Travelling Back in Time with the Seiko 5 Sports SKX GMT Watches

For the first time ever, the 5 Sports SKX watch gets a GMT complication as part of the brand’s Specialist Style Series. Discover more here.

Very few watches in this world transcend the niche and somewhat geeky love that so many of us have for timepieces. But the Seiko SKX does. The legendary wristwatch is one of the best entry-level divers on the planet. That’s because the underwater tool is made by the world’s most famous Japanese watchmaker – Seiko. Seiko actually designs, assembles and manufactures watches in-house within its design studios for every possible price bracket. Indeed, there is a watch for everyone. But when it comes to the SKX, its universally appealing design is near-on impossible to resist, even for those who don’t collect dive watches per se. The vertically integrated watch manufacturer controls every stage of its production, from the hairsprings to the quartz crystals. It also happens to be the maker of an iconic watch launched back in 1996. And for the record, yes, it’s still around!

The Seiko SKX is a great value proposition, which says a lot considering the brand is famous for producing affordable timepieces. The thing is, there aren’t a lot of brands on the market doing what Seiko is doing, and those that do, aren’t doing it on the same level. Some of the key features of the Seiko SKX are its robust steel case, rotating bezel, lume-coated dial appliques and a substantial water-resistant rating. All of these features come together nicely to offer a superb value-for-money proposition.

But the Seiko SKX is no more. It was replaced by the brand’s SKX-inspired 5 Sports line-up a few years ago. The models in this family all take directional cues from their legendary predecessors and come in many variations. Even the most die-hard fans seem to love them, and it’s not hard to see why. Before we go any further let’s take a quick recap of the popular SKX diver.

The History of the Seiko SKX

Seiko has always been a brand to trust, whether looking for bomb-proof tools for professionals, or something a little more elegant. The reference 6105 “Willard” and 6306 models are great examples, not to mention the reference 6309 “Turtle” and the more-than-practical reference 7002. Without those, where would we be for an affordable collectable tool watch? The visual precursor to the SKX followed as an update to the reference 7002. It had no hard edges, unlike the 7002, and proved to be incredibly comfortable on the wrist. It featured a brushed front and polished sides, while the proportions were kept largely the same. Short lugs and a 4 o’clock crown were distinctive features, which continued into the 1996 SKX. The two key references of the SKX were the SKX007 and SKX009. One model (the former) took the world by storm. The watch boasted the Lumibrite hour markers and hands, not to mention a strong and super reliable 7S26 movement, which would later go on to feature in the 5 Sports models.

The 7S26 is one of the brand’s most important calibres in its history. It’s durable, easy to service and keeps ticking over nicely thanks to 21 jewels, an ultra-efficient Magic Lever and the brand’s Diashock technology. The movement also performs at a rate of 21,600 vibrations per hour, producing a power reserve of 41 hours once fully wound. It’s no wonder the SKX became so many enthusiast’s point of entry into affordable luxury.  You can find these watches in orange dials, yellow dials and different case sizes on the secondary market. Yet, what collectors really want to see is a return of this special icon. We may be waiting a while for an official SKX relaunch, but what we can certainly enjoy in the meantime is the brand’s 5 Sports SKX interpretations and when you look closely at them, and explore what they have to offer, you have to ask yourself, do we really need a return of the SKX after all?

The New Seiko 5 Sports SKX GMT Watches

In exciting news, Seiko is releasing some all-new Seiko 5 Sports SKX watches – this time with a GMT function! Yes, these are the very first of their kind to offer a GMT complication, making them a super convenient tool for travelling with. The watches belong to the brand’s larger Seiko 5 Sports Specialist Style Series and have been directly inspired by the brand’s archived models of the past. There are three variations. The first is the Seiko 5 Sports SKX GMT Sky Blue Silver Cloud model on a bracelet with a silver-white dial reference SSK033K1. The second is the bi-colour green dial on bracelet reference SSK035K1 and the third is the Mocha black & brown version on a brown leather strap reference SSK036K1. Join us as we look at these in a little more detail.

All three of the new Seiko 5 Sports SKX GMT watches are inspired by iconic colour combinations in watchmaking. They embody the core principles of the 5 Sports design, meaning that they all promise substantial water resistance, a date display, a recessed crown at the 4 o’clock position, an automatic movement and a durable case and bracelet. The first of the three is the white and blue variation, which features a silvery white dial and lashings of luminous material on its hour markers. A blue, arrow-tipped GMT hand guides the way to effortless time-zone tracking underneath the brand’s very own Hardlex crystal. The blue and black bezel is particularly eye-catching, as is the beads-of-rice bracelet that this model shares with the green and black model.

The green and black variant features a black dial with a date visibly displayed under a cyclops window at 3 o’clock. The GMT hand on this watch is a custard yellow that complements the green and black tones of the 24-hour bezel perfectly. This watch along with the other two, is powered by the Seiko Calibre 4R35, which produces a power reserve of 41 hours and promises an accuracy of -35/+45 seconds per day. A three-fold clasp secures this metal bracelet to the wrist, complete with an engraved Seiko motif on its surface. The watch also features a screw-down caseback with a see-through exhibition feature and an easy-grip ridged bezel for rotating under the fingers.

The brown and black reference SSK036K1 has a mocha colour scheme that makes the entire timepiece all the more luxurious. I particularly like the gold-coloured bezel that Seiko opts for here, not to mention the mocha-golden-coloured hands and Seiko lettering stamped on the black dial. This watch, unlike the other two, comes on a classic brown calfskin leather band to match the steel and gold accents of the design. Measuring a 42.5mm diameter, these models all offer a water-resistant rating of 100 meters and exude their sporty, robust look via the collection’s distinctive tonneau-shaped case.

Want to make one of these Seiko 5 Sports SKX GMT watches part of your collection? Call us today on 01335 453453 or email our sales team at Jura Watches and ask a question on help@jurawatches.co.uk