I recently purchased this watch and thought that others might like to share my impressions of it.
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Watch Data Manufacturer Seiko Corporation Model Number SKX007 Model Name Diver's Watch (Cal.7S26) Movement Seiko 7S26, 21 Jewel Automatic Day/Date, 21,600 BPH Power Source Automatically wound mainspring Accuracy Dependant upon state of assembly and regulation Hands 3 hands, Hour, Minute, Second. Coated with Promethium-147 Bezel Stainless Steel, uni-directional ratcheted with detents at 1/2 minute positions. Size 41mm (Bezel O.D.) - 45mm (lug to lug) Thickness 13.2mm Weight 137.55 Grams (with bracelet) Construction Case Solid Stainless steel. Crystal Hardlex Glass Crystal Face Very Dark Grey with luminous markers Crowns 1 - Screw down crown (8mm) Back Stainless Steel signed screw down back. Water Resistance 200 meters (650 feet). Bracelet Solid cast stainless multi link with fold over locking buckle. 9 removable links Suggested Retail $295.00 Initial Impressions.
The watch was received in standard Seiko dark blue, leatherette covered box with matching cardboard sleeve. Contained in the box were an instruction manual written in 6 languages and a warranty card. The packaging is adequate and similar to other Seiko products I have purchased. In the box was the watch with tags attached and scratch protection plastic on the rear and band, no protective plastic was observed on the front crystal which was in perfect condition.I removed the watch from the box and inspected it for scratches and defects. As is usual for this manufacturer none were found.
The tags and plastic protectors were removed and I proceeded to remove 1 link from each side to size the band for my wrist.
The 7S26 movement in this watch cannot be wound by the crown and winding is achieved by swinging the watch from side to side until the second hand starts to move. This movement doesn't "hack" for accurate synchronization with your time reference so the time had to be set as closely as possible. With the crown out you can apply a slight backpressure to stall the second hand until the correct time is near.
I checked the bezel and found it to be quite tight and difficult to turn, this usually loosens up with time.
Comfort
The watch sits perfectly on my wrist with no side to side movement. Nine removable links and 6 adjustment holes on the band mean that this watch can be sized perfectly. No sharp edges which might catch on clothing were observed on this watch.
The crown is rather large and shrouded by the case shoulders such that it is just a little bit difficult to get undone. Screwing the crown back down is likewise somewhat less precise than, for example my Invicta 8926.Legibility
The main feature of this watch is it's excellent legibility both day and night. The luminous material (Promethium-147) has a bright, greenish-white glow and is much better than anything but a Luminox watch (still the nighttime glow champ), the watch still glows visibly after a whole night out of the light.
Daytime legibility is very good, but I still need to put on my glasses to read the date. There is no glare or reflection from the crystal in bright light.
Accuracy
Watches with this movement have been observed to initially run very fast. Some users report that the watch will "settle down" to a more reasonable accuracy level after being worn for a couple of months. If not the watch will have to be regulated by a watchmaker. Other watches in this price range do not exhibit this trend, overall I would have to rate the accuracy of this watch as poor when compared to others in it's price range.Power System
There is no power reserve indicator nor the ability to manually wind this watch, however the watch has never stopped so it must have an efficient autowind system.Closing Thoughts
This watch is definitely a keeper not only because of it's looks, but the 7S26 movement has an excellent reputation for ruggedness and durability with some having been used for 20 years without service or adjustment.
Click to see larger image Right Side
Left Side
Front
Bracelet
Back
Watch Setting Instructions
