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The Seiko Prospex SPB317 is the stronger choice for modern specifications: it adds hand-winding, stop-seconds, a stated power reserve of about 70 hours, and a curved sapphire crystal. The discontinued SKX009 counters with its Pepsi-color bezel and classic, no-frills character. Choose the SPB317 for a current manufacturer-listed watch with newer features; choose the SKX009 if its distinctive design and enthusiast legacy matter more—and you are prepared to buy and assess a used example.
At a glance: what separates the SKX009 and SPB317?
| Detail | Seiko SKX009 | Seiko Prospex SPB317J1 |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Discontinued and no longer available new, according to Fratello’s comparison; condition and originality vary by used example. | Listed on Seiko’s US product page at USD 900 when researched. This is a displayed US price, not a price for other markets or a guarantee of current retailer pricing. |
| Movement | 7S26 automatic; Fratello reports that it cannot be hand-wound. The cited sources do not establish a controlled accuracy comparison. | 6R35 automatic with manual winding, stop-seconds, date, 24 jewels, and approximately 70 hours of power reserve. Seiko lists precision of +25 to -15 seconds per day. |
| Case dimensions | 42.5 mm diameter and 13.4 mm thickness, as reported in Fratello’s rematch. | 41.0 mm diameter, 46.9 mm lug-to-lug, and 12.3 mm thickness, per Seiko. |
| Crystal | Fratello describes its contributor’s example as originally fitted with Hardlex, later replaced with domed sapphire. That modified example does not establish the crystal on every used listing. | Curved sapphire with an anti-reflective coating on the inside, per Seiko. |
| Water resistance | Fratello’s comparison says the SKX meets ISO standards for a “true” dive watch; the exact SKX009 reference/version documentation is not independently established here. | 200 m / 660 ft diver’s water resistance, per Seiko. |
| Weight | 80 g watch-head weight, as reported in Fratello’s rematch. | 100 g, per Seiko’s listing. |
| Design character | Colorful Pepsi bezel and the established, straightforward SKX look. | A more restrained design based on Seiko’s 6105-8000-era styling, with a more modern specification package. |
The sources are not equally current or authoritative for both watches: Seiko supplies the SPB317 specifications, while the SKX009’s figures and movement context come from editorial reporting. Treat those SKX details as reported information, not a current manufacturer specification sheet.
Which movement is more convenient?
SPB317: hand-winding and stop-seconds
The 6R35 in the SPB317 can be wound manually, and its stop-seconds function halts the seconds hand when setting the time. Seiko lists an approximately 70-hour power reserve. These are practical conveniences if you rotate watches or want to set the time precisely.
SKX009: a simpler 7S26
Fratello identifies the SKX009 movement as the 7S26 and notes that it cannot be hand-wound. That is a difference in convenience, not proof that the SPB317 keeps better time: the cited sources do not provide a controlled accuracy comparison between the two watches.
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- BLACK BEZEL: this versatile men’s watch features a black ceramic unidirectional bezel with distinctive scalloped edging, for elapsed timing
- AUTOMATIC & MANUAL: SRPF77 automatic watches for men power up with your natural movements, and feature the ability to wind manually, with 41 hours of reserve power
- WATER-RESISTANT: these rugged stainless steel dive watches for men feature a deep blue silicone strap and are both stylish and robust, following ISO standards for scuba, and are water-resistant to 200 meters
- 4R36 CALIBER: equipped with the reliable 4R36 caliber, these precise men’s wrist watches ensure the most accurate timekeeping
How do the materials and finishing compare?
Seiko specifies a curved sapphire crystal with an inner anti-reflective coating on the SPB317. The SKX009’s crystal needs to be checked on the individual watch. Fratello’s contributor had a Hardlex crystal replaced with domed sapphire, alongside chapter-ring and bezel alignment work; those were modifications to that example, not factory features to assume on every SKX009.
Fratello’s contributors describe the SPB317 as more refined. That is a subjective judgment, but it fits the broader contrast: the SPB317 pairs its more contemporary specification set with a less overtly colorful design, while the SKX009’s appeal includes its simpler tool-watch character.
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- AUTOMATIC: these self-winding, automatic men's watches are powered by your movement, with a power reserve of 41 hours
- STAINLESS STEEL: features a durable 43.8mm stainless steel watch case and bracelet.
- LUMIBRITE DISPLAY: this men's automatic watch features a highly-legible display with LumiBrite hands and markers
- 4R35 CALIBER: equipped with the reliable caliber 4R35 automatic movement, this accurate men's watch keeps precise time
Which one wears better?
The reported SKX009 dimensions are 42.5 mm across and 13.4 mm thick; Seiko lists the SPB317 at 41.0 mm across, 46.9 mm lug-to-lug, and 12.3 mm thick. The SPB317 is therefore narrower and thinner by those figures, although the source and measurement basis differ: the SKX values are editorially reported, while Seiko provides the SPB317 values.
Fratello contributors describe the SPB317 as sitting more flush, but that is a personal wearing impression rather than a fit test across wrists. Case shape, strap or bracelet, and wrist proportions affect comfort; if fit is decisive, compare them in person rather than relying on diameter alone.
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What do their dive-watch credentials tell you?
Seiko specifies 200 m / 660 ft diver’s water resistance for the SPB317, along with a unidirectional rotating bezel and screw-down crown. Its listing also gives LumiBrite on the hands, indices, and bezel; magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m; and a screw case back.
Fratello’s comparison describes the SKX009 as meeting ISO standards for a “true” dive watch. Because the exact reference or version documentation is not independently established here, that claim should remain attributed to Fratello rather than treated as a verified specification for every watch offered under the SKX009 name. For any used dive watch, a past rating does not tell you its present water resistance: check for service documentation and have it tested before relying on it in water.
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- KHAKI GREEN DIAL: this rugged sports watch features a khaki green dial patterned to mirror the shape of the bezel’s edge, with Lumibrite dial indicator hands and markers for low light and a magnified day/date calendar
- BLACK BEZEL: this versatile men’s watch features a black ceramic unidirectional bezel with distinctive scalloped edging, for elapsed timing
- AUTOMATIC & MANUAL: SRPE05 automatic watches for men power up with your natural movements, and feature the ability to wind manually, with 41 hours of reserve power
- WATER-RESISTANT: these rugged stainless steel dive watches for men feature a khaki green silicon strap, and are both stylish and robust, following ISO standards for scuba, and are water-resistant to 200 meters
- 4R36 CALIBER: equipped with the reliable 4R36 caliber, these precise men’s wrist watches ensure the most accurate timekeeping
Is the SPB317 worth choosing over the SKX009?
The SPB317 is the clearer pick if you want a manufacturer-listed watch with sapphire, manual winding, stop-seconds, a stated roughly 70-hour reserve, and specified 200 m diver’s water resistance. Seiko’s US page displayed USD 900 when researched; it is a market-specific displayed price, not a universal price or a promise about current discounts.
The SKX009 may be the more compelling choice if you specifically want the Pepsi bezel and the classic SKX personality. It is discontinued, so a used listing’s value depends on its condition, originality, service history, and included parts. Fratello’s contributor recalled buying an SKX009 for about EUR 300 including modifications; that is one historical personal example, not a current used-market benchmark. Compare local listings rather than assuming the SKX009 is always cheaper.
Thomas, a Fratello contributor, summed up the SKX character as: “Everything about the SKX is simple, functional, no-frills, and cheap to repair/replace.” Treat that as his editorial opinion, not an independently established repair-cost guarantee.
What to check before buying a used SKX009
- Authenticity: Confirm the watch and its components are genuine; do not assume every listing is an untouched original.
- Parts and modifications: Ask whether the crystal, bezel, chapter ring, dial, or other components have been replaced, and whether original parts are included.
- Movement condition: Request a clear account of operation and any service history. The cited sources do not establish the condition of any particular listing.
- Water resistance: Ask for recent service or pressure-test documentation. Do not treat the model’s reported dive-watch credentials as evidence that an individual used watch remains water-resistant.
- Price context: Compare current local examples with similar condition, originality, service, and accessories; no present asking price is established here.
Who should choose each watch?
Choose the SPB317 if…
- You prioritize modern listed specifications, including sapphire crystal and 200 m diver’s water resistance.
- You want hand-winding, stop-seconds, and Seiko’s stated approximately 70-hour power reserve.
- You prefer a less colorful design and a watch currently listed by Seiko in the US market.
Choose the SKX009 if…
- The Pepsi-color bezel and classic SKX look are the main attraction.
- You value its enthusiast following and straightforward character more than newer conveniences.
- You are comfortable assessing a discontinued watch’s authenticity, modifications, condition, and service records before buying.
In Fratello’s 2023 Sunday Morning Showdown rematch, the SPB317 won 51% of the votes. That result records the participants in that poll; it is not a representative consumer survey or an objective measure of which watch is better.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
