Ode to the Seiko Diver
I’ve owned quite a few watches through the years. I’ve had dress watches, mechanical chronographs, Swiss automatics, quartz watches with amazing features, solar charged watches, digital watches, military watches and divers. In almost every case, I found something to like. A few days ago though, I realized that of all the watches I own, there were a few “go to” pieces that seemed to get the most wrist time. Those would be the Seiko divers.
I thought about why these particular models were so often the choice of the day and a few observations came to me. First and foremost, they are very tough watches. You don’t really have to think about what you are doing when wearing a Seiko diver. Between their water resistance and the overall ruggedness of their build, it isn’t easy to hurt one of these. When a day out with the kids turns into a day at the pool or beach, a Seiko diver is always game. The reality that you don’t have to baby these watches makes the choice to put one on a no-brainer.
Beyond their ruggedness though, a Seiko diver has a particular look and feel to it. The models I have owned have all exuded a quality that belies their relatively low price. Throughout several of the Seiko reviews that I have written, the comment that they seem more expensive than they are keeps popping up. There are many cheap things in this world that regularly scream at you how cheap they are. Especially as time with them passes. Seiko divers say exactly the opposite. They are an amazing value for the money and they age gracefully even when worn hard.
I can honestly say that if I could own only one watch, either the Monster, 007 or Tuna Can would be it. They are simply that well done.
19 Comments:
Ed said ........
"I can honestly say that if I could own only one watch, either the Monster, 007 or Tuna Can would be it. They are simply that well done."
Ed:
Couldn't agree with you more.
My Rolex GMT has been put into semi-retirement ($500+ for repairs buys a lot of Seikos), and I picked up a Seiko Black Monster to tide me over. Unfortunately it awakened the WIS in me and I've started collecting more divers.
I just got delivery of a SKX007 and am in the process of turning it into a "Recession Watch" as per your June blog.
In my case, it's a Tag with a leaky crown seal that is semi retired. I think you'll like the super oyster 007 combo. It is my favorite watch these days. I think that if the 007 line had the Monster's lume it would just about a perfect diver. As it stands, the 007 is a bargain for what you get.
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Ed: what's the model of the first watch you've got up in the Seiko post? That style is quite appealing!
That is a Seiko SBBN007, aka the Tuna Can. I don't think it is a current model and I'm pretty sure that price has gone way up since I got it. It is a nifty piece though.
I did a review of it here:
http://edscorner1.blogspot.com/2008/01/seiko-sbbn007-tuna-can-review.html
enjoy
Ah, dagnabbit! Guess I'll have to see what else is out there, looks like prices run around $250 for the new models, eh?
Did the lume come looking like that, or did you have it redone?
Original lume. It is a relatively new piece. One of the last of the SBBN007 models I believe so the lume is quite strong.
I just placed the order for Seiko SKX007. Next is the super oyster band. Thank for the info, pretty excited about putting mine together. Great blog.
That's a winning combo. I think you're going to be very pleased.
Got the 007 watch...check
Received the Oyster band...check
Wow what a great combo. I am very impressed with the super oyster band.
This is my first Seiko and with this combo, all I can say is I should have looked at Seiko a lot closer. Ofcourse, your Blog was a great resource. Thanks
The super oyster really changes the weight and feel of the 007. Glad to be of help.
Got the SKX007 for a year now and finally got the super oyster on the way... can't wait for it!
Currently got it on the rubber strap and it looks so different.
Fantastic watch!
Great blog, you have a new subscriber!
Mike
Seiko watches are tough as they can be! You'll surely get your money's worth with this watch!
Seiko is proof that you don't have to pay a lot of money for a good watch. It is a shame that too many people take these models for granted. The funny thing is that when people show group pictures of their expensive European watch collection, you can always find a Monster of SXK007 hiding in the background.
Seiko Watches will be precise and elegant style and push the peak level of performance. It is the first mass production and made only when the total certified precision watch.
I suppose its only a matter of time before you review the Orient Divers also look to be a good value. Thanks to you Ed I'm up to 4 Seiko divers. 6105, 6309, 7002 and a Monster. I love all of them.
The Mako is on my "One of these days" list :)
I am man and I love watches, for instance, those watches in this post are the kind of watches I really like, I actually have like three of those and I switch them every day
Recieved my skx781 the other day ,couldnt be more pleased ,runs a bit fast but always the same gain every day . Trying a leather strap for this 1 . Lume well 10/10 .
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