The history of the Seiko Diving watches goes back to 1965 with their very first model. From then on Seiko have lead the way in innovation, design technology, materials and style. Here we look at the origins of the Seiko SKX009 and Seiko SKX007 dive watches.
Introduction to the SKX007 and SKX009
Of all the Seiko dive watches that have ever graced our wrists & oceans – the Seiko SKX007 and Seiko SKX009 are two of the most popular. This short history of the Seiko SKX009 Pepsi and SKX007 tells us they were first introduced in 1996. At the time no one could have predicted their success and longevity. All models incorporated the Seiko 7S26 automatic (self winding) movement. Older models can be identified by their 150m water resistancy, newer ones were certified to a depth of 200m.
Quality since 1965 – the DNA of diver’s watches
The quality of the SKX models was determined in their DNA (2). Inheriting important features from some very well respected predecesors like the Seiko 6309 and the Seiko 6105 – all-time classic dive watches. If you’re new to these classic diver watches please browse through our short history of the Seiko Dive Watch – starting with the Seiko 6217-8000 in 1965 and the 6105-8000 in 1968
Seiko SKX009 (aka Seiko Pepsi)
The most popular of all the Seiko dive watches is the Seiko SKX009 shown below. Made famous by it then unique, now often copied “Pepsi” red and blue dive time bezel. Available with either a steel bracelet or the more popular rubber divers strap – shown below. When looking to buy a pre-owned model it is useful to know the age of the watch. You can use this Seiko Retro watch age guide to find out the year of manufacture from the serial number. Visitors looking at this model may also be interested in the ALL BLACK version – the Seiko SKX007 – same watch but black dial and black bezel.
Seiko SKX009 Pepsi Dive Watches on eBay today
Discover a collection of Seiko SKX009 Pepsi dive watches on eBay today. Click the banner below to browse the latest offerings. This is a direct link to eBay with filtered results to show only the best Seiko SKX009 diver’s watches on the market today.
ISO 6425 – certified 200m water resistancy
The Seiko SKX009 has proved popular over decades for many reasons. It’s a proper diver’s watch with an ISO 6425 rating to 200m. It features a uni-directional bezel and protected / recessed screw in crown. Most popular are the versions with the black rubber diving strap as shown in these images.
21 Jewels – self winding – non-hacking – quick set date
It is easy to recognise this very popular automatic divers watch by it’s distinctive red & blue bezel. We often refer to this model as the Seiko Pepsi. Introduced in 1996 both the SKX009 and it’s all black sibling, the Seiko SKX007 incorporated Seiko’s Calibre 7S26 automatic movement. A reliable mechanical movement featuring 21 jewels – running at 21,600bph. The 7S26 is non-hacking with quick set day & date.
- NON-HACKING means you cannot STOP the seconds hand. More recent movements can be STOPPED (HACKED) to allow for more accurate time setting.
- QUICK SET DATE was a massive jump forward in watch technology. To set the date on a traditional movement the owner had to turn the hands through EVERY DAY to reach the desired date. With a QUICK SET date the day and date can be set by pulling the crown HALFWAY out and rotating it. One way normally does DATE the other direction adjusts the DAY of the week. NOTE – be sure to do this with the time set between 8am and 8pm. It is possible to DAMAGE the movement if the quick set date is adjusted when the time is near the AUTOMATIC date change hours – eg 10pm and 2am.
If ever there was a Seiko dive watch for the people – this is it. A Seiko Diving Watch like those sold here should provide years of trouble free timekeeping and water resistancy. However, it’s a good idea to get it serviced every 4 or 5 years – especially if using it for scuba diving.
Good examples of SKX009 sold recently on eBay
What to pay for a pre-owned J version – Made in Japan
Prices for this model vary greatly and depend on several factors. Condition and provenance aside – the next biggest influencer on price is specific model. Expect to pay more for the JDM versions – originally produced for the Japanese Domestic Market. These models are the J1 and J2 versions with “Made in Japan” on the watch’s dial. For the purist collector of Seiko Divers Watches it has to be a an SKX009J(1 or 2). Unfortunately, that means you can expect to pay well over £250 to purchase one. Pristine models sell for £350 on a good day (for the seller that is..).
A cheaper option – the K version – made in Malaysia
However, the average watch fan may be happy with an 009K version. These versions produced “elsewhere” are often considerably cheaper, sometimes selling for less than £150. The K1 and K2 assembled in factories outside of Japan (Malaysia maybe). Remember to keep an eye out for modified versions – people sometimes add an aftermarket dial signed “Made in Japan” to an 009K and pass it off as an 009J
SKX009 Specification
- SKX009J/J1/J2 – JDM versions with “Made in Japan” between 5 and 7 o’clock
- SKX009K/K1/K2 – non-Japanese models. Possibly made in Malaysia. Expect to pay LESS for these models
- Movement: Seiko 7S26 Automatic (self-winding, non-hacking, quickset date)
- Case: Brushed stainless steel, 43mm x 13mm
- Lug width: 22mm
- Luminescence: Lumibrite
- Dial: Black
- Bezel: Black
- Lens: Hardlex Mineral
- Back: Engraved with screw-in back
- Band: Stainless Steel with clasp or Rubber divers
- Water Resistant: 200 meters
- Warranty: 2 Years (at time of sale)
Seiko SKX009 Dive Watch Full Video Review
Watch Addiction – they say the SKX009 is simply the BEST WATCH UNDER $200!
YouTube
Seiko SKX007
Slightly less popular than the Seiko SKX009 is the Seiko SKX007. Mechanically identical – the only difference in the two models is the watch dial and bezel colour. They are both powered by the super reliable Seiko 7S26 automatic movement. Everything technical mentioned above regarding the SKX009 also relates to the SKX007
The SKX007 has an all black watch face and an all black dial – with no differentiation at the 20 minute mark (something designed to help control ascent time when returning to the surface).
Seiko SKX007 Dive Watches on eBay today
Discover a collection of Seiko SKX007 dive watches on eBay today. Click the banner below to browse the latest offerings. This is a direct link to eBay with filtered results to show only the best Seiko SKX007 diver’s watches on the market today.
What to pay for a SKX007J or SKX007K
Collectors are always looking for the elusive untouched, non-modified, all original Japanese model. Prices for a pre-owned SKX007 vary widely. It’s what comes after the “7” that will determine the price. Expect to pay in the region of £150 to £250 for a nice example of a Seiko SKX007K1 or SKX007K2. The “K” versions were produced in Malaysia. Sellers may ask as much as 50% more for a genuine SKX007J model – that’s a watch made in Japan aka JDM versions.
For an authentic pre-owned SKX007J expect to pay between £200 and £350 depending on specific condition. Shoppers may notice SKX007J1 and SKX007J2 variants – what’s the difference? Well, as far as we are aware it’s simply the J1 versions are mounted on the Seiko Z22 black rubber divers strap, the J2 variant comes on the Jubiless bracelet (please tell us if we’re wrong)
Gallery of recent SKX007 sold on eBay
What’s with all the SKX “mods”
Keep an eye out for undeclared modified versions. A seller may sometimes install a “Made in Japan” aftermarket dial to an SKX007K and sell it as an SKX007J – that’s fine as long as the buyer is fully aware of what they are actually purchasing
SKX007 Specification
- SKX007J/J1/J2 – JDM versions with “Made in Japan” between 5 and 7 o’clock. Expect to pay 25-50% more for these Japanese models.
- SKX007K/K1/K2 – non-Japanese models. Possibly made in Malaysia.
- Movement: Seiko Calibre 7S26 Automatic (self-winding, non-hacking, quickset date)
- Case: Brushed stainless steel, 43mm x 13mm
- Lug width: 22mm
- Luminescence: Lumibrite
- Dial: Black
- Bezel: Black
- Lens: Hardlex Mineral
- Back: Engraved with screw-in back
- Band: Stainless Steel with clasp or Rubber divers
- Water Resistant: 200 meters
- Warranty: 2 Years (at time of sale)
Water Resistancy – 150m or 200m
The original SKX dive watches were rated to 150m. Latter versions have an improved rating of 200m. But remember – if you plan to scuba-dive with a modified SKX 007/009 – it MUST have been pressure tested. If in doubt ask for a water-resistancy report from the seller or at least written assurance it will not leak.
Video Review – One Year with my Seiko SKX007
Boosty – I absolutely love this watch and it is my go to for many occasions…..
YouTube
A tribute to the SKX009 & SKX007
For fans of the original Seiko models – we have commissioned our own tribute to this classic diver’s watch. The ChronoDivers CD200SKX is a 200 meter water resistant dive watch powered by the reliable Seiko (SSI) NH35A automatic self winding movement. There is no doubting the DNA of this design – it’s a true Seiko SKX homage – right down to the movement inside. With 24 jewels, sapphire crystal, silicone watch strap, screw-down crown, hacking (start / stop time) our version offers excellent value for money. Currently we have this timepiece available with 4 different bezels including the all black SKX007 and the red & blue Pepsi version. >> ChronoDivers 200m diver’s watch here
More popular Seiko Diver’s watches
The Seiko SKX range featured above is just one of several classic Seiko Divers watches with their own quirky nicknames. Others classic dive watches from Seiko to consider include:
Seiko Monster
The Seiko Monster dive watch is so called because, allegedly, the shape of the bezel was inspired by a shark’s teeth. The Monster has the most aggressive design making it instantly recognizable. First introduced in 2000 in Japan with the Seiko SKX779 (black dial) and Seiko SKX781 (orange dial). More about the Seiko Monster dive watch.
Seiko Turtle
The Seiko Turtle is an iconic diver’s watch made famous by the Apocalypse Now movie. From the ever popular range of Seiko dive watches this is the one with the smooth, cushion like case. Initially released in 1976, the original Turtle (Seiko 6306 & 6309) was in production from 1976 until 1988. More about the Seiko Turtle dive watch
Seiko Tuna
Of all the Seiko Diving watches the Tuna is the first choice for many professional divers. It’s ongoing popularity lies in the depth this watch can withstand. The Seiko Tuna range (that’s a nickname – not an official Seiko nomenclature) is a PROFESSIONAL diver’s watch capable of withstanding the pressure from depths of 1000 metres. More about the Seiko Tuna dive watch.
Modified SKX diver’s watches
There are many used versions online with non-genuine bezel, watch glass, straps and even hands. These often sell for quite a lot less than a genuine condition model. They might look great – but are they as good as the non-modified genuine models?
The most popular components changed on the SKX009 / SKX007 modifications are hands, hour markers, watch glass, bezel and dial. You can find SKX dive watches that have been modified to look like Rolex, Tudor, Omega and many other luxury dive watch brands.
SKX Mods Video
Lume Shot – Seiko “Stargate” dial with Sumo hands & another featuring an SKX 171 dial
YouTube
If you found this page via a search engine – please visit our generic Seiko Divers watch history page for more information on all Seiko Prospex Divers watches since 1965. There’s general information on all iconic styles from Japan’s leading manufacturer of quality dive watches.
Further Reading
References & Watch Sales links
- (1) Seiko Watches
- (2) MonoChrome – SKX007 and family
- (3) Retro Seiko – how old is your watch