Seiko diver?

Army_of_One

Hi All,
was looking to buy a new watch in the new year and was originally looking at getting a Steinhart Ocean 1 but I thought I might look elsewhere.

Some of the Seiko diver's are nice. Would you recommend one with say a 500 euro limit?

gerfmurphy

Love my seiko samurai very good value.
Can be got for about 350/400
Turtles looks good too but too big for me at 47

Ionised

I don't think you can beat an Orange Monster. Iconic and indestructible!

HDMI

For €500 it has to be a blue Seiko Sumo all day long.

scwazrh

No need to spend €500 unless you want to .The skx007 or 009 is very near as good as seiko divers get and can be got for under €200 .

jh79

scwazrh wrote: »

No need to spend €500 unless you want to .The skx007 or 009 is very near as good as seiko divers get and can be got for under €200 .

Amazon sells them now too. 200 sterling. Sold by amazon not a third party.

blue5000

scwazrh wrote: »

No need to spend €500 unless you want to .The skx007 or 009 is very near as good as seiko divers get and can be got for under €200 .

Have a look at artanevilla's cracking lume shot https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055508118&page=314

I went for a kinetic seiko diver a couple of years back. Google seiko+BFK. If you want a beater that will stand up to anything it will do it, but because of the battery you have to wear it at least 1 day a week.


Lume shot, it's on the right.

Below, after a rough day:D

Lorddrakul

Got a second hand SKX009 last Christmas.
Love it.
Has a much higher quality feel than I expected.

CarltonBrowne

My own preference would be to be very patient and wait for a bargain (and probably very beaten up) Tuna to pop up on a forum somewhere.

Lex Luthor

Sorry to hijack.... looking for a diver for my sons upcoming 18th birthday
He likes look of my Steinhart O1B so looking towards SKX007

Any recommendations where to look from a reputable seller?

Anjobe

Lex Luthor wrote: »

Sorry to hijack.... looking for a diver for my sons upcoming 18th birthday
He likes look of my Steinhart O1B so looking towards SKX007

Any recommendations where to look from a reputable seller?

Yorkshire Watches are based in the UK and are great to deal with. They have both the Japan (J) and Asian (K) made SKX007 models with a number of strap/bracelet options. Creation Watches are a decent bit cheaper, but you'll have to factor in customs and VAT charges also.

oxocube

Lex Luthor wrote: »

Sorry to hijack.... looking for a diver for my sons upcoming 18th birthday
He likes look of my Steinhart O1B so looking towards SKX007

Any recommendations where to look from a reputable seller?

Got an SKX011J for $199 on Massdrop a couple of weeks ago. Got hit with a €44 customs charge on import so was €214 total for a very nice dive watch.

So if you use somewhere outside the EU be prepared to pay the customs. Creation watches are recommended if everything goes well. Otherwise their support leaves a lot to be desired.

I've no problem buying a Seiko from the grey market if I can get a good deal. Seikos are usually bulletproof and can be serviced pretty much anywhere.

The same SKX011J on Amazon is €292 plus delivery and is covered with Amazons standard watch warranty.

Lex Luthor

thanks for the info....
He's considering the SKX013 as its smaller in at 38mm...as a first watch I think the big SKX009 on his wrists would be overwhelming
creation have one for €160...any idea what I would end up paying on top for customs, etc?

Anjobe

Lex Luthor wrote: »

thanks for the info....
He's considering the SKX013 as its smaller in at 38mm...as a first watch I think the big SKX009 on his wrists would be overwhelming
creation have one for €160...any idea what I would end up paying on top for customs, etc?

All the info you need is here.

If I am reading the TARIC database correctly, you pay customs duty @ 4.5% + VAT @ 23%, so a total of €205, and then the courier companies charge a handling fee on top of this as well!

blue5000

Get it sent by post instead of the courier.

Army_of_One

So I ended up getting the orange monster with black strap.

Was tempted by the sk009 pepsi watch but the orange got the better of me

Ionised

Army_of_One wrote:

So I ended up getting the orange monster with black strap.

Good choice! Enjoy

GooseB

"So I ended up getting the orange monster with black strap."

The Monsters are a great, solid and iconic watch. I had a black one on the bracelet - and despite being called a "monster", it's actually not that big by modern dive watch standards, it's pretty run of the mill dimensionally. I have a 16.5cm wrist and it wore fine for me. Glows in the dark quite well too. The best of luck with it.

(GooseB - formerly Goose Banker)

Army_of_One

so the Seiko arrived today Nice watch and not as big as I thought.

Now I am unable to wind it(it says to start it by swinging in an arc horizontally 30 times) but the 2nd hand might move for a few ticks and then stop.

Any ideas or more likely what am I doing wrong

EDIT: it says to turn crown anti clockwise and then clockwise slowly...still seconds wont move.

HDMI

Army_of_One wrote: »

so the Seiko arrived today Nice watch and not as big as I thought.

Now I am unable to wind it(it says to start it by swinging in an arc horizontally 30 times) but the 2nd hand might move for a few ticks and then stop..

The monster doesn't live up to the name in the size, I was very disappointed first time I tried one on. But it's a very desirable Seiko, nice pick up.

Your version should have handwinding, give it a good 20 turns and see how it runs. The first version had a 7S26 movement like the skx007/9 and needed to be shaken.

Army_of_One

HDMI wrote: »

Your version should have handwinding, give it a good 20 turns and see how it runs.

Still not moving...

yeah thought it would be bigger but looks good and not too heavy.

Army_of_One

should the crown not pop out slightly when I turn it anti-clockwise ? as it is it just turns constantly.

Homer

HDMI wrote: »

The monster doesn't live up to the name in the size, I was very disappointed first time I tried one on.

Ah but Ive seen your giant wrists in person :pac:

Ionised

In an odd quirk, what is referred to as the Seiko Mini Monster is substantially larger. I have a white 'Snow Monster' and it is quite a beast.

1jcdub

I'm trying to decide between the skx007, skx009. I like both equally as much. But to add to my frustration do I go for a K or J version considering there is only a €20 difference in price?
Also can't decide on rubber or metal strap!
Any advice?

Ionised

007 on metal bracelet is my vote

Anjobe

The Japan made J versions are more desirable and certainly worth the extra €20 if that is all it is, the difference is usually more.

Usual advice is to buy on bracelet as the rubber strap can be easily and inexpensively sourced afterwards if desired. There are good aftermarket bracelet options for the SKX007/9 though and you may want to go for a bracelet upgrade anyway, so I don't think it makes much difference in this case.

007 on the Jubilee bracelet would be my choice too.

1jcdub

Ok incongruous to lean towards the 009 preferably the J. I can get the 009k for 140e the 009K2 with jubilee strap for 155 or the 009J with rubber strap for 160 :-\
Is it worth giving up the metal strap of the 009K for a rubber strap of the 009J being 5e difference between them..

Anjobe

I'd go for the J on rubber and pick up a bracelet from Amazon - expect to pay €50 - 60 for a good quality one e.g. https://www.amazon.co.uk/22mm-Jubilee-Band-SKX007-Brushed/dp/B00LO7FMQK.

I think they look great on the super engineer type bracelet, but that is a bit more again - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Engineer-Bracelet-SKX007-Brushed-Chamfer/dp/B018G6B9RM

Those are really good prices, BTW!

1jcdub

Is it true that the J's rubber strap is smaller than the K version as the Japaneses have smaller wrists

o1s1n

Army_of_One wrote: »

should the crown not pop out slightly when I turn it anti-clockwise ? as it is it just turns constantly.

Any manual/automatic watch I've ever had you don't pop the crown out to wind it. You just wind it from it's regular position.

Anjobe

1jcdub wrote: »

Is it true that the J's rubber strap is smaller than the K version as the Japaneses have smaller wrists

Have heard that before alright, but I have no idea if its true or not. Some people say that is the only difference between Seiko J and K models, I believe!

ghostchant

o1s1n wrote: »

Any manual/automatic watch I've ever had you don't pop the crown out to wind it. You just wind it from it's regular position.

The Monster has a screw-down crown, so you screw the crown 'out' before winding.

Army_of_One

ghostchant wrote: »

The Monster has a screw-down crown, so you screw the crown 'out' before winding.

It doesn't seem to pop out when I wind it anti-clockwise.


Hoepfully its not broke cos its a nice watch and will be the new year before I return it.


Having said that there's always the possibility thats its me being a cabbage

ghostchant

Army_of_One wrote: »

It doesn't seem to pop out when I wind it anti-clockwise.


Hoepfully its not broke cos its a nice watch and will be the new year before I return it.


Having said that there's always the possibility thats its me being a cabbage

It's definitely not already unscrewed? If you push down on the crown it does it depress? I don't have mine to-hand, but I think it will continue to turn anti-clockwise freely when screwed out. Open to correction on that however.

Also if you put it on your wrist for a while does it begin to run?

Army_of_One

ghostchant wrote: »

It's definitely not already unscrewed? If you push down on the crown it does it depress? I don't have mine to-hand, but I think it will continue to turn anti-clockwise freely when screwed out. Open to correction on that however.

no it doesn't depress but I can rotate it anti-clockwise for as long as I want.

Also if you put it on your wrist for a while does it begin to run?

I have had it on all day to see if it would wind itself...the second hand has maybe moved 30 seconds(but never when I looked at it )

1jcdub

1jcdub wrote: »

Is it true that the J's rubber strap is smaller than the K version as the Japaneses have smaller wrists

Pulled the trigger on the SKX009J . 160e delivered and possibly customs charges on top of that if it doesn't sneak in under the radar!
I'm trying to decide if I should also buy either a original Seiko jubilee strap for around 40e or a strapcode 3D oyster which will cost me 75-80e
:-\

scwazrh

1jcdub wrote: »

Pulled the trigger on the SKX009J . 160e delivered and possibly customs charges on top of that if it doesn't sneak in under the radar!
I'm trying to decide if I should also buy either a original Seiko jubilee strap for around 40e or a strapcode 3D oyster which will cost me 75-80e
:-\

Congrats - I think the jubilee strap is a love or hate strap.I personally like it but it can feel a but cheap and it does rattle a bit . If you like a light and loose bracelet the jubilee is great , if you rather a heavy substantial bracelet you could have a look at watchgecko.com s/s straps . They're very good quality and you can add a butterfly clasp to keep it a little bit different .

artanevilla

I bought a 009 myself last month, came with a jubilee strap but I decided before it arrived I didn't like it so bought a NATO strap to match the Pepsi bezel and put it on as soon as I arrived.

Put the jubilee back on a week later and haven't looked back since. Great watch, well wear!

1jcdub

I decided to buy a Super Oyster 3D bracelet for it.
https://www.strapcode.com/store/22mm-super-oyster-watch-band-seiko-diver-skx007009011-solid-submariner-clasp-p-2382.html#.WkC_AXPLc0M. Pricy at 70e but it's a quality bracelet.

1jcdub

So my SKX009J arrived yesterday at long last. After some hassle with customs due to creative watches under valuing they watches to a value of around 50e customs now have a permanent block on them. I had to email my receipt and copy of my bank transaction to satisfy them on the price. Just got messy.
Didn't mind the 37e in vat/duty but I though the DHL admin charge of 14.50 was excessive, on post only charge 10e.
Over all in happy with the watch. It's and August 17 build date. All the markings line up perfectly and the bezel is nice and firm in operation. Just have to wait for my strapcode 3D Oyster now ;-)

scwazrh

Creation watches seem to be under valuing all the watches they send out now.It still works out cheaper than buying here but its messy and delays things. It used to be that your package might be stopped by customs but now it seems to be a definite it will be pulled

Lorddrakul

1jcdub wrote: »

Is it true that the J's rubber strap is smaller than the K version as the Japaneses have smaller wrists

Highly unlikely, as the point of the rubber strap with the concertina bit is to allow you to wear it over a wet suit.

1jcdub

Lorddrakul wrote: »

Highly unlikely, as the point of the rubber strap with the concertina bit is to allow you to wear it over a wet suit.

I can confirm that it's a long strap that comes with the J version ;-)

MarcusP12

scwazrh wrote: »

Creation watches seem to be under valuing all the watches they send out now.It still works out cheaper than buying here but its messy and delays things. It used to be that your package might be stopped by customs but now it seems to be a definite it will be pulled

I've bought a few watches from creation in my time and yes they were always under valued so never paid that much extra on top for vat and handling. Don't think there was ever any issue with customs...are you saying customs usually intervene now and dispute the value?

1jcdub

MarcusP12 wrote: »

I've bought a few watches from creation in my time and yes they were always under valued so never paid that much extra on top for vat and handling. Don't think there was ever any issue with customs...are you saying customs usually intervene now and dispute the value?

From what I was told by DHL is that there is a permanent block on items coming in from Creation Watches.
I contacted Creation and they're suggesting that any future purchases should be sent by post "to reduce the chance of me having to pay vat"
The watch I bought is still good value at 212e all in inc DHL charge of 14.50e for admin! Expensive compared to an post at 10e

MarcusP12

1jcdub wrote: »

MarcusP12 wrote: »

I've bought a few watches from creation in my time and yes they were always under valued so never paid that much extra on top for vat and handling. Don't think there was ever any issue with customs...are you saying customs usually intervene now and dispute the value?

From what I was told by DHL is that there is a permanent block on items coming in from Creation Watches.
I contacted Creation and they're suggesting that any future purchases should be sent by post "to reduce the chance of me having to pay vat"
The watch I bought is still good value at 212e all in inc DHL charge of 14.50e for admin! Expensive compared to an post at 10e

But I've always been stung by customs any time I've used creation. They usually put a nominal value down so it's usually 20 odd % of a small figure so including dhl non sense handling charge, it adds about 24 euro onto the price as you've described. The only one I got stung more for was a tag which creation put a value of about 350 on.....

1jcdub

My strapcode bracelet arrived today. So I had to fit and size it asap.
Excellent quality and it really upgrades the look of the SKX009

Lorddrakul

1jcdub wrote: »

My strapcode bracelet arrived today. So I had to fit and size it asap.
Excellent quality and it really upgrades the look of the SKX009

That is a very nice bracelet, and it suits it very well.

Tigger

its dhl that tells customs to check the package, an post son’t bother.
then dhl get you charged
i got a call from dhl berlin once and was told that my parcel had measurement device written in it and they wanted to know what type of measurement device it was. i told them it was temporal changes.

MarcusP12

Tigger wrote: »

its dhl that tells customs to check the package, an post son’t bother.
then dhl get you charged
i got a call from dhl berlin once and was told that my parcel had measurement device written in it and they wanted to know what type of measurement device it was. i told them it was temporal changes.

I wonder do they do that so that they can sting you for the handling charges??