Megan
The Seiko Men’s Diver’s Automatic Stainless Steel watch is a battery-free Automatic that sells for the same price as wrist watches from other brand names that contain inferior materials, movement, and protection.
This Automatic diver’s watch contains a versatile arsenal of functions and features and offers high quality material and beautiful craftsmanship.
Brand: Seiko
Type: Men’s Diver’s Automatic Stainless Steel
Model: SKX009K2
Amazon: http://goo.gl/7oJK8X
Specs/Size/Design
This wrist watch by Seiko was made for men and comes in 42mm. The stainless steel case contains a Hardlex dial window, which is used in high end men’s watches in order to resist scratching. The Japanese Automatic movement uses the energy of the watch wearer’s arm to power the watch, which needs no battery or source of light to keep it ticking.
Water resistant up to 660 feet (200 meters), this watch is more than suitable for professional marine activities, surface water activities, and outdoor use. The five-link stainless steel band features a fold over clasp with safety closure to ensure the watch does not come off in the water or during activity.
The design is incredible attractive, featuring a two-tone unidirectional bezel, blue dial, and stainless steel band and case.
The dial contains a day/date window as well as luminous hands. The white markers make telling the time and utilizing the features of this watch simple as the markers pop off the blue dial background and the red-black tones of the bezel.
Tech Specs and Features:
- Type: Analog Diver’s Watch—Outdoor, Water-use
- Movement: Japanese Automatic
- Dial Shape: Round Face
- Dial Color: Blue
- Display Type: Analog
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Case Diameter: 42mm
- Case Thickness: 13mm
- Clasp: Fold-over clasp with Safety
- Model Year: 2014
- Band Width: 18mm
- Band Material: Stainless Steel
- Band Color: Silver
- Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
- Bezel Color: two-tone red and black, which markings
- Bezel function: Unidirectional
- Calendar (day and night) features
- Luminous Hands via LumiBrite
- Water Resistant Depth: 660 feet (200 meters)
Battery
The Seiko Men’s Diver’s Automatic Stainless Steel model wrist watch utilizes Japanese Automatic movement as the primary power source for this time piece.
The Good
This 2014 diver’s watch has a plethora of positive features and functions. From the rugged and stylish design which incorporates two-tone red/black bezel with eye-popping white markers, to the stainless steel band and casing and blue dial—this diver’s watch has it all in the aesthetics department. This is a watch that looks more like an entry level luxury watch rather than a common diver’s watch.
The classic round design ensures that the color features are not masked, and the bright, polished silver finish of the stainless steel only sets off the dial, bezel, and markers in a sophisticated and glamorous fashion.
The scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal is an excellent edition that keeps the dial protected against damage. Hardlex is created by Seiko specifically for their product line, and it is of excellent quality.
The rotating bezel contains makers to measure elapsed time, and the calendar at 3 o’clock displays both the day of the week and the date. This rugged watch is resilient and sophisticated in equal measure, and with water resistant features, this is a true diver’s watch.
The dial hands contain a light catching luminosity using LumiBrite, which is perfect for night time use or in-water usage.
The two-tone blue/red bezel accents the blue dial and stainless steel band perfectly—and being a Japanese Automatic, the power source of this wrist watch could not be better.
The Bad
The reviews for this Seiko model is overwhelmingly positive, however, there have been some concerns regarding the warranty. Many buyers who purchased this watch on Amazon stated that the warranty is not valid outside of Japan, so be sure to read up on the warranty restrictions before buying.
There were also a couple of complaints about the movement breaking—these complaints were sparse and one would think that some of them were due to lack of knowledge of Automatic watches—the wearer must use the motion of their own arm via kinetic energy, in order to power the movement. If the watch is not worn enough or not worn at all, the movement does stop after some time due to lack of power generation.
However, Swiss movements are generally better made than Japanese movements, so as Seiko is a Japanese company, this may be a fault based on movement preference among users.
Highlights
There are a few highlights of this Seiko Diver’s Automatic wrist watch: design, movement, and material use.
The design is absolutely beautiful and top-notch. The dual-tone bezel against the blue dial is the perfect center piece for the vibrant stainless steel band and case. The white markings make the entire design pop, and the overall look into one of utter class and sophistication. Even the winding side button is nearly at the 4 o’clock on the case of the watch, rather than at the typical 3 o’clock position, offering a sleek design that includes an off center look.
The Automatic movement is not one you typically find in a wrist watch of this caliber and price range. Typically, for under $200, you receive a quartz movement requiring a battery to power a watch of that price. However, this Seiko Diver’s watch is the exception to the rule—Seiko does not skimp on this impressive watch.
Lastly, the materials used are much better than comparable watches in this price range. It is of course, water resistant, but it also utilizes a strong stainless steel case, a stainless steel band with links, Hardlex material on the dial window for protection, and a matching stainless steel bezel.
Functionality
This is the perfect gentleman’s sports watch. Able to withstand water, outdoor environmental factors, and not needing batteries or solar charging, this Automatic keeps the time and date. With the LumiBrite function and the bright white markers, the dial is highly visible in different lighting.
This is an extremely trustworthy watch in terms of functionality. The bezel functions well, with its notched circumference. The time, day, and day of the week show with accuracy—and the time can easily be set using the side wheel button.
The texture of the band along with the overall style and design of this diver’s watch offers supreme functionality for the wearer, and with an Automatic movement, this watch is sure to last for years of rugged use.
Pricing
The price of the Seiko Diver’s Automatic Stainless Steel watch is excellent. With a list price of $350.00, you can buy this model on Amazon for only $194.99, straight from the manufacturer: http://goo.gl/7oJK8X.
This is an incredible price given the features offered, the design, materials used, and the Automatic movement.
Overall Impression
This wrist watch by Seiko is extremely impressive and to get this Diver’s Automatic watch for under $200.00 is the best deal you will find. This is a highly impressive wrist watch that oozes competency, reliability, visibility, and comes with excellent features.
My overall impression of the Seiko Diver’s Automatic Stainless Steel is that it is of excellent quality, the materials used are high end considering the retail price, and the movement is perfect for not just divers, but anyone looking to avoid batteries and opting instead, for a power source that is more ecological.
This 2014 model by Seiko is an excellent example of a wrist watch under $200 that absolutely blows the competition away. This is one of the best watches overall in this price range with excellent working features and a functionality that is envious.
Rating Comments
This Seiko Diver’s Automatic wrist watch is nearly perfect in all ways. Despite some preferences towards Swiss-made Automatic movements, Seiko’s Japanese Automatic movement gets the job done, but is more prone to possible errors and breakdowns than Swiss-made movements. However, this is rare and is more of a quality control problem than a problem inherent to the Seiko watch itself.
With excellent pricing, an attractive design, and perfect functionality and quality materials, this 9.9 out of 10 rating is well deserved in this stainless steel diver’s watch by Seiko.
