Why the Seiko SKX007 Is the Most Important Watch in Modding History
The Watch That Started It All
The Seiko SKX007 is arguably the most important dive watch in watch modding history. Released in 1996, it became the gateway watch for millions of people into the world of mechanical watches. Even though it was discontinued in 2019, its influence is everywhere.
At Funny Items, many of our NH35 and NH34 builds are directly inspired by the SKX007 design language. Here is why this watch matters and how its legacy lives on.
Why the SKX007 Was Special
- Affordable automatic — At around $200, it was the cheapest way to get a real mechanical dive watch
- ISO certified — It was a genuine 200m-rated dive watch, not a fashion watch
- 7S26 movement — Simple, reliable, and easy to service. The ancestor of the NH35
- Perfect size — 42mm case, 22mm lugs — ideal for most wrists
- Mod-friendly — Every part was interchangeable, making it the ultimate mod platform
The SKX007 DNA in Funny Items Watches
The SKX007 design DNA lives on in our watches:
- Case shape — The classic "turtle" cushion case inspired many of our designs
- Bezel style — Our dive watches use the same unidirectional bezel layout
- Dial layout — The 3 o'clock date window and applied indices are SKX-inspired
- Movement upgrade — The NH35 is the direct successor to the 7S26, with added hand-winding and hacking
SKX007 vs Modern Funny Items Builds
| Feature | SKX007 | Funny Items NH35 Watches |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | 7S26 | NH35 (7S26 successor) |
| Hand-winding | No | Yes |
| Hacking | No | Yes |
| Crystal | Hardlex (mineral) | Mineral or sapphire |
| Price | $200+ (used) | Varies by build |
| Mod support | Massive aftermarket | Full parts catalog |
Build Your Own SKX-Inspired Watch
You can build an SKX007-inspired watch with Funny Items parts:
- Watch Cases — 40mm cases with SKX-style design
- Watch Dials — Classic dive dials in black, blue, and more
- Watch Hands — SKX-style hands sets
- Pepsi NH34 GMT — SKX case shape with GMT function
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still buy an SKX007?
Yes, but only used or new-old-stock. Prices have increased since discontinuation. Building your own with an NH35 gives you the same look with modern improvements.
Is the NH35 the same as the 7S26?
The NH35 is the upgraded version. It adds hand-winding and hacking, which the 7S26 lacked. All other specs are similar.