Seiko Divers - Where do I start ?

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Andyshall
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Seiko Divers - Where do I start ?

Post by Andyshall »

As I took a picture of my Seiko’s the other day for Bernie’s thread it occurred to me that I have never owned a Seiko Divers watch and I have to say that I really do not know why. I have never even tried one on. I have owned, and still do, many dive watches and I swim two or three times a week (not diving but I do like to time myself !) so I think it’s time to rectify the situation.
Where do I start though? I have been having a bit of a look and it seems to be a minefield of nicknames and giant sized models that would suit Bluto. I know there will be experts on here so I am asking the good people of the forum to advise me on what models you consider to be a good entry point, where I should be looking to buy from or even what the nicknames mean ?
What I do know is; I don’t want anything bigger than about 42mm, probably an auto, possibly something with some colour and I do like the cushion case styles. I am not bothered about it being new and price wise, about £300 but I could go higher.
I know this sounds ridiculous as Seiko are such a popular brand but I know next to nothing about this really popular sub group so any suggestions and pics would be really appreciated.
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Re: Seiko Divers - Where do I start ?

Post by AdDaMan »

Only one place to start. The SKX007
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Re: Seiko Divers - Where do I start ?

Post by STodd »

AdDaMan wrote:Only one place to start. The SKX007
Or SKX009 if you want a Pepsi bezel...
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Re: Seiko Divers - Where do I start ?

Post by AdDaMan »

STodd wrote:
AdDaMan wrote:Only one place to start. The SKX007
Or SKX009 if you want a Pepsi bezel...
I was going to add that. Or an SKX013 if you want a smaller size.
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Re: Seiko Divers - Where do I start ?

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

.. . . or SKX013 for the 38mm version.

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Re: Seiko Divers - Where do I start ?

Post by what-time-is-it »

I'd start off with a 'Monster', assuming you like the look. Lots of different variants, hacking movement and always popular secondhand. Examples include Srp307, 309, 313. Wear smaller than they look imho. I have a black/gold version which may make an appearance in sales corner as I've also snagged a blue one recently.
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Re: Seiko Divers - Where do I start ?

Post by gwells »

it's a minefield of possibilities. i went off the standard reservation and my one seiko diver is the snzh51. i think if i went for something (new) now, a little further into my journey, i would look at either one of the new turtles or the padi (the padi is on my mid-term radar as a possibility). that's presuming you're looking in the affordable range and not thinking upscale, like a grand seiko. :)
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Re: Seiko Divers - Where do I start ?

Post by what-time-is-it »

Turtle is 45mm from memory.
Snzf15 & 17 are also worth a look and cheap. 100m water resistance so not a true diver model but 41mm I think.
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Re: Seiko Divers - Where do I start ?

Post by Thermexman »

what-time-is-it wrote:Turtle is 45mm from memory.
Snzf15 & 17 are also worth a look and cheap. 100m water resistance so not a true diver model but 41mm I think.
Turtles are 45mm. Lovely though.
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Re: Seiko Divers - Where do I start ?

Post by FloridaPhil »

I'm going to be selling my SKX009 I think. Not getting enough wrist time. Message me if you are interested and we can discuss.

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Re: Seiko Divers - Where do I start ?

Post by coldwarkid »

Thermexman wrote:
what-time-is-it wrote:Turtle is 45mm from memory.
Snzf15 & 17 are also worth a look and cheap. 100m water resistance so not a true diver model but 41mm I think.
Turtles are 45mm. Lovely though.
Yep. I love mine.

I never thought I'd get on with such a large watch but it sits perfectly on my 7 inch wrist.

I got mine from Creation when they were on offer and all in, including tax, it cost just over £200. Amazing value.
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Re: Seiko Divers - Where do I start ?

Post by tempus fugit »

AdDaMan wrote:Only one place to start. The SKX007
Or skip the Passat and go straight for the 3 Series Beemer. SRP77x

Better movement, better finish, hacking. For an extra £80.
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Re: Seiko Divers - Where do I start ?

Post by tempus fugit »

Thermexman wrote:
what-time-is-it wrote:Turtle is 45mm from memory.
Snzf15 & 17 are also worth a look and cheap. 100m water resistance so not a true diver model but 41mm I think.
Turtles are 45mm. Lovely though.
You're right, but imo Turtle wears way smaller than 45mm. Low profile, short lugs, wears more like 42-43mm. If your wrist is 7" or above, it'll wear fine. I have 2 now. Developing an addiction (an addiction on a watch addiction, it's like Inception meets Horology).
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Re: Seiko Divers - Where do I start ?

Post by srs1286 »

My vote would be SPB051/053. Have heard it’s expensive for what it is, but the look is on point. I think someone around here just received one.

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Re: Seiko Divers - Where do I start ?

Post by tempus fugit »

srs1286 wrote:My vote would be SPB051. Have heard it’s expensive for what it is, but the look is on point. I think someone around here just received one.

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I don't know the watch but totally agree that it looks gorgeous.
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