These Premium Bracelets Offer New Life to Your Old Seiko Diver

Despite being discontinued five years ago, the Seiko SKX remains one of the most popular dive watches around. A gateway watch for many enthusiasts, the affordable automatic diver ranks among the most iconic watches Seiko has ever produced. And while a modern equivalent exists in the form of the Seiko 5 Sports “SKX Series,” many still cling to the rugged original.

In addition to its status as a dependable beater watch in many collections, the SKX has long been popular in the modder community, with the diver serving as the main template for a thriving cottage industry of third-party parts manufacturers.

As a testament to the Seiko SKX’s staying power — and its owners’ collective desire to continually improve the watch — Forstner has just launched a brand-new pair of premium bracelets designed specifically for the SKX.

Forstner

Forstner Model O for Seiko SKX Diver and Seiko 5 Sport

• $175 at Forstner

Forstner

Forstner Model J for Seiko SKX and Seiko 5 Sport

• $165 at Forstner

The SKX’s Bracelet Is Lacking

The SKX was always designed to be an affordable tool watch, but when it was discontinued in 2019, it had admittedly grown long in the tooth and felt outdated compared to its competition. (Sorry, but it’s true.)

Its Seiko Cal. 7S26 automatic movement does not hack or hand wind, its Hardlex crystal scratches far more easily than sapphire, and its stock Jubilee bracelet is cheap and tinny.

Photo by Allen Farmelo for Gear Patrol

While some find the jangly Jubilee of the SKX charming, others consider its construction a weak point compared to the durability of the watch’s case. The stock bracelet has folded end links, a stamped clasp, pin-secured links and poor tolerances between the links — all signs of a subpar bracelet to modern eyes.

The SKX bracelet feels like a vintage watch bracelet, which works for some folks, but is not what a lot of people want on their dive watch in 2024. That’s the reason why many third-party brands like Strapcode, Uncle and Islander make their own versions. But I don’t think I’ve ever seen any SKX bracelets as nice as the new Forstner options.

Jubilee or Oyster?

Forstner

Forstner has two new bracelet options for the SKX which the brand calls Model O and Model J. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the “O” and “J” here refer to Rolex’s bracelet naming conventions of “Oyster” for a classic three-link style and “Jubilee” for the dressier five-link bracelet as seen on the original SKX.

Both of Forstner’s options are legitimate premium builds and are a hell of a lot more solid than the stock options of an SKX. Here’s a brief rundown of the improvements the bracelets make over the OEM bracelet.

• Solid end links: Compared to the SKX’s thin folded end links, these solid pieces of steel make for a better and stronger fit between the bracelet and the case.
• Screw-in links: Forstner’s links are each held together by a single screw. This makes them both more secure than pin-secured links and far easier to work with.
• Spring link: Unique to Forstner, the brand uses a spring-loaded link behind the clasp, giving the bracelet a bit of stretch to better flex with your wrist.

Forstner

Forstner

• Milled push-button clasp: Instead of a stamped clasp, Forstner utilizes a fully milled-out clasp that is far more durable. Plus, instead of a friction fit, Forstner’s clasp opens with a twin-pusher system, giving you more security on the wrist.
• Greater taper: Many watch enthusiasts prefer tapered bracelets as they find them more comfortable. The SKX’s original bracelet does taper, but not as much as Forstner’s new options, which gradually shrink from 22mm at the end link to 16mm at the clasp.

Pricing and Availability

The SKX’s replacements, the Seiko 5 Sports SKX Style watches, are also lacking in the stock bracelet department. But the good news is that Forstner’s new options will fit those watches as well as the SKX, so whether you’re rocking an old or new Seiko diver, these bracelets have you covered for an upgrade.

Photo by Joe Tornatzky for Gear Patrol

Both Forstner bracelets are made exclusively from 316L stainless steel, with the Model O being entirely brushed and the Model J featuring a mix of brushed and polished finishes.

The Forstner Model O for Seiko SKX Diver and Seiko 5 Sport retails for $175, while the Model J goes for $165. Both are available now directly from Forstner.

Forstner

Forstner Model J for Seiko SKX and Seiko 5 Sport

• $165 at Forstner

Forstner

Forstner Model O for Seiko SKX Diver and Seiko 5 Sport

• $175 at Forstner

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