The SKX173 is a great watch. That being said, you should look at some alternatives before you come to a decision.
All in all, the SKX007 is pretty identical to the SKX173, making it a great alternative.
Movement
It’s an automatic watch as well. The SKX007 comes with the JS26 movement which is similar to the 173.
As it shares the same automatic mechanism, you can expect the 007 to not have a hand-winding feature. Nor does it come with hacking.
That being said, you have a day and date function that’s pretty handy. You can also expect a 40-hour power reserve.
It has 21 jewels in place which is similar to the SKX173.
Water Resistance
The SKX007 is a great dive watch. Like its counterpart, it has been ISO certified. Yes, it’s the same standard as the 173- ISO 6425.
You may be wondering how deep you can take it. Well, you can go up to 660 feet (200 m) with it on. It does this with the help of its rotating bezel and screwed-down crown.
Its bezel has a 120 click system, unlike the SKX173. This makes it easier for you to track yourself.
Dial
The display is somewhat similar to the 173’s. They both have the same ‘black’ hue that’s arguably a deep grey. Here, you’ll see large circular markings replacing Arabic numerals. Also, the calendar feature replaces the numeral at 3 o’clock.
The circular markings are quite big, possibly bigger than the 173’s. This is to make way for the LumiBrite paint.
You’ll notice that it has the Hardlex Crystal that Seiko loves so much.
Case
The case is made from stainless steel. The stainless steel translates to the bezel as well. Unlike the SKX173, the SKX007 comes in models that have either a rubber or stainless steel strap.
In terms of size, it’s 1.65 inches (42 mm) and comes at a 0.51 inches (13 mm) thickness.
Movement
The watch is automatic. It comes with Seiko’s favorite JS26 mechanism. Although we’ve grown to love it, it doesn’t come with a hand-winding or a hacking feature which is a shame.
Like the SKX007 and SKX173, it has a calendar function.
It also has a power reserve of 40 hours- for your information.
Water Resistance
In terms of water resistance, the watch is similar to its counterpart. It can go with you up to 660 feet (200 m) underwater.
Similar to the SKX007, it has a screwed back. This is also seen in the SKX173. Such a feature makes it very hard for water to seep in.
The fact that its crown is screwed and its bezel rotates make diving easier.
Of course, it’s ISO certified. Seiko hasn’t really mentioned up to what standard but it’s very likely that it’s also ISO 6425.
Dial
Like the SKX007, it has circular markings that replace Arabic numerals. Although the SKX173 does not have this, it replaces the numerals with rectangular lines.
The circles are also on the larger side, the same with its hands. This makes it easier for you to see, especially since it has LumiBrite all over it.
The display is made from Hardlex crystal and has the same ‘black’ colour we were talking about earlier.
Case
The case is made from stainless steel, which isn’t something that’s very exciting at this point. You’ll be interested to know that it’s only 1.49 inches (38 mm) across. However, it’s still close in thickness as it’s 0.511 inches (13 mm).
The stainless steel is also present in the watches strap. The stainless steel band however, can be replaced with rubber if you want.
Although it’s similar to the SKX173, it’s not as identical to the 2 SKX watches discussed above. So, how does it fair?
Movement
Okay, its movement is pretty similar. It’s an automatic watch that has the JS26 mechanism inside it.
If you haven’t guessed it yet, this means it doesn’t come with a self-winding or a hacking feature. It also has a 40-hour power reserve and a day-date function.
Water Resistance
In terms of water resistance, there is a difference between the two. The SKX173 can last up to 660 feet (200 m). Although impressive, the
Seiko Sea Urchin only lasts
330 feet (100 m).
Like most dive watches, it has a unidirectional bezel and screwed-down crown. What’s cool about its crown is that it’s been recessed. This makes it easier for you to use as you don’t have to worry about jamming the crown into your hand.
Unlike the 173, it has a pepsi bezel. This helps you track yourself easily as the red encompasses the time in the ‘danger’ zone.
Dial
Similar to the SKX173, it doesn’t have Arabic numerals. Instead, you’ll see the very familiar circular markings.
If you guess that the markings are on the larger side, you’re right.
The display has a Hardlex Crystal window.
Case
The case is stainless steel and shares the same dimensions as the 173. They’re both 1.69 inches (43 mm) across with a 0.55 inches (14 mm) thickness.
Yes, the strap is made from stainless steel but there are models of the Sea Urchin that comes with a rubber strap.
