HOW TO SPOT A FAKE SKX007: PAY ATTENTION TO THIS
The SKX007 is one of the most renowned Japanese watches ever manufactured by Seiko. It became the gold standard of excellence. For those that always desired a robust watch that would last them for years without experiencing any significant issues, there is the SKX007.
Unfortunately, Seiko officially ceased production of the SKX007, SKX009, and all other SKX Divers in 2019. They are now a part of history. Despite this, Seiko released the Seiko 5 to replace the void left by the SKX007 fever. However, there are still some individuals who desire the original, which has led the booming market to offer fake SKX007 in order to capitalize on the demand.
It is known as an entry level dive watch and uses common materials for its mass production. The SKX007 is widely known as an incredible dive watch but is not that difficult to replicate or reproduce. Here at Watch-Modz, we can assure you that the aftermarket parts of the SKX007 and all our other products are as good as OEM, and maybe even better.
As some of the fake SKX007 are now passed off as the New Old Stocks (NOS) but are just substandard copies that you shouldn’t waste your time on. Listed below are some main things that you should be aware about if you ever consider buying a SKX007. This will help you to keep your hands off the knock offs.
1. The NUMBERS don’t LIE
You may need to keep a close eye on the details, specifically the number written on any SKX007. It is known that it is covered in factory markings, this is one thing you should consider before purchasing an SKX. A lot of the fakes of the SKX that are taking over the market have a similar feature – a case number which reads as 7S26-7039.
How does this case number prove such a thing? The said case number above just tells us that a Seiko piece 7039 is made with the 7S26 movement, which can be proved to be false. There are other things that you can notice on a knock-off, a number 5 that is etched on the watch’s crystal. The SKX007 was not a part of Seiko’s 5 line, and which did not use a crystal that was produced for the 5KX.
Similarly, to other fakes, the biggest and real challenge lies in getting the actual fonts used for printing the dials. You could easily compare the dial prints with the photos of the original Seiko SKX007 found on the internet to the SKX being considered. If you see even a little mismatch on its fonts or your instincts says otherwise, you may want to turn around and forget about it. The search is still on!
2: It all Depend on the Smallest Detail
As said above, other than checking the details on the fonts of the dial printing, you can also give extra attention on how the text printed on the dial aligns with other elements of the dial.
The line that comes off the top of the 6 o’clock marker, for example, should be below the “S” in DIVER’S 200m. In certain circumstances, it is actually below the “R,” indicating that the dial in question was not created by Seiko.
Another indicator to this, is that the font should be bold. Try comparing a fake SKx007 and an original SKX. You will see that the fake SKX uses a standard font. You could also look for the word “Automatic”, which should look a little wider than the word “Seiko”. On fake SKX007 they appear the same width, this is one thing to look out for.
3: “DIVER’S” True Colors?
The text “DIVER’S” that is written in a real SKX piece is written in a reddish-orange color. On the other hand, it is sometimes printed in white, or deep orange for the knockoffs. These little differences could appear a bit elusive, which is presumably why the replica manufacturers have botched them.
4: ALWAYS CHECK THE SERIAL NUMBER
Serial numbers are one of the most important details in a piece, which the knockoffs may have forgotten about. Seiko and other legitimate manufacturers do not make the mistake of reusing the same serial number again and again. As this is an obvious sign for fakes, listed down below are some of the serial numbers found on fake SKX007 pieces.
- 542252
- 543187
- 701032
- 700418
- 996479
- 996460
- 820061
- 655859
- 337461
The 9964XX series, with that of the final two numbers chosen at random, appears to be used by one of the producers of counterfeit SKXs also. Therefore, it is generally best to pass on any SKX with 9964– as a prospective buy. Better safe than sorry!
There are probably more false serial numbers out there; this is not a complete list. If NOS SKX costs continue to rise the way they already are, some higher end counterfeiters may decide to switch to individual serial numbers.
5: SKX007 Bezel Insert
The bezel is a fairly simple replacement for anyone who is familiar with the SKX007. On most fake SKX007, the “10” has a line across the “1.” If you observe anything other than a straight line for the “1” in the “10,” the bezel isn’t genuine Seiko SKX.
Also, on an SKX bezel insert, another item to look for is the lume pip at the 12 o’clock position. Many imitation SXK bezels feature a lume pip that is perhaps too wide, too tiny, or severely out of alignment, but this is harder to characterize. Genuine SKX007 have recessed lume pips; they absolutely Shouldn’t protrude from the bezel insert at all.
The red and blue portions of a SKX009 bezel should divide the number “20” on the bezel in half, which has a Pepsi insert. It probably wasn’t built by Seiko if the “split” is on either side of the two numerals rather than being directly between “2” and “0.”
A SKX bezel may be changed out pretty easily, as already mentioned. This implies that a partisan hack may install a real SKX bezel on a fake SKX, making it less dependable than some of the other methods on this list for determining authenticity.
6: SKX Second Hand
Although it may seem absurd, many of the ake SKX007 out there are equipped with a second hand that would be more appropriate for a Samurai or a limited-edition Turtle.
The distinctive lume ball at the end of the stock SKX second hand may or may not be your favorite, but they were all featured. Anything else you see that doesn’t look like that is not OEM.
7: Bad Lume
Though an SKX dial isn’t very complicated, Seiko did an excellent job of making the lume glow like the sun. When it comes to lume, many imitation SKX007 dials fall short, and some even exhibit splotchy lume application. You’ll also notice a wider outline around the lume plots.
It could be challenging to carefully inspect the lume if you’re purchasing the SKX online. What can be seen is the proper dial code, which ought to be on every dial that Seiko has ever produced, under the 6 o’clock mark.
8: Case Construction and Poor Finishing
Despite the fact at how nicely manufactured the SKX casing is, many of the imitations that are being marketed fall short of Seiko’s requirements. These changes could be visible online, but in person, any faults in the casing should be enough to discourage you from purchasing what is being marketed as a NOS SKX.
Seiko also utilized metal for the click spring and every other component of the bezel. You can tell if an SKX is fake if it feels cheap or if the bezel doesn’t move properly. However, a lot of fakes include metal components across the whole bezel assembly, so don’t consider this indication as the basis for your purchasing decision. One thing to not is that real SKX007 typically have a friction fit bezel with click spring. Fake SKX007 will have a wire retainer to hold on the bezel or a click ball instead of a click spring.
9: Reputation is still a nice touch!
This is ultimately one of the simplest methods to make sure you aren’t purchasing a copy. The likelihood that you may purchase a fake SKX007 is substantially reduced when you purchase from a recognized and established dealer or well-known seller.
Although it might seem obvious, the way SKX007 prices are trending makes it very simple to get seduced by rock-bottom costs.
Know What You're Getting!
Make sure you are obtaining an SKX that is 100% real when you are purchasing. There are a ton of SKX parts floating about, and several businesses, including us, providing high-quality aftermarket cases, bezels, and other various parts to construct a SKX007 design. However, we never sell anything fake or with a Seiko logo that has not be produced by Seiko. It’s nice that you can customize your watch with whatever you like, although there are a lot of mixed and matched SKX007 on the market as a result. With the help of this guide, you should be more aware of what to watch out for if someone claims an OEM SKX007.
Although the Seiko SKX007 is a fantastic model, it is no longer considered a bargain timepiece. NOS watches from reputable merchants may cost up $800USD or more! This is a bit high for a watch that doesn’t hack nor hand wind or makes use of premium components like sapphire glass.
If you ever want to learn more about the aftermarket parts at Watch-Modz you can browse through our catalog of premium parts that we proudly offer.
We provide a wide variety of cases, bezels, and other alternatives. Our parts are just as high-quality as OEM parts, if not better. In certain instances, creating your own personalized watch would be more affordable than purchasing an OEM SKX007. You would then have total creative control over the appearance and feel of your watch.
About The Author
Pamela Tabago is an Information Specialist at Watch-Modz LLC. She is passionate about everything related to watches, from the best automatics to modding a Seiko.
She brings her data-driven experience in informative writing and her love for watches to the blog. She also provides watch-related content for other modding enthusiasts like herself.