Seiko 2010 SKX013 Diver, 7S26

“​Still the Best Beater Diver for Small Wrists”

Why I Got It

My first automatic was meant for daily wear. At the time, it was an easy decision; low price point, striking design and rugged specs.

How it Wears

Due to their bezels, diver watches wear smaller than their size. For those with smaller (5.75″) wrists like mine, the SKX013, at 37mm, is close to perfect. If you have a wrist size of 6.5″ plus, I would recommend looking at the 42.5mm diameter 46mm lug-to-lug SKX007, which I feel offers better proportions.

With a thickness of 13mm and simple shape, the SKX013 looks and feels thick on the wrist, the most significant drawback for me.

The Jubilee bracelet wears just okay. Seiko has often faced criticism in this area, and it shows here as well. The bracelet looks nice enough but doesn’t offer anything particularly special. It feels just average in terms of comfort and quality. Though the watch looks great on a Nato strap, doing so makes it even more top-heavy.

For me, the Caliber 7S26 movement’s lack of hacking and hand-winding takes away from its overall enjoyment. Many of my vintage watches don’t have hacking, but they are generally hand-wound, allowing for gentle back-hacking (without fully winding the watch). Finally, being unregulated it can be quite inaccurate at -35 to +45 seconds.

However, despite these shortcomings, there are several key reasons why the SKX013 remains beloved by many.

Firstly, it’s a rugged timepiece that can take a beating. 200m ISO certification (assuming you’ve kept the rubber gasket refreshed) ensures it’s a reliable companion for even the most extreme water activities. Functionally, the dial boasts amazing lume and excellent legibility in all lighting conditions. The coloured weekend days and alternatively set Kanji characters add a touch of Japanese roots to the watch. Finally, my favourite feature is the bezel, which is easy to grip and offers a satisfying click when rotated.

What to Look For

Given their low retail price, many SKX watches were not created equal in the manufacturing process.

The “quality control” aspect to look for, is the alignment of the chapter ring with the dial markings. Although fixable (multiple how-to’s on the Internet), if you don’t see it as part of the charm, best off purchased aligned.

Interestingly enough, because they were so inexpensive and used as true beater watches, it is harder and harder to find these watches in good condition with a complete set (bracelet, rubber strap, box and papers).

Under the Loupe

The dial of the SKX013 is the star of the show. It beautifully executes all the practicals (easy to read, great lume, big hands, date window) expected of a dive tool-watch, but in a way that is defining of the “Seiko” design language. The bezel is unidirectional and has a unique charm with chamfered squares.

Hover over the adjacent picture, by apaullowatches, to see the details; notably his example has a misaligned chapter ring and elevated with a Super-J Louis bracelet.

Also worth mentioning, the stock jubilee bracelet is functional, with a signed clasp, but of poor quality. Spring bars, which connect the bracelet to the lugs, have no “shoulders/flanges”, and as a result, though secure, are very difficult to remove for bracelet and strap changes.

However, the SKX has a modding community, which not only addressed many of the issues in How It Wears, but showcases an incredible variety of customizations (Seikomods on Instagram). Below by order of complexity, some modifications to consider,

Spring Bars: Replace with FAT Double Shoulder Spring Bars.

Bracelet: the SKX looks great on a Nato, but if you like bracelets, try StrapCode or Uncle Straps. I am still looking for one with toolless adjustment.

Aluminum Bezel: Customize to your liking and consider one made of ceramic.

Movement & Spacer: the Seiko NH36 is a drop-in replacement, but since the crown needs to be changed, I’d also add switching to a signed crown and;

Slimmer Caseback: Swap in a slim CT273 Caseback * note it requires a new spacer included with the NH36 movement. For me, the lower 100m water resistance seems a worthwhile trade for a 1mm reduction in thickness.

Crystal: I like it as is, but can be upgraded to Sapphire.

Closing Thoughts & SK013 Valuation in 2023

The Seiko SKX013 is a compact diver deserving of its reverence given to versatility, durability, and appeal. Despite its dated 7S26 movement and slightly top-heavy feel, it remains a favourite among collectors due to its rugged charm, modding potential, and defining “Seiko” design language.

For enthusiasts seeking a blend of nostalgia and practicality, this watch shines in its category, but is it still a value proposition?

Since being discontinued in 2018, the SKX family has started rising in price. In addition, being a go-to, “tool watch” or “mod watch”, originals in collectible condition are becoming rare. During COVID prices climbed as high as $500 USD and nearing the end of 2023, dropped to $160 or $375 (with box and papers).

Looking at comparable (pricing and heritage) 37mm dive watches here were my top considerations,

• Citizen’s Quartz 36.5mm Promaster Diver – Priced at $375, similarly bold design, love the date window placement, better proportioned at 11.6mm thick, but it’s solar-powered quartz.
• Seiko Solar Powered Quartz 38.5mm Prospex SNE573 – $475, very similar aesthetic, 200m water resistance, 10.6mm thick. Personally, I wish there was a dash of colour and a better date window. Also solar-powered quartz.
• Seiko 38mm Sports 5 – At $325 the series has an upgraded 2011 Seiko 4R36 movement and 12.1mm thick. However, the design leans more “sporty” and with a lowered 100m water resistance, I’d argue, not a worthy alternative.

Despite modern alternatives, the SKX013 remains the better watch.

The only worthy successor, especially if we factor in specs and heritage, is the Black Bay 54; an unfair comparison given its modern in-house movement and entirely different price category.

Add in the intangibles, and the SKX013 remains a value proposition even today.

Years Later – Slimmer Caseback

As you can see from the condition of my SKX013, aside from my vacation, I barely wear the watch.

The key factors mentioned in How it Wears are that I found the watch top-heavy and the movement lacking. This was further compounded as I shortly after acquired a Tudor Black Bay 58.

I’ve yet to find any real enthusiast comparison photos and experiences with a slimmer caseback, so I’ve been hesitant to invest the time and effort.

Where to Buy

You may find occasional deals on eBay, and good examples on various forums. As of 2023, the prices range from $150 to $200 USD.

Rather than modding yourself, there are various sellers on Etsy (VintageWatchHeaven), Instagram and eBay that will pre-mod for you. However, if you care about authenticity, check if they start with a genuine SKX.