Seiko diver - SKX007 or SKX031 ?

[wong]

Got an Orange Monster several months ago, but the itch has returned.

Want a Classic diver - black bezel, black / dark face
Apart from the 007 and 031, which other models should I consider. There are so many Seiko models around, its all a bit confusing. I'll stick to automatics for the time being.

007 - full size, jubilee bracelet not to everyones tase - easily replaced.
031 - nicer dial ( metal surrounding markers) even cheaper folded metal bracelet.

Which of the above seems better quality?

[AB]

Definitely prefer the 007. Have one myself.

Look at the 009 for something a bit different but 007 still has it for me.

[CommanderJameson]

Hmm.

This SKX007:



or this SKX031:



I prefer the face of the former and the bracelet of the latter.

The SKX007 is the proper diving watch, of the two.

[CommanderJameson]

Bracelet woes, solved:

[ShadownINja]

Prefer the size of the 007 but don't like the tictacs.

Also the SKX031 batons have aluminium borders not white paint.

Edited by ShadownINja on Wednesday 24th June 18:48

[StevenJJ]

I have the SKX031 with 'Pepsi' bezel and blue face, the model number is slightly different.

The bracelet is terrible, I replaced with a 'NATO'. In the end the watch bailed after a couple of years of daily use and runs 15%+ fast. I'd discount the 031 on the basis of the rattly bracelet and lighter build, if you don't really like the 007 maybe neither is for you...

[ShadownINja]

wong said:

the itch has returned.

Given your location, search out a Kronos Rhula automatic.



Made by... wait for it... Ray Wong (who is into modding Seikos I think). ETA 2824-2 movement, I've been told.

Edited by ShadownINja on Wednesday 24th June 18:59

[GC8]

Japanese SKX007 on an Oyster (similar to that seen in the second picture), rather than a Jubilee as seen on the Malaysian one in the first picture.

[350GT]

I have a 31, and have battered the hell out of it at work... I don't dive, but can attest to the fact that it is a tought little fecker. The only issue for a diver would be the fact that the bezel is bi-directional, not uni.

[wong]

Does anyone have both ? - Which is better quality - nicer bezel action, nicer finish ? better made, look better after a few years wear, etc. It seems that the 200m rated 007 may be better than the 100m rated 031.
I think I'll end up saving up for both.

My thoughts - both bracelets are not very good quality . I'll get a solid oyster , and the rubber strap and a few Nato's anyway. Both use the same mech.

The metal surrounding the markers and day/date window looks a bit classier on the 031 , But , the lettering on the 009 seems more 'professional'.

Now I've got modified watches to consider as well. Do people think a bright red second hand would work well ? ( especially on the 007 - to match the red lettering) Also , the Mercedes Benz and sword , hour and minute hands - or too Rolex?

Decisions, decisions.

[bigmac146]

I have a the SK007 as my work/daily basher, got it off the bay for about £65, came witha rubber seiko strap and i have to say itquickly went up to the top of the list of my watches to wear.

i recommend

[johnbaz]

how about going vintage?

6309 diver from the 70's


or a 7002-700j divers watch..


or a 7002 (black bezel)


possibly a 6139 automatic 30 minute chronograph?




i love me oldies


john

[dutchgray]

I don't own either but I prefer the look 007 and its crown position but the dial of the 31 is nicer though
Another option is to look into Citizen divers, there are a few automatic models and they are generally cheaper than the Seiko ones.