Seiko SKX013, small diver

5/5 (two)

Today we will analyze the Seiko SKX013, which is a reduced version of the legendary SKX007, but has the same characteristics of durability and performance.

In fact, the SKX013 with a diameter of 38 mm is undoubtedly rare among bulky diving watches in general.

This makes it the perfect diver for the thinnest wrists, without neglecting the successful design of the SKX series and strength specifications.

Therefore, in this case we will talk about an automatic mechanical watch, which is waterproof up to 200 meters and has an ISO certificate of resistance.

In this articulo, we will thoroughly analyze each of the features of the Seiko SKX013 and reveal its version and some of the alternatives that currently exist.

✚ Seiko SKX013 specifications

brand	Seiko
model	SKX013
Glass type	Hardlex
material	316L stainless steel
diameter	38 mm
thickness	13 mm
Belt width	20 mm
Length from carpet to carpet	43 mm
Stroke	Japanese automatic
Caliber	Seiko 7S26
Power reserve	41 hours
accuracy	-1 15 / + 25 seconds per day
waterproof	200 meters (ISO 6425)
Frame	One-way rotation 120 clicks
complications	Date and day of the week with quick settings
Other features	Screwed crown and screwed back

✚ History of the Seiko SKX series

The origins of the Seiko SKX013 and other Seiko SKX models date back to 1965, when the brand launched its first mechanical diver 6217.

Also known as the 62MAS by enthusiasts, the 6217 was a revolutionary watch at the time that could dive up to 150 meters without damage.

Shortly afterwards, the 6105 arrived. It was an equally durable, reliable, and extremely affordable watch that became habitual with American soldiers during the Vietnam War.

In fact, one of his turtle-like versions is the famous Seiko, worn by Lieutenant Benjamin L. Willard, played by Martin Sheen in Apocalypse Now.

* This model is currently discontinued, but there are micro-brands like Steeldive that pay homage to it with a very afín design.

The 6105 lays the foundation for a classic, durable, functional and inexpensive beating watch and begins a long history of sports and diving watches for all spectators.

Thus, after many variations in 1988, Seiko released the 7002. This is the first non-professional diver to reach 200 meters water resistance in the latest version.

In 1996, the 7002 was replaced by the SKX007. SKX007 is a watch that retains the same design, but adds an ISO certificate of durability and an improved 7S26 caliber.

Then the SKX series became a wide variety of models such as the Seiko SKX013 and SKX009, but the design was slightly changed.

Today, the SKX series has been discontinued in favor of a more modern range such as the Prospex series, but it's never too late to find some of these watches at an affordable price.

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✚ Design and function

The Seiko SKX013 is basically a small SKX007. This means that they have the same design, the same functionality and the same mechanics.

Despite its size, the SKX013 feels as heavy and sturdy as any other SKX. Remember that these are certified watches that perro withstand the rigors of underwater work.

In especial, the characteristics that make it a first-class diver are:

➤ Case, frame, crown

We handle small but slightly thick boxes with a diameter of 38 mm and a depth of 13 mm. This is common in diving watches designed to withstand high pressure.

Fortunately, Seiko cleverly solves this detail with its flat ears and beautiful curved shape, which simplifies the polished steel profile of the watch.

The frame also contributes thanks to the polished surface with its beveled squares. Clic 120 times in one direction with the marker per minute to calculate the exact dive time.

The crown is at 4 o'clock and is screwed into the box to prevent leaks. It also has sides on both sides to protect it from bumps.

The crown is not in the classic central position, which not only facilitates the movement of your wrist, but also makes the watch look different.

Finally, the back cover of the Seiko SKX013 is blind, screwed into the box and engraved with the large Kanagawa waves typical of Seiko's large divers.

Blind bottoms do not espectáculo movement as a transparent background on the display, but instead provide greater resistance to water pressure.

➤ Crystal and dial

Seiko SKX013 emplees Hardlex glass, a branded reinforced mineral glass that cómputos strength and flexibility.

It also has sloping edges to counteract the expansion or deformation caused by water pressure.

As for the dial, the differences are insignificant compared to other SKXs, but there are some changes that make them easier to distinguish.

The most important is the needle, which is shortened to match its proportions to the new size of the box. Minutes and seconds also get a new design for this one model.

The time markers are just as large and full of fluorescent lights to provide excellent visibility in any situation.

There is also a large amount of fluorescent paint on the upper hand indicators and the frame.

Note that the SKX013 does not have an all-black dial, but a dark gray tone that contrasts with the black panel, giving it some depth.

➤ Bracelets and clasps

The Seiko SKX013 perro be found on a jubilee-style stainless steel bracelet or a more sporty black rubber strap.

The Jubilee bracelet obviously raises the price of the watch, but also gives it a more durable and elegant look.

It is also finished with a clasp with a protective closure and there are some tweaks to match the diameter of your wrist.

➤ Movement

Like all SKX watches, the Seiko SKX013 works thanks to the 7S26 caliber, an automatic mechanical movement known for its durability.

The Seiko 7S26 is known as a combat movement because it is durable and perro be serviced for many years without the necessary maintenance, which is a desirable feature of diving watches.

Technically 21,600 Caliber 21 jewelry that beats with vph and perro store more than 40 hours of energy.

It also quickly adjusts and includes the complexity of the date and day of the week, but there are no seconds to manually wind or stop.

The lack of manual winding of the 7S26 may be a weakness, but the two-way automatic charging system of Seiko (magic lever) is so effective that you will not miss this detail.

In terms of accuracy, Seiko has equipo a range of -15 to +25 seconds per day on the 7S26.

The range of accuracy equipo by the manufacturer is more a way of classifying movements than the data itself, as in reality everything is more accurate than usual.

For example, for the 7S26, the most common is to find an accuracy close to + -10 seconds per day.

In short, in terms of endurance and maintenance, we are faced with movements that depend on the structural parameters of the diver.

Available versions

SKX013 has essentially no color combinations other than black. Only rubber or steel straps cánido be selected.

SKX013 Pepsi (blue dial and frame) not blue and red) or other colors. However, the frame is easy to replace and comes in other colors.

Here you perro see only the two available versions.

➤ Seiko SKX013K1

Lightweight, sporty and slightly cheaper model rubber than rubber or rubber.

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➤ Seiko SKX013K2

The nomenclature refers to a model with a jubilee type of stainless steel bracelet, which is quite expensive, heavy and elegant.

✚ Replacement of Seiko SKX013

To date, it is still very difficult to find a diving watch with the same dimensions and characteristics as SKX013, but some alternatives perro be considered.

➤ Invicta8926obPro Diver

The Invicta 8926ob with a diameter of 40 mm is one of the lightest divers we cánido find today.

It may not be as powerful as the SKX013, but it has a reliable NH35 movement made by Seiko, and is quite cheap.

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➤ Citizen NY0040

Another much cheaper option is the Citizen NY0040, which is waterproof at 200 meters and comes with an ISO certificate of stability.

It has a diameter of 42 mm, but is comfortable because most wrists are easy to see and the crown is at 8 o'clock.

There is also a Japanese self-winding movement Miyota (owned by Citizen), which is extremely reliable and has a good reputation among watchmakers.

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➤ Seiko SNKD99K1

With a diameter of 36 mm and the same movement, the Seiko SNKD99K1 is an economical alternative with a crown in the same position as the SKX013.

It may not be a typical diving watch, but it has a afín aesthetic and is so small that it is appreciated with a thin wrist.

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➤ Seiko SNK809

The fácil and functional design of the Seiko SNK809 is a military type watch, but has a diameter of 37 mm and a thickness of 11 mm.

It also works with the 7S26, so the crown is equipo to exactly the same position as the position 4 hours.

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Price and opinion

It is clear that SKX013 is unique and the quality of workmanship that Seiko prints on professional diving watches is reflected in its evaluation.

Unfortunately, this does not help with the price, as SKX models are no longer produced and sold less and less.

In addition, there are not many small professional divers, or at least they are not reasonably priced.

At the time of this writing, Amazon department stores still had some reasonably priced units that were not economical.

Last updated backlinks and images for 2021-07-12.