The SKJ Kinetic divers: gone but not forgotten
Not too long ago, Seiko made a series of classic Kinetic divers with strong design influences from the world famous Rolex Submariner diver’s watch. These were fondly remembered as the “SKJ” Kinetic Sports divers and they remain the only homage copies of the Submariner with the Kinetic movement.
There were also only three generations of this style of Kinetic divers and they were marketed internationally as generic models, i.e. not belonging to any particular Seiko sub-range such as the Sportura, Arctura, Coutura, etc.
These models sat unnoticed in the midst of the many obscure Kinetic models that shared the same movement. Unlike the international sub-ranges like the Velatura, Premier and Sportura, Seiko didn’t spend on advertising the SKJ Kinetic divers. To the Seiko company, they’re just a few of their countless generic models – if you happen to like them, buy them!
Originally posted 2008-08-20 21:40:49.
Seiko SKX011J Diver’s 200m review
Watch History
- Date acquired: Oct 30 2005
- Production date: Jun 2004
- Source: Pokemonyu, eBay
- Price paid: USD140 (w/o shipping)
- Status: Possibly discontinued
Background
The SKX011J is the orange dialed 7s26-0020 diver from Seiko. It was first released in the mid 90s as the SKX011K, which was mostly probably targeted at the SE Asian market. The SKX011K has since been discontinued, while it's unclear as to why Seiko stopped making the "K" version, it may be possible that the model wasn't retailing too well.
Originally posted 2008-03-16 16:34:33.
Chrono Wars: Citizen Cal 2100 vs Seiko 7L22
Being an owner of both the Citizen Promaster Eco Drive E2100 and Seiko Sportura 7L22 Kinetic chronograph, I thought a comparison between these two distinct yet similarly featured movements would make an interesting subject. 
Why am I comparing these two movements? Well, for starters they are both quartz-controlled watches with unique, mechanically actuated chronograph functions. These two hybrid calibers are also mainstream calibers and both companies have manufactured numerous models based on them.
The most glaring difference between the Cal 2100 and the 7L22 is that the former is solar powered while the latter is a motion powered movement.
Let's examine the merits and demerits of both animals.
Originally posted 2008-08-05 23:04:04.
Seiko Sportura SNJ001P review
Watch History
- Date acquired: Aug 27th 2003
- Production Date: June 2002
- Source: Style Watches Sdn Bhd, BB Plaza
- Price paid: MYR1,070 (USD319)
- Status: Discontinued
Background
The SNJ001P was first Sportura model to use the analog digital H023 module. It’s not the first H023 caliber timepiece - that title truly belongs to the short lived Prospex Sky Professional series that debuted in 2001.
The H023 also happens to be Seiko’s last analog digital caliber with world time capability and a high precision, 1/1000sec stopwatch that times up to 100 hours. Its successor, the H024 caliber unfortunately lacks the world time function and a second hand.
This watch certainly has an interesting mix of a dress watch with useful, utilitarian functions. If you had to have just one multi-function watch, the Sportura SNJ001P would be a good candidate.
Originally posted 2008-03-15 01:18:57.
The curious case of a Seiko Sportura SNG021P
Some months back, one of my blog readers from the Netherlands wrote to me asking me about the authenticity of a Seiko Sportura which he had purchased via the Internet. Mark (not his real name), submitted me some photos of the watch and I took a good look at them.
According to Mark, he managed to buy the watch for just 80 Euros (approx USD113) from a local Dutch online marketplace. That’s not a bad price for a watch in a good condition, considering that Sporturas often retail for at least 400 Euros (approx USD569) when they were brand new.
Originally posted 2009-08-01 23:52:41.
Thoughts on the new Seiko 5 Sports “Monster Lites”
Just when I thought I had seen an interesting new series of Rolex Submariner inspired SNZF11K/13K/19K sports watches (they were introduced not hardly three months ago) along comes their latest SNZF-series designs that stylistically, reek of the classic Monster divers
Although no official nickname has been bestowed on this latest offering from Seiko, I kind of liked the suggestion that someone threw in SCWF – the “Monster Jr” or “Monster Lite”. Since this watch appears to be within the size parameters of the original Monster divers, I thought “Monster Lite” would be the more befitting nickname.
Originally posted 2008-10-27 00:42:59.
First looks: The new Seiko 4R15 100m automatics
It seems that of late Seiko has spent considerable resources in designing and marketing fresh new designs in a concerted effort to gain a wider market share – especially amongst the younger consumers.
Since early 2008, I noticed a strange influx of new models especially in their best selling Seiko 5 and Seiko 5 Sports range (development of their Seiko 5 Superior models appeared to be on a hiatus for now). New models, incorporating totally fresh designs and ones that seem to be rehashed from several older designs both flooded the display racks of watch stores particularly in Southeast Asia.
Originally posted 2009-02-15 20:39:00.