2016 Seiko Divers SKX171 Steel Bezel
Ref: SKX171 (7S26-7020)

Points of Mention

This watch is sold with no original box but has an original Seiko booklet. The watch comes paired with a 22mm black rubber strap that matches nicely. The watch is from Circa. July 2016 and is in worn condition but overall fair condition as you can see from the photographs. The bezel rotation isn't as distinct as other SKX models, this is correct for this reference and should be mentioned. The watch comes with our 12-Month Warranty.

The Watch

Here we have a 2016 Seiko Divers SKX171 whose heritage can be traced back to the earliest Seiko divers such as the coveted 62MAS, first launched in 1996 it attained ISO 6425 Certification for diving with a 200m water resistance. The curvaceous 42mm stainless steel case fits the wrist comfortably, the flowing sides have a bevel edge towards the lug-to-lug length of 45.5mm and a case thickness of 13.5mm. The steel bezel is unidirectional with a satisfying click with deep knurling for extra grip, a triangle with lume pip sitting at 12 o’clock, baton and deeply engraved numerals indicating the minutes, nicely painted in black in contrast to the steel bezel. The large screw-down unsigned crown at 4 o’clock is protected by guards. Seiko’s flat Hardlex crystal protects a black matt dial, circular markers indicate the hours painted in LumiBrite luminescence for a bright pale blue shine, the hands are both syringe and arrow again coated in the same LumiBrite, its second hand has a lumed Lollipop counterbalance. A day date sits at 3 o’clock black with white numerals making reading the date a breeze. On the reverse, we have the screw-down case back with the Seiko Tsunami wave embossed on it, inside is the Seiko automatic Cal. 7S26, 21 jewels, 21,600 beats per hour, a true and tested workhorse with its magic lever system enabling the rotor to wind the watch in both directions. The watch comes fitted on its 22mm black rubber strap and also comes with its Seiko booklet.

Personal Note

The Brand

Seikos history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori established the K. Hattori retail and repair store. In 1892 Seikosha was established to make wall clocks. 1895 saw the production of their first pocket watch. 1913 saw the launch of their first wristwatch, the Laurel. In 1924 the first Seiko was manufactured. Daini Seikosha (now Seiko Instruments Inc.) was established in 1937. Seiko was listed on the Tokyo stock exchange in 1949. The Suwa factory became independent and formed Suwa Seikosha Co., Ltd. (now Seiko Epson Corporation in 1959). In 1956 Seiko launched Marvel as their first true in-house made watch; they continued to make this watch until 1959. Japan’s first chronograph watch was introduced for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics; it was called the Seiko Crown Chronograph monopusher. Not stopping there Seiko launched Japan's first true divers watch the Seiko Diver’s 150M fitted with the automatic Caliber 6217 which later was given the nickname “62MAS” by collectors. The company name was changed to the Seiko Corporation in 1990. Innovation at Seiko continues today with GPS Solar watches.