Many longtime SKX owners were eager to see what Seiko had in store after discontinuing the legendary line. With the new line of SKX Sports Seiko watches, it/s like catching up with an old friend. The SKX Sports may have some changes, like decreased water resistance and no screw-down crown, they still retain the core personality of the SKX.

Even though most of Seiko's mid-level dive watches are now in the PROSPEX line, the SKX Sports, part of the "Seiko 5 Sports" lineup, still embody the durability and versatility that Seiko 5 watches have been known for since the 1960s. The 42.5mm diameter may sound big, but the reasonable 46mm lug-to-lug distance and 13.4mm thickness ensures a comfortable fit on the wrist. The push/pull crown is positioned at the signature 4 o'clock spot. This may take a little getting used to for dive enthusiasts who prefer screw-down crowns. However, with 100m of water resistance, the SKX Sports can still handle swimming, handwashing, and splashes of water with ease., and a unidirectional 0-60 timing bezel surrounds the dial.

The dial of the SKX Sports series is where Seiko truly shines. The applied indices filled with Lumibrite luminous material elevate the overall look of the watch compared to the printed indices on the SKX line. The 12 o'clock position features a large triangle, while 6 and 9 are elongated ovals. The rest of the hours are marked by circles. A day/date display is located at 3 o'clock, rendered in black on white printing.

One significant improvement over the SKX is the movement. The 4R36 mechanical automatic movement boasts a 40-hour power reserve, a day/date display at 3 o'clock, and 24 jewels. The 4R36 offers the convenience of hand winding the movement and hacking the seconds hand for precise time setting, features that were not present in the previous 7S26 movement. While the accuracy rating of +45/-35 seconds per day may not rival Swiss Observatory records, it is well within the expectations for an entry-level mechanical watch.

Overall, the Seiko 5 SKX Sports Style line creates a great foundation for Seiko to build upon. Whether it be regular production models that will be the first automatic watch for many, or special editions made for longtime lovers of the brand.