Since its release in 2011, the Seiko SKX007 watch has become one of the most popular on the market. At first glance, it's easy to see why.
The black dial with bold luminescent markings makes a strong statement, and it's highly visible and easy to read. Even the day and date window is easy to read, with the date in a pleasant pale blue font. The bezel is also bold. It looks like a large gear and has unidirectional rotation with 60 clicks. Overall, the stainless steel case has a diameter of 42 mm and a thickness of 13 mm. Despite the watch's bulky appearance, it remains comfortable. Add to this the Seiko 7S26 automatic movement with a 41-hour power reserve, and you understand why these watches are so popular.
But if I know anything about my readers, it's that you have discerning eyes. And if you're going to spend a few hundred dollars on a new watch, you don't want something almost perfect. You want the perfect watch for your lifestyle. With that in mind, here are five watches that are similar to the SKX007 but have their own unique twist.
Orient Mako II
The first model is the Orient Mako II. It has the same bold design as the SKX007 but offers a blue metallic dial in addition to black. It also features numerals at the 6, 9, and 12 o'clock positions instead of the thick dots of the 007. The date window is also clearly visible, though there is a decorative divider between the date and day.
In terms of overall look and feel, the Mako II is slightly smaller than the 007 model, but only slightly. Its diameter is 41.5 mm, and the thickness is 13 mm. If you're not measuring them with calipers, you won't notice much difference. The watch is equipped with scratch-resistant mineral glass, making it a bit more durable. On the outside, the gear-style steel bezel features restrained white markings on a black background. The bezel is unidirectional, with 120 clicks, allowing for adjustment in 30-second increments.
The Mako II's movement is the Caliber F6922. Since I typically write about watches with automatic winding, I must note that this movement is hand-wound. The power reserve is 40 hours, so there's no need to wind it constantly. It's best to wind it every morning, so you don't forget. The watch is also easy to set. The crown hacks, allowing you to easily correct minor inaccuracies if your movement runs a second or two fast.
Like any other worthy dive watch, the Mako II is water-resistant up to 200 meters. The crown has a screw-down design, so it won't accidentally pop out due to snagging. The steel bracelet is more restrained than the 007's, with a simpler three-link design instead of the 007's bulkier five-link band.
Citizen NY0040
The Citizen NY0040 dial features heavy, large luminescent indices that are almost identical to the 007's. However, they appear pale green in daylight and darkness. The hands are also thick, with the same luminescent paint. The deep dark blue finish of the dial sharply contrasts with the black bezel finish, as well as the black background of the day and date window. The day of the week is printed in red, which looks very clear but can be hard to read in low light. The date, by contrast, is standard white on black.
The watch case is medium weight, 42 mm, making it noticeable on the wrist without overwhelming it. Its thickness is 12 mm, which is relatively thin for this size. Mineral glass provides high transparency, as well as scratch resistance and durability. The bezel alternates between smooth and serrated sections around the circumference. It has unidirectional rotation with 60 clicks, making it easy to adjust for most purposes.
The watch is equipped with a Miyota automatic movement with a 45-hour power reserve when fully wound. However, there is no power indicator, like on some Citizen models. But after wearing the watch for a few days or winding it manually, the charge will be full.
The NY0040 is water-resistant up to 200 meters and, like most diving watches, has a screw-down crown. The crown is located at 8 o'clock, instead of the traditional right side. This is a boon for right-handers, as when wearing the watch on the left hand, it won't dig into the wrist. The strap is made of blue rubber. It doesn't have the "quality" look of a metal strap, but it features a dive table on its side, giving the watch a more sporty appearance.
Seiko SKX009
The Seiko SKX009 belongs to the same series as the 007 model, so it has much in common. But there are also several important differences worth noting. The most noticeable difference is the bezel. While the 007's bezel is simply black, the 009's is two-tone: red from 0 to 20 minutes and dark blue from 20 to 60. This makes it easy to determine the time, as 20 minutes is the most common time limit for beginner divers with one tank. The bezel can also be adjusted in 30-second increments thanks to its unidirectional 120-click design.
The dial itself is almost identical to the 007 model's dial. It has the same black dial, the same luminescent hands, the same day and date window, although both the day of the week and the date are printed in black. The 42 mm case and 13 mm thickness are also identical to the 007 model's case. However, it features shock-resistant Hardlex glass. There is also a screw-down case back. For everyday purposes, this offers no advantages. However, it makes maintenance easier, as removing the case back is simpler, as is replacing it.
The 009 model uses the same 7S26 automatic movement as the 007 model. Its power reserve is 41 hours, which is enough to leave the watch in a drawer for a day and a half without needing a restart. The stainless steel strap is also identical to the 007 model's strap. It consists of 5 links, which may seem dull to some, but it is very flexible and reliable. The water resistance is 200 meters, with a reliable screw-down crown located at the "4 o'clock" position.
Seiko SKX013
Like the SKX009 model, the SKX013 is part of the same Seiko series as the 007 model. The dial is identically black and has identical indices with white lume and bold markings at the quarter-hour markers. The day and date window is also identical, with light blue text in the day window. The bezel is slightly different, with semicircular white markings along the right side of the dial. However, it features the same unidirectional 60-click design.
What really sets the 013 model apart from the 007 model is its smaller size. While the 007's case is 42 mm, the 013's case is 37 mm in diameter, noticeably more compact. It's also slightly thinner - just 11.5 mm. As a result, it barely reaches the threshold of a medium-sized case. This makes it an excellent choice if you have a small wrist, or if you simply prefer a watch that doesn't take up much space on the wrist. The 013 case also has a screw-down case back, making it easier to service. Like the 009 model, it has a screw-down crown at the "4 o'clock" position.
Like the 009 and 007 models, the SKX013 uses the 7S26 automatic movement. In this regard, it maintains the same reliability without introducing anything new or different. If you prefer an automatic movement, you will be more than satisfied with its performance. The 013 model also uses the identical 5-link stainless steel strap. It is attractive and flexible, but requires more time to adjust during the initial setup.
Dan Henry 1970
The Dan Henry 1970 watch is the most unique of all the ones I've chosen, yet it still has much to offer. The dial is satin black, with plenty of negative space, creating a more formal look. There's no day or date window, nor any complications. The only markers are located at the 5-minute marks and are thick tan rectangles. However, there is a small chapter ring with one-minute indices and small numbers at the 5-minute marks. The main part of the chapter ring is black, but the upper right sector is orange. It's not quite the same as a two-tone bezel, but it serves a similar function. It pairs well with the internal rotating bezel, which has restrained indices at the minute marks and numbers every 10 minutes.
The case itself is slightly narrower and thicker than the SKX007, measuring 40 mm in diameter and 14.8 mm in thickness. It is made of polished stainless steel, with a slightly domed crystal. The domed shape doesn't cause distortion, but it is enough to give a handsome look to the relatively spartan watch. The case is rated for water resistance up to 200 meters, as befits a good dive watch, and has two separate screw-down crowns. The crown at 4 o'clock is used to set the time, while the crown at 2 o'clock is for adjusting the internal rotating bezel.
The Dan Henry 1970 is equipped with the Seiko Caliber NH35 movement, which runs as smoothly as the 7S26 movement used in the Seiko SKX series. It also has an identical 41-hour power reserve. The watch's strap is rubber, which can be either a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your preference. Nonetheless, it features an attractive diamond pattern and is available in four different colors.
