Category: Seiko

Today we take a horological dive into the most iconic and affordable legendary timepiece of all time; the Seiko SKX. Arguably the most popular watch that has introduced many enthusiasts to the intricate world of horology, the SKX line was a well-kept Japanese secret until its release in 1996. 

Built as a beater watch that combines the Japanese appreciation of Haute horology and the technical mastery of Seiko, the Seiko SKX is a highly respected watch with a cult following. The two variants, the black SKX007, and the dark blue SKX009 received profound interest from divers worldwide. The Seiko SKX is highly reliable, sturdy, good-looking, and affordable.

However, Seiko has discontinued the production of the SKX diver. So what now? Is it still the go-to beater watch? Are there alternatives to the extremely popular SKX007 and SKX009? Will the discontinued Seiko SKX go up in value? Is it worth the hype in 2022?

Read on to find out answers to these questions and more as we quickly delve into the story behind the launch of the Seiko SKX, its evolution over the years, the most notable watches from the Seiko SKX line, and some excellent alternatives you should be checking out. 

But first, the basic question…

What Is the Seiko SKX?

The Seiko SKX is a line that was introduced by Seiko in 1996. The watches in this series are fitted with the Seiko 7S26 caliber, a 21-jewel automatic movement with 40 hours of power reserve and a 21,600 vph frequency used to power numerous Seiko high-functioning divers with up to 200m water resistance. 

Among the first models introduced at that time, the SKX007 and SKX009 were the two variants that stood out and became the best-selling diver’s watches at that time. The SKX series can trace its DNA back to the creation of Seiko’s (and Japan’s) first diver’s watch, the 150M Diver’s 6217, or 62MAS, as Seiko aficionados, call it. 

Launched to contend with Swiss rivals and even beat them in terms of quality, reliability, and performance, the Diver’s 6217 was originally made for the 1964 Japanese Olympics with Seiko as the official timing partner. 

The 150M Diver portrayed all the elements of a true diver’s watch. The hour makers and hands were luminescent, the bezel could rotate bi-directionally, and it was fitted with the cal. 6127, a 17-jewel automatic movement that guaranteed water resistance up to 150 meters deep.

The watch was largely successful due to its accessibility, reliability, and affordability. It received great responses and immediately placed Seiko in a strong position in the global market and marked the beginning of Seiko’s pursuit of the creation of reliable diver watches.

Following the success of the Diver’s 6217, Seiko made history again with the professional diver’s 600M, an impressive tool watch for exploring the deep crafted out of titanium. Fast forward to the 1980s, and several world firsts diving watches would be produced by the brand. 

These include the world’s first Hybrid Diver’s 150M (the Seiko H558 Arnie), which came with an alarm and chronograph and was launched in 1982. And how could we forget the world’s first Diver’s 1000M (7C46-7009), which featured a ceramic outer case in 1986, and the world’s best-selling Quartz Diver’s 200 meters watch (7c43-6010) in 1985.

As production of the 6309 ended (it reigned from 1976 to 1988), Seiko replaced it with the very first non-prospex timepiece (Prospex means Professional Specifications, and the Prospex collection is lined with high-end Seiko tool watches) by way of the 7002. 

A timepiece that was rugged on all levels and became the first true beater watch made by Seiko for extreme sports, manual labor, and everyday use. 

It was loved immediately after it hit the market, achieving immense fame among personnel of various military forces and freedivers all over the globe. It is a predecessor to the modern-day SKX, which picks up where the 7002 left off. 

So we have established that the Seiko SKX was introduced in 1996 and is a worthy descendant of the Seiko 7002. However, a few variants stand out, like the popular and loved black SKX007, one of the most highly recommended and affordable mechanical tool watches in recent history.

What Makes the Seiko SKX So Iconic?

Seiko SKX watches have all been discontinued by Seiko, but they remain widely available. Compared to other Seiko collections, the SKX line is the 3rd most popular, with an outstanding design, sturdy construction, reliable movement, and affordable price. 

The SKX007 and SKX009 were two of the longest-running models by the brand, as they were produced in huge numbers for over twenty years. But, again, why… just why is the Seiko SKX so popular? Read on to find out.

1. The Movement

All the watches from the SKX line are fitted with Seiko’s 7S26 movement. A solid automatic movement was first released in 1996. It is built around four primary moving parts and has been reported to work perfectly well for five to twenty years without needing servicing. 

The 7S26 is also a prized workhorse, thanks to Seiko’s proprietary diashock anti-shock system that makes it resistant to damage from falls. Beating at a rate of 21,600 bph, the 7S26 features 21 jewels, a quickset day/date display, an automatic bi-directional winding, and a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. 

Its accuracy has been rated at approximately -20 to +40 seconds per day which is pretty large, although the movement can be adjusted to gain a higher accuracy. It is non-hand winding and non-hacking and can still be found in some entry-level Seiko 5 watches. 

Overall, the movement is affordable, reliable, and doesn’t require much maintenance to keep it running smoothly. After its discontinuation, it was replaced with the upgraded 4R36, which features hacking and hand-winding.

2. The Accessible Price Point

The SKX line was never meant to be a luxury collection. It was just meant to continue the brand’s legacy of excellent affordable watches. That said, because it uses an inexpensive movement paired with some standard watch components, the price point is insanely accessible.

Before Seiko discontinued it, the Seiko SKX sold for $150 to $250 for a new piece. Three years after its discontinuation, the watches in the Seiko SKX collection can still be obtained below the $500 mark on the private sales market.

3. The Case and Dial

The case and dial of the Seiko SKX line take cues from its predecessor, the 7002, giving it a universal appeal. The case bears the unique Seiko design with Seiko’s trademark Tsunami logo at its back. There are claims that the Seiko Tsunami Logo is based on Japan’s Most Famous Artwork, The Great Wave (Kanagawa Oki Nami Ura). 

The woodblock print by Hokusai Katsushika (1760-1849) depicts an imposing picture of a rogue wave with three boats and Mount Fuji in the background. Given the importance of the Hokusai woodcut in Japanese culture, it’s hard to imagine the Tsunami Logo has nothing to do with it.

Back to the Seiko SKX case, the diameter measures 42mm, while a compact lug-to-lug distance of 46mm, means it wears well on a variety of small to medium-sized wrists. The thickness measures 13.5mm, meaning it’s hefty but not too bulky for active work, while the crown at the 4 o’clock position won’t dig into the wearer’s wrist. 

Overall, the case is clean and good-looking, with smooth finishings between the sections and a brushed surface finish on the top. The dial is super legible, with vivid colors that make it stand out clearly. It shines through a Hardlex crystal – which is fine considering the price – with Hardlex being more scratch-resistant than regular mineral crystal.

Apart from this, it is almost impossible to find a mid-priced Seiko timepiece fitted with a Sapphire Crystal. The hands and big, chunky, painted hour markers stand out prominently. They are generously filled with the legendary Seiko Lumibrite luminescent solution, making the watch stand out clearly in the dark. 

Aesthetically, there’s nothing not to love about the SKX’s dial. It is extremely legible, as one would hope a Sports watch from Seiko would be, and gives you need and more; a day/date display at the 3 o’clock position. How cool is that?

Is the Seiko SKX Discontinued?

To the world’s dismay, in the 2nd half of 2019, Seiko officially announced the discontinuation of the Seiko SKX. Though you can still find new ones, the only place where you can obtain one is on the gray market with a significant value appreciation. 

So the lack of availability has only increased the demand (and, of course, the price), which is normal, as discontinued timepieces are one of the most highly sought-after and coveted watches in the pre-owned market. The Seiko SKX has remained legendary as a rugged, capable, and affordable beater watch option and can still be obtained below the $500 mark in the gray market.

Should You Buy a New or Pre-owned SKX?

The watches in the Seiko SKX line were created to stand the test of time and can still be worn after decades with an assurance of their quality intact. 

When it comes to choosing between a new or pre-owned SKX, it all boils down to personal preference, even though the most apparent reason why anyone would choose to buy a pre-owned SKX rather than the new one is the difference in price and availability. 

Purchasing a new piece means you’re guaranteed to receive a complete box set with all the accessories, a full warranty from the manufacturer, and of course, the assurance of knowing the watch has never been worn. 

On the other hand, if you’re buying pre-owned, you might not get some accessories or any warranty, and if it had not been serviced by a highly reputable source, it can be less reliable and incur problems over time. 

Seiko SKX References & Current Prices

The design of the SKX bears a resemblance to the eye-catching original 1980s Seiko 7002 diver watch that was famous for its unique features. Signature translucent dials with distinctive rectangular hour markers showcase the day/date disc rotation with profound legibility that adds to the retro effect. 

And though there might be slight differences between the variants in the Seiko SKX line, the watches here are known for durability, performance, and value.

Since the introduction of the SKX series in 1996, the collection has remained globally respected among collectors. Its flawless 42-mm case size, robust caliber 7S26, affordable price, and 200 meters of water resistance made it the gateway timepiece to the world of dive watches.

Seiko SKX007

The Seiko SKX007 gets the most attention out of all the SKX watches due to its universal black dial design. Even though the SKX007 receives a lot of attention, the iconic ISO-rated dive watch is not the only legendary timepiece from the SKX line. 

There’s also the SKX173 variation which was made specifically for the North American market. The watch bears the same resemblance with SKXs, but subtle differences can be noticed on the dial (such as rectangular hour makers, different seconds hands with a lumed circle at the head and not the tail, bolder triangles on the bezel, etc).

Seiko SKX009

The second most popular SKX reference is the Seiko SKX009. It’s very similar to the 007 but features a deep blue dial with an iconic “Pepsi” bezel. Its American-market counterpart was the SKX175, although there weren’t any significant differences between the two pieces. Still, the navy blue dial with the contrasting red part of the bezel was adored by many watch collectors around the world.

Seiko SKX013

Another famous SKX model is the SKX013. This is a smaller watch with a diameter of 38mm and a lug-to-lug of only 44mm. This compact size made it ideal for people with smaller wrists or those who prefer a smaller watch. The SKX013 featured the same dial and bezel combination as the SKX007 but with a different seconds hand.

Seiko SKX011

The Seiko SKX011 was an underrated model in the SKX family that did not gather the fame and attention of its brothers. This mostly comes down to its polarizing color combination of an orange dial and black bezel with gold accents. 

But these colors should be very familiar to fans of the Seiko Orange Monster models. Another issue with the SKX011 is that it’s a Japanese Domestic Market model that wasn’t officially released in the West, making it difficult to find.

Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) Seiko SKX

While Seiko is a Japanese watch brand that designs all its watches, most SKX watches were not actually manufactured in Japan. Instead, only a handful was built in Seiko’s Japanese factories, and they were primarily aimed at the Japanese market.

Most Seiko SKX watches were manufactured in Seiko factories in Malaysia or Singapore. These models are indicated by the K letter next to the model name (SKX007K1). Comparatively, the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) SKX watches are denoted by the letter J (SKX007J1). 

Essentially, the two types of SKX watches are identical, besides a bit of writing on the dial. But, there’s the notion that JDM models have better construction, finishing, and quality control. While this hasn’t been proven, and Seiko hasn’t confirmed it, watch fans tend to go for the JDM vs the K models if they can find them.

Current Seiko SKX Prices

When it comes to pricing, it is difficult to put a pin on the price of these watches since Seiko has discontinued the SKX line. What’s worth mentioning is that on the gray market, the JDM models sell for approximately 20% more than the K models. The exotic nature of the JDM SKX watches (in addition to their limited availability) plays a vital role in their popularity and price. 

Demand and supply shifts may largely affect the price point, but at the time of writing this article, brand-new JDM Seiko SKX watches can be obtained between $600 – $850. Comparatively, the K models demand between $450 – $600 (with the K1s/rubber strap variants being more affordable than the K2s/steel bracelet variants). 

With supply becoming lower every day since the discontinuation of the SKX, more and more watch fans will eventually turn to the second-hand market to find SKX watches. Pricing on the used market can vary significantly and heavily depends on the condition of the watch. Always make sure to do your research before shopping for one though, as there are a lot of counterfeit SKX watches out there.

Seiko SKX Replacements

When Seiko discontinued the SKX line in the second half of 2019, they quickly followed up with a more elegant version of the sports watch to appeal to the next generation of consumers: the Seiko 5 Sports collection. Interestingly, all of Seiko’s diver’s watches are now Prospex logo-signed.

Seiko 5 What?

Originally released in the 1960s, Seiko 5 was meant to deliver highly durable beater watches with profound levels of reliability, durability, performance, and value at an affordable price. Its rebirth as a replacement for the revered SKX line is no surprise, as it is a proper replacement for any value-hungry collector or buyer. 

Taking inspiration from its predecessor, the 5 Sports collection comes with the same values as the originals. But, it incorporates a fresh new look and the numeral ‘’5’’, representing the original five key features of every Seiko 5 timepiece present today: Automatic movement, Day-date display, Water Resistance, Recessed crown, and durable case and bracelet. 

One of the major improvements in this replacement is the upgrade from the popular 7S36 movement to the Caliber 4R36, which was a very good move since the 7S36 caliber was outdated and couldn’t be wound by hand. 

The new Caliber 4R36 now offers wearers the desirable hacking and hand-winding functionality in addition to all the features of the 7S36 movement; hours, minutes, central seconds, day/date calendar at 3 o’clock, an anti-shock system, 41 hours of power reserve and 21,600 bph. 

The Seiko 5 Sports has a dial and case that resembles the SKX watches, but this time the lugs are drilled, and the case back is transparent to offer you a perfect view of the timekeeping mechanics in action. 

Unlike the SKX, this line includes watches with a push-pull crown, not a screw-down one. The disadvantage of this is a lowered water resistance rating from 200m to 100m which is okay for swimming and snorkeling but not deep diving.

Different strap styles with more choices in various colors, including stainless steel, leather, rubber, silicone, and even interchangeable nylon bands that appeal to different sections of the market, have been vastly improved in 5 Sports. 

The rubber straps are now softer and more pliable. A striking sunray or cool matte dial features the signature Seiko 5 Sports logo on all the watches, and luminous hand and indices with a day/date calendar keep the spirit of the SKX line alive on the wrist of the wearer.

 Before we look at the Pros and Cons of both collections, here’s a quick rundown on a few models in the Seiko 5 Sports

1. SRPD71

The stainless steel case of the SRPD71 measures 42.5mm in diameter with a thickness of 13mm. The size of the casing bears a resemblance to the SKX. The SRPD71 “suit style” is a more elegant version of the 5 Sports line. 

Its shape is round, and the bezel is unidirectional. However, it looks to be smaller, with the stainless steel crown resting between a crown guard elegantly positioned at 4 o’clock to prevent it from digging into the wrist, thereby increasing comfort. 

The matte metallic blue dial goes well with cream-colored indices, and a sharp-looking mesh (Milanese style) steel bracelet gives it an overall crisp look without bordering on “bling bling”. 

So it’s subtle but not distracting and the matte effect over the metallic dial, in addition to luminous arrow-styled hands and markers, offers an excellent level of legibility that is beautiful to behold. 

A day-date window is positioned at three o’clock, and it is powered by Seiko’s own in-house automatic caliber 4R36 movement, which is viewable through the exhibition case back.

2. SRPD91

The SRPD91 “Sports Style” has all the design elements that define the SKX line but with an improved build quality and a higher price tag of around $300 compared to the SKX.

 It comes in a stainless steel black PVD case that measures 42.5mm in diameter with a thickness of 13.4mm, which is a fantastic measurement considering that it is a sports watch and has a very straightforward design. 

The grainy black dial with slight matte finishing has applied hour markers, one of the upgrades compared to the SKX line that came with printed ones, with a generous amount of Lumibrite applied to them to ensure a long-lasting glow. 

Overall, the dial is clean, simple, and highly legible, with the classic Seiko 5-day and date window at 3 o’clock. It is presented in an olive green nylon NATO strap that offers versatility and a tactical military look. It is equipped with the in-house automatic caliber 4R36, which, unlike the SKX line, has hacking seconds and manual winding functions.

3. SPRD77

I found myself gravitating towards the SPRD77 “Sense Style” the most. For starters, it has a unique green dial with a lot more details and an interesting texture than other models in this price range. The case size and design are the same as the last generation SKXs, and it comes with a green nylon NATO strap with a gunmetal buckle and catchers. 

There’s something about the orange seconds hand sweeping over tiny plateaus and valleys and breaking up the more or less monochromatic dial that is just appealing. Encompassing the edge of the dial is the chapter ring with silver-printed second markers.

In contrast, the color of the coin edge bezel is a deeper teal of gunmetal gray, which compliments the dial nicely. Inside, the 4R36, a 24-jewel automatic movement with hacking and hand-winding functionality, provides approximately 40 hours of power reserve.

Seiko SKX

Pros

• Number one beater watch; easy to wear all day long for any kind of activity.
• Great looks with a timeless design.
• Exceptional value for money
• Most accessible entry-level diver’s of all time

Cons

• Discontinued line with Inflated prices.
• Outdated 7S26 in-house movement with no hacking or hand-winding.
• Unconventional crown position at four o’clock.
• Tons of modern alternatives on the market

Seiko 5 Sports

Pros

• Sturdy and robust movement with hacking and hand-winding.
• Bright lume markers.
• Insane durability.

Cons

• Lack of a screw-down crown.
• Not ideal for diving as it lacks the 200m of water resistance.
• Hefty weight.

Seiko SKX Alternatives

The Seiko SKX007 was indeed one of the most popular dive watches on the market, with a near cult following before the discontinuation of the SKX line in 2019. 

Let’s be honest now. It’s 2022, and apart from the inflated prices of most SKX watches on the gray market, many of them lack a modern twist which can be found in alternatives, even from Seiko, as the brand has over thirty new Seiko 5 Sports models that are a great alternative to the discontinued SKX line.

Anyone who has always wanted to sport a Seiko SKX timepiece but balked at the inflated prices should definitely take a closer look at these alternatives. There are a few awesome alternatives to the Seiko SKX that come with a screw-down crown, 200+ meters of water resistance, and are under $500.

Seiko Samurai SRPB51

The Seiko Samurai SRPB51 has been one of the most popular watches from Seiko’s ”Prospex” and ”Samurai” collections for over five years. Like the SKX007, the watch boasts 200 meters of water resistance and luminous markings. Adding to that are a classic design and handy additional features, such as a hacking movement and manual winding. 

Even if you’re already familiar with the Samurai, as many collectors are, here’s some background; Seiko Samurai was first introduced in 2004 and was well received by the audience because of its robustness and sleek design. It was called the Samurai because of its sword-shaped hands and was available in titanium and stainless steel. 

The Samurai SRPB51 is an excellent alternative to the SKX because it’s an affordable yet well-built sporty dive watch that is really accurate, has amazing lume, and is easily read. It might be bulky at 43.8mm, and hefty with a case thickness of 13.5mm, but that’s exactly why it’s a robust sports watch. 

The textured dial is stunning, clean, and legible, with polished second, hour, and minute hands that feature a generous amount of Lumibrite. Speaking of cleanliness, the dial features the Prospex logo, the word ‘Automatic’, the depth rating, and a discreet date window at 3 o’clock.

The Seiko Samurai SRPB51 is fitted with Seiko’s proprietary Hardlex crystal and the Seiko’s caliber 4R35, which offers a reasonable 41-hour power reserve. It also comes with a bracelet that has a three-fold clasp to keep it secure and in place.

The Seiko Prospex “Turtle” SRPC25K1

The Seiko Prospex “Turtle” comes with an oval case that resembles a turtle’s shell, hence the nickname by followers of the brand. The Turtle line first surfaced in 1976 under the name 6306, but it’s unclear if production continued when the SKX came on board. 

It resurfaced in 2019 and has become a desired alternative to the discontinued SKX line. The Seiko Prospex “Turtle” is instantly recognizable due to its cushion-shaped, oval case and crown at the 4 o’clock position – a historic trait of the Turtle line, which is one feature that facilitates a comfortable fit. The case is large with a diameter of 44.3 mm but doesn’t feel oversized on the wrist, partly due to the short lugs and soft curves. 

The dial is legible and Seiko, as always, uses its luminous material, LumiBrite, for the indices. The hour, minute, and seconds hands are also coated in LumiBrite, and the luminous material is only absent at 3 o’clock, where the day and date display sits. 

Seiko’s Hardlex crystal, which is between the standard mineral glass and the sapphire crystal in terms of durability and scratch resistance, is used here with a stainless steel bracelet that has a practical diver’s extension. 

Overall, the Seiko Prospex SRPC25K1 is a robust diving watch that is water-resistant to 200 meters (20 bar, 656 ft). The reliable automatic in-house caliber 4R36 offers a power reserve of 41 hours, hacking seconds, and a manual-winding function.

Prospex Special PADI Edition Samurai Black

The PADI collection is exclusive to Seiko and stands for Professional Association of Diving Instructors, which happens to be one of the world’s leading scuba diving training organizations that unifies divers who share a passion for adventure and love for the ocean around the globe.

Featuring an elegant ceramic bezel with light blue color highlights, the angular-shaped design has been nicknamed King Samurai by Seiko fans. That’s because the case looks as if it had been sliced by a Japanese Samurai sword, though it’s the concave curvature of the middle part of the case.

The Prospex special PADI edition has an impressive 200 meters water resistance, a 43.8mm case with 22mm lugs, which makes changing the bracelet easy, a 120-click unidirectional bezel, a date display, and a screw-down crown situated at three o’clock. 

The watch uses a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface and has an overall flat face and chamfered edge. On the inside of that is a well-executed dial that is superbly clean with a mind-blowing lume. 

The back of the case is opaque – so unlike some watches in this collection, you won’t be able to see the movement beating inside – and screwed down with a recessed stamp of the Seiko Tsunami logo on the back. 

Beneath it, Seiko’s manufactured Caliber 4R36 offers a power reserve of approximately 41 hours alongside the hacking seconds and a manual-winding function.

Other SKX Alternatives Aside From Seiko

There are several outstanding diving watches on the market with rock-solid specs and price tags that are hard to resist. And while they may look the same at a glance, they all have distinct looks and features to suit different tastes. Let’s take a look at some standout performers.

Orient Kamasu (Mako III)

The Orient Kamasu is one badass model that can make us forget the SKX and is also one of the most popular diving watches from Orient. Not only is the Kamasu an affordable quality timepiece, but it is also a valuable collectible for those just entering the realm of collecting, and every great entry-level dive watch list certainly has its name. 

This is the most standard entry-level Orient diver’s. And guess what? It comes with Sapphire glass. Made entirely of 316L stainless steel, the size of this watch’s casing is 41.8mm wide with a thickness of 12.8mm and a lug-to-lug of 47mm. The timepiece is just right and will sit snugly on various wrists. 

It weighs in at 154 grams (this figure varies slightly depending on the strap), making it more or less equal to the SKX. The shape is different, though. It uses a flat sapphire crystal and has no curvature or doming, so there’s no distortion of the indices when read from an angle. Also, the crown at the conventional 3 o’clock position is not SKX-like. 

The bracelet is versatile, with links that mimic the finishing pattern of the case and a clasp double secured by two side-release buttons and a flip-lock. Orient and Seiko collaborated to present the caliber F6922, which powers the watch. 

The caliber F6922 is an improved and robust movement that contains 22 jewels, beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour, offers both manual winding and hacking capabilities, and exhibits a power reserve of 40 hours.

Citizen Promaster Diver (BN0150-28E)

With an irresistible price tag, the Citizen Promaster Diver is one of Citizen’s most popular diving watches! It is definitely worth considering as an alternative to the discontinued SKX line as it is a solar-powered analog quartz watch with an insane power reserve of approximately six months.

Featuring a 44-millimeters-wide stainless-steel case with the crown and date at the 4 o’clock position, the Promaster Diver is a little smaller than the old Promaster Diver. Instead of a mechanical movement inside, there’s an Eco Drive caliber. 

Yes, let’s talk about this stunning gloss black dial! One of the great strengths of the Promaster Automatic and many of the watches in this collection is how readable the hands are. The dial is pretty basic – no surprises at all. 

The large white trapezoidal markers for the hours contrast perfectly against the black dial, with stylized hands that enable you to easily differentiate minutes and hours, joining forces to enhance legibility. 

Both markers and hands are primarily covered in luminous material, while the brand’s logo can be seen below 12 o’clock, and a water resistance indicator stays above the 6 o’clock position. Overall the watch is solid, well-executed, and good-looking.

Like the SKX, it has a 200m water resistance, a screwed case back, a unidirectional bezel with a 60-minute scale printed on an aluminum insert, and a bright lume in the hands and time indices.

Conclusion

Seiko has been in the watchmaking business since 1881. The brand is recognized worldwide for Its technological innovation and accessibility. Seiko’s timepieces represent precision and ingenuity; anyone who keys in the words ‘best entry-level watch’ into any search engine would find the SKX littered across top suggestions. 

The reason is simple. The SKX is possibly the choicest iteration of an affordable tool watch the vast world of watchmaking has unveiled for a very long time. The movement (7S26) is robust, reliable, and durable and proffers decades of carefree service. The watch itself is impressively accurate, with a flawless design and decent bezel action. 

The case is rock solid, and the dial is a true reminiscence of the ’90s. If you are thinking of adding one to your collection, go right ahead!

Seiko is one of the brands with the richest history of timepieces. This brand started its wristwatch collection as far back as 1881 and has remained on top of its game. Over time, Seiko has produced the best wristwatches ranging from vintage to new models to out-of-production models. 

Interestingly, you will find Seiko watches for different budgets, making it one of the most budget-friendly brands compared to other wristwatch companies. While you typically find every type of wristwatch in this brand, we will look at the best Seiko diver watches today. 

As with other Seiko collections, you will find several cool features when patronizing this brand. One outstanding feature of these watches is that you can use them for swimming. Additionally, you will find a new and cooler feature with every hundred-dollar increase. 

Dive watches withstand at least ten bars of water. Additionally, dive watches are legible at 25cm in dark areas, shock-resistant, and anti-magnetic. Also, dive watches can withstand saltwater and update you on your diving time. You can easily track time elapsed and check your decompression stops using dive watches. With Seiko, you will get all these features. Before discussing the best Seiko watches, let us look at diver watches.

Best Seiko Diver Watches

1. Seiko Prospex SRPC93
2. Seiko prospex SNE5371P1
3. Seiko SPB083J1
4. Seiko Prospex SBDC055
5. Seiko SNE499
6. Seiko Men’s Automatic SKX011J1
7. Seiko Prospex SRPB55
8. Seiko Men’s Kinetic SKA371
9. Seiko Prospex Analog SSC017
10.  Seiko Prospex Automatic SRP639K1

1. Seiko Prospex SRPC93

This Seiko diver 200m automatic wristwatch is a midrange timepiece known as “Turtle.” The wristwatch obtained this nickname due to its cushion-shaped case. This timepiece’s blue dial goes well with the stainless steel case. Additionally, the timepiece has a stainless steel bracelet for comfort while diving. 

As we noted earlier, this timepiece has a 200m water resistance, luminescent hands, and markers. Thus, you can easily tell time properly in poor lighting conditions. Also, the unidirectional bezel featured in this wristwatch allows you to enjoy accurate data. This feature lets you easily tell how much time you spend diving. 

Another interesting feature of this timepiece is that it is automatic. The automatic movement means you do not have to worry about winding like mechanical wristwatches. Consequently, you get to enjoy more accuracy when using this timepiece.  

This timepiece has several upsides. First, the wristwatch feels comfortable due to the dial’s medium size. Additionally, considering the automatic movement, the pricing is relatively affordable. Hence, you will enjoy more features with this watch at an affordable price compared to other brands’ wristwatches. 

This round-shaped wristwatch has a case back and screw-down crown. Additionally, The timepiece has a date window at the three o’clock index and bigger hour indices at 9, 6, and 12 o’clock hour markers. The timepiece also has “automatic” and “diver’s 200m” inscribed on the dial just above the six o’clock index. 

 Just below the dial window, outside the dial, you will find Arabic numeral inscriptions for 20, 30, 40, and 50 minutes. The numbering corresponds with that of the date dial. Overall, this wristwatch is as classy as they come.

Main Features

• Diameter: 43.8mm
• Strap and Case Material: Stainless steel
• Water Resistance: 200m
• Clasp: Tri-fold with a secure lock and push button release
• Dial Color: Blue
• Dial Window Material: Hardlex
• Case Shape: Round
• Display Type: Analog
• Special Feature: Automatic divers 200m
• Warranty: Two years
• Calendar: Date

2. Seiko Prospex SNE5371P1

Seiko Prospex SNE5371P1 is the best Seiko diver under $1000. This timepiece is a sports solar diver’s 200m device. Although this timepiece is not expensive, it has some of the coolest features you can find in a dive watch. The first feature you will notice with this timepiece is its green dial. Luminous, arrow-shaped, silver-tone hands enhance the green dial. 

Also, this timepiece has a Matt Green stainless steel case and a green silicone strap. Additionally, the timepiece has indices for hour markers and a date window near the three o’clock index. Another interesting thing is that this timepiece uses an Eco-Drive movement which accounts for its accurate timekeeping abilities. 

Interestingly, this has a water resistance of 200m which is impressive for its price. Furthermore, the wristwatch has a unidirectional bezel to help you keep track of your diving activities. The scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal window makes protecting the analog display featured on the green dial even easier. If you think you’ve seen it all, consider the solid case back, which makes the wristwatch impervious to water and other liquids. 

You also stand to enjoy a screw-down crown and a Tang clasp. If you have a large wrist, you will surely enjoy this timepiece. The wristwatch has a case size of 47mm, which makes it the largest Seiko dive watch in our review. This Seiko Prospex diver has a case diameter of 44mm and a case thickness of 13mm. Additionally, the timepiece has a band width of 30mm. Overall, this device is as solid as they come.

Main Features

• Case Diameter: 44mm
• Case Material: 47mm
• Case thickness: 13mm
• Band Color: Green
• Dial Color: Green
• Calendar: Date
• Special Features: Hour, Date, Second, Minute, Solar-powered
• Weight: 4.87 ounces
• Movement: Eco-Drive
• Water Resistance: 200m
• Bezel: Unidirectional rotating bezel
• Clasp: Buckle
• Band Material: Silicone

3. Seiko SPB083J1

This Seiko Prospex Marinemaster is one of the best Quartz professional men’s watches. The timepiece uses a Caliber 7C46 movement to offer higher accuracy. Additionally, this timepiece is highly desired and is nicknamed Tuna can or simply Tuna. 

The wristwatch contains a 7-jewel movement with an accuracy of 15 seconds per month. Unlike other timepieces you will typically find on the market, this Seiko timepiece has a battery life of 5 years. Another great thing you will enjoy about this timepiece is its anti-magnetic feature. Additionally, the wristwatch has a date and day display as opposed to the other timepieces we have reviewed.

This Seiko Marinemaster Quartz wristwatch has luminous hands and markers especially treated with Lumibrite. Thus, it is easier to tell time even under poor lighting conditions. Furthermore, the timepiece has a screw-down offset crown, and a diving bezel (unidirectional) with a luminous PIP positioned at 12:00. 

You don’t need to worry about scratches because this timepiece comes with an original Hardlex crystal in its dial window. Also, the wristwatch has a robustly etched, screw-down case back. This Marinemaster features a 48mm case containing a stainless steel shroud for diving protection. 

This timepiece has a 300m water resistance. Hence, this wristwatch can handle all your diving adventures without breaking. You also stand to enjoy a two-year guarantee when you purchase this product.

Main Features

• Model Year: 2015
• Shape: Round
• Dial Window: Hardlex material
• Display: Analog
• Clasp: Buckle
• Case: Stainless steel material
• Case dimensions: 47.7mm x 14.7mm
• Band: Rubber material
• Bezel: Stainless steel unidirectional bezel
• Calendar: Day-Date
• Special features: Super hard outer casing and Silicone strap
• Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Movement: Quartz

4. Seiko Prospex SBDC055

The Seiko Prospex Diver PADI SBDC055, also known as the Scuba PADI special model, is one of the most outstanding diver watches under $1000. This timepiece has an electrifying design that suits scuba and deep divers. This wristwatch is all you need if you need a timepiece with a classic yet simple design. 

This timepiece has a deep blue dial that correlates with its black strap. Furthermore, the wristwatch has a date window near the three o’clock marker. Instead of Arabic hour markers, this timepiece has indices. However, you will find minute markers on the case ring. The timepiece has minute markers for 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 minutes. 

Another thing is that this automatic diver’s 300m timepiece has an analog display. The tri-hand analog display has luminescent hands, making it easier to tell the time in subpar lighting conditions. You will love this timepiece if you have big wrists. This Seiko Prospex SBDC055 has a case diameter of 49.8mm, which is bigger than others. We do not recommend this timepiece if you have smaller wrists. 

Like all the other timepieces we have considered, this wristwatch has a Hardlex dial window. The dial window material used prevents your wristwatch from scratches. Additionally, the window has an anti-reflective coating that uses the appropriate amount of light to display the elements on the dial. 

There are many reasons why you must consider this Marinemaster. First, the timepiece does not cost as much as its counterparts from other brands. Additionally, this timepiece suits diving and other occasions. 

This timepiece is anti-magnetic and has a water resistance of 300m. Also, the battery life is strong enough to last up to five years. You also get to enjoy the rubber strap that makes it more comfortable to wear while going underwater.

Main Features

• Case: Stainless steel
• Movement: Seiko 7C46
• Strap: Rubber, blue
• Water Resistance: 300m
• Diameter: 49.8mm x 13.8mm
• Year: 2018
• Weight: 4.37 ounces

5. Seiko SNE499

Our review features yet another promising timepiece from Seiko. The Seiko SNE499 is another choice popular among divers. This PADI solar timepiece is also known as the Golden Tuna. Interestingly, this timepiece has a power reserve of up to 10 months. Considering the pricing, this is a good headstart. 

This wristwatch also has a rotating bezel on its features list. Also, you can enjoy the screw-down crown, which serves as security for a diver that prefers deep diving. Also, this timepiece does not have the bulky outlook seen in other models. Instead, this model has a sleek design with several functionalities. 

First on the list of features is the Caliber V175 Solar Quartz movement. This movement offers accuracy as well as a good power supply. Although this wristwatch does not have up to 300m water resistance, the 200m is quite okay, considering the price. 

This timepiece is another one for those with big wrists. The wristwatch has a case diameter of 47mm. Additionally, this wristwatch has a black polyurethane band that increases diving comfortability. The color combination on the dial is also enticing. Although the timepiece has a black dial, you will find a red-colored arch that extends from outside the 12 o’clock hour marker to the three o’clock hour marker. 

Interestingly, the timepiece has a date window at the 20-minute marker instead of the regular three o’clock marker, as we have seen with previous models. You will find Arabic numeral minute indicators outside the hour marker window. Also, this timepiece has luminescent hands that make time-telling easier.

Main Features

• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Case Dimensions: 43.8mm x 12mm
• Band Color: Blue
• Dial Color: Black and a touch of red
• Special Features: Luminous
• Movement: Japanese Solar Quartz
• Water resistance: 200m
• Clasp: Stainless steel
• Display: Analog
• Dial Window: Hardlex material

6. Seiko Men’s Automatic SKX011J1

The SKX011J1 is a Japanese men’s analog sports Automatic wristwatch that stands out in all aspects. One of the first things you will notice about this timepiece is its eye-catching dial color. Unlike the other timepieces on our list, this timepiece has a unique yet enticing dial color contrasting beautifully with the watch’s design. 

This timepiece features an orange dial that increases legibility. Additionally, the wristwatch has luminous arrow-shaped hands for easy readability in poor lighting conditions. The timepiece also has luminous hour markers inside the dial. You will find 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50-minute indicators on the dial or window frame. 

Instead of indices for hour markers, you will find round hour markers and a triangle at the 12 o’clock marker. This timepiece also has a day and date indicator near the three o’clock marker. The silver-tone stainless steel case matches beautifully with the analog hands. Also, the case contrasts sharply with the orange-colored dial to give a beautiful and pleasing outlook. 

Interestingly, this timepiece also has a 200m water resistance to match its exciting design. Thus, you will enjoy using this timepiece while diving because it can withstand pressure. Also, the scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal window protects the analog display beneath. The window also refracts light in the right proportion to enhance readability. 

The SKX011J1 also has a unidirectional rotating coin edge bezel, an important feature for divers. You also enjoy the black rubber band and buckle clasp, ensuring maximum comfortability. You can easily wear this wristwatch for hours without feeling any discomfort. This timepiece has a case diameter of 43mm, which is suitable for big wrists. 

The wristwatch also has a Japanese automatic movement. If you want a watch you can enjoy while diving and use for other occasions, you must consider using this excellent Seiko diver wristwatch.

Main Features

• Bezel: Unidirectional black ion-plated
• Calendar: Day-date
• Movement: Japanese Automatic
• Water Resistance: 200m
• Dial Color: Orange
• Band Material: Rubber
• Case Diameter: 43mm x 13mm
• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Display: Analog
• Dial Window: Hardlex Mineral
• Clasp: Buckle

7. Seiko SRPB55

This is also part of Seiko’s diverse group of diver 200m wristwatches. One interesting thing with this men’s black ion Prospex automatic dive watch is its black and gold combination. Hence, we sometimes think of this wristwatch as belonging to the royalty line. 

A glance at this wristwatch reveals its sturdy yet subtle design. It helps to know that the black and gold colors connect uniquely to create an aesthetically pleasing combination. This timepiece has a date window at the three o’clock marker. Furthermore, it has luminescent gold-colored hands and hour markers. The minute counter on the window rim only starts at 20 minutes to 50 minutes with 10-minute intervals per indicator. 

The Seiko SRPB55 also comes with a mineral crystal window that prevents scratches. While you may argue that it is not as scratch resistant as its sapphire counterpart, the Hardlex mineral is more impact-resistant. Additionally, the mineral material is hard enough to protect the elements in the dial. 

This timepiece has a diameter of 43.85mm, perfect for people with big wrists. Also, it has a 12mm thickness, which is just enough for diving purposes. The wristwatch also has automatic movement, which means it does not need batteries. Pure mechanical movement ensures you enjoy accuracy while diving. 

Another interesting thing is that you can enjoy 41 hours of power reserve. Additionally, you can hand-wind your timepiece for 30 seconds to keep it wound. Did we forget to mention that it is automatic mechanical? You only need to wind the watch if you do not use it. Otherwise, the timepiece winds with your arm’s movement.

Main Features

• Movement: Automatic mechanical
• Case diameter: 43.85mm x 12mm
• Dial Color: Black
• Display Type: Analog
• Power reserve: 41 hours
• Window material: Hardlex
• Water Resistance: 200m
• Bezel: Unidirectional

8. Seiko SKA371

This Seiko men’s kinetic wristwatch is another interesting piece for divers. This timepiece has a 42mm stainless steel case. Additionally, the wristwatch has a Hardlex dial window that protects the analog display underneath. The major distinguishing factor between this wristwatch and the others we have reviewed is that it does not have a date window. 

Released in 2007, this round-shaped timepiece has a Hardlex mineral window that protects the dial and its analog display. Additionally, this timepiece has a foldover clasp and a double push-button safety for accessibility. Also, this device has a stainless steel case material. 

This device has a 42mm case diameter, suitable for big wrists. Also, the timepiece has a silver-toned band that goes well with the black dial. The Seiko SKA371 also has a stainless steel unidirectional bezel. It has a water resistance of 200m. 

This timepiece has a Japanese Quartz movement for accuracy. Furthermore, you can enjoy a two-year warranty when you purchase this wristwatch from the device. Also, this wristwatch weighs 15.84 ounces, which makes it lightweight. Overall, this timepiece is one of the best options if you need a simple and classic design.

Main Features

• Case Diameter: 42mm x 14.8mm
• Band Material: Stainless steel
• Bezel: Stainless steel, unidirectional
• Water Resistance: 200m
• Weight: 15.84 ounces
• Movement: Japanese Quartz
• Dial Color: Black

9. Seiko SSC017

Do you need a complex yet classic design? The Seiko Prospex Analog SSC017 is one of the unique timepieces you can get from this brand. This wristwatch has a black dial with a touch of blue on the dial rim. Additionally, this device also has three sub-dials in the mail dial window. 

First, you will find the minutes sub-dial and an hour sub-dial. Also, the wristwatch has a stainless steel bracelet contrasting beautifully with the black dial. The 43mm stainless steel case matches the bracelet and aligns well with the dial window. 

Another enticing feature is that you get to recharge by light. You can recharge up to 3.5 with 10,000 lux. The wristwatch also has a water resistance of 200m. Thus, this wristwatch is suitable for professional divers. Also, you can use it for other marine activities. There is no need to take your wristwatch off when participating in surface water sports; this wristwatch has covered you.

Main Features

• Model Year: 2018
• Dial Window: Hardlex Material
• Display: Analog
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Case Diameter: 44mm x 14mm

10. Seiko SRP639K1

The last timepiece on our list is Seiko’s men’s automatic dive stainless steel watch. This timepiece has a Caliber 4R36 24-jewel automatic movement for accuracy. Additionally, the timepiece has a hackable second hand with winding capabilities. Thus, you get to enjoy the complexity of this watch at an affordable rate. 

The timepiece also has a polyurethane band for comfortability and a day/date display. An outstanding feature of this day/date display is that you can access the English or Spanish options. Also, the wristwatch has luminous markers for easy readability in dark conditions. 

This timepiece has a case size of 46.5mm, which makes it suitable for people with big wrists. Also, the wristwatch has 200m water resistance, a screw-down crown, and a back case. Overall, this timepiece is one of the best considering the price.

Main Features

• Model Year: 2018
• Shape: Round
• Dial Window: Hardlex Material
• Display: Analog
• Clasp: Buckle
• Case Diameter: 47mm x 12mm
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Movement: Automatic
• Water Resistance: 200m

Buying Guide

Getting a good diver watch requires a few things. Although Seiko has several outstanding diver wristwatches, knowing a few things will help you get value for your money. We have outlined this detailed guide to help you pick the best diver watch.

Know What You Want

The first thing you need to pick a diver watch is what you want. You need to make up your mind on the features of the wristwatch you need before going to purchase any timepiece. Different timepieces have different features. For instance, you could find one with a time-day feature or a self-winding wristwatch. The water resistance also varies. Thus, you need to pick a wristwatch with all the required features.

Consider Your Budget

Budgeting is essential when picking your dive watch. While you can find dive watches for less than $1000, you can also find some that cost more than $10000. Hence, you need to consider your budget to pick a watch you can afford.

Read Reviews

As many wristwatches bring several outstanding features, you need to read reviews. Reviews will give you a first-hand experience of what to expect when you buy these timepieces. You must read reviews to pick the best Seiko dive watch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

We have outlined some outstanding timepieces from Seiko. In our review, we included wristwatches for small and big wrists. You can use these timepieces if you want to enjoy top-tier time-telling while exploring the marine world. We also included a buying guide to help pick the best timepiece for you. If you feel confused, you can read through our FAQs section to see if you will get the answer you need.

The Seiko Sarb033 vs. Sarb035 debate is an interesting one. It is amazing to see what these two watches have under the hood. Both are great watches that easily pass for modern classics due to their mind-blowing design.

Whenever either of these watches is posted on the subreddit, it sells fast. This watch competes with some of the rarest watches that are limited edition in sale speed. 

No watch can be a better alternative to SARB035 than its counterpart, SARB033. Either of these watches could easily serve as an alternative for the other.

Hence, if you don’t get one on the market, you can always purchase the other and add this beauty to your collection of watches. 

The prices of these watches fluctuate each week as they are watches people would kill to get. A handful of these watches come and go each week, which justifies the price fluctuation.

And since the discontinuation of the SARB line, these watches have become even rarer to come by. The white dial SARB035 and black dial SARB033 are the perfect watches you can get for any price tag.

If you are a fan of luxury but have to work with a budget, Seiko watches are budget-price luxury watches.

The Seiko SARB033 and its alternate, the SARB035, are two of the most popular budget wristwatches on the market. 

SARB033 Review

The SARB033 makes it difficult to ignore Seiko’s already rich reputation. The watch is simple yet has an effective, versatile, and classy design that screams luxury from far away.

The steel case comes in with a width of 38mm. It has an 11m thickness with a 44mm lug-to-lug length. 

The SARB033 is easy on the wristwatch, but the classy design is eye piercing. This watch is an excellent daily piece that accommodates regular strap changes. This watch is an out-of-the-box beauty with surprising versatility. 

Features

The Seiko 6R15 automatic movement powers the SARB033, and a fantastic 50-hour power reserve backs it up.

With these two under the hood, the SARB033 can sit comfortably in your collection without needing winding anytime soon. 

If you come across this watch, you cannot miss the indices and hands embedded into the eye of this watch.

The beauty of the SARB033 comes out with the classic Seiko polish, a watch that catches and reflects light rays perfectly. 

The SARB033 is a watch whose quality, you would say, exceeds the price tag twice or even three times over.

The second hand on the watch is at the edge of the dial, using all the available space to show off its beauty. The date window cut also gets equal polish attention, just like the hands. 

The SARB033 is exquisite; you get a perfectly vertically brushed top surface with finely polished sides.

Flip the timepiece over to reveal a beautiful display case back. The watch comes with a standard bracelet that has similar finishing. 

One of the reasons this watch is so popular is that it inherits some of Grand Seiko’s classic finishing touches.

The polished ends of the link are flashes of the ones found on the Grand Seiko series. It can all be yours for a price tag ranging around $900. 

The Seiko SARB033 does tend to lose a few points when it comes to enthusiasts who feel metal straps are unnecessary.

However, this doesn’t discredit the overall beauty of the watch; there are a few straps that can come in to replace the metal straps if you don’t like them. 

The Kirkstead stainless steel strap is one to pick out. It is one of the most exquisite straps you can find on the market.

Leather straps don’t downplay the beauty of this watch in any way. If you’re not a fan of metal straps, you can always get yourself a leather strap and add that hint of vintage to your timepiece. 

SARB035 Review

The Seiko SARB035 has it all; it is a dream watch for enthusiasts. It is a compact watch of 38mm, making it a perfect fit for people with small wrists. The watch comes with a clean quality stainless steel case. The design is truly one to behold.

Features

The bracelet of this piece supports a simple and clean gorgeous cream dial that adds an impeccable touch of class to the watch. The designers and makers of this watch paid serious attention to detail while crafting this timepiece. 

Dauphine’s hands add the finishing touch to this piece, giving it a sophisticated smart look you can’t find anywhere else. The edges of the dial feature rectangular silver hour markers that are classy and straightforward.

The steel case houses an automatic movement, a rare mechanism to find in a Seiko watch at this level.

You would think this is an average automatic movement, but you would be wrong. The automatic movement in this watch elevates it to a whole new level. 

The timepiece has a 50-hour power reserve and can handle up to 100m of sea level. The watch is a rounder that tops it up with a sapphire crystal.

Getting this watch may cost you a little fortune. When Seiko produced the SARB series, you could obtain this timepiece for around $300.

However, since the series’ discontinuation in 2018, the price has increased. You can obtain this watch from a reputable US seller for around $700. 

Below is a table that outlines the key similarities and differences between the SARB033 and the SARB035.  

Feature	SARB033	SARB035
Steel case width	38mm	38mm
Automatic Movement	6R15	6R15
Power reserve	50	50
Dial color	Black	Cream white
Weight	136g	136g
Number of jewels	23	23
Water Resistance	100mm	100m

Alternative Watches to The SARB035

SARB035 is a gem for its price, but it can be a little hard to find. Luckily, few watches possess some of the qualities of the SARB035. Below are the top three alternates of the watch:

1. Seiko Year-Round Automatic SNKL41k1

It is no surprise that the first on our list is another Seiko wristwatch. The Seiko Year-Round Automatic SNKL41K1 is a simple white dial Seiko watch that can serve as an alternative for the much-loved SARB035.

This brand truly knows how to make its watches that fit just well with customer tastes. From a distance, this watch is similar to the SARB series because of the white dial and the 38mm steel case size. But of course, there are differences between the two timepieces. 

The SNKL41K1 is a member of another popular Seiko series, the Seiko 5. The first difference you will notice with this watch is that it has a sportier feel than the SARB series.

The mix of black and silver markings around the ring sets it apart from the SARB035. However, you will still get the dauphine hands on the SNKL41K1. You can own this watch for $135, more or less.

2. Orient Classic Mechanical Bambino RA-AC0005S

This beautiful watch is a design of the proud popular Japanese watch brand Orient. The classy white dial design is the most alluring similarity between the SARB035 and the Bambino RA-AC0005S, reducing the distance between the two. 

The Bambino merges an excellent design and movement specs in a beautifully crafted timepiece.

However, the similarities between the Bambino and the SARB035 end at the white dial. The dauphine hands in the Bambino are different; it brings a deep blue color to their hands. The dial also has different dimensions and the hour markers are slightly off. 

The Bambino doesn’t match up to the iconic sapphire crystal of the SARB, opting for a mineral instead. But the watch does house a powerful Cal.F6724 automatic movement under the hood.

The watch is pretty accurate for a budget watch. The watch can stand up to 50m of water pressure. You can get this watch for around $215. 

3. Seiko Presage SRPB77

The Seiko Presage SRPB77 is one of the best budget dress watches on the market. After the SARB series was discontinued, the Presage series inherited its rich heritage. The Presage has some slight tweaks that set it apart from the SARB. 

This model of the Presage combines a white dial with blue hands, similar to the blue seen in the Bambino, but with a few classy Seiko touches. The radiating sunburst design will draw your attention to this watch’s unmatched beauty. 

The Presage adds another layer of quality and class that tops that of SARB; truly a worthy replacement. Arrows replace the rectangular hour markers, but the dauphine hands and date window remain untouched. 

Prestige prices The price of this watch fluctuates from around $450. The case size is the key difference between the Presage and the illustrious SARB035. The Prestige comes in a slightly bigger steel case size, 40.5mm. 

Conclusion

The SARB series is one of the brand’s most iconic series. And it is one of the most sought-after watch series in the world.

A dazzling touch of class that is nothing but luxurious on all fronts is something anyone would kill to get. 

Owning one of these watches can elevate your watch collection and place you among the best of the best.

The perfect timepiece can get you just the attention you need. And the perfect watches for you lie between the SARB033 and SARB035. 

Each watch is powered by a 6R15 backed by an amazing 50-hour power reserve which will keep them ticking, even on the weekends.

The key difference in these watches is the dials; the SARB33 carries an aesthetic Black color for its dial while the SARB035 carries cream white. Both watches are a return on investment, and you wouldn’t regret going for either.