Is the SKX013 still worth it in 2024? It certainly used to be, and dare I say, still is.
Thinking back almost a decade ago in the watch hobby, having skinny wrists sure was a pain. Back then, the trend surrounding dive watches was “bigger equals better”. After all, my first ever Seiko diver was the Orange Monster Gen 2 JDM in 43mm. Oh and then I bought a Bluemo with a case diameter of 45mm. Crazy considering my persona now, I know.
If you had skinny wrists back then, and was looking for a mid-size diver? Well you really only had one option, which was the Seiko SKX013. Back then, you could easily buy them brand new for less than USD$200. Nowadays, in 2024, they’re going for anywhere between $300 – $500. Depending on condition, and whether it’s a full set, it’s sometimes a decent deal and sometimes, not so much.
But either way, is the SKX013 still worth it in 2024? Absolutely.
1. The SKX013 is a Tank
Personally, tank is an understatement. See, even though a tank is tough, and will survive most “battles”. Tanks still require some level of care and maintenance. Well, the SKX013 doesn’t. This little 37mm ISO-rated 200m diver can take a beating, then take another, and be ready to go again for the next 10 years. Seriously, I’ve seen countless SKX013’s in the hands of collectors who absolutely abused this mid-sized diver. And they’ll be the first to tell you it’s had zero service, and have spent zero dollars on maintenance.
The SKX013 is accompanied by the legendary 7s26, aka the automatic movement with a service interval of at least 15 years. No but really, you’d be considered unlucky if you needed to service your 7s26 before it’s 10th birthday. If there is a one watch in the world that gets my nod for being apocalypse-proof? It’s the Seiko SKX013.
2. A Seiko Mod Pioneer
The SKX family is arguably the pioneers of the Seiko modding industry. From the older brothers the SKX007 and 009, to the mid-size SKX013, gave birth to a whole new modding industry. The best part? It’s grown so much since a decade ago that you can practically turn the SKX013 into a different watch. From the bezel, the handset, the crystal, bracelet, seriously you name it and someone out there has the parts for you. Heck, you can even change the movement if you so desire.
My personal SKX013 has seen a fair few mods done to it. The hardlex crystal was swapped out for a double domed AR-coated sapphire crystal. Then, the OEM black bezel was swapped out for a faded ghost bezel. It still retains most of the SKX013 charm, but with a more unique personality. Remember, with the SKX013, the sky is the limit when it comes to modding.
3. The SKX Design
A big part of answering the question “is the SKX013 still worth it in 2024” is how much you appreciate the design. Hand on my heart, I can say that the SKX013 is one of the more iconic diver designs out there. Far too many watches nowadays resemble the Rolex Submariner. And those that try to invent their own diver design just aren’t timeless enough. At the affordable and mid-sized category, you really don’t get much better than the SKX013, and it’s Japanese design heritage.
You’ve got the large white lume plots with Seiko Lumibrite that glows even under direct sunlight. The unique SKX case and the four o’clock crown. Not to mention the jingly-jangly jubilee bracelet and rattles every chance it gets. Can I go as far to say the SKX013 is iconic? Yea, I absolutely can, and I bet most would agree.
4. Comfort & Wearability
It’s a classic nominee from enthusiasts for a proper diver for those with smaller wrists. I mean, 37mm case diameter, 44mm lug to lug, and 13mm in height are extremely comfortable dimensions. Granted, the SKX013 has always suffered from a thickness problem. And it comes down to the case, which is really just a thick slab. It doesn’t contour or hug your wrists; it sits on top and it’s quite heavy. But other than the thickness issue, it’s one of the more comfortable 200m divers out there in the market. Certainly one of the more affordable ones.
When it comes to wearing the SKX013 as a daily, it fits in wherever it goes. Wear it to the office with a three-piece suit, then take it snorkeling on the weekends. Trust me, it’ll survive anything you throw at it, and anywhere you take it. It’s one of those grab-n-go pieces that you don’t need to think twice about before heading out the door.
5. It’s a Legend
And finally, the SKX013 is a legend. Plain and simple. My belief is always to buy the watch that you like, regardless of what the general watch community thinks. But sometimes, occasionally, hype does add desirability, which often drives up the prices. That’s pretty apparent with the SKX013 since it was discontinued in 2019. But in all seriousness, the SKX013 represents the good ol’ days of Seiko where value was indirectly proportionate with money. The less money you spent, somehow the better the Seiko watch.
The Seiko SKX013 will stand the test of time, both figuratively and literally. It’s a timepiece that you can be proud of, and if you are ever in doubt? You can always reaffirm yourself with thousands of YouTube videos talking positively about it.
Is the SKX013 still worth it in 2024?
You might be tempted with the new offerings from Seiko in 2024, and that’s completely understandable. I recently compared all of Seiko mid-size divers, and while the SKX013 didn’t win, it was certainly up there with the best of them. I mean, it is the OG after all. And yes the prices have gone up, and isn’t the value-for-money that it once was. But we can’t have it our way all the time, can we?
If you can find one on a good deal, I’d say go for it! You don’t have much to lose when it comes to the SKX013. Don’t like it after awhile? Sell it at the same price, or better yet, for a higher price. So, is the SXK013 still worth it in 2024? A firm, resounding yes.
