Battle of the Entry Divers - Seiko SKX007 vs Orient Mako 2
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- Опубликовано: 1 апр 2022
- Seiko SKX007 and Orient Mako are the two of the most popular choices for entry level dive watches. In this video, I will compare them not in terms of specs, but in terms of how they present the dive watch genre and which one I would buy in 2022.
Nice video. Between the 2 watches, if I have to pick one then I would choose the Orient Mako. It ticks so many boxes that I expect from a daily wear, especially for the price. If I need a classic watch in my collection then SKX is the way to go.
It would be nice if you compare between Mako and Kamasu as they both seem so close, and equal in terms of value for money.
Thanks Mate!
I like the Orient plus the good movement. ✌️
Great comparison, thanks!
I've owned both watches twice before and sold the following: Orient Mako 2 blue dial, Orient Mako pvd version, & SKX007J.
I regret selling the SKX007J because of the substantial increase in value.
(About 5 years ago the SKX007 models were selling from between about $180.00 - $225.00, depending on whether it was the K or J model).
I currently own a SKX007P9, which was introduced as a new model for 2019; and then the entire line was discontinued in September of the same year.
With the SKX007P9 the only difference between it and the K model, is that it has Air Diver's instead of Scuba Diver's written on the caseback. Mine was manufactured in April of 2019. These were only made for a partial year (about 9 months) in the last year of production, so this one is a keeper. It runs about +2/3 seconds per day.
All that being said, my preference is for the Seiko. Granted, the movement doesn't technically hack but it still can be, by turning the crown counterclockwise, which stops the second hand. This does not damage the movement. I saw an email from Seiko Corporation, that was posted on a watch forum, where the man had asked if it was okay to set the time backwards with the 7s26 movement.
The response was that it was perfectly alright as long as it wasn't in date-changing mode (between 9pm & 3am).
I personally have no problem with the lack of a hand-winding feature. I either wear it or shake it gently for 15-30 seconds to build up the power reserve, as opposed to being able to unscrew the crown and wind it... I don't find that to be a big deal.
Okay, my personal opinion/observations of the two...
The Mako is prettier and with better finishing. The lume is also brighter upon initial charge. The downsides to it (again imho) is the build quality. I disliked the stiff bezel action of the Orient and I found it difficult to get a grip on and to rotate. Plus, the screwdown crown is tiny and doesn't feel substantial to me. (As an aside, I had the same experience with the crown on a previously owned Mako "USA" II).
The Mako seemed toylike in comparison to the SKX.
I much prefer the crown and bezel action of the SKX.
It also seems to fly under the radar, a lot of times, that the Seiko is an ISO 6425 rated diver's 200m. That means that each watch is "wet tested" to 25% more than its depth rating. This increases the cost of manufacturing.
The Seiko also has that certain intangible quality to it. The watch is an icon and the last of the old school Seikos... a "Prospex" without the X symbol. (The other old school model would be the Shogun before they added it).
Also it strives to be, a purpose built tool watch. I think it has a "less is more" quality to it. There is beauty in its utilitarianism. The SKX will also hold its value, as opposed to the Mako 2. It's a strap monster that can be dressed up or down.
That being said... I wouldn't pay the astronomical prices the Skx's are going for now. I got a great deal on my SKX007P9 a couple of years ago. The only thing it doesn't have going for it is that it was made for 24 years, so there are many of them out there. A substantial number have been modded so that may offset some of that. Collectors tend to want all original examples.
Btw, total respect to Orient, they make very nice, quality watches. I currently own the Orient Star Sports Outdoor with pvd case and grey dial. It's a very underrated field watch (100m, screwdown crown, Sapphire crystal, display caseback, and yes hacking and handwinding movement 😊).
Anyway, just wanted to contribute to the conversation...
God Bless and happy collecting!
I agree with your observations, should have mentioned the stiff bezel of the Orient Mako 2. The skx007 is definitely a classic tool diver, and I can live with the eccentricities of the very reliable 7S movement if it was at the price you bought it, like you said, the price is ridiculous now. Mako 2 is definitely a better option nowadays partly because of the price difference.
New SKS’s in 2023 are selling for up to $999 at Creation Watches in Singapore.
This is insane!
Very nice comparison and surely did enjoy your video. Thank you 🙏
Would also add the Citizen NY0040/85/86... Can still be found between $180 and $240. ISO certified diver, better details than SKX in my opinion and slimmer dimensions. 👍
Love the Orients! I have a Kamasu and gifted my brother a Majo 2. Great value watches!
Good job Zheng. Could you please do a video talk about your fabulous Sea-gull collection?
Can't... Pick.. One... Lol. Can't go wrong with either. I'd get both if I could.
Mako (or Ray) any day, any time. The SKX may technically be a superior diver but loses in many aspects - specially price. I daresay that since many people don't actually dive it's only worth for collection, while the Mako can easily be a daily option.
Tbh orient looks better