Learning about the Seiko SKX031: The Poor Man’s Submariner

Numerous timepieces pay homage to the Rolex Submariner since it has been called the “perfect watch design.” Even while many have attempted to pay homage to the original, not everyone can afford the price tag of a premium timepiece.

However, certain affordable items, like the Seiko SKX031, might have been overlooked. Even while Seiko’s tribute to the Sub isn’t a famed Swiss-made diver, it is a classic timepiece that is a fraction of the price.

The OEM SKX031 is styled after a well-known timepiece, as are many Seiko Mod Watches. Unlike a modified SKX007, the SKX031 closely mimics the look of the Rolex Submariner in terms of both function and appearance.

The Seiko SKX031 – Everyone’s Favourite “Submariner”

When you first lay eyes on the 1996-born Seiko SKX031, its unmistakable inspiration from the iconic Rolex Submariner is obvious. It has a big dial, a rotating bezel, and a high-contrast colour palette.

The thick coating of lume makes the large hands and hour markers easy to read even in low light, and the contrast between the black backdrop and the white elements is striking.

The Seiko SKX031 has a stainless steel casing that is 39mm in diameter and 12mm in thickness. The crown is positioned at 3 o’clock and is secured by a screw.

It goes in a more upscale direction than the more popular SKX007, thanks to its attached logo and indices. Both the hour and minute hands are virtually identical to those on the 007, but the 031 replaces the lollipop second hand with a white-painted hand that ends in a thin arrow.

Like several other Seiko divers, it has a simple wave logo on the screw-down case back.

The SKX031 is powered by Seiko’s trusted and adored 7S26 day-date movement. The movement has 21 jewels, ticks at 21,600 BPH (6 times per second), and provides 43 hours of power once wound.

Seiko’s own patented mineral glass, Hardlex, also shields the watch face. Its band is made of soft, thick rubber and secures with a buckle, but if you want, you may choose a stainless steel version.

In addition, the 22mm lugs mean that the strap may be swapped out for anything you can think of.

Finally, the Seiko SKX031 has a 100m water-resistant certification, making it ideal for surfing, swimming, snorkelling, sailing, and most other water sports that are done for fun.

A Great Homage to the Rolex

An apparent homage to the Rolex Submariner, the SKX031 has been around for decades.

It is a tribute watch to the Rolex Submariner that remains true to Seiko’s design aesthetic while paying homage to the original.

Despite being a “Seiko Submariner,” the watch has an unusually placed crown at 3:00, as opposed to the 4:00 seen on a “normal” Seiko or an SKX007. The chassis looks fantastic, and it bears a strong resemblance to that of the Sub.

Besides the general case design, the Submariner’s impact on the SKX031 can also be seen in the “hashed” bezel insert for the first 15 minutes.

The SKX031 obviously takes cues from other Seiko watches, most notably the hands and the traditional Seiko diver dial. It’s not a cheap knockoff like some others on the market, and it provides Seiko watch fans with their own take on the traditional diver design.

Conclusion

Indeed, the Seiko SKX031 is a great watch for those looking for a solid, affordable dive watch. It has many of the features of a more expensive watch but at a fraction of the price. It is an excellent choice for those new to dive watch collecting or those on a budget, regardless of whether they’re fans of the more high-end variant.

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