Seiko SKX009vsSeiko 5KX

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Seiko SKX009 at true scale

SKX009

Seiko 5KX at true scale

5KX

Diameter

42mm

42.5mm

Lug-to-Lug

46mm

46mm

Thickness

13.4mm

13.4mm

Water Resistance

200m

highest

100m

Power Reserve

40h

41h

highest

MSRP

n/a

$350

Movement

Seiko 7S26

Seiko 4R36

Case

2 specs
Diameter
42mm
42.5mm
Water Resistance
200m
100m

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
Dial Color
Black
Blue
Indices
Applied
n/a
Lume
Hands and markers
LumiBrite on hands and index(es)

Movement

4 specs
Caliber
Seiko 7S26
Seiko 4R36
Beat Rate
21,600 vph
0 vph
Power Reserve
40h
41h
Jewels
21
24

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
n/a
$350
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Reviews

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

Seiko SKX009

Owners widely praise the Seiko SKX009 as a desirable daily beater and a favored summer watch for its looks, comfort, and tool watch feel, with one owner noting an inexplicable quality that makes them choose it over more accurate watches. The unique Arabic date wheel and red strap are specific points of appreciation, and it was a forum favorite for first-time diver purchases. Some owners find the stock bezel insert "hideous" due to its second markers and Pepsi colors, while others chose the watch specifically for it. The Seiko SKX009 is noted as having been discontinued. On balance, owners rate the Seiko SKX009 highly for its enduring tool watch appeal and distinctive aesthetic, making it a beloved, albeit now discontinued, choice.

Seiko 5KX

Owners widely praise the Seiko 5KX for its strong lume and value, with many reporting accuracy within +/-5 to 10 seconds per day, though some experience +/-1 second. The 42.5mm case is noted to wear smaller, and the watch offers a comfortable feel for many. Some owners are split on the bracelet quality, with opinions ranging from "cheaper side" with hollow links to "flimsy-feeling" jubilee. A few quality control issues have been reported, including a failed bezel clickspring and misaligned components. The Seiko 5KX is seen by some as a worthy successor to the original SKX, offering an upgraded movement with hacking and hand-winding capabilities, though others lament the loss of ISO certification and a screw-down crown. Overall, owners rate the Seiko 5KX highly for its excellent lume and value proposition, making it a popular choice for everyday wear.

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