Seiko 5 Sports SKX seriesvsZelos Swordfish 3

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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 5 Sports SKX series at true scale

5 Sports SKX series

Zelos Swordfish 3 at true scale

Swordfish 3

Diameter

38mm

40mm

Lug-to-Lug

44.2mm

n/a

Thickness

12.1mm

12mm

lowest

Water Resistance

100m

200m

highest

Power Reserve

41h

n/a

MSRP

$350

lowest

$399

Movement

Seiko 4R36

Seiko NH35

Case

5 specs
Diameter
38mm
40mm
Thickness
12.1mm
12mm
Lug-to-Lug
44.2mm
n/a
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
100m
200m

Crystal & Dial

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

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Seiko 4R36
Seiko NH35
Power Reserve
41h
0h
Jewels
24
0

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$350
$399
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Reviews

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

Seiko 5 Sports SKX series

The Seiko 5 Sports SKX series is widely praised as an excellent value gateway watch, with owners and reviewers highlighting its solid build and powerful lume. The 22mm bracelet is noted for its comfort, and the watch offers numerous style options. Some owners find the original SKX models heavy and bulky, while others appreciate their ruggedness and iconic dive watch design. The Seiko 5 Sports SKX series offers an upgraded movement with hacking and hand-winding, and standard spring bars for easier strap changes. However, it lacks the screw-down crown and ISO certification of the original SKX, leading some to consider it less of a tool watch. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Seiko 5 Sports SKX series highly for its value and modern features, despite some preferring the tool watch capabilities of its predecessor.

Zelos Swordfish 3

Owners widely praise the Zelos Swordfish 3 for its strong value, with reviewers highlighting the textured sandwich dial, Seiko NH35 movement, 200m water resistance, and surprisingly good bracelet. The titanium construction is noted for making the watch compact and comfortable, weighing 117g. Some owners find the dimensions fine on paper and based on experience with other models. One reviewer flagged that legibility can suffer in bright light and bracelet edges are sharp. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Zelos Swordfish 3 highly for its incredible value and fun design, particularly with unique dial options.