Seiko SKX is undoubtedly one of the most popular watches among watch enthusiasts. With its iconic design, impressive specs, and affordable price tag, it’s no wonder that it has become a cult favorite. One of the main features that make the Seiko SKX stand out is its screw-down crown and 200 m water resistance rating.
These features are highly desirable for divers and anyone looking for a reliable timepiece that can handle water exposure. However, as great as the Seiko SKX is, it’s not the only player in town.
In fact, there are several other watches that offer similar features while also adding their own unique twists. Whether you’re a watch collector or simply interested in finding a durable and stylish timepiece, you’ll want to check out these seven Seiko SKX alternatives.
The Popularity of Seiko SKX Among Watch Enthusiasts
Seiko has been making watches since 1881 but it wasn’t until the introduction of the Seiko SKX in 1996 that they established themselves in the dive watch market. The combination of affordability and quality made it an instant hit with watch enthusiasts around the world. One major draw to this watch is its robust movement – an automatic calibre 7S26 which proved to be reliable throughout countless dives worldwide.
This feature alone made it an attractive option for those who appreciated quality mechanical movements without breaking bank. The iconic case design also contributed to its popularity – even after over two decades since its release, many other brands have adopted similar design cues from this classic diver model.
Screw-Down Crown and Water Resistance as Desirable Features
A screw-down crown has become a necessary feature for any diver’s watch. Without this feature, water can easily leak into the watch case, leading to irreparable damage. Fortunately, Seiko SKX has a screw-down crown which contributes to its 200 m water resistance rating.
Water resistance is another critical attribute for any diver’s watch. 200 m or more is the minimum requirement for a dive watch and the Seiko SKX meets that standard.
This means that it can withstand pressure and exposure to water in depths that many other watches cannot. The screw-down crown and 200 m water resistance rating are essential features in any dive watch.
But as we’ll see in this article, several other watches offer these features while also adding their own unique spin on design and technology. Let’s explore some alternatives!
Orient Kamasu: A Worthy Competitor to the Seiko SKX
When it comes to quality watches, the Orient brand is one that can’t be ignored. Established in 1950, Orient has a reputation for producing watches with excellent craftsmanship and reliable performance. Their dive watch line-up includes the popular Mako and Ray models, but the Kamasu is a lesser-known model that deserves attention.
The Orient Kamasu boasts an impressive set of specifications that make it a worthy competitor to the Seiko SKX. One of its most notable features is its screw-down crown, which ensures water resistance up to 200 meters.
This means that you can take it diving or swimming without worrying about damaging your watch. The Kamasu also has a sturdy stainless steel case, which adds to its durability.
Aside from its water resistance capabilities, the Orient Kamasu also has other features that make it stand out from other dive watches on the market. It uses an in-house automatic movement with hacking and hand-winding functions, so you don’t have to worry about changing batteries or manually winding your watch every day.
The Kamasu also has a day-date complication, making it practical for everyday wear. When compared side by side with the Seiko SKX, it’s easy to see why some people might prefer the Orient Kamasu over its rival.
Both watches have similar designs and functionality, but the Kamasu edges out in terms of water resistance rating and overall build quality. Plus, at a slightly lower price point than the SKX, it’s an excellent value for those who want a reliable dive watch without breaking their budget.
If you’re looking for an alternative to the Seiko SKX but still want comparable features like screw-down crown and 200 m WR (or more), then consider giving the Orient Kamasu a chance. Its excellent build quality, in-house movement, and practical day-date complication make it a solid choice for divers or everyday wear.
Citizen Promaster Diver: A History of Durability
Citizen is a Japanese watchmaker that has been around for over 100 years. Their watches are known for their exceptional quality, precision, and durability. Citizen boasts an impressive history of watchmaking that dates back to the early 1920s when the company was first established in Japan.
Since then, they have made several notable contributions to the world of horology, including the creation of one of the first quartz watches in 1969. What sets Citizen apart from other watchmakers is their dedication to creating timepieces that can stand up to any challenge.
For this reason, many divers and outdoor enthusiasts choose Citizen watches for their reliability and durability. The Promaster Diver is no exception – it’s built to withstand even the toughest conditions.
The Promaster’s Impressive Screw-Down Crown and Water Resistance
One of the standout features on the Citizen Promaster Diver is its screw-down crown. This type of crown provides an extra layer of protection against water infiltration by screwing tightly into place, sealing off the internal components from moisture and dust. This feature is particularly important for divers who need a reliable watch that can withstand prolonged exposure to water.
In addition to its screw-down crown, the Promaster Diver also boasts an impressive water resistance rating of up to 300 meters (or 1000 feet). This makes it suitable not just for recreational diving but also for professional diving at depths beyond what most divers would ever attempt to reach.
Overall, if you’re looking for a dive watch with exceptional durability and reliability, you can’t go wrong with a Citizen Promaster Diver. With its rich history in watchmaking and focus on creating high-quality timepieces that can stand up to any challenge, this model is sure to meet your needs – whether you’re an avid diver or just someone who wants a watch that can handle the elements.
Alternative #3: Steinhart Ocean One
German Engineering at its Best
When it comes to dive watches, the first brand that comes to mind is usually Rolex. However, if you’re looking for a high-quality alternative without breaking the bank, look no further than Steinhart. This German watchmaker has been producing top-notch timepieces since 2001 and has built a reputation for quality and precision.
The Steinhart Ocean One is one of the brand’s most popular models, and it’s easy to see why. The watch features a screw-down crown and 300 m water resistance, making it suitable for even the most demanding dives.
But what really sets this watch apart is its design – it’s sleek, modern, and effortlessly stylish.
SKX vs. Ocean One: Which One Wins?When comparing the specs of the Steinhart Ocean One to those of the Seiko SKX, one thing becomes clear: both watches are highly capable dive watches in their own right. However, there are a few key differences that may sway your decision one way or another.
Firstly, while both watches have screw-down crowns and 200 m+ water resistance ratings (the Ocean One boasts a higher rating at 300m), the Ocean One also features an anti-reflective sapphire crystal compared to Seiko’s Hardlex crystal on the SKX. Sapphire is more scratch-resistant than Hardlex which might make it an attractive option if you plan on wearing your watch during rigorous activities or outdoor adventures.
Secondly, when it comes to movement accuracy – The SKX uses Seiko’s caliber 7S26 automatic movement which features a power reserve of up to 41 hours while The Ocean One uses ETA’s Swiss-made ETA2824-2 automatic movement which provides higher accuracy than Seiko movement but offers less power reserve.
Ultimately, the choice between the Steinhart Ocean One and Seiko SKX comes down to personal preference. Both watches are highly capable dive watches with excellent features and design, but the Ocean One’s sapphire crystal, better accuracy of movement, and sleek modern look might make it a better option for those seeking something different than the SKX.
Alternative #4: Squale 1521
The Case for Squale
Squale is a Swiss brand with a rich history in diving watch manufacturing. In fact, they were one of the first to create cases for other major watch brands back in the 1940s and 1950s.
Their cases were highly sought after because they were waterproof and able to withstand the depth and pressure of deep-sea diving. Today, Squale watches are known for their rugged durability, precision engineering, and classic style.
The Features of the Squale 1521
The Squale 1521 is a perfect example of what makes this brand so great. This dive watch features a screw-down crown that ensures water resistance up to an impressive depth of 500 meters (1640 feet).
The case measures in at a substantial 42 mm diameter and is made from high-quality stainless steel. One unique feature of the Squale 1521 is its unidirectional bezel with a ceramic insert.
The insert not only adds an additional layer of protection against scratches but also gives the watch an attractive two-tone look. The black dial has large luminous hour markers and hands that are easy to read both in bright sunlight or low-light conditions.
Why Choose the Squale 1521?
The Squale 1521 is an excellent alternative to the Seiko SKX if you’re looking for something with even more robust water resistance while maintaining classic style. This dive watch has been tested under extreme conditions and can withstand depths up to five times deeper than most other dive watches on this list! Plus, with its ceramic bezel insert, it adds additional protection against scratches so your investment will last longer.
Overall, if you want a reliable dive watch that has heritage, style, and durability all rolled into one package, the Squale 1521 is a perfect choice. It’s a great alternative to the Seiko SKX and has features that make it stand out on its own in the world of dive watches.
Alternative #5: Armida A9
Discussion of Armida
Armida is a relatively new player in the world of dive watches, but they’ve made quite an impression on watch enthusiasts with their quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Their A9 model is a great alternative to the Seiko SKX, featuring a sturdy build and impressive 300 m water resistance.
The A9 has a screw-down crown and a case made from marine-grade stainless steel, ensuring that it can handle even the toughest diving conditions. One thing that sets Armida apart from other brands is their commitment to providing high-quality watches at an affordable price.
While some luxury watch brands charge thousands of dollars for similar dive watches, the A9 can be found for under $500. Despite its lower price point, the A9 still offers impressive features that stand up to more expensive models.
Conclusion
Overall, there are many great alternatives to the popular Seiko SKX when it comes to dive watches with screw-down crowns and 200 m (or more) water resistance. Whether you’re looking for something from a well-established brand like Citizen or Orient or something from an up-and-coming brand like Armida, there are plenty of options out there that offer great value for money. Ultimately, choosing a dive watch comes down to personal preference and what you plan on using it for.
If you’re looking for something reliable that can handle any diving situation you might encounter, any of these alternatives would be a great choice. So don’t be afraid to branch out and try something new – you never know what hidden gem might become your new favorite watch!