The 007 watch that James Bond never wore: Seiko SKX007

Is the Seiko SKX007 the watch that it's hyped up to be, or is it just another 'Submariner knock-off'?

I don’t often treat myself to a new watch, so when I do it’s a real treat and usually for a special occasion or ‘life goal’. However, this purchase was nothing more than a Covid lockdown eBay buy – and I don’t regret it whatsoever.

Sitting alongside my other watches, I like to think of this as a sort of project beater watch. This doesn’t mean I will chuck it off a building, drive over it with a tank, put a hideous purple bezel on it and stain the dial, but it does mean I want to explore some new things with it.

This is my ‘new’ three-year-old Seiko SKX007 and it might just be the best budget divers watch in existence. I am not a diver by any means but I like the thought of being able to wear this in the sea without having to worry about destroying it. Don’t have a go at me either because how many dive watch owners actually take theirs diving? A very small amount.

I found this one on eBay and paid a grand total of £285 for it which is cheaper than some and also more expensive than others. The reason it was a little more than some of the others is because it came with box and papers, a purchase tag, warranty card and is in mint condition.

With it looking so good, it allows me to create memories with it. I have no intentions of babying this watch, so the odd scratch isn’t going to bother me as I like a watch with added character and eventually some ‘sexy patina’.

It has a 41mm case, is 13.25mm tall and weighs about 80g (without the bracelet). It is fitted with the controversial 7S26 automatic mechanical movement which isn’t known for its accuracy but is as robust as Arnold Schwarzenegger in Predator.

This watch is ISO certified, meaning you can take it diving as much as you like, whenever you like. It also comes with a unidirectional bezel (120 clicks) and Hardlex crystal (which is harder than mineral yet softer than sapphire) to help with that diving.

My one comes on the beautiful jubilee bracelet and is the most comfortable watch I have ever worn. I even found it more comfortable than the Tudor Pelagos which is known for having a very nice fit. The middle links and ‘jingle jangle’ nature of the watch strap allow it to adapt to the shape of your wrist. It is splendid.

Since I bought it halfway through 2020, I have taken it in a swimming pool, in the shower, up a small Yorkshire hill, and tested out the impressive lume in a dark room (a.k.a my bathroom). It hasn’t let me down so far and I absolutely love it – and I urge anyone thinking about getting one to just do it.

If you want a dive watch, or even just a new watch that looks smart, is robust, affordable and will never fail you then buy a Seiko SKX007 or an SKX009 (with a Pepsi dial). I urge you to.