This is a detailed Seiko SKX013 review that’s been updated after owning and wearing the watch for over two years.
If you’re looking for a high quality, affordable dive watch that’s perfect for smaller wrists, the Seiko SKX013 might be your best bet.
In this review, I’m specifically talking about the SKX013K2.
Why the SKX Series?
Much like the Seiko brand, in general, the SKX series is one of the most respected watches amongst watch enthusiasts and collectors.
It’s available in a couple of different colors and sizes, my favorite being the black SKX013 (which is the smaller version).
This watch is the epitome of value (i.e., getting a lot for your money). It sells for $200-250, depending on where you buy it, which is an extremely reasonable price.
It’s a true diver – a 200m ISO rated watch. In fact, Robert Redford wears an SKX009 in the movie All Is Lost, an epic film about a sailor stranded at sea.
Redford wore the SKX009 Pepsi bezel nicely, but the 013 is the perfect size for me. So many great dive watches are just too big and bulky for my smaller wrists.
See Also: Best Dive Watches for Smaller Wrists
Don’t get me wrong – it’s not a thin or light watch. You feel it on your wrists. When you hand it to someone, they bounce their hand up and down and say, “Wow, it’s heavy.”
But that’s the nature of dive watches, and it’s not a bad thing.
Seiko SKX013K2 Specs
There are multiple important specs of a watch. Let’s take a look at the movement and the case and crown.
Automatic Movement
This watch runs on the 7S26 movement, which is automatic but non-hacking and non-hand-windable.
Sure, it would be better if it were hacking and hand-windable, but this is by no means a deal breaker.
Case & Crown
It has a thick stainless steel case with a rotating bezel, which you can rotate counter-clockwise to use as a timer.
The bezel rotates with a satisfying click, but it’s pretty smooth for such an affordable diver.
This little dive watch has a screw-down crown, which helps with water resistance.
Crystal & Dial
The SKX013K2 features Seiko’s Hardlex crystal, which is a proprietary type of hardened mineral glass that Seiko created in house.
It’s extremely impact resistant and shatter proof.
The dial is matte black and extremely legible. There’s plenty of lume to help you read the time and date in the dark.
And, like many divers, there’s a depth to this watch face – a noticeable space between the glass and the dial.
SKX013 Bracelet
The SKX013 can be purchased on a black rubber strap or a jubilee bracelet. Mine came with the jubilee bracelet, which was comfortable but noticeably cheap.
I ended up swapping it out for an oyster bracelet from Strapcode. This bracelet was made specifically for this watch, so the curved end links fit perfectly.
It’s noticeably higher quality than the stock jubilee bracelet, and I really like the look and feel. Its heft seems to match the watch a little better than the somewhat jangly jubilee bracelet.
Of course, you could put this little guy on a NATO or leather strap if you wanted to.
SKX013 Pepsi
Like the original Ford automobile, you can get the SKX013 in any color – as long as it’s black.
There is no SKX013 Pepsi (blue and red bezel w/ blue dial). If you want this colorway, you’ll have to size up to the SKX009.
That said, all of these Seiko SKX divers are easy to modify, and you can find Pepsi bezel inserts for the 013 on eBay or Amazon.
Are these watches made in Japan?
The version I have is the SKX013K2, which is made in Malaysia. Apparently, they used to sell an SKX013J, which was made in Japan.
You might be able to find one of these floating around the used market, but I’ve only seen the “K” models for sale online.
How to Wear It
I wear this watch everywhere. Dive watches are super versatile. The only time I wouldn’t wear this is with a suit. But it looks awesome with casual, smart casual or even business casual outfits.
Jeans and a button up? This watch is perfect.
Shorts and polo (or t-shirt)? Yes, sir!
Chinos, boots, sweater and a field jacket? Yup, that works too.
I’ve also worn this watch on the beach and in the pool. There’s something so satisfying about submerging it and swimming around with it on.
My Recommendation
If you’re looking for an affordable, workhorse automatic dive watch that’s almost universally respected by watch collectors and enthusiasts at every level, the Seiko SKX series is your best bet.
After owning this watch for almost three years (at the time of writing), I can say that’s it’s aged nicely and is only getting better with time.
And if you have smaller wrists (say under 6.75” around), the SKX013K2 is, in my opinion, the clear winner.
Hello Brock, I’m Sam, a team member from Strapcode… while I was searching for write ups online about our products ,,it brought me here… with that being said, I was wondering if you would be interested to write more reviews with various Seiko watches with our bracelets on the watches.. If you are interested, please contact me here at [email protected] for more details….. thanks!
What’s the stainless band you have with the watch? Tidy small Shiny links. Better than the frosted or matt Finnish.
Hey,
where did you get it?
Best wishes
I got mine from Amazon. There are links throughout the post!
I have 3 sets of skx013k2…. Just cant resist the size and design
Went to Orient web-site. Way too big for my tastes, but I want to thank you for the quick response.
Is there a similar model with a hand-winding feature. The lack of hand winding is a deal breaker for me.
Check Orient…I think they have something similar, but probably larger (40mm).
You can replace the movement with an NH36 movement and that will allow it to hack & wind.