did some window shopping in brussels

sigh...

Sat around browsing for ages today and I'd like to buy a Seiko. Initially I was looking at getting the SKX033K (which I understand to be an essentially cheaper version of the SKX033J because the dial is different - no 21 jewels/made in japan - but is this wise to "opt out" on?):

http://www.creationwatches.com/produ...l?currency=USD

However, the SNZF15J is essentially the same style, but has a 7s36 movement instead of 7s26 - is it substantially better/worth buying over the other?

http://www.chronograph.com/store/mli...idproduct=2774

What are people's thoughts - are they decent watches/movements? And what are people's opinions of either watch on a brown leather strap? Would it look right?

Sorry, questions questions questions. Thanks in advance for any replies, though!

Edit:
SKX009K1 practically looks the same watch, with a 7s26 movement also; presumably the only difference is the altered crown position.
http://www.chronograph.com/store/mli...?idproduct=469

Was gonna ask how you felt about the SKX007s.

Between these three and the prices/movements go whichever styling you like best imo, while the general look is the same there's kinda a big difference in the general feel of the bezel of the SKX007s and the other two, crown placement is different and the case less Sub-y. I've never got to play with an SKX033 though.

I have a SNZF15 with white dial/black bezel/oyster, it feels light compared to an OM but it's obviously a less chunky watch and has a different vibe going for it. Keeps time super well, has a decent looking open caseback, usually wear it as a water watch, kinda beat on it with plenty of salt and sand and no problems ever, solid watch for the price.

7s36 and 7s26 are pretty much exactly the same. One of them has an extra jewel but it doesn't really do anything extra.

I would take the skx009 or skx007 or Monster over the SNZF15J or SKX033J as the first 3 are actual rated divers and rated to 200 meters where as the latter 2 are only rated to 100 meters. There also isn't that much of a difference in price.

If you are looking to spend a bit more, I would look at the SKZ325K1 and the srp043k1

I looked at SKX007s but I prefer the blue dial and bezel; I could only find 007s with black dials/bezels. You're saying the 007 is more sub-like and the other two are more sports-y?

Yeah, okay, that's what I'd read but obviously wasn't sure in terms of actual performance. Although I won't really require it (rated that deep), it makes sense. In which case, is in worth getting the SKX009J over the K - for the sake of it?

Thanks for your replies.

Edit: Quite like the SKX007 on a leather strap!

http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/...0/70e2ef5e.jpg (stolen from wus)

Being rated that deep doesn't mean you can actually take it to that depth. Typically I think of it like this.

There is no real difference between the J and K version of the skx007 aside from styling.

50m - handwashing ok, light dunks in water.
100m - swimming will be fine.
200m - diving

Ah I see, thanks for clarifying that for me.

I prefer the cleaner dial on the K anyway. I can get it for £111/$175, and would probably put this on it, as pictured:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/HIRSCH-Liber.../dp/B002ZJIVPU

Wasn't a massive fan of either SKZ325K1 or srp043k1, the faces are a bit "busier".

skx007K for $175 is a really good deal especially if its the bracelet version.

Meant SKF033 and SNF are more Sub like in their case/basel, the 00's being a tiny bit more chunky and a little different.

The 009s come in blue dial/blue red bezels apparently not the 007s.

If you're loving the blue red look and prefer the more sub like case design I think Orient has a few options but not sure and not sure if you're really set on Seiko.

No unfortunately it's on the rubber strap. I kind of wrote this off as I wanted to put it on leather anyway, but I do appreciate the value in being able to purchase the bracelet with the watch.

I'm actually leaning towards the black bezel/dial now, haha. I should check out Orient too, I'm not sold on Seiki I just see them to be a pretty solid start wrt buying an auto watch.

Nice, like it on the brown leather too.

SKX031 and 033 are discontinued and hard to find because they're super popular as mod bases (due to the sub-look), but mods are starting to use the SNZH something something more and more now due to availablility.

Note that both SNZH and SKX031/33 are NOT ISO-rated divers.

I have a SNZF17K1 and really like it. You can get these on the forums, mine was under $100 on WUS a year or so ago. Very comfortable bracelet.

I don't take it around water though (or my OM). I swim with either a Vostok Amphibia or G-Shock.

A quick reference is if the dial sports a '5' symbol it's not a rated diver and won't have a screw-down crown.

That's a good rule of thumb but there are exceptions.

The SKX031/33 are the only pieces in the SKX series that I can think of that are not dive-rated.

The various "Frankenmonster" Seiko 5s ARE dive rated.

Seiko makes it pretty easy to tell, if it says "Diver's" or "scuba" on the dial, it's ISO rated.

Thanks, I appreciate the advice/knowledge. I think I'm pretty set on the SKX007 now.

I'm not sure if any local jewelers will stock it, or a similar model, so I'm probably going to have to buy it initially for sizing. That said, my wrist is 50mm across and afaik it measures 45/46mm lug-to-lug so should that be okay?