A lot has been said about the Seiko SKX. The verdict is usually something along the lines of: it will forever remain a classic, but its movement and crystal are subpar. I tend to agree.
I should know because I owned both the SKX009 (with the pepsi bezel) and the SKX007 (with the black bezel), the latter was even the more coveted "J" version with the "21 JEWELS" text on the six o'clock position.
I've since sold both, but not because of the movement and crystal. I've owned objectively worse watches that I ended up liking more. Objectivity is, after all, not the reason we are in the watch collecting hobby.
Instead, I've come to realize that the SKX simply does not meet my needs in terms of style (not utility). I used to think that the SKX was my GADA (go anywhere do anything) watch as it can be worn casually but also with more formal ensembles short of a full suit. Not to mention, a few years ago I obtained my diver's certification and thought that I had to have a diver's watch in my collection.
But I found myself reaching for the SKX only in very informal occasions. The second my shirt is adorned with any buttons (except for a henley, perhaps), I'd reach for something smaller, thinner, and, more importantly, something more refined — like a vintage Seamster or Presage.
Don't get me wrong, it will indeed forever be a classic. And the movement and crystal are fine for the price. But it's just not me.
That's just my preference, which I've only come to realize two SKXs later. And that's alright. It's not only part of the watch collecting journey, but also the journey of figuring out your personal style.
Written by: Nikki Krisadtyo