Seiko Diver SKX007 "7S26-0020"
There are many vintage Seiko divers popular with collectors.
With good reason, the SKX007 continues to have a tremendous cult following, despite Seiko's odd decision to discontinue these legendary divers in 2019. The design of this 7S26 is classic and simple, with immediate evidence of those that came before it, namely the instantly recognizable Seiko 7002 automatic, 7548 quartz, and even the famous 6309 diver.
The SKX automatic movement - the legendary 7S26 - is tough and reliable; during its heyday, it was also popular with various armed forces for this same reason, despite the widely held (false) assumption that military personnel only wear military watches issued to them.
USMIL General Norman "Stormin' Norman" Schwarzkopf wore the quartz variant, the Seiko 7548, nearly identical to the SKX, when he routed and then evicted Iraqi forces from Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm, aka the 1991 Gulf War.
Information:
Reference: SKX007 "7S26-0020"
Circa: 2010's
Bracelet: Black rubber strap
Case Size: 42.5mm x 45.5mm lug to lug
Lug Width: 20mm
Case Metal: Stainless Steel
Movement: 7S26 - Automatic
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date-Day
Box and Papers: No box or papers
Crystal: Hardlex
Bracelet size: 7.75”
Condition:
Case is in great shape with only micro wear throughout. Strap has minimal wear. Bezel is free of wear. Dial and hands are free of wear.
History of Seiko Watches
Seiko's history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori opened a watch shop in Tokyo. In 1892, he established Seikosha, a factory for producing wall clocks. The company quickly progressed, creating Japan's first wristwatch, the Laurel, in 1913. Despite setbacks like the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, Seiko persevered, launching its first watch under the Seiko brand name in 1924.
The post-World War II era saw Seiko's rapid growth and innovation. They introduced Japan's first automatic wristwatch in 1956 and launched the prestigious Grand Seiko line in 1960. Seiko achieved international recognition for accuracy in 1968, winning a Geneva Observatory competition.
The company made a name for its divers in 1965 with the introduction of their first professional dive watch, the 62MAS. This was followed by the iconic 6159-7001 in 1968, which was water-resistant to 300 meters. Seiko gained international recognition in 1975 with the release of the 6159-7010, nicknamed the "Tuna Can" due to its distinctive case shape. In 1969, they revolutionized the industry with the Astron, the world's first quartz wristwatch, ushering a new era of watchmaking that would send waves across the industry through the 70s and 80s. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global watchmaking giant, Seiko's history is characterized by resilience, technological advancement, and a commitment to precision.
