The SKX173 is a pretty popular watch. Because of this, you might have heard a few things about it, and want to check it out.
Below, we’ll be running through everything you should know about the device. With that done and dusted, we’ll be looking at some alternatives as well. So, keep reading.
Table of Contents
Before we dive into the review, it’s only fair that we look at the SKX173’s features. So here they are:
No surprise, the SKX173 comes with the JS26 movement. Although it works fine, we’re not too happy that it doesn’t have a winding or hacking feature. This is disappointing as they’re the norm, especially at this price point.
Since it’s an A JS26 automatic watch, the SKX173 has a 40-hour power reserve. Yes, this is great, but it isn’t something we haven’t seen before.
The watch has a day and date calendar feature. This helps you stay on top of your busy schedule. That being said, the calendar is gob-smack on the 3 o’clock mark. To some, this may be a pain.
Due to its mechanism, Seiko noted that it has an accuracy of +/- 15 seconds a day.
The SKX173 is a very good dive watch. If you’re an avid swimmer, you’ll love having it by your side. Because of this, you may be wondering how deep it can go.
Well:
Expect the watch to last 660 feet (200 m) underwater.
Seiko has noted that it is ISO certified. It holds up to the ISO 6425 standard. Yes, this makes it a legitimate dive watch but this feature can be seen in a lot of Seiko’s watches, especially the mid-upper range ones.
Of course, its bezel is fit for diving as well. It’s unidirectional and isn’t stiff. It’s made from stainless steel too. Other than that, there’s nothing too special about it.
Seiko’s favorite Hardlex crystal is used in the SKX173’s display. If you’re not aware, Hardlex is Seiko’s version of a mineral window.
Although it’s pretty tough, it’s not the toughest material out there. After a few drops, it’ll do well, so don’t worry.
The dial says it’s black but it’s not. It looks like a deep grey. Its monotone body matches the black of the strap. However, there is a pop of colour with the bright orange ‘Divers 200 m’ at the bottom.
There are no Arabic numerals. Instead, there are rectangular markings. Personally, I’m not a fan of this shape.
The markings are on the larger side and so are the arrows. This makes it easier for you to read the time.
Being bigger, it allows for more LumiBrite paint to be scattered across.
Now:
The markings and hands are white (with a green hue) so they pop against the blackness of the watch, so telling time is even easier.
Like most watches we’ve reviewed, the SKX173 has a case made from stainless steel. It isn’t too big as it is 1.69 inches (43 mm) across. The fact that it’s 0.55 inches (14 mm) thick adds to its bulk.
Although you may be a fan of this, some are not, as the watch can feel hefty (and not in a premium way).
The strap is polyurethane rubber. This material is excellent for diving and keeps water corrosion away. Not just this, but it’s insanely easy to maintain.
Some people do not agree with this as many believe stainless steel is a far superior material. It does much of the things a rubber strap does while looking classier, after all.
The rubber strap comes with a buckle clasp. This is a classic but can be hard to work with at times, especially if you’re in a hurry.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Many say that the SKX013 is similar to the SKX007. Because of this, it works as a good counterpart to the SKX173.
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.
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.
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.
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 watch 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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
In conclusion, it’s pretty clear that the SKX173 is an amazing dive watch. That being said, many of its competitors offer the same features it does, especially the:
So, you might be more interested in them.
