Are you interested in getting the famous Seiko SKX175, or you like its close relative, the SKX009, instead?
Then you should read today’s review to the end as we will be unveiling some major talking points.
But before we get into the nitty-gritty of today’s review, let us tell you right away that both of these brilliant timepieces are two versions of the same watch.
The only difference is that the SKX009 model is tagged- the international version.
That said, we will also unveil some significant differences as we delve deeper into today’s review.
History of the brand
The story of the Seiko brand began when its founder Kintaro Hattori, who was only 21 years old then, set up the K.
Hattori watch and clock shop at the Kyobashi district in Tokyo.
Here, he began repairing and building watches and clocks.
At 31, Kintaro Hattori partnered with a renowned engineer, Tsuruhiko Yoshikawa.
Together they set up the Seikosha watch factory in 1892.
After many years of building top-quality wall clocks, the company launched its very first pocket watch, dubbed the Timekeeper, in 1895.
While this pocket watch featured a 54.8mm silver case, its 200-ligne movement came from Switzerland.
Given the unprecedented success enjoyed by the Timekeeper, the company soon followed up with the launch of their first-ever wristwatch, the Laurel, in 1913.
Thanks to its exceptional silver case, porcelain enamel dial, 12-ligne movement, and its 29.6 mm diameter, this impeccable timepiece was an instant hit as many watch lovers jostled to get one on their wrist.
Thanks to their brilliant watchmaking craftmanship, Seiko has managed to keep pace with some of the top brands out there, even as many of their watches have become fan favorites.
Seiko SKX009 vs. SKX175: The unveiling
Even though these two brilliant timepieces from the stables of Seiko have many things in common, they also have some unmissable differences.
As per similarities, both of these watches are powered by Japanese automatic quartz movement.
Plus, they are both water-resistant up to 200 meters (660 ft).
Again, they both feature stainless steel bracelets, stainless steel bezel, and stainless steel case.
Thanks to being protected by Hardlex crystal and 1.6-inch casing, these watches are a beast and won’t scratch easily.
While they both feature blue and red colors, the Seiko SKX175 model features a much lighter shade, which for us, is one of the significant differences between these two watches.
Design and comfort
Even though these brilliant timepieces spot stainless steel bodies and Pepsi bezels, their hues aren’t the same.
And that’s because the Seiko SKX009 appears darker, just like the Rolex Submariner.
Also, both of these watches feature two shark-like bezels, a tribute to the Rolex timepiece.
Thanks to their 1.65-inch cases, these timepieces aren’t small and will swallow up the wrist of people with smaller hands.
The unique thing about the SKX009 is that it has a bit of heft to it, and that’s because it weighs approximately 7.05 ounces.
While it looks somewhat heavy and may weigh your wrist down, many users have reported that the watch feels well made.
Unfortunately, we don’t have a lot of information about the weight of the SKX175 model.
But if we were to take a guess, we would say it weighs just as much as its brother.
Dial and case
Because both of these timepieces mimic the famous Rolex Submariner, it’s no surprise to see that they both feature rhomboid markers on their display.
Plus, we love their markers because they are a little wide and feature lots of LumiBrite in their casing.
Because they have some of the most delicate markers around, it’s no surprise to learn that they can glow for 3-5 hours, which is almost ten times what you’ll get with other timepieces.
Instead of regular crystal windows like you’ll find on other watches, these two feature Hardlex crystal on them.
Unfortunately, while their glasses are much sophisticated than minerals, they aren’t as resistant as sapphire.
Another thing we love about their dials is that they are easy to read.
And this is all thanks to their dark blue and sizeable white hour markers.
This is quite true for the SK009 as it features a display that is darker than its relative.
Like many Seiko watches, the SKX175 and the SKX009 come with a functional calendar sitting at the 3 o’clock position.
Together with their pretty bold fonts, you won’t have to strain your eyes when checking time.
Similarly, both of these timepieces have their crown fitted at the 4 o’clock position.
With this, you can expect the crown not to slam into your wrist.
Movement
While both of these watches are automatic, they don’t have an exposed back.
That said, they are powered by Seiko’s favorite 7S26 movement, which has been dubbed a workhorse.
With a 41-hour power reserve and 21 jewels, there are very few timepieces out there that are as accurate as the SKX175 and SKX000.
Unfortunately, both of these watches don’t have self-winding and hacking, which is quite unfortunate.
Strap/bracelet
Even though the SKX175 and SK009 come with jubilee straps, we have come across some variants with rubber straps.
Because rubber is waterproof, it’s easy to see why many people would prefer this option.
More so, the materials used to make their straps help to keep mud and muck off.
Like other Seiko models, the straps that come with the Seiko SKX175 and SKX009 both have deployment clasps.
And just so you know, they also include safety mechanisms.
Pricing
Although both of these wristwatches have different price points, the difference in their pricing isn’t that much.
To start with, the Seiko SKX009 model sells for $499.99.
On the flip side, the Seiko SKX175 sells for only $376.
Pros
- Both of these watches are water-resistant up to 200 ft.
- They are both protected by Hardlex crystal
- They are powered by Japanese automatic movement
- Affordable
- Collectible
Cons
- They are not self-winding and cannot be hacked
- Their accuracy is a bit lacking
Frequently asked questions
Are Seiko watches worth it?
Giving their impressive watchmaking history, craftsmanship, and quality materials used in their timepieces, Seiko watches are worth every penny spent purchasing them.
Though they may not rival luxury watches like Patek Phillipe and Rolex, their timepieces still perform pretty well.
Are Seiko watches waterproof?
Seiko watches are designed to be water-resistant.
As a matter of fact, some of their watches are resistant up to 200 meters.
How expensive are Seiko watches?
Seiko watches are some of the most affordable timepieces you’ll ever come across when it comes to pricing.
So for people looking for a decent wristwatch that doesn’t cost a fortune, you’ll not go wrong to get one of Seiko’s famous timepieces.
Conclusion
The SKX009 and SKX175 are some of Seiko’s most fascinating watches.
From their unique dials to their sophisticated cases to their brilliant movement and more, these watches will leave any Seiko lover super impressed.
Plus, they will not cost you a fortune.
