Horologists — SEIKO SKX007 still the best GADA value?

January 10, 2019, 05:20 PM

striker1

I’m selling off my golf equipment to pay some cancer bills, and hope to pick up a beater watch along the way.

How many here would recommend the SKX007?

New, or vintage pre-owned?

Other models or movements to consider?

In another recent thread, I mentioned that somewhere, I still have my Dad’s Pepsi diver. Does anyone have a recommendation for repair and service?

January 10, 2019, 05:38 PM

bald1

The Seiko SKX007 is an iconic watch that seems to run and run and run without cleaning and adjustment. Now I'm not advocating avoiding servicing mind you. Its just that so many have reported how durable the 7S26 movement is.

I have one (SKX011J - orange dial variant) and it has been bulletproof for the near 2 decades I've owned it.

January 10, 2019, 05:47 PM

CQB60

The action is robust and enduring. I’ve owned mine from the late 80’s. Still going. I thought about having it overhauled with a new face and crystal. Nah, it like the character but I have replaced the strap a few times with NATO nylon.

January 10, 2019, 07:42 PM

Sir Guy

It’s a robust movement but not terribly accurate or precise. It doesn’t hack (pulling the crown doesn’t stop the seconds hand) nor hand wind. Quality control is a bit spotty as many examples have misaligned chapter rings (indices and minute markers don’t line up).

It’s a mutt that’s trying and it’s charming for what it is. If you’re interested in a mechanical diver’s watch at that price point, it’s not a bad way to go. If you have smaller wrists you might want to replace the OEM rubber strap. There are lots of aftermarket strap and bracelet options, and tons of parts for modifying to completely change the look (like dial, hands, bezel inserts, etc.).

If we go with value being quality divided by price, for a GADA, I’d say no. It’s quite sporty and looks it. But as a summer beater it’s not bad at all.

January 10, 2019, 10:43 PM

bald1

quote:
GADA

?????

January 11, 2019, 07:20 AM

Johnny 3eagles

quote:
Originally posted by bald1:
quote:
GADA
?????

https://www.gada.com/

January 11, 2019, 08:57 AM

redstone

quote:
Originally posted by Johnny 3eagles:
quote:
Originally posted by bald1:
quote:
GADA
?????

https://www.gada.com/

"Go Anywhere, Do Anything" Basically your daily watch that can be worn (and survive) anything you do daily, from working in the yard, to going out.

My Resco was my GADA for years, now it is my Seiko Orange Monster. Man I love that watch.

January 11, 2019, 05:00 PM

usp_fan

Had one for 15 years. Bombproof. Wear it nearly daily.

January 11, 2019, 05:07 PM

jhe888

They are very good inexpensive mechanical divers.

You can move up to the next rank of Seiko divers with a Monster, but they will cost more. You'll get more waterproofness, more accuracy, handwinding, and hacking.

January 12, 2019, 07:56 AM

Mr.9mm

Island watch usually has them, sometimes on sale. Great watch. I love mine.

www.longislandwatch.com

January 12, 2019, 08:51 AM

DennisM

Second the "bombproof."

Bead-blasted and aftermarket dial/hands...

January 12, 2019, 01:41 PM

M'headSig

quote:
Originally posted by Mr.9mm:
Island watch usually has them, sometimes on sale. Great watch. I love mine.

www.longislandwatch.com

I've purchased from Long Island Watch. Great prices and fast shipping. I absolutely vouch for them. Plus, the You Tube channel has a ton of great informational videos.

January 14, 2019, 08:48 AM

slabsides45

quote:
Originally posted by Sir Guy:
It’s a robust movement but not terribly accurate or precise. It doesn’t hack (pulling the crown doesn’t stop the seconds hand) nor hand wind. Quality control is a bit spotty as many examples have misaligned chapter rings (indices and minute markers don’t line up).

It’s a mutt that’s trying and it’s charming for what it is. If you’re interested in a mechanical diver’s watch at that price point, it’s not a bad way to go. If you have smaller wrists you might want to replace the OEM rubber strap. There are lots of aftermarket strap and bracelet options, and tons of parts for modifying to completely change the look (like dial, hands, bezel inserts, etc.).

If we go with value being quality divided by price, for a GADA, I’d say no. It’s quite sporty and looks it. But as a summer beater it’s not bad at all.

This is a review I would have appreciated reading prior to buying mine. It still runs, but loses several minutes a week (like, 10ish). Sent it back to them, paid to have it adjusted, still does the same. I've contemplated buying another one, since I really like the look and figure there's a lemon in every product line, I just got mine. Instead I got a Citizen that looks similar from Dave Truong, and it runs like a scalded dog, so I've shelved the idea of another 007 for the time being.