From the Seiko SKX to the SPB317: How I Fell in Love with Seiko Again
At the end of summer 2014, my dad gave me my first mechanical watch. It was a gift that marked a new chapter in my life – one that would take me from college to the workforce and beyond.
The Seiko SKX173 was an unexpected turn of events for me. I had worn a mid-sized solar-powered SNE039 before, courtesy of my grandfather, but this watch was different. It boasted a waterproof case, rotating dive bezel, and an automatically winding movement that seemed like magic at the time.
"Just shake it a bit to get it going," Dad said with a chuckle, referring to the caliber 7s26's lack of hand-winding. I took my dad's advice, gently shaking the watch until its mechanisms sprang to life. As I gazed at the sweeping seconds hand, I marveled at the intricate dance of gears, levers, and springs working in harmony to tell time.
The excitement of wearing a mechanical watch was intoxicating. As an incoming engineering student, I devoured every available resource on Seiko watches and mechanical timekeeping. My newfound enthusiasm didn't wane even as I settled into college life or began my career.
That was until I discovered two websites that would change the game for me: Worn & Wound and Hodinkee. These platforms introduced me to a world of watch enthusiasts, collectors, and connoisseurs who shared my passion for horology. The floodgates were open, and my understanding of watches expanded exponentially.
However, as I continued to explore the world of watches, my perspective began to shift. I started attending watch-related events, met industry professionals, and discovered more luxurious timepieces. My SKX173, which had once been a prized possession, now seemed unremarkable compared to these newer, flashier watches.
It wasn't until I found myself surrounded by Seiko watches in various settings that the nostalgia started to creep back in. Friends' graduations, new jobs, and 'just because' purchases – I couldn't help but feel a sense of longing for the simple, understated charm of the SKX173.
My journey led me to the SPB317, a modern reinterpretation of the classic 6105-8000. The case and dial design, rubber strap, and essence of the watch all resonated with me. It was as if I had come full circle, rediscovering why I fell in love with Seiko watches in the first place.
When shown the SPB317, my friend quipped, "about ur seiko… u got a type my friend." Indeed, I did. The experience reminded me that sometimes, it's not about accumulating knowledge or having the latest watch; it's about finding joy and connection with something simple yet meaningful.
With the SPB317 now mine, I've worn it daily since purchasing it. It serves as a reminder that, 11 summers later, I've taken the long route home – back to where my passion for Seiko watches began.