The SKJ Kinetic divers: gone but not forgotten
Not too long ago, Seiko made a series of classic Kinetic divers with strong design influences from the world famous Rolex Submariner diver’s watch. These were fondly remembered as the “SKJ" Kinetic Sports divers and they remain the only homage copies of the Submariner with the Kinetic movement.
There were also only three generations of this style of Kinetic divers and they were marketed internationally as generic models, i.e. not belonging to any particular Seiko sub-range such as the Sportura, Arctura, Coutura, etc.
These models sat unnoticed in the midst of the many obscure Kinetic models that shared the same movement. Unlike the international sub-ranges like the Velatura, Premier and Sportura, Seiko didn’t spend on advertising the SKJ Kinetic divers. To the Seiko company, they’re just a few of their countless generic models – if you happen to like them, buy them!
1st Generation (5M23-6B50)
Seiko first debut of the Kinetic divers was probably in 1994 or 1995 with their SHF-series 5M23 models. These had a water resistance of 150m and were named the “Sports 150" series. The 5M23 caliber was equipped with the early problematic capacitors and offered a maximum power reserve of just 3 days. The SHF-series had the familiar dial and hands layout which was carried forward to the SMY-series Kinetic divers.
Firstly, I’d like to state that the SHF-series Kinetics and its successors are not ISO certified divers’ watches. They are merely water resistant sports watches that resemble diver’s watches. For an in-depth explanation on water resistance, you may want to read my previous blog entry.
![SHF045P1_thumb[1]](http://quartzimodo.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/shf045p1-thumb1.gif "SHF045P1_thumb[1]")
![SHF047P1_thumb[2]](http://quartzimodo.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/shf047p1-thumb2.gif "SHF047P1_thumb[2]")
![SHF048P1_thumb[1]](http://quartzimodo.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/shf048p1-thumb1.gif "SHF048P1_thumb[1]")
The first Kinetic divers. From left to right: SHF045P, SHF047P and the gold toned SHF048P.
Right from the beginning, these divers were designed with the Jubilee bracelet in mind. No other bracelet options (e.g Oyster-style) were available. The SHF-series had Hardlex mineral glass and were equipped with 120-click, unidirectional rotating bezels.
Some real world photos of the 1st generation SHF-series divers:
Above: The early SHF047P 150m Kinetic diver. Pics courtesy of PMWC and Easternwatch.
I have not seen better other photos of the 5M23-6B50 models other than the above from the ‘net nor have I encountered anyone in the SCWF owning such models. Perhaps the SHF-series Kinetics didn’t generate much interest compared to its successor, the SKJ Kinetic divers or they weren’t made in sufficient quantities.
2nd Generation (5M43-0A40/0B30)
Towards the end of the decade Seiko upgraded the 5M23-6B50 models with a higher water resistant rating of 200m. These were the more famous “Sports 200m" Kinetic models or simply known as the “SKJ" Kinetic divers, with a new and improved 5M43 caliber with a longer power reserve of 1 week.
The SKJ-series were lesser known as the 5M43-0A40 models but they were more proved to be more popular amongst Seiko Kinetic diver collectors. Seiko added four more models for the 5M43 Kinetics and including two titanium versions. The dial and hands were carried over from the previous generation and like the SHF-series, were fitted with solid linked Jubilee bracelets.
The new SKJ models had improvements over their predecessors. Apart from the newer movement, the 2nd generation Kinetic divers were also upgraded with Sapphlex glass, which is actually a mineral glass base with a sapphire laminate in the top layer.
I don’t know why Seiko had since discontinued making Sapphlex crystals as they provide the best of both worlds – a more scratch resistant surface with less brittle characteristics. Maybe it was costlier to make compared to a 100% sapphire glass. These days you get either normal Hardlex or sapphire from Seiko.
![SKJ001P1_thumb[1]](http://quartzimodo.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/skj001p1-thumb1-thumb.gif "SKJ001P1_thumb[1]")
![SKJ003P1_thumb[1]](http://quartzimodo.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/skj003p1-thumb1.gif "SKJ003P1_thumb[1]")
![SKJ004P1_thumb[1]](http://quartzimodo.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/skj004p1-thumb1-thumb.gif "SKJ004P1_thumb[1]")
![SKJ031P1_thumb[5]](http://quartzimodo.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/skj031p1-thumb5.gif "SKJ031P1_thumb[5]")
![SKJ137P1_thumb[1]](http://quartzimodo.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/skj137p1-thumb1.gif "SKJ137P1_thumb[1]")
The 5M43-0A40 parade. Clockwise from top: SKJ001P, SKJ003P, SKJ004P, SKJ0137P (with silver bezel insert) and the all-blue SKJ031P
The SKJ-series divers also had a minor change to the bezel insert – Seiko thankfully added a useful lumed bezel pip at the 12 o’clock marker, which was absent in the earlier SHF-series models.
The SKJ137P was perhaps the odd one out. It’s the only model to have a silver colored bezel insert and a red second hand. On top of that, its dial has a very interesting emerald green color. In my opinion, the SKJ137P is the rarest model I’ve seen in pictures and in real life, I’ve seen and handled two SKJ137Ps.
![SKJ045P1_thumb[1]](http://quartzimodo.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/skj045p1-thumb1.gif "SKJ045P1_thumb[1]")
![SKJ048P1_thumb[1]](http://quartzimodo.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/skj048p1-thumb1.gif "SKJ048P1_thumb[1]")
The only titanium (5M43-0B30) models in the three generations: SKJ045P (left) and SKJ048P (right)
Two titanium models, the SK045P and SK048P were also injected into the SKJ lineup, making a total of seven variants for the SKJ-series. The titanium models were probably made in smaller numbers and they are more valuable to collectors than the stainless steel ones. Due to the scarcity of the titanium versions, they fetch a higher value in the used market.
Some years ago I’ve had the opportunity to take photographs of the rare SKJ045P prior to shipping it to a buyer from USA. He saw a photo of the watch that I posted in the SCWF forum following a visit to the store that had it and contacted me immediately to buy it on his behalf. 🙂
Here are some nice pictures of SKJ-series Kinetics below.
Two photos of the very rare SKJ045P titanium Kinetic diver taken before I shipped it to its buyer
A nice collection of 5M-series Kinetic divers. Clockwise from top left: SKJ001P, SKJ014P, SMY003P and SKJ031P. The SKJ001P and SKJ031P were fitted with Seiko Oyster and President bracelets respectively. Photo courtesy of Stefan Molle
Chronograph.com used to have a few SKJ Kinetics for sale at one time. From left to right: SKJ001P, SKJ031P on a black aftermarket NATO strap and SKJ003P. Bottom: the gold toned SKJ004P
3nd Generation (5M63-0A10)
In the early 2000s, Seiko introduced their latest and current 5M63 Kinetic caliber to replace the 5M43. The new 5M63 movement promised a more efficient power generation unit and an even much longer power reserve – 6 months versus the 5M43’s 1-week reserve.
More importantly, with the 5M-caliber, Seiko solved the infamous problem with their earlier Kinetic watches by replacing their leakage-prone capacitor with the rechargeable lithium ion (LiOn) cell. Seiko also provided replacement LiOn cells for the last batches of their 5M4x watches to watch dealers and end users upon request.
This spelled good news for owners of the 5M43-series owners (including the SKJ divers) as the LiOn cells were totally compatible with the older 5M4x calibers. It is not uncommon for used SKJ divers for sale to have been upgraded with the LiOn cells. Click here for my past article regarding Seiko Kinetics.
Seiko introduced only three models for its 5M63 Kinetics – the SMY001P, SMY003P and the SMY005P. Titanium models or gold toned models were completely dropped from the third generation lineup.
My best guess is that the company felt that they went overboard with too many variations with their former SKJ-series and perhaps the black SKJ001P and SKJ003P models outsold their siblings. Maybe their titanium models were too expensive and didn’t sell that well.
Borrowed photos of the SMY001P (left) and SMY003P (right). I haven’t found a photo of the blue SMY005P so far.
Aesthetics-wise, the SMY series were identical to the SKJ-series but with the following differences:
-
Dial text no longer says “Sports 200" but “Kinetic Water Resist 200m"
-
A very plain and bland polished caseback instead of having the “wave logo" as with its predecessors
The SMY-series divers could have carried forward the famous Seiko wave logo that adorns the casebacks of their ancestors but sadly, they come with plain vanilla casebacks. There’s nothing to admire from the rear save for the mandatory caseback and reference numbers and the usual Seiko text markings. I suspect Seiko chose the plain caseback to cut production costs.
The 3rd generation SMY Kinetic divers dispensed with the wave logo on the casebacks. Pic courtesy of Timefactors.com
Thankfully, the SMY-series Kinetics still adopted the hybrid Sapphlex crystal from the previous SKJ-series and are fitted with the same high quality, solid linked Jubilee bracelet.
I guess am fortunate to own probably the last NOS (New Old Stock) SMY003P in Malaysia and I’m happy to say that it’s one of my favorite watches. 🙂
Photos of my very own SMY003P. No, I’m not selling this one for sure! 🙂
Will there be a 4th generation?
That’s a good question. I don’t suppose there will be any. If it serves as an indication the SMY-series were already discontinued and you don’t see fresh stocks of these watches in the stores, whether online or brick-and-mortar.
If it’s one thing I know about Seiko, they’re largely in the profit making business and they make watches mostly for the masses, not for the very selective individuals like enthusiasts like us.
While it’s also true that Seiko also makes very high end, fine timepieces sold through their Grand Seiko and Credor lines but sales of watches from those lines constitute a small percentage of their total earnings.
If a particular range or variant didn’t fare well in sales, the company would cease production of that model, whether you really adore the watch or not. Which probably explains why the evergreen SKX007 mechanical diver is still in production today since 1996 while some exotic designs like the Sky Professional analog digitals only ran a rather brief two-year product life span. And I’m not talking about limited edition Seikos either.
Although the Kinetic 5M63 caliber has been around since the early 2000s, I’m not sure what Seiko’s marketing division plans to develop new Kinetic divers based on the day/date 5M63.
It appears that the Japanese watch manufacturer lately preferred to concentrate on pushing their date-only 5M62 Kinetic divers, such as the SKA293P “Big Boss", SKA369P “Big Freakin’ Kinetic (BFK) and their latest SKA383P ISO-rated 200m divers.
So far I have not seen any new Seiko diver models based on the 5M63 Kinetic since the SMY-series Kinetics and the SMY089P Black Knight (also discontinued). Perhaps Seiko’s recent market research showed a consumers’ preference for date-only watches in non-automatic divers? Hmm…..
Above: The SKA293P “Big Boss", SKA369P “BFK" and the yellow SKA385P 5M62 date-only Kinetic divers. All pics from Chronograph.com
So if you missed the opportunity to own a brand new piece of a model that had been discontinued, you’re largely out of luck. That doesn’t mean that finding one is impossible – it’s just it’s a lot harder to source it. There could be a few lying unsold in some obscure watch store somewhere in the world, waiting for the right buyer to give them a good home. 🙂
If you don’t mind buying a pre-owned SHF/SKJ/SMY Kinetic diver, you may come across a For Sale (FS) ad in one of the well known international watch trading forums such as Watch-U-Seek, Poor Man’s Watch Forum and of course, the Seiko & Citizen Trading Forum.
You can also place a WTB (Want To Buy) advertisement for a specific Kinetic model that you’re after. Hopefully someone will answer your ad with a very good offer. Of course, there’s also a possibility that these model come up on eBay from time to time. Keep monitoring the auction sites and remember, perseverance pays off handsomely in the end! 🙂
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Comments
Thanks again, Peter. I originally wanted to do a brief writeup on the SKJ Kinetics alone and realized that there’s a history behind these little known models so I’d better assemble the complete story.
I enjoy my SMY003P because it has a classic Submariner look to it and it’s my only Kinetic with a day calendar too. Check with Badern if he still owns the SKJ004P (he may have sold at least one in the past).
If you’re interested in the SKJ137P with the very deep green dial, let me know as it’s looking for a decent home for years. 😉
cheers,
Q.
Thanks for the comments, Stefan. I hope you don’t mind if I borrowed your pic, as you have the best photos of SKJ’s around. 🙂
Hi Quartzimodo,
Great write up of an often overlooked series of watches. You know i love the SKJs. Almost had the whole series once LOL! Was only lacking the blue on blue (SKJ031). But now i have sold 2 off (yup, even the SKJ004) and left the SKJ 001 and SKJ 003.
Keep up the good work bro! What about an article on lume of Seikos/Citizens? Also how different models have different quality lumes eg SKX009 vs Monster.
Take care bro,
Badern
Hi Badern,
Thanks for leaving the nice comments. Your SKJ003P is probably the only one I’ve seen with an aftermarket date magnifier, which makes it very unique.
I would say the SKJ001P and 003P should suffice but your Kinetic collection has grown again. lol. 🙂
Sure, I’ve thought about writing about lume comparisons of Seiko and Citizen but that will take some research first. Thanks for the reminder though!
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hey there, I was teh american who just “had to have” the titanium SKJ you help me get. I have since sold the watch, but miss it anyhow. Thanks again. MS
Thanks for a great write-up of these watches, it helped me identify a Seiko that I’ve had for a nearly 15 years..the SKJ045P.
Unfortunately the numbered bezel insert fell out whilst diving recently, and Seiko UK are unable to provide a replacement. If you have any idea of where I could locate a replacement insert I would be most grateful !
Hi Pnut,
Yes, that was your SKJ045P watch that I featured in the post. I’m knew that you sold it but I guess we all go through our phases in watch collecting.
Hope all is well with you, Matt. 🙂
Quartzimodo.
Hi Delvis,
Wow, you must be lucky to own that uber rare SKJ045P. In my life I only saw one in the wild and it eventually was owned by “Pnut” who posted above you.
I may be able to source the bezel for your watch (if it’s still available) but not the insert. Seiko never sells inserts separately – they come together with the bezel whether you like it or not 🙁 Contact me via the blog form if you wish to order one.
Are you certain that you’ve had your watch for 15 years? That would be 1993 and the SKJ-series Kinetics weren’t made until the late 90s.
Let me know your six-digit serial number imprinted on your watch caseback, that should tell the exact age of your SKJ045P.
Quartzimodo.
Thanks for that, the watch serial number is 780580, and thinking back it may have been later that I bought it…maybe 1996 or ’97..from a Seiko dealer in Gibraltar.
Unfortunately the bracelet hasn’t stood the test of time, so I’ve now got it on a leather strap.
If you can let me know the cost of a bezel replacement I’d definitely be interested as Seiko UK only have a blue/gold replacement available which I don’t think would be suitable.
Many thanks !
Hi Delvis,
Based on your serial numbers, your watch was made in Aug 1997, which is about the right era for the 5M43 caliber. A leather strap would look nice on your watch, I’m sure. 🙂
I’ll find out if the SKJ045P replacement bezel is still available from Seiko Japan.
Stay tuned for my PM.
Quartzimodo
Hi
I have 5m23-6b73 purchased sometime in 1990. I was not using for few months and found that now its not keeping time. I found out from web that it has some type of capacitor battery. Where can I get that replacement kit? Can I change it at home?
Hi Mjbad2,
Since you’re located in Canada, I would suggest that you take your watch to your Seiko authorized repair center here:
Odyssey Time Inc.
60 Prince Andrew Place, Toronto,Ontario,M3C 2H4, Canada
Tel:+1-647-288-2222
If you prefer changing the old capacitor to the new rechargeable cell yourself, you can buy it from Chronograph.com. The procedure to replace a capacitor is slightly different than primary (disposable) cells.
Be sure to read this article first!
Quartzimodo Admin.
hey great history of the skj’s…
thank god i stumbled upon this site cos im about to purchase a skj031p fetching a price of MYR 800 brand new. would this be a good buy? what should i look out for before purchasing?
this will be my 1st seiko and i want it to be a good buy.
pls do email me asap as i am about to view the watch in 2 weeks time. thanks
ps: do u know any seller of these skj’s here in malaysia? would like to hunt for a better bargain. thanks again
Hi James,
RM800 is considered a bargain as the stainless steel SKJ models have a MRSP of RM1.3K and the street price (discounted) is usually RM900 onwards. The watch is considered super-rare nowadays, so grab it before someone else does. 😉
The SKJ031P is probably at least eight years old – sooner or later you’ll want to have its rechargeable lithium ion cell replaced. If the dealer has a Seiko Kinetic Energy Supplier unit, have the watch charged for at least 30 minutes before taking it home. Otherwise, you’ll have to endure an arm-breaking exercise to get it to 100% charge. -)
Hope this helps.
Quartzimodo Admin.
thank u so much q admin. i’m purchasing it via a forum, this dealer’s grandad had a shop in melaka, now recently inherited all the seiko’s. so i dont think dealer has the ke supplier unit. btw, are u from msia? email me then get me into these seiko madness…
Hi James,
Some authorized Seiko dealers that provide watch repair services may have the Kinetic charger – you may want to hunt around for one. Yes, I’m from Malaysia and used to live in Melaka in the mid 70s. Please use my contact form if you have any further questions to ask. 🙂
cheers,
Quartzimodo.
Hey Q, it’s me again. I think this is the 3rd question I’ve asked in the past few days. Ain’t the internet great!
Came across this & wondered what you thought.
i16.ebayimg.com/04/i/001/2c/69/ad51_1.JPG
i6.ebayimg.com/02/i/001/2c/69/bf73_1.JPG
i22.ebayimg.com/02/i/001/2c/69/df33_1.JPG
Thanks again!
Hi Tucker,
That’s the very recognizable SKA013P Kinetic sports watch. I have one these beauties. Check out my past review of this watch here. 🙂
Quartzimodo Admin.
I have a 2nd gen w/pepsi dial…you are not kidding about sapphlex…I have a bunch of watches and only seiko sapphlex and citizen sapphire will not scratch no matter what abuse I subject them to.
THe only regret is that I also bought a 2nd gen black dial and I quickly sold it again because at the time I thought it redundant.
I have beat the living tar out of my pepsi diver over the years and despite my abuse it has only shown a little paint wear on the bezel. I should upgrade that capacitor but I just don’t want to disturb the gasket!!! It’s been a beautiful, tough–toughest I’ve owned–watch for 13 or so years and I can’t bring myself to have it cracked open!
gr8 blog here on an under appreciated watch
Hi Don,
Thanks for sharing the interesting comments. It is a common fallacy that sapphire glass (and Sapphlex) is totally immune to scratches – they’re not. Sapphire crystals have a much higher resistance to scratches but they’re unfortunately not 100% scratch-proof. A stainless steel penknife or a paper cutter blade usually won’t leave a mark on sapphire, but a very rough surfaced concrete pillar may scratch sapphire if you accidentally scraped your watch on it.
The bezel insert can be replaced, but you have to order the bezel as a whole unit. Seiko does not sell inserts as a separate replacement part. IMO, there is no compelling need to upgrade the original capacitor to the 6-month power reserve, lithium ion cell if you wear your Kinetic often enough. Your gaskets will deteriorate in time and sooner or later you’ll need to replace them if your watch is subjected to water daily.
Thirteen years of ownership is pretty impressive!. 🙂
Quartzimodo
Hi bro,
Just read this article again (and droooled again lol)
as a fellow WIS was asking me about the SKJ and SMY series.
The 1st thought came to mind was this excellent article of yours. I have already recommended him to read this article.
The SKJs brings back memories of my crazy days of having ‘multiples’!! LOL!
Take care
Bad
Hi Bad,
Well, if it’s any consolation you have taken the path towards collecting Seiko Tuna divers exclusively which draws my admiration. 😉 The SKJ and SMY-series Kinetic divers are destined to become classics in their own right. The newer designs from Seiko have taken a different turn – it appears that Seiko is turning towards the younger generation market.
all the best,
Quartzimodo.
I am having withdrawal symptoms for my Seiko SKJ004P (Gold Tone/Black Dial). I bought one in 2002 and it was giving me great service. Two years ago, I picked up a Rolex Oyster perpetual to replace it and put my Seiko in cold storage in my brother’s house in the U.S.. Two years later, I am in India and my beloved watch is half a world away! I am going to be back in the States next month and hope to be re-united with my long lost friend. Hope the battery/capacitor isn’t dead because of it being in cold storage for such a long time.
Thanks for this nice article. I have a SKJ003P and would like to have a Solid Oyster bracelet for it, do you know if the bracelets for the SKX007 series will fit the kinetic ?
Thanks.
Hi, Roland!
Good to hear from you again and I see you’re actively posting on SCWF. 🙂
Excellent question. While both the SKJ-series Kinetics and the SKX007 diver have 22mm lugs, the end links from your Oyster bracelet at least in theory, may not fit nicely into your SKJ003P.
This is because the SKJ’s lugs are longer than those of the SKX007. You may have to swap the Oyster’s end links with the SKJ’s end links to achieve the perfect fit.
Let me know how it goes! 🙂
Quartzimodo.
Where can I buy a Oyster bracelet for my SKJ004P (at least one that will fit)? The gold plating on my two-tone bracelet has partly abraded away so I need to replace it.
Hi Varadaraj,
Seiko’s gold plated bracelets are unfortunately not known for their longevity. I suppose corrosion is somewhat accelerated in hot and humid climates and especially by skin sweat.
You’ll have to contact the nearest authorized Seiko dealer who can order one for you. Seiko has only one customer service center in India, which is listed here. You can try emailing them first. Be sure to quote Part Number 43M5LZ as it’s the model for the two-toned Jubilee bracelet. Although this bracelet is no longer made by Seiko Japan, but there’s a possibility that remaining stocks still exist.
Hope this helps and good luck!
Quartzimodo
Update on Oyster on SKJ003P. I bought a super oyster from Yobokies and tryed to fit it to the watch. The end links were indeed to high, they touched the bezel so it would not turn.
I did not like it. So I modifified the end links from the original jubilee bracelet. I brushed the center and made the hole for the first link rectangular. Here is the result :
www.triadot.com/watch/oyst_0.jpg
Hi Roland,
That’s a very nice outcome of your modification! 🙂
I had anticipated the end links would be the only problem as the SKJ/SMY Kinetic divers have longer lugs than the classic SKX divers, which Yobokies’ replacement Oysters were intended for. Kudos to your efforts and I should think your perseverance paid off handsomely.
That said, Stefan Molle had also experimented with the Seiko President and Oyster bracelets for his SKJ divers with considerable success.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
I have a Seiko 5M43-0B30 SKJ048P which I purchased new directly from Seiko UK in about 1995. I always has been a reliable and accurate timekeeper except when in 2001 it developed a problem holding the charge. I sent it to Seiko and they replaced the capacitor and serviced it. Now (Oct 2009) it has developed the same problem. Can I still get it repaired? Any idea how much this might cost? It seems too good a watch to discard.
Hi Robin,
I’m not sure whether the Seiko repair center replaced your original, factory fitted capacitor with one of the same or upgraded your watch with the TC-920 rechargeable lithium ion cell. Eight years have passed since your first capacitor replacement and the storage cell – whether it was a capacitor or a rechargeable cell, has most likely reached the end of its lifespan.
When a Kinetic watch can no longer store a sufficient charge, three possibilities exist: the storage cell is unable to store electricity due to age or that your watch’s charging mechanism has developed a fault. Or both. I would recommend that you present your watch to the Seiko repair center and have it recharged using the facility’s Kinetic watch charger. It may take an hour or slightly longer to get the watch to a full charge.
When the charging process is done, press the power reserve button and check the state of power charge. If it doesn’t show a full charge (indicated by the second hand swinging to the 30 second mark or a 180 degree swing), then your internal storage cell is at fault. If indicates a full charge, your watch’s charging mechanism may be the culprit and an inspection and a service will be in order.
I do not know how much Seiko UK charges for repairs but I can imagine it could be a bit costly. In Malaysia repair fees are a lot cheaper due to our lower wage structure. Your gold plated SKJ048P is a fine watch – try to preserve it if you can. 🙂
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi. Can’t believe i just stumbled across this site! I bought my SKJ045P from Oman in 1998 and it cost me then £180!! At the time it retailed in the UK for £500. I just thought it was a really nice watch, but i never realised just how durable it would be. 14 years in the military and it has only been serviced once. Two years ago when the kinetic movement seized up. Seiko UK replaced the capacitor and gave it a full service. Unfortunately they could not fit an original SS crown so i had to settle for the gold colour one. Doesn’t notice that much if i’m honest. However the titanium strap is completely shot. Pins bent and cracked and all the links are stretched and worn. Could i get hold of a new strap from you and what would be the cost? I love the watch and don’t really want to part with it, however i am not paying the UK price for a new Titanium strap…£180! Therefore i may have to settle for a SS type 🙁 As a last resort i will sell on Ebay…Just how rare is this watch and what do you think it is worth please?
Awesome write up and cracking photo’s too.
Reagrds Lee.
Hi Lee,
Watches are unfortunately heavily taxed in Europe and the UK, that’s why your SKJ045P cost 500 quid over there. There’s no tax on watches in Malaysia and Singapore and Seiko watch enthusiasts in your part of the world prefer to buy online from web store and eBay merchants from SE Asia. It’s possible to find the replacement bracelet for your SKJ045P on condition that Seiko Japan still has some left. If I visit the Seiko parts center in the future, I’ll inquire whether they have your titanium bracelet.
It may be inadvisable for you to substitute a stainless steel bracelet because the titanium surface on your watch lugs is rather soft and easily scratched. Should efforts in finding a replacement bracelet draw a blank, you might want to use a custom leather strap that covers the gap between the lug ends and the watch case.
Titanium SKJ Kinetics divers are very rare. Depending on the condition and demand, you might be able to sell it between USD200 to USD300.
Hope this helps. 🙂
Quartzimodo
…….Some other info you may require: 5M43-0B30
serial number (under the ‘wave’) is: 633752
Thanks again
Lee.
Lee, based on your serial number your watch was made in March 1996, which makes it one of the earliest batches of the SKJ045P. I’m rather surprised because I didn’t think Seiko made them that far back. Usually Kinetics from the mid 90s are marked “A.G.S.” on the dial, rather than “Kinetic”.
The ones similar to yours, that I’ve seen in real life were dated 1998 or later.
regards,
Quartzimodo.
Quartzimodo…Many thanks for your info. I would very much appreciate you finding out about the titanium bracelet. I don’t really want to fit a SS or leather type. If they do have one then please email me and let me know how much. I do have a paypal account if that makes things easier?
Email: [email protected]
The watch itself is in very good condition considering its age. There are no scratches on the glass and only a couple of very tiny dents to the side of the titanium surface. The watch does need a professional clean but the internals are A1 condition. The movement makes the typical kinetic sound and is very smooth. Functions all work. The rotating bezel is showing signs of age where the black has worn away close to the glass. Other than that it is in fine working condition. I could email you a photo or two if you want?
Let me know asap regards the bracelet
great website!
Kind reagrds, Lee.
Kind regards
Lee.
I’m rather surprised because I didn’t think Seiko made them that far back. Usually Kinetics from the mid 90s are marked “A.G.S." on the dial, rather than “Kinetic".
The ones similar to yours, that I’ve seen in real life were dated 1998 or later.
Hi Quartzimodo,
My Kinetic Sports 200 follows your description of the 2nd Gen.
But has the Serial number 588214 Caliber is 5m43-0A40
So my Seiko must be from August 1995.
I can send you some pics if you contact me via E-Mail.
Are you sure about the production dates of 1stGen.
and 2nd Genaration?
Greetings from Germany, Oli
Hi, placed a new picture online of my SKJ003P on solid oyster.
Just thought is was time for an update.
www.triadot.com/watch/oyst_0.jpg
Hi Roland,
Thanks for the update! You’re one of the best known members in SCWF who collects quartz, Eco Drive and Kinetic watches exclusively. 🙂
Quartzimodo.
Wow what a mine of info on the divers kinetics! I bought my SKJ 100P what seems a lifetime ago and have worn it almost every day since. Had to have the inevitable Li-ion upgrade last year but apart from that it’s been bullet proof.
Sadly a couple of weeks ago the S/S bracelet fell apart, so I bought what I thought was a direct replacement 22mm Jubilee bracelet on-line, only to find that the pins that locate in the watch body on the original bracelet are smaller in diameter than the new ones.
All was not lost as the replacement does fit my 7N36 Divers watch, but have you any idea where I can locate a S/S bracelet that will fit my much loved SKJ!
Hope you can help and thanks again for a great article.
Ron
Hi Ron,
Your SKJ100P takes the gold toned bracelet, code number 44E1-JZ. This bracelet is specific to your watch model and not all 22mm bracelets would flush fit on your watch. You can try ordering a replacement bracelet from your nearest Seiko service center. Alternatively, you could post a question to Mr Lee Wee Wah, who runs the Chronograph.com online watch store. He might be able to source one for you. 🙂
cheers
Quartzimodo
This article got me hooked on the 2nd Gen SKJ 5M43 divers – thanks Q! My fab four are pictured here:
Regards
subdave
David
Hi David,
Yes, I saw your Fab Four on Flickr and I must complement you for keeping them in absolutely pristine condition! 🙂 There aren’t many SKJ-series Sports 200 collectors that I know about – the other one being Stefan Molle from Sweden.
Quartzimodo
I own an 5M23-6B50, and have worn it every day since I bought it in 1994.
It was the first thing I bought using my new Visa card, and I purchased it from the Navy, Army and Airforce store in Herford Germany, where I was based (British Army).
Since then I have replaced the mineral glass and upgraded the capacitor (in reality they are only rechargeable batteries).
My Dad is a watchmaker and he wears a Seiko, so I thought if its good enough for him, it’s good enough for me.
Below is an photo I just took of it on my desk –
regards
Matt
Hi Matt,
Thanks for sharing the photo of your SHF047P. If you have replaced its original capacitor after 16 years of owning the watch, that is quite an achievement in itself! The earlier capacitors were prone to premature leakage and that’s why Seiko switched to rechargeable lithium ion cells later. I don’t know why Seiko didn’t strive to find a better capacitor design because lithium ion cells have a rather short finite lifespan. Maybe they were banking on the higher charge holding capacity the lithium ion cells offer as a selling point.
Your dad really knows his stuff. My best regards to him for his wisdom in the fascinating world of horology! 🙂
Quarzimodo
Hi Q,
You may or may not remember our correspondence just over a year ago (it’s still on this site) re my SKJ048.(Oct 25/26 2009). I have been overseas for most of the past year and unable to send my watch anywhere for repairs with a positive guarantee that I’d get it back.
Anyway, back in UK at beginning of September and I sent my watch off to Kinetic Repairs UK (www.kinetic-repairs.co.uk/) who did a fine job of updating the electronics, lubricating the moving parts, ultrasonically cleaning it, testing the water resistance and guaranteeing it for a year – all done in a turnaround of a week and for a total cost, including postage, of 65 GBPs. It’s keeping excellent time again and maintaing a full charge at all times. A good job, well done and a recommendation from me.
Keep it ticking!!and thanks for your advice in the first place.
Robin B
Hi Robin,
Great to hear from you again. 🙂 It’s good to know that you sent your SKJ048P diver to a professionals who specialize in Kinetics. I’d say that 68 quid is a fair rate to pay (in the UK), considering that it’s not just a simple capacitor/rechargeable cell replacement but a total overhaul job. Thanks for sharing your recommendations, hope that other readers in the UK will come to know of Kinetic Repairs UK.
Wear your watch in good health! 🙂
Quartzimodo
[…] a Kinetic! Or do I? You can solve the power charge issue by being a one watch man. I got my SKJ Kinetic (article post by Quartzimodo Admin, quartzimodo.com/) going on 10 years ago overseas in Hong Kong. […]
I have bought two of the 2nd generation recently. I first bought an SKJ003P in excellent condition. I had the capacitor overhaul done professionally. Then, I got a decent condition SKJ001 from badern that had a bad capacitor (he told me about it prior to sale). I replaced the capacitor myself for $16. I also have an SMY001 on its way, but without a bezel insert. I ordered a complete bezel to install once I get it.
These watches are EXTREMELY well made and I count them as some of the best watches I have ever owned, and I have owned them all from Rolex to Omega to IWC to TAG.
Absolutely love htem, and this article was of great help to me. Thank you.
Hi Peter,
Badern is a good friend of mine and he takes care of his watches, past and present very well. He’s an honest seller and never exaggerates the description of the watches that he’s sold. It’s too bad that Seiko doesn’t sell bezel inserts separately and one has to buy the complete bezel, which isn’t exactly cheap.
You’re one of the very few watch enthusiasts that appreciate the SKJ (and subsequently, the SMY) series Kinetic sports divers. Coming from someone who owns high end Swiss marques like Rolex, Omega and IWC your expertise in watch ownership is remarkable. 🙂 Both were well constructed but discontinued by Seiko. None of these models were made in automatic or quartz versions, which makes them extra special and unique. 🙂
I’m lucky to own at least one of these watches – the Pepsi bezeled SMY003P, with the updated 5M63 movement. It’s a rock solid watch and both the SKJ and SMY Kinetics were one of the few and last Seiko watches to use the Sapphlex crystal, which is basically a Hardlex glass with a sapphire top laminate.
Enjoy your SKJ001P in good health! 🙂
Quartzimodo
I just picked up an SMY001 and can now offer another difference between them and the SKJ series. The SKJ has an applied “SEIKO” logo on the dial, whereas the SMY has it printed. I like the logo on the SKJ better, but the overall layout of text better on the SMY series dial.
Hi Peter,
Actually both the SKJ and SMY series Kinetics have the Seiko logo in the form of an applied, three dimensional, slightly chromed decal. I own the Pepsi bezeled SMY003P myself (with a rare English/Arabic day calendar) and can vouch for this. 🙂
cheers,
Quartzimodo
I came across this great page in search of info on my Seiko Kinetic 5M43-0A29….From the sounds of it, I was not the only one with the same problem of it not holding a charge. Years ago I was told it would cost about $100 to repair and that I would have to send into Seiko, so I just put it in my watch drawer. Is this now something a watch repair shop can do without having to send to Seiko??? I have just purchased a new Seiko diver and would like to get the Kinetic fixed to give to my son…will it still cost $100 to repair??? I would hate to put it back away because it was a great watch.
Hi Rodney,
Skilled labor is rather expensive in your country and it’s understandable that many people resort to DIY jobs whenever they can. Why not check out Kinetic Repairs? They’re currently having a promotion for their services; for just USD65 not only they will upgrade the old capacitor (I assume your 5M43 still has the original capacitor), they’ll also overhaul and clean your watch. Just ship your watch to them and they’ll take care of everything. Not a bad deal, IMO. 🙂
Note that I am not in any way affiliated with the Kinetic Repair company.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
HELP! searching for SHF014 want to buy. some one stole mine and i refuse to own any other thank you. 612-250-4762 peter b
Hi Peter b,
Sorry to hear that you’ve lost your SHF014P. It won’t be easy to find a replacement as such watches are hard to come by. Seiko may have manufactured the SHF014P in limited numbers and there’s the challenge to find someone willing to part with his.
good luck with your search! 🙂
Quartzimodo
Hi, I’ve been given a Seiko Kinetic Titanium, Case No 5M43-0B30, serial no 723815. YOM 1997. From your article I think it is a SKJ045P, only a little more lived in than your fine examples. The titanium bracelet has been trashed, especially the end pieces. Are you aware of anywhere I can acquire a replacement? (I note your comments to Lee from 2009). Thank you. Simon M-H.
Hi Simon,
There’s a reason that I own titanium Seiko watches to an absolute minimum. Although titanium alloy metal is tougher than stainless steel, the surface of the titanium used in Seiko watches are rather fragile and scratches very easily. Scuffs and scratches are not easy to refinish compared to stainless steel. That said, Seiko does have a range of titanium coated with their proprietary DiaShield coating (similar to Citizen’s Duratect process) but DiaShield coated models are confined to expensive, Seiko models for the local Japanese market.
The bracelet for the SKJ045P has the reference code 4400-JZ and is a discontinued item. It’s a long shot, but you may want to contact the Seiko service center in your country. Should Seiko Japan still have leftover bracelets, your service center should be able to order one for you.
Best of luck! 🙂
Quartzimodo
I just bought new old stock a SKJ076 titanium kinetic. Although not a real diver’s watch it could pass, although only 10 bar depth tested. I tell those that are curious that it means an alarm goes off on Saturday nights after I’ve been to the 10th bar. Here’s the question: Can the installation of the lithium ion battery substantially increase the duration of charge over the original capacitor or in order to do that does the movement have to be of a more recent vintage in order to take advantage of the upgraded?
Hi Chris,
Historically, all 5M4x Kinetics were fitted with capacitors but when Seiko introduced the replacement 5M6x calibers circa 2001, Seiko did offer free lithium ion battery upgrades for some markets. If I remember correctly this free upgrade was offered to owners of the last batch of 5M4x Kinetic models. Although the 5M63 (with day/date) is somewhat more efficient in the power generation section, older 5M43 Kinetic watches can still use rechargeable LiOn batteries.
Seiko never produced a minor update to the 5M43; the movement only had the first version – the 5M43A and there was no such thing as a “5M43B”. To answer your question, yes – a switch to the much higher capacity LiOn battery will substantially increase your watch’s charge to 6 months. If you wear your SKJ076P Kinetic on a daily basis this should be of no problem – a week or two’s wear on your wrist will fully charge the battery. In any case, Seiko service centers and some dealers that perform LiOn rechargeable battery replacement services have the special YT-04 Kinetic Energy Supplier (charger). It’s usually a standard procedure to use the Energy Supplier to fully charge the battery before handing the watch to you.
BTW, that’s a good joke wrt to the meaning of “10 Bars” for absolute watch noobs. 🙂
Quartzimodo
Nice work, Quartzimodo, you did it again! Just as my thoughts begin to crystallize on watches I really like, I look in here and see more or less what I was thinking spelt out already, complete with pics. You’re doing my research for me!
I really like these older kinetic ‘divers’ and actually think I’d get more enjoyment from a complete set than from one new MarineMaster 300! Perhaps I’m just being daft, but there’s one for every occasion, dressy or not, sunny or rain, work or play etc….
I t h i n k Badern still has a NOS (with upgrade) SKJ004P1 (black/gold) which went unsold a few months back… I will certainly be emailing him in the new year and hope to kickstart the set with that one! (I know I can mention that to you in here as no one will see! LOL!)…
Keep up the good work, mate, really enjoyable read!
regards,
Peter