watches say you can wrestle a bear in the morning and negotiate a merger by afternoon (PS: please don’t try wrestling a bear). Since both models are so awesome, we are back to the question, “Which SKX model should you choose?” And here’s my take:

If you have wrists like tree trunks or your personality can only be described as “the life of the party,” go for the SKX007. Its 42mm case screams attention but in a sophisticated, “I-read-The-Economist” way. Moreover, the larger dial means it’s easier to read the time even if you’re squinting through fogged-up diving goggles 100 meters underwater.

However, if you’re the quiet genius type who knows seven languages and can solve a Rubik’s Cube behind their back, you don’t need to shout; your accomplishments speak for themselves. The SKX013 is your perfect match. Its 38mm case, it’s not as shouty as its counterpart but still commands respect.

SKX007 vs SKX013: Pricing & Availability

When buying an SKX model, the pricing really shouldn’t be a bother. You’re buying a Seiko here, not Patek Philippe. That means you won’t have to mortgage your home, sell your car, or enter a blood pact with a mysterious stranger to afford one. But don’t get too comfortable.

First off, a heartbreaking fact: Seiko has officially discontinued both models. Yup, it’s like learning that your favorite TV show won’t be returning for a new season. But don’t lose hope; like DVD box sets and Netflix reruns, new and used versions of these classic divers can still be found if you know where to look.

If you’ve got your heart set on a brand-new SKX007 or SKX013, you’ll be hunting in the wild terrains of authorized dealers with leftover stock. Expect to shell out around $300 to $450 for a new SKX007 and around $250 to $400 for a new SKX013.

Now, if you appreciate a good “pre-loved” or “fairly-used” item, the used market has its own set of rules. On various auction sites and forums, you can find a used SKX007 for around $200 to $350 and an SKX013 for approximately $180 to $300. 

Of course, those prices are as variable as a cat’s mood, depending on factors like condition, age, and whether the seller thinks they’re parting with a family heirloom or just a watch.

Conclusion

In sum, the Seiko SKX007 and SKX013 offer an excellent introduction to the world of automatic dive watches, embodying durability, functionality, and timeless design. The core difference lies primarily in the case size, making the SKX007 more suited for those with larger wrists or who prefer a bolder wrist presence. 

On the other hand, the SKX013 serves well for those with smaller wrists or who favor a more subtle look. Both models boast similar features like the reliable 7S26 movement, ISO-rated water resistance, and a day-date complication.

The decision boils down to personal preference in size and wrist comfort. Either way, you’re investing in a watch with decades of Seiko’s horological expertise, offering both form and function that will serve you well whether you’re 200 meters underwater or simply going about your everyday life. Choose the one that speaks to you, and you’ll have a reliable timepiece that stands the test of time.