Seiko "Stargate" Diver (SKZ325K1) Review

[kohym]

Seiko Scuba Divers 200m (SKZ325K1)
 
Specifications:
Seiko Scuba Divers 200m
Model SKZ325K1
Caliber 7S36-04P0 Twenty three jewels
ISO Certified Divers watch
Antimagnetic Type I
Domed Hardlex crystal
 
Dimensions:
Diameter 44mm across
Lug width 22mm
Lug to Lug distance 50mm
 
Variations:
Black PVD bezel with Black dial and red minute hand (metal bracelet)
Black PVD bezel with Black dial and red minute hand (rubber strap)
Steel tone bezel with White dial and red second hand (rubber strap I think)
 
My First Impressions:
I'm glad Seiko found her roots again in Diver watch design!

This new Seiko is a minimalist tool watch without the bells and the whistles.

Clean dial layout with recangular lume markers between chrome linings.  The centre of the dial is recessed and gives depth to the watch face.
The black day/date wheel is non-obstructive and blends with the overall watch.
Inner bezel is also black giving the watch an overall "black" look.
Fat hour hand and an outstanding red edged minute hand.
I personally feel the second hand is a little bit off-design with the watch. Maybe a SKX007 second hand will be better.

The bezel turns at 120 clicks unidirectionally and is of a slight sawtooth edge.  The bezel sits bigger than the case.
From my understanding, the bezel is metal and PVD coated.  The lume pip sits on a raised pyramid-like platform.

The crown screws in and out well.  A red inner ring onto crown matches the red minute hand well.
The caseback seems to sit slightly lower into the main case body.

Lume is super as expected.

This watch has a bigger case and longer lug compared to the traditional SKX divers.

Drilled through lug holes mean easily strap/bracelet change.

FYI, the end links are solid, not a filmsy hollow piece of steel.  I chose to change out the bracelet (standard Seiko double locking clasp) as I feel it is a bit too blingy...
 
No timekeeping info yet but I'm not too worried about this for this Seiko.
 
I paid around 320 Singapore dollars for rubber version (with AD warranty), you go do your FX conversion.
 
Some detailed shots:








 
That's all folks!     

[nhoJ]

Great looking model.  I really like the case and crown.  Thanks for the picts and comments.

[Duarte1]

Thanks for the review. The watch looks great.
I am very tempted to get one of these and put some MarineMaster hands on it.
Metal hands would be a better match, and more in keeping with the retro look IMHO.


One question, is the crystal 32mm in diameter?

[kohym]

Thanks for the review. The watch looks great.
I am very tempted to get one of these and put some MarineMaster hands on it.
Metal hands would be a better match, and more in keeping with the retro look IMHO.


One question, is the crystal 32mm in diameter?

yes, it is 32mm!

[kohym]

Thanks for the review. The watch looks great.
I am very tempted to get one of these and put some MarineMaster hands on it.
Metal hands would be a better match, and more in keeping with the retro look IMHO.


One question, is the crystal 32mm in diameter?

how much does a MM , Ti Sammy or Sumo hand set cost?  Will they fit?  thanks!
 
found my ans on the www! thks! looks like i will try ti sammy hand set...

[watcholic]

yes, it is 32mm!

Thank you for the review!

This is getting exciting. If not too much to ask, can you gently pop the bezel open and take a picture of the bezel mechanism or try to see if a SKX007 / 009 bezel can fit this new model?

The lume pyramid is removable (screwed-on) according to Yeoman: http://yeomanseiko.wordpress.com/2010/11/27/seiko-200m-divers-skz323k-skz325k-skz327k/

[kohym]

Thank you for the review!

This is getting exciting. If not too much to ask, can you gently pop the bezel open and take a picture of the bezel mechanism or try to see if a SKX007 / 009 bezel can fit this new model?

The lume pyramid is removable (screwed-on) according to Yeoman: http://yeomanseiko.wordpress.com/2010/11/27/seiko-200m-divers-skz323k-skz325k-skz327k/

yes, the lume pyramid is removable, there is a screw there.
 
well, i am embarrased to say i only know how to size a bracelet and change straps. 
never have i attempted to pop open the bezel. sorry to disappoint.
 
but i am sure along the way, someone else will be able to and your query

[Time]

Thanks for the review, much appreciated 

[Isthmus]

Excellent review Kohym.  Thanks so much for this.

[junlon]

The lume pyramid is removable (screwed-on) according to Yeoman: http://yeomanseiko.wordpress.com/2010/11/27/seiko-200m-divers-skz323k-skz325k-skz327k/

Just out of curiosity, what are the reasons of making the lume pyramid removable?

[Time]

Just out of curiosity, what are the reasons of making the lume pyramid removable?

perhaps to replace it with a flat one?

[Duarte1]

perhaps to replace it with a flat one?

or to be able to replace the bezel insert 

[Duarte1]

how much does a MM , Ti Sammy or Sumo hand set cost?  Will they fit?  thanks!
 
found my ans on the www! thks! looks like i will try ti sammy hand set...

Yes, they will all fit. MM hands I only know of Rob as a source, I think they are around 30 Euros (but I could be wrong, check with Rob.)
Samurai hands sell for around $35-$40 or so depending on who you buy them from.

[Duarte1]

yes, it is 32mm!

So a Sapphire made for a 6105 "could" fit.. 

[Jeje3325]

Dude first of all, congrats to you sir.

 

second...
Man I 'm jealous!  I totally want those watches!

[SoCalAttorney]

Thanks for the review. I'm liking this one a lot. I am considering picking up the white hand version but I have to admit the red minute hand version you have looks a lot like the Brightz Diver. Only thing is I wish Seiko had put a signed crown on this one.

[sharkfinDave]

Great review, really nice watch.
Nice to see a model that will be popular as well.

[FiftyFathoms]

Is that the factory rubber strap that came on it? If not, what model is it from. I like that the strap doesn't flare at the lugs. Very nice.

[speedbird119]

Hmmmm....nice...on the Xmas list now.


Great review, thanks.


Best,


Mike

[Time]

Is that the factory rubber strap that came on it? If not, what model is it from. I like that the strap doesn't flare at the lugs. Very nice.

yes, the one pictured above is the OEM strap.

[SoCalAttorney]

Is that the factory rubber strap that came on it? If not, what model is it from. I like that the strap doesn't flare at the lugs. Very nice.

That's the strap from the Orient Star 300m, not the standard issue factory Z22 strap that comes with the Stargate. In kohym's original thread about the watch in the main forums, he mentioned that the strap pictured is from his OS300m. 

[peacemaker885]

Hey guys are these available online yet?  I can't seen to find any.  Oops sorry for posting here...

[Ninjarred On Duty]

I think this is my first post on here so if so "Hello!" 
My "Stargate" arrived today and to say I'm happy is putting it mildly. I've got the black dial/red minute hand on rubber version but I'm going to try it on a bracelet off a Tuna tomorrow...
Great review and it was this thread that brought the watch to my attention, so thank you.
I can do some side-by-side shots with my Black Sumo if anyone is interested.

[horchew]

Seiko Scuba Divers 200m (SKZ325K1)
 I paid around 320 Singapore dollars for rubber version (with AD warranty), you go do your FX conversion.
 

Hi Bro, nice review w excellent shots! 
 
Care to share where u bought it from? I oso in Sing n would like to buy 1 too. Tks lots... Me newbie on seiko watches.. 
 
can pm me or drop me a line bertytan_at_gmail dot com Tks lots ya

[Rehaut]

You really hooked me with this review, a good looking diver with a bit of "Old School" about it, a decent size and reasonably priced. Maybe have to get one after I have paid to have my Arnie re-lumed and re-furbished.