Seiko Divers Skx013k2 Watch SKX013K2

The Seiko SKX013K2 belongs to a series of diving watches produced by the Japanese manufacturer from 1996 to 2017. The technical specs and design are practically identical to those of the much-beloved ref. SKX007K2; the only difference between the two models is their size. The SKX013K2 measures 38 mm in diameter and is thus 4 mm smaller than the SKX007K2. The difference in size brings with it a more slender lug width of 20 mm, as compared to the larger timepiece's 22-mm lug width. The case thickness and lug-to-lug measurements, at 13 and 45 mm respectively, are virtually the same.

It's difficult to distinguish one model from the other visually. The case shape and surface finish, dial design and color, day-date display at 3 o'clock, and characteristic shape of the hour and minute hands are nearly identical. Both watches even feature the same inscription "Diver's 200 m" in orange, above 6 o'clock, referencing the watch's water resistance of 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft).

The only visual difference between the SKX013K2 and SKX007K2 is the shape of their second hands. While the former watch features a lance hand with a spade counterweight, the latter has a simpler, narrower baton hand with a round counterweight.

The close connection between these models runs deep: Seiko equips both timepieces with the automatic caliber 7S26.

In January 2023, a Seiko SKX013K2 changed hands on Chrono24 for approximately 590 USD. The watch's value has steadily increased since the manufacturer discontinued production. In 2018, a SKX013K2 in new condition would have set you back about 250 USD, but by January 2021, the same watch demanded an investment of roughly 515 USD. This trend is very likely to continue: demand remains high, while supply is shrinking, and there is no successor model in sight.

Alternatives to the SKX013K2

At present, there isn't really a viable alternative to the SKX013K2 in the Seiko catalog. The 5 Sports SRPD55 is the most similar model in terms of design, but the SRPD55 measures 42 mm across, making it more a successor to the SKX007 than the SKX013K2. Furthermore, the current model doesn't have a screw-down crown and is only water-resistant to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft). You can buy a SRPD55 on Chrono24 for about 270 USD.

The Seiko SNE573 belongs to the Prospex collection and measures 38.5 mm in diameter and 46.5 mm lug to lug, making it the near successor to the SKX013K2. However, while the hands come from the SKX line, the crown is located at 3 o'clock and the design of the indices is different. The watch is also one of Seiko's solar-powered quartz caliber models. You can buy a SNE573 on Chrono24 for approximately 470 USD.

The combination of numbers and letters at the end of Seiko reference numbers provides information about where the watch was manufactured and its strap or bracelet. When looking at the SKX13 references, for example, the “K” means the watch was made in Singapore, Malaysia, or China; if followed by a "1" the watch comes on a rubber strap, while a "2" indicates a metal bracelet.