Side by side

Seestern Seestern S434 V2vsSeiko 5 Sports SKX series

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

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What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Seestern S434 V2

The case finishing is praised as surprisingly good for the price point. The bracelet's perceived lack of refinement is noted as a potential drawback. Reviewers disagree on whether it is the absolute best dive watch under $500.

Seiko 5 Sports SKX series

The Seiko 5 Sports SKX series is widely praised for its value, robust build, and powerful lume, with owners appreciating its comfortable bracelets and improved movement featuring hacking and hand-winding. Some owners find the original SKX models heavy and bulky, while others praise their ruggedness and iconic dive watch design. Reviewers note the 38mm models offer great value at around €350 and are exemplary gateway watches, though their 100m water resistance without a screw-down crown makes them unsuitable for diving. The Seiko 5 Sports SKX series is seen as a decent watch, especially under £200, but lacks the tool watch capabilities of the original SKX, missing a screw-down crown, bezel pip, and ISO rating. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Seiko 5 Sports SKX series well for its blend of value, improved movement, and tool-watch aesthetic, despite some missing dive certifications.

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Seestern S434 V239.5mm
5 Sports SKX series38mm
Power Reserve
Seestern S434 V241h
5 Sports SKX series41h
Water Resistance
Seestern S434 V2200m
5 Sports SKX series100m
MSRP
Seestern S434 V2$200
5 Sports SKX series$350

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Diver
Diameter
39.5mm
38mm
Thickness
12mm
12.1mm
Lug-to-Lug
0mm
44.2mm
Lug Width
0mm
20mm
Water Resistance
200m
100m

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
Crystal
Sapphire
Hardlex
Dial Color
Lume
None
LumiBrite on hands and index(es)

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Seiko NH35
Seiko 4R36
Jewels
21
24

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$200
$350
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