New timepieces on the way!

[Deleted User]

Hi folks, I decided to change things up & move on my old workhorse Casio MSY700 to make way for not one, but two new watches! I did a lot of research before finally settling on a classic Seiko SKX-007J1 with upgraded Endmill ss bracelet from Strap code as my day to day watch. I also plan to pull the trigger on the new Oris Artelier Date dress watch (Ref No. 01 733 7721 4051 LS) when it lands in Oz.

For those who aren't familiar with the Seiko SKX007, it is an ISO certified dive watch rated to 20 bars and has an accurate caliber 7s26 automatic movement, unidirectional rotating bezel, locking crown & day/date display. It has been in continuous production since 1996 up to about 2007, but can trace its heritage back to 1965 when Seiko first introduced a mechanical divers watch.

The sister watch to the SKX007 is the SKX009 which has a blue dial & red/blue 'pepsi' bezel. Then there are common 'K' models, and rarer 'J' models which were made in Japan as displayed on the dial & generally has a higher street price, whilst the K model's movement is made in Malaysia and is cased in China. There were also 3 different bands offered incl: a rather cheap Oyster bracelet on early offerings (J/K), rubber strap (J1/K1) and ubiquitous jubilee bracelet (J2/K2).

Because of its clean lines, robust ISO-certified build quality & legendary reliability, the Seiko SKX007 has become a timeless classic, gaining a loyal following with watch geeks and spawning a wide range of available mods incl: high quality after-market watch bands, dials, bezels, etc which keeps it fun. Unfortunately due to many sites selling out of the SKX-007J, I had to pay on the high side of the street price. Notwithstanding, it is still a bargain and punches well above its weight.

I also recently fell in love with the new Oris Artelier date dress watch which was immediately reminiscent of JLC's lovely Master series, but at a much more accessible price. The Oris features a 40mm ss case waterproof to 5 bars, Swiss automatic movement, date at 6 o'clock, sapphire crystal glass face, mineral crystal see-through case back & black leather strap on a silver dial for a timeless look.

Whilst I certainly don't qualify as a watch geek only having 2 watches in my collection, I reckon that's enough; one for every day use, and one for dressier occasions. Anyway, I should have the Seiko and Endmill bracelet in 1-2 weeks, however my watch dealer said there is no ETA yet on the Oris as it's a new model. Enjoy the photos...will update the thread with photos and some 'on the wrist' comments soon!

littlewoodboats

I have a mechanical Seiko 200meter divers watch that has resided on my wrist for more than 20 years. It requires service every five or six years which is becoming a problem in some areas as proper watchmakers become fewer and further inbetween. The internet has opened up options for service centers if local options are not available.

For dress I have an early 60's Omega Seamaster Deville I bought back in the 70's for my father. I had a nice Rolex Datejust with the 1507 hacking movement I sold as soon as I started wearing the Omega.

Enjoy your new watches

[Deleted User]

@littlewoodboats, We have a very reputable Seiko service center in the city which has skilled technicians (incl: an ex-Seiko employee) and has been around forever, so i'm lucky. But yeah I joined WUS and am amazed at how much info there is on there.

Your Omega Seamaster Deville has similar classic lines to the Oris Artelier date. I noticed mint examples go for circa $2.7kUS and up, so you have a very nice and collectable timepiece there lwb! Likewise enjoy it in good health, cheers .

Joey_V

Ah now you're talking... my favorite hobby. Timepieces.

Congrats on your acquisitions!

[Deleted User]

Joey_V wrote: »

Ah now you're talking... my favorite hobby. Timepieces.

Congrats on your acquisitions!

Thanks Joey I'm mulling over another possible bracelet option for the Seiko; the Super Oyster from Strap code. What do you think compared the Endmill?

Joey_V

The 2nd bracelet looks a lot like a Rolex bracelet. Less bumps and flatter. Both are nice.

I'd get both.

Love divers watches.

Wish I had more in my collection.

[Deleted User]

Joey_V wrote: »

The 2nd bracelet looks a lot like a Rolex bracelet. Less bumps and flatter. Both are nice.

I'd get both.

Love divers watches.

Wish I had more in my collection.

I can't see myself buying a tool & swapping out the bracelets, unless I go backpacking, in which case I might swap to a nato strap for the trip.

Fyi, the underside of the Endmill bracelet is flat and comfortable like the Super oyster (see pic below). The Super Oyster is nice & looks like the bracelet on the Rolex Sub, though personally i'm leaning toward the Endmill which looks a bit like a Rolex Day-Date President. It is also sort of a homage to the original Jubilee bracelet.



Here are some more photos of the SKX007/009 with the Endmill bracelet from Strap code -

maximillian

What do you guys do with timepieces that no longer work or get too beat up? I have a couple Citizen watches like this. One is a solar watch that doesn't seem to hold a charge anylonger. It probably would cost more o fix than its worth. Still, I don't want to throw it away.

Joey_V

David,

I see what you mean, it does have a "jubilee" appearance to it and I think it fits the watch. Looks good.

[Deleted User]

maximillian wrote: »

What do you guys do with timepieces that no longer work or get too beat up? I have a couple Citizen watches like this. One is a solar watch that doesn't seem to hold a charge anylonger. It probably would cost more o fix than its worth. Still, I don't want to throw it away.

I have had my Casio MSY700 for many years & it is showing it's age a bit. Though i'm ready to move onto my next watch. I have a feeling though that the Seiko SKX007 otoh will be a keeper. There are so many different straps (ss, nato, mesh, leather) & aftermarket mods available. Though I think i'd just play with the strap if I wanted a change. And that's a classic watch (particularly in the rarer Japanese version). So it depends on how emotionally attached you are to your old timepieces? I had a Casio calculator watch back in the 80's and am kicking myself for not keeping it. 80's memorabilia is pretty expensive now in minty condition.

The cost of repairing a rare'ish watch you love might outstrip it's intrinsic value, but if it speaks to you and is a part of your past, you might want to keep it warts and all. You could always go out and buy a mint 2nd hand watch somewhere, but that wont give you the same feeling. Then again, if they're basically chunks of non-working metal taking up room in your cupboard, you could try selling them "as is" on a watch forum, or keep an eye out for your next hard rubbish collection brother

[Deleted User]

Joey_V wrote: »

David,

I see what you mean, it does have a "jubilee" appearance to it and I think it fits the watch. Looks good.

@Joey_V, The SC Endmill looks good, very manly and reminds me of the classic Rolex Day-Date. Though the majority of 007 owners go for Super Oyster bracelets, so i'm still sussing that out (ie: reading up on watch forums & watching videos) before I pull the trigger..

[Deleted User]

Here is the 007 with a Strap code Super Oyster bracelet..

[Deleted User]

This short video shows a number of bracelet/clasp combo's incl: the Endmill with the Chamfer clasp and Super Oyster with the Submariner clasp..

[video]https://player.vimeo.com/video/167381826

maximillian

Bodhi wrote: »

I had a Casio calculator watch back in the 80's and am kicking myself for not keeping it. 80's memorabilia is pretty expensive now in minty condition.
... Then again, if they're basically chunks of non-working metal taking up room in your cupboard, you could try selling them "as is" on a watch forum, or keep an eye out for your next hard rubbish collection brother

I had a Casio Data Bank when I was a kid. Loved it. I think I threw mine out too, and yes, I regret it.

I have another Citizen battery based watch that has a stopwatch function. The stopwatch seconds hand has a rest position at 2 O'clock instead of the 12 position (10 seconds ahead). I tried to get it fixed at a place that supposedly sent it out to Citizen. I was told it was not fixable. It's still a relatively nice watch (many scratches) and it works otherwise so I don't want to throw it out. So now it just takes up room in my dresser along with a couple others that sort-of work.

[Deleted User]

Well folks, I got tired of trying to mod the SKX007J1 into the watch I wanted, so it's going back for a full refund (less a small hit on return shipping). I found the (almost) perfect watch...the Seiko 5 Sports SNZF17J1 'sea urchin' (Japan model). It has the same automatic movement as the 007, a nice Super Oyster bracelet with Seiko clasp, see through case back and is waterproof to 10 bars.

I love the details on this watch. The '5' Sports markings look great. This watch also reminds me a lot of the Rolex Submariner, incl: the luminescent hour markers, coin-shaped bezel & super oyster bracelet & framed day/date window. Even the dimensions of the case are similar to a sub on the wrist. Overall it is a dressier looking watch than the 007 & strikes an almost perfect balance imho.

Now I did say "almost" the perfect watch as I read about a guy on WUS forum 'thedave' who ordered a five with some subtle mods from Harold Ng (Yubokies) which looks awesome, incl: sapphire crystal, new bezel insert with lume pip & arrow/syringe hands from a Seiko SKX031. Jake B from Dagaz Watch also does great work. As the photos below show, the modded version looks great. If you look closely at the new sapphire glass, there is a slight blue tinge to it due to it's blue inner AR coating.

Even though i'm contemplating two or three mods, the five removes a lot of existential angst stuffing around trying to decide on bracelet/clasp combos, and being concerned about 007's tool watch appearance. And if this watch wows me as I think it will, I will can my plans to order the Oris and save a bag of quan in the process!


Dave's watch modded by Harold


Comparison b/w a stock five on the left and modded version on the right


Dave's watch


Dave's watch fitted with Nato strap

Joey_V

I like em all bud... So did you decide on what you're getting?

Here are some of mine. You can see what bracelet I prefer

[Deleted User]

That's a lovely collection of Rolex watches Joey You're a lucky guy owning so many classic timepieces. In your position, I guess i'd wear the Submariner as my day to day watch, the GMT Master for dressier occasions & the Daytona for weekends and smart casual.

It is on my bucket list to own a new Rolex watch, but not just any one. I'm shooting to one day own a GMT Master II pepsi in white gold. I can't see myself collecting watches, though i'd like to keep my Seiko 5 sports for everyday use, and the Rolex for good. So yeah, i'd take the Seiko 5 Sports (Mod: SNZF17J1) over the 007.

Joey_V

You mean like this?

Yeah buddy.

Joey_V

Bodhi wrote: »

That's a lovely collection of Rolex watches Joey You're a lucky guy owning so many classic timepieces. In your position, I guess i'd wear the Submariner as my day to day watch, the GMT Master for dressier occasions & the Daytona for weekends and smart casual.

It is on my bucket list to own a new Rolex watch, but not just any one. I'm shooting to one day own a GMT Master II pepsi in white gold. I can't see myself collecting watches, though i'd like to keep my Seiko 5 sports for everyday use, and the Rolex for good. So yeah, i'd take the Seiko 5 Sports (Mod: SNZF17J1) over the 007.

For me:

Work = sub
Everyday = gmt
Travel = gmt
Weekends = Milgauss
Special = Daytona

I also have other watches that I rotate through. Typically my tag heuer silverstone I use whenever I feel like it but usually when I'm not working.


I keep the Daytona as mint as possible. It's the one I wore on my wedding day.

[Deleted User]

@Joey_V, I won't get anywhere near your collection of Rolexes in my life, but that's out of choice. If I had $40k, I'd rather out it into my high end system. One day I will own a mint Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi watch (see pic below). Until then, I'll be more than content with my modded Seiko 5 Sports 'sea urchin' .

Paradoxex

What's the difference between the picture Joey posted of the Pepsi colored watch and the picture just above?

Is the watch just so beautiful it has to have multiple pics?

Joey_V

Paradoxex wrote: »

What's the difference between the picture Joey posted of the Pepsi colored watch and the picture just above?

Is the watch just so beautiful it has to have multiple pics?

No diff. That's the new Pepsi you see on both.

All gold.

Bad to the bone.

Joey_V

Bodhi wrote: »

@Joey_V, I won't get anywhere near your collection of Rolexes in my life, but that's out of choice. If I had $40k, I'd rather out it into my high end system. One day I will own a mint Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi watch (see pic below). Until then, I'll be more than content with my modded Seiko 5 Sports 'sea urchin' .

Do both. Jk...

I like my watches. Less subjective, no system matching required, portable, holds value.

[Deleted User]

Joey_V wrote: »

Do both. Jk...

I like my watches. Less subjective, no system matching required, portable, holds value.

I like watches too, but a Rolex watch can't play you music. Your watch only wraps around one wrist, glorious music from a high end system wraps around your ears almost 360°, enveloping you in it's magic. Music speaks to the soul in a way that a timepiece never can.

And its more satisfying striving to build a high end rig that achieves perfect system synergy/harmony than buying watches, and allows you to create a unique listening room and story to go along with it.

Anyway, back to the thread topic. Notice in the photo below the differences between the stock Seiko SNZF17J1 and lightly modded example on the right? The new bezel insert with lume pip & arrow/syringe hands from the SKX007 & SKX031 are evident, whilst the new sapphire crystal glass is a bit harder to spot (see second photo which shows a slight blue tinge).

Joey_V

Bodhi wrote: »

Joey_V wrote: »

Do both. Jk...

I like my watches. Less subjective, no system matching required, portable, holds value.

I like watches too, but a Rolex watch can't play you music. Your watch only wraps around one wrist, glorious music from a high end system wraps around your ears almost 360°, enveloping you in it's magic. Music speaks to the soul in a way that a timepiece never can.

And its more satisfying striving to build a high end rig that achieves perfect system synergy/harmony than buying watches, and allows you to create a unique listening room and story to go along with it.

Anyway, back to the thread topic. Notice in the photo below the differences between the stock Seiko SNZF17J1 and lightly modded example on the right? The new bezel insert with lume pip & arrow/syringe hands from the SKX007 & SKX031 are evident, whilst the new sapphire crystal glass is a bit harder to spot (see second photo which shows a slight blue tinge).

I like the mods.

Re the hobby. To each their own. There's memories attached to a watch that I have that I don't have with my system since it is not portable.

Also, there's the financials. I have gained with my timepieces.

Again, ymmv and you spend money where you want. That's why I do both.

[Deleted User]

Joey, I'm sure you can appreciate the difference between a $150 Seiko watch and a Rolex Datona, so to avoid further derailing this thread, I'll start a Rolex watches thread where you can talk Rolex to your heart's content. Now back to normal programming..

[Deleted User]

@DSkip, I was thinking the same thing. I'm a real audiophile in the sense that every spare moment I have goes into researching high end audio gear and audiophile music, and every spare dollar I earn generally goes into my audio system. But I also get guys who are passionate about their watches.

So your Seiko kinetic has gone awol? Lol, I'm not superstitious, but every time i've lost a ring I seem to have lost a watch .

My modded sea urchin will be designed as Submariner Homage & include Mercedes hands for a more authentic look. Though the changes are subtle, I think the the lumed bezel is cool & the sapphire crystal is more attractive and resilient. I also agree the 3 ring Bond nato strap is very nice. I'm ordering mine with a WJean Super Oyster bracelet with a Strap code v-clasp, as well as a Bond nato to change it up

Irrenhaus

Got this one last week. Very nice features.

sucks2beme

My 1st good watch was a Seiko dive watch I bought in Okinowa.
I've owned Seikos and Citizens, some Invictas. My latest daily
watch is a Luminox with both rubber and nylon straps. Some
day I'll buy another Seiko dive watch.

[Deleted User]

@Irrenhaus, that looks like a great watch for jetsetting, nice!

[Deleted User]

sucks2beme wrote: »

My 1st good watch was a Seiko dive watch I bought in Okinowa.
I've owned Seikos and Citizens, some Invictas. My latest daily
watch is a Luminox with both rubber and nylon straps. Some
day I'll buy another Seiko dive watch.

S2, I'll post some photos when my watch & new straps arrive. The Seiko SNZF17J1 looks like a giant-killer!