I know this is a couple of years old, but I bought a Heimdallr SKX earlier this year. The crown guards aren’t sharp, the lume pip is still raised, it has the day/date NH36 and a watch face and hands identical to the original SKX. When taken off at night it runs about 3 seconds fast per day. When worn 24/7 it’s damn near perfect. Comfort with the jubilee is outstanding. I couldn’t be happier with this watch. And it was $135 shipped, US!
You can't expect too much from the bracelet for $250 but we get $50 watches from China with NH36s, solid links and solid end links and often sapphire crystals. I think sometimes we are too forgiving of the big brands.
To be fair, the big brands have a lot more overhead to deal with (plus we aren't buying from the direct, there are retailers and wholesalers involved) so I can forgive them on the bracelets at $200. But what I can't forgive them on is the lack of sapphire crystal. They can get away with it on the SKX, since it is supposed to be a proper dive watch, but the 5KX? That thing is designed for desk diving and has no justification to be hardlex aside from them recycling SKX manufacturing equipment.
I really like the Orient. The dial and hands elevate it above the Seikos to dress it up some, important for a daily wear. I even like that Orient logo.
I have the black dial Kamasu on the wrist for 3 days…. The bracelet is the only downside, but that can be easily changed. What I love about it is it’s versatility! You can wear this baby anywhere!
I love my Kamasu for legibility: minute hand points exactly to the ends of printed minute markers, same with second hand, baton markers which are different to-in my opinion-boring circles in almost every dive watch, just take a look and you know exactly what time is. Only little downside is the crown, could be a little bigger (or crown guards can be smaller). I have 7" wrist and the bracelet is normal, i don't care if the clasp is milled or pressed. Great guard on clasp, not too loose not to stiff so your fingernails wont break when you operate it :) Great video, cheers, stay safe!
I also have a 7in wrist. Was considering this and the skx013. I have been scared to get anything over a 40mm case size because I like classic sizes. Does the Kamasu wear well for you?
@@tirrelldaveport3671 My Kamasu just came in (blue), and it is honestly breathtaking. It has strong hints of the Seamaster 2254.50, one of my favorite designs of all time. It's a work of art. Highly recommended.
@@FD3SA agreed my blue Kamasu just got here 30min ago but it’s late (10:30PM…?!) so I’m not gonna set the time until tomorrow. My first automatic so I’m excited
No problem at all with my copy. My sharky is overall a far better watch than my Kamasu, even though both watches cost the same where i live. The two Seikos are cheap watches at high prices IMO. I sold my SKX for just 100euros
Pretty sure that the backwards lume dot on the SKX second hand is only there so you are able to check the watch is still running while you’re underwater (which is one of the ISO6425 requirements), it’s not supposed to make sure you can read the exact time down to the second.
I got the Strapcode Jubilee for my Alpinist, I find it very sharp on the edges so I used some nail pile to fix it, not perfect but it feels a little bit better now. The bracelet and the watch combination looks brilliant.
Nice comparison and I think your scoring here is helpful to folks assessing their options in 2020! For the "would I daily it?" test, there are two winners: Kamasu and Islander. The thing I love about Kamasu/Mako/Ray is the high comfort and wearability. It's thin and low like a classic sub, and inward-facing end links will conform well to small wrists. The design hits the "classic" point between vintage and modern - it's not loud or tooly, but I also don't think it'll ever look outmoded. The Islander is basically a modern execution of the SKX formula - big applied indices(deeper than Seiko's embossed 5KX/Turtle ones), lumed ceramic bezel, drilled lugs, oyster bracelet with solid everything, and full compatibility with SKX aftermarket mod parts. Yeah, it's $300, and you can find someone else to ship you something with the same spec sheet for less. But the attention to detail on the Islander is really nice, and I can't believe how much time it gets on my wrist. I'd need to spend $700 or so to get something this nice from Seiko, or $1,000+ from a Swatch brand.
I just wanted to share the great news that trough the purchase of the world famous Seiko SKX009 I bought myself my very first piece of horological significance and with that the first watch for my collection. I managed to get my hands on one of the last ones, albeit at the little bit higher price of $235. It’s new, it’s the real deal (I checked the serial and case number) and more importantly it’s mine. I chose the SKX009 for my 7 inch wrist because of the Pepsi bezel which I think stands out just a little bit more and looks just a little bit more iconic than the black version on the SKX007. I did not opt for the smaller SKX013 because I like my watches a little bit larger. I want to thank you for teaching me about heritage and horology. Without your channel I probably would have ignorantly bought myself yet another Fossil. Thank you for making the wonderful world of watches accessible to newbies (on a budget) like me who are just starting out their collection. Please keep on making videos because I still have so much to learn about watches especially as I carefully and slowly try to expand and maybe even start to mod the watches of my collection. Again many thanks, you’ve got yourself a fan and follower for life! Joshua
Thank you, for your effort. It is priceless. Since the beggining it was clear for me that Orient's machine was the most consistent offer in comparison. I also like the way you have classfied the most important items taken into account we are talking about diver watches (for a daily use ). Thank you again from Canary Islands!!
I got both the kamasu in black and the 5kx in blue. Both are lovely. 5kx is more sporty and sparkly (sunburst is extremely pronounced), while the kamasu is very professional and dressy. I would say the kamasu is more versatile, as you can wear it formally and with jeans and t-shirt. I wouldn't be able to rock the 5kx with a suit, the kamasu no problem.
SKX007 would be my pick primarily for its iconic status as well as for how comfortable it wears. I wear mine often. In Australia the Kamasu is very expensive so if I was going to go for an Orient I’d pick the Mako or Ray. By the way I’m also very happy with the bronze Heimdallr 😉
Citizen NY0040 is much better technically (official ISO), aesthetically, fits better and it's much more iconic: it was used by italian marine army. Sorry but SKX doesn't have a chance against it, even more now that it's out of production and the prices are outrageously high.
Because they don't have to pay for establishing and maintaining the "brand" and product design/developments which is the biggest cost of doing business. Even tiny micro brands stamp their name on a Chinese OEM watch and sell them 3-10x more for the exact watch from OEM because they put effort in marketing. Majority people will still buy the brand over a better and cheaper unknown watch on paper.
Great review! I don’t have a Kamasu (yet), but I have a collection of 5 assorted Orient Mako II and Ray II, all picked up cheaply on eBay, and have done Long Island Watch bracelet upgrades as well as crystal and bezel mods including fully lumed ceramic inserts and each has its own personality and unique look. I have various leather and rubber 22mm deployant style straps and I have tons of options to keep me from getting bored. I know I could have bought one really nice watch at the $1k price point but it’s more of a hobby than a status symbol for me. I love it when someone compliments one of them because they’ve never seen one like it and I get to say that ‘I made this’ with pride and have the satisfaction of knowing I spent less than $200 on something really personalized. The enjoyment of spec’ing and comparing parts, imagining what the finished product will look like, waiting anxiously for the parcel to come in and then the hands on of changing the bezels and crystals is as satisfying to me as buying one luxury purchase and only being able to stare at it. 😊 ⌚️🥺
Glad to see the Kamasu win. Have a Mako 2 and the quality for the price point here is as good as it gets - especially with the colour options and sapphire crystal Great vid 👏
And let's be fair, some of those categories are clearly subjective. Like branding. I love that shark, Jody doesn't so it gets a very subjective lower score.
@@iluvj00I wholeheartedly agree, the Sharkey appeals to me and I was a navy diver who used to wear the skx fore-runner which was a 1983 Seiko quartz diver. Why did theu ditch the quartz, it took me diving around the world without missing a beat. Worth a lot of money today.
@@iluvj00 I see branding more as brand recognition. Seiko is a home run for brand recognition and respect. Heimdallr is a brand no one that isn't into watches would know about. It isn't necessarily a bad thing (I tossed the brand score out when evaluating for myself because I don't care for brand recognition in a daily driver).
Nice one Jody, fair enough, useful comparison. I got a green SRPD since I only dive in my bathtub. Now Sharkey looks quite appealing to me. Thank you Sir. Cheers.
Have enjoyed my SKX for 20+ years and still do. Regulated it myself to gain only a few seconds a day - fantastic! The jubilee band is fantastic and always been my favorite, but does pull the hair. To bad Seiko couldn't improve on it. Jody does the best watch videos!
Great breakdown. I think the minute you take using it in water into consideration you have to give the SKX the edge over the 5KX. From an everyday use standpoint though I can't argue. SKX is still my personal favorite though.
I have an skx that I wear on an Uncle Seiko rubber strap. But the diver I wear the most is a Bulova Marine Star. It is just so comfortable on an I-bar bracelet. I find this to be very comfortable, and the lume is fantastic! It doesn’t look as bright to start with because the indexes aren’t as wide, but the staying power is great! I bought mine on a close out deal from Macy’s for $110! I think this makes it a better deal than any of theses. Also the fit and finish is beautiful plus I personally love the Knurled bezel is not only very grippy, but also has absolutely no bounce back nor slop on the lineup. It hits the indices perfectly and never moves after you are done adjusting it. Best diver I own for daily wear, and I own eight divers. I do have some Nautis divers with better water resistances but they are more bulky and not as nice of a movement in them. The top one is a chronograph with a 500 meter water resistance rating. It should be noted that my Bulova was the most expensive of the bunch. Great video as always Jody, I can’t wait for the next one!!!
I've got an Islander and an SKX. The Islander is absolutely gorgeous, but the SKX is still my daily wearer. There are some things that can't be quantified I guess.
I hope that Jody reviews more watches from Heimdallr and that he shows not only the options, but also puts them on the time grapher. Mine keeps very good time.
Another stellar video Jody! I bought my SARB and Oris 65 on your recommendation, and now have Tudor BB and Omega Seamaster 300 V3 on they way based on your opinion on both these ranges. Hooked😂
From the 4 reviewed here, I have two. The SKX and the Kamasu. I love the Skx, bought it six years ago (in fact I had one 25 years ago, but at that time seemed too bulky for me ) I love it but I wanted to have one "prettier" diver to wear it in some ocasions, so i bought the Kamasu; the green one. Im very happy with this two. If i will add other diver to my collection... if its a Seiko, probably will be a Sumo. if I turn to a "chinese" one... maybe will be a San Martin . I think you could add one San Martin to this comparison as the Sharky does.
I was really looking forward to this one, but oh man, where to start?! Kamasu and SKX/5KX are all 300 euro plus shipping in my country, to get the Islander over here would add over 135 dollars in shipping, custom fees and taxes so that would be a 400+ euro watch for me. I don't care about bracelets (I put leather on everything, lol) nor brands so those points are moot to me. Then the Heimdallr: mine has no sharp edges, mine does have a day-date complication, I paid only 135 euro's for it including shipping directly from Heimdallr, I love the little shark on the dial and it stays within one second of atomic time for weeks on end. I think you bought the wrong Heimdallr and that there are too many subjectives in your comparison Jody, maybe take another look at the format..? Still giving you a like though, but just because it's you ;)
Got my skx009 since almost 25 years, worn it 20 every day and i can still see the time when i wake up in the dark. The lume is perfect ;) (or the best i can imagine right now. Not enough lifetime to test others so long ;))
I have the ol classic SKX and a Sharkey/Heimdallr 6105 so not the exact same. The Heimdallr stomps the SKX on specs and the feel is identical. I love the 6105 and I suspect the other models would leave me in the same mood. The out of the box bracelets are not even in the same league.
Best decision I've ever made was to purchase the Kamasu instead of the SKX. So many notorious SKX stories of misaligned chapter rings. As Teddy Baldassarre once said, you can't have a misaligned chapter ring if you don't have a chapter ring. Kamasu for the win.
So glad I got an Skx009 which is hard to get and is expensive in my country... nothing beats it in my opinion. I got it on a solid super jubilee and I love it!!
The SKX dial is gorgeous and an absolute icon. No idea what you're saying here, love it! Also it is iconic - none of the other watches are an icon. The SKX has featured in movies to and it is found in the collections of people with extremely expensive watches as it is respected. The rest of these watches are just pants in terms of brand awareness and iconic status. Also we know the SKX movement as basic as it is: is extremely robust. Can we really make the same claims with the other watches? In terms of the dial and use of hardlex. The watch is highly legible, beyond that of alternative options and it is almost transparent through the case. Subjective of course, people can and should like whatever.
I got the Heimdallr about 2 years ago; I didn’t experience any sharp or even rough edges, and it has the day as well as the date. The only issue I have with it is that it’s lume pip, at the 12 on the bezel, protruded. I caught it on something and knocked it off, but it hasn’t been a real problem. It was $149, and I think it’s STILL around that price now.
I have a “5kX” and an SKX. I really don’t understand the constant bad mouthing of the new sports models from watch channels. I think the design and band options for the new sports models are pretty cool, along with the updated movement. I understand the SKX has a screw down crown and 200m water resistance and I love my SKX, but who really uses 200m water resistance on a regular basis, is it really that big of a deal. There’s plenty of other 200m dive watches out there if you’re so inclined to go diving with your watches.
What percentage of the world population would you say are surfers, and what percentage of those surfers would you say buy $200+ dive watches? Just curious ?
My argument isn’t that there isn’t professions/passions that would require dive certified watches because there certainly is (fishing, diving, boating, swimming, snorkeling, surfing, etc.), while there’s definitely a certain niche that requires a certain water resistant rating, my argument is that there has to be a significant enough demand for water resistance in these low-mid level watches to market them effectively to a large audience, and if a large amount of their consumers don’t care about a 200m water resistance (which I’m assuming is a huge portion) then why would they focus their money on the water resistance rating? I personally think dive watches are super cool, and a screw down crown and various other water resistance technologies are super cool, but I just can’t see the general population caring as much about how crazy a watches water resistance is beyond going for a swim or showering.
This is very quickly turning into just one more kamasu.. And that’s not a bad thing.. 10 years from now it will have a cult following, you heard it first!
deep pan the term “Orient” makes me think Of Communist China, which really kills the brand for me. If it was called something Japanese-specific like Samurai or Shogun, I’d be bang up for it. Just not “Orient”
Thanks for the video mate👌 I have the Heimdallr 6105, absolutely amazing for £108 shipped with no customs charges. Everything about this watch is awesome, sapphire, insane lume, stainless case, waffle strap...... Just amazing!!!!!
This was a great format and pacing for a review!I realize you can't do this all the time, but this is a very good way to do these reviews, so enjoyable and so informed in one move. I was particularly happy with the inherent utility to the side by side lume shot, and that you've included Heimdallr in your review. I would note that the Sharkey you tested comes in several colors and several options, which I think you should have mentioned. Bump up one half of the next price bracket, and the value from Heimdallr takes a huge jump: domed Sapphire, day date available, signed crown, more ceramic bezels, etc... and you should see the bronze watches at 200 and 250 bucks... Anyway, very nicely done. This is pretty close to a high water mark for style and content.
With lots of extra time right now...ho ho... I rewatched a number of reviews and now I feel like you are not entirely consistent with your own standards, in this review, Jody. Perhaps this is due to the need to move faster, since you're covering four watches in roughly the same time space that you might spend covering one.
In July 1983 I purchased a 6309-7049 prod date of 1982 in Toronto and the back case has never been off. Also the watch still runs like a top and is in pristine condition since it’s not a daily user.
In my book the original is best. I have loads of cool watches, but I always gravitate to my 007 with strap code oyster bracelet. It's the one that still gives me the juice while wearing ☺️ Stand out vid Jody 👍
Thanks for the comparison, Jody. I think it was a mistake to exclude the Islander from this comparison as it punches well above its weight. I bought my JDM SKX from Long Island and had a sapphire crystal and ceramic bezel installed by Marc. While it looks totally standard, it cost much more than the Islander. Nonetheless, it is now the perfect SKX, in my opinion ... I really don’t care about hacking and hand-winding, and I kind of like the old-school quirkiness of the 7s26 movement (as I do on my 6139 Pogue chronograph). The SKX is such an icon that never fails to garner a nod and a smile from fellow watch enthusiasts. It is the original and all the others are homages, with the Islander at the top of that list, in my opinion.
I own the SKX, the Orient and the Sharkey. Firstly, the Sharkey bezel is much better than the others. Secondly, agree the SKX bracelet is rubbish, but very comfortable. Dropping the Sharkey 8 points because of the brand is crazy. It's all subjective, but I think the best watch is the Sharkey, then the Orient, and finally the SKX. I should also mention, the SKX costs a lot more in the UK
Simon Hornby I’ve found the build quality of the Sharkey to be surprisingly good. Great even. My only disappointment was the use of an SKX case with standard springbar holes instead of Seiko fat sprinter holes. Really mucked me up when my StrapCode SKX bracelet arrived for it! I solved the issue with a Crystal Times case. I loved the Sharkey bezel and put it on the new case but the tolerances were off and it jammmed and it bent when I wrenched it off. So ended up getting a new bezel as well.
@@anonymousgeorge4321 ironically that's the best thing about the watch imo. Brings so much more comfort day to day with the crown out of the way. Bring some uniqueness too
@@microvizart at first i thought it was weird but now that ive had one for almost 2 years its super comfortable without the crown jaring your hand. Awesome watch! I got the european blue version one
I love the SKX dial I think it's my favourite all time! 😁 Simple and nicely styled. I also think the Heimdallr shark logo is very cool. I have the Heimdallr and have had zero issues with the sharp guards. I found everything else on the watch sharp.. the bracelet edges, the bezel pip. What let's the Heimdallr down in my opinion is the weight. It's just such a lump sticking out like it does. I don't wear mine as a result. Oh yes and I hate decorations around the date window.. those look so cheap and nasty 😂
I've been in a several-month-long argument with myself about pulling the trigger on a sharkey 6105 homage. How close it is to actually just being a Seiko is driving me nuts compared to how much I should expect to pay for an actual Seiko 6105 :/ However I'm definitely a fan of their rubber straps...I have one of their waffles to go with my baby turtle and I love it. It's somewhere between feeling like plastic and silicone. Very comfortable.
One could do even better by getting the Orient Mako USA II... It's pretty much the same as the Kamasu but adds solid end links, drilled lugs and, arguably, a better bracelet. I picked up my white-dialed variant, brand new, for $200.
Hey Jody. I LOVED this post. Please do more. I'd love to see, say, a pilots watch comparison. Maybe a simple flieger (type A or B dial), against a Seagull 1963 against a Seiko Flightmaster or Citizen Night Hawk against Simple Rolex GMT homage, like the Concord pilots all (supposedly) wore. I reckon that would be ACE (pun intented). 4 very different watches all built to serve a similar purpose. Go on! It'd be great!
Jody I don't think it is fair to dock points in the movement category for the Sharkey not having a day wheel. The version you purchased doesn't have one, but Sharkey does offer variants with a day wheel (NH36). Also, your scores for the Case, Bezel, and Comfort may already be outdated. Sharkey/Heimdallr just revealed that they are revising the watch to be 99% compatible with SKX mod parts. The new batch is arriving in May and should have changes to the case, bezel, and crown. This means the crown guard may get improved and the bezel action will definitely be different (as they will be switching back to using the SKX style click spring like the 2018 Sharkey SKX used).
Do you know if the parts are compatible from SKX to Sharky these days? I’m looking at the SRPD and Sharky sunburst Orange dials and trying to decide which ones a better buy
I have to agree that the BETTER choice than all of these would be the Islander Diver. It fixes all the weak points of the SKX (crystal, movement, bracelet), plus it adds the ceramic bezel. If you upgraded the SKX to those specs, it would be well over $400. That makes the Islander the bargain AND value option in my book - it's main competition would be the Phoibos PY007. The Helm Khuraburi and Vanuatu are both similarly priced though, are even BETTER values, as true Diver 300m rated watches, but they are so hard to get (as it happens, I am lucky enough to own both of those, thanks to your channel!). Keep up the good work, Jody! Oh, I almost forgot! Deep Blue has a nice dive watch that you can get for around $200 as well.
Too bad the Islander lacks design style. No red tipped second hand or 200m. That childish looking circle logo thing on the dial. Marc needs someone else to do styling.
I have owned a "maroon" Kamasu for 8 months now and the movement is surprisingly accurate. In terms of the dial, yes the black one is somewhat boring, that is why you must buy the maroon red dial one.
Just ordered an Orient Kamasu with a rubber strap........and I am adding a Stapcode Super J. bracelet.......I think the combination is a good value for about 350 USD total cost.
Nice comparison. I wanted the Kamasu to be the top winner because I love that watch! I'm debating whether to buy the red dial or not. We'll see. Thanks for another great video!!!
Used to be a big fan of the SKX a while ago, although I've ditched the thick bezel for something slimmer. I feel like the Heimdallr is the real winner here, considering the fact you could get an SKX case and still be cheaper than the Islander, which has the same specs. Thanks for the video!
I purchased the 5KS over other contenders because it does NOT have a screw down crown, because I only snorkel to around 5m and I like to easily adjust and synchronize my watch while on the wrist.
Nice one Jody. I have the SKX and the Seiko 5 KX and i find the crown guards vert sharp on that especially when winding they are rather nasty to be honest, apart from that i love the watch, Chintzy is a good description of the orients dial they just don't appeal to me. Stay Well , Darren.
Hi Jodie , Love the channel....youve cost me a fortune in Casios alone over the last few weeks of lockdown...this comparison was great. I have both the SKX and the Kamasu and both are on upgraded strap codes....ive worn them both frequently and no matter what the age of the movement and the hardlex the SKX on a strap code super engineer has something special about it on wrist. My Kamasu is deep blue in colour and is on a Strapcode super jubilee. Its a nice piece but head to head score or not if I were asked to chose I would keep the SKX every time...."star quality"
Just received a "Heimdallr SKX 2K20 Green Version" on a Jubilee bracelet. Probably the most shameless homage of the Seiko SKX on the entire internet at the moment, but in my opinion also the best made. It seems they listened to Jodys advice and improved the case. No sharp crown guards any more, really comfortable. And when they label it "Green Version", they really mean "green"! I reckon this improved version would easily win the above competition. Love it very much so far, except the still existing, "nasty, out sticking lume pip". I can see that coming off very easily, considering me unintentionally hitting all kinds of things with my watches on a regular basis. I'm worse than a 5y old in that respect.
An alternative is the Deep Blue Diver 1000 - they are $249 on a rubber strap but DB run regular sales at 20% off. NH35 in either 40mm or 44mm with a tank-like appearance. Options include full lume dials, more than a dozen colour variants, or exotic dials such as mother-of-pearl and abalone. The Komasu is outstanding. I'd argue that if the watch is not used for swimming, folks should replace the tinny bracelet with something from Barton or Strapsco. Heimdallr is really the winner for watch modders : the kind of people who are happy to "pop the movement out" and file down the sharp edges by hand. FWIW, the Islanders beat all of them hands down.
im hoping that the orient divers more or less replace the SKX in spirit. we already have bezel adapters for skx inserts on the ray/mako (maybe others as well) and the strapcode bracelets for those cases are GREAT. If all you did was upgrade the bracelet and the crystal, it would be everything the community wanted out of the 5KX for about $270. In that same vein, the Islander from LIW is exactly all those things as well for $299. i know it starts to push the value envelope at that point, but i think we all would happily take the new seikos at $300 if they came on a nice bracelet and sapphire, and thats what you get when you upgrade an orient diver or grab an Islander. Oh plus a screw in crown on either option. which is only $20-$50 more than the SKX price, if you get a good deal
Great video! I love my SKX 007 to death, seriously! Love to wear it on leather NATO straps, or nylon. My 007 has fortunately not a misaligned chapter ring! But the 009 I got last x-mas had a misaligned chapter ring. Orient Kamasu: nice, but hands are too thin. SRPD: unsure about this one. I got the movement of this one already in another Seiko watch but much much cheaper two years ago. Exhibition caseback: why? Movement looks boring. Sharky: I need to check out this one!
can wholeheartedly recommend the sharkey, both the watch and the brand! they had a shipping delay so they sent me a free parachute strap along with an extra bracelet, both bracelets, the strap and the watch was great.
I have Long Island islander and it’s great, I almost bought a sharky in the sale last weekend. If this video came out a week ago I think I would have got it. Great video Jody
It might be better you waited. Heimdallr/Sharkey's next batch is going to have a revised case, crown, and bezel with the goal of being 99% compatible with SKX mod parts. Hopefully the crown guards will be tweaked in the process.
Islander with ceramic well lumed bezel, premium bracelet, REALLY nice dial, and everything else is kinda a different thing. Islander is what you spend $200 in parts molding an SKX into becoming.
I own a SKX and a Kamasu. The Kamasu is leaps and bounds better than the SKX. Don't even get me started on the 5KX, totally not worth it. Don't know anything about the Sharkey, but probably not for me. I do want to get one of Marc's SKX replacements from LIW, preferably the pepsi bezel in 38mm. Great video Jody!
For me the best every day affordable diver is the skx013 ... the size is perfect and it’s also more affordable because the 007 is much more popular ... I got mine second hand at 130€ and I am super happy with it
When you are using a dive computer it is still recommended to have a watch on you as well. I always dive with both anyway for the added security if my computer fails
Weird, I have an SKX and a Kamasu and out of the entire collection they are easily the most worn. Love the bracelet on the SKX plus I like the Kamasu one as well plus I’m kinda glad it does not taper. If strapcode do a jubilee for the Orient I might be tempted at a later date. Still fancy the 5KX but prices still seem high. What does ‘wind me up’ is the lack of manual winding on the SKX as having a desk (computer) job you have to remember to shake every few hours, much to the amusement of other people (remember those days eh?). 😉
Great video, the orient kamasu is definitely my pick, just a very well done watch. By the way, would we have a change to see the pagani design datejust review?
Hi Jody, Hemildallr say they have adjusted the crown guards for 2020 (smoother) and have sent you a sample, will look forward to a update? Great videos as always. 😊
If you'd picked the blue Kamasu, it would have gone straight from the bottom to the top in the dial category…however, right at this moment, it probably wouldn’t be doing so well in the value category, as I see the price has currently gone up from $210 to $275 on Amazon.
I have an SKX and my wife bought be a orange dial SRPD, which has surprised me by becoming a favourite, I quite fancy the Orient it admit something about the Sharkey - perhaps the logo? - doesn’t appeal. Anyway, another great video 👍
Very happy with my decision to stay with the Iconic Seiko skx007.. -I bought a second and put it away😍. Seems to be nothing like it in my opinion others all get it wrong. No frame date windows should be a more common thing with dive watches.
I would be interested in seeing some SKX013 homages or something a lot like them. As a smaller-wristed guy, I find the 007 and watches in that range just too bulky and am chasing after a smaller diver.
Willard..... Just curious. Where were you able to find the red Orient Kamasu? I can't find it in stock anywhere. I will pickup a blue or green if it comes down to it. But I'm holding out a little bit longer for that RED dial. Congrats on finding and owning one. Have a great day.
![Seiko vs Orient [The ULTIMATE Battle] SKX013 - 5KX - Ray II - Kamasu](/img/n.gif)
I know this is a couple of years old, but I bought a Heimdallr SKX earlier this year. The crown guards aren’t sharp, the lume pip is still raised, it has the day/date NH36 and a watch face and hands identical to the original SKX. When taken off at night it runs about 3 seconds fast per day. When worn 24/7 it’s damn near perfect. Comfort with the jubilee is outstanding. I couldn’t be happier with this watch. And it was $135 shipped, US!
I agree with you. The watch is amazing and I love mine.
Rise up my Kamasu Cult!
You can't expect too much from the bracelet for $250 but we get $50 watches from China with NH36s, solid links and solid end links and often sapphire crystals. I think sometimes we are too forgiving of the big brands.
To be fair, the big brands have a lot more overhead to deal with (plus we aren't buying from the direct, there are retailers and wholesalers involved) so I can forgive them on the bracelets at $200. But what I can't forgive them on is the lack of sapphire crystal. They can get away with it on the SKX, since it is supposed to be a proper dive watch, but the 5KX? That thing is designed for desk diving and has no justification to be hardlex aside from them recycling SKX manufacturing equipment.
I love Seiko but detest the Hardlex, especially anywhere near $200+
I never have a feel for a clone watch
Or maybe they aren’t using sweat shops??
I really like the Orient. The dial and hands elevate it above the Seikos to dress it up some, important for a daily wear. I even like that Orient logo.
Tom N. Definitely a great daily piece!!
I have the black dial Kamasu on the wrist for 3 days…. The bracelet is the only downside, but that can be easily changed. What I love about it is it’s versatility! You can wear this baby anywhere!
I love my Kamasu for legibility: minute hand points exactly to the ends of printed minute markers, same with second hand, baton markers which are different to-in my opinion-boring circles in almost every dive watch, just take a look and you know exactly what time is. Only little downside is the crown, could be a little bigger (or crown guards can be smaller). I have 7" wrist and the bracelet is normal, i don't care if the clasp is milled or pressed. Great guard on clasp, not too loose not to stiff so your fingernails wont break when you operate it :) Great video, cheers, stay safe!
I own one in green/teal color and have to say that there is no other watch on the market right now that is as beautiful as this one
I also have a 7in wrist. Was considering this and the skx013. I have been scared to get anything over a 40mm case size because I like classic sizes. Does the Kamasu wear well for you?
@@tirrelldaveport3671 My Kamasu just came in (blue), and it is honestly breathtaking. It has strong hints of the Seamaster 2254.50, one of my favorite designs of all time. It's a work of art. Highly recommended.
@@FD3SA agreed my blue Kamasu just got here 30min ago but it’s late (10:30PM…?!) so I’m not gonna set the time until tomorrow. My first automatic so I’m excited
And this is why you’re the king of this “watch TH-cam space” Keep it up brother, I enjoy everything you do.
All I can say is that for the Heimdallr/Sharkey,
that is a lot of green saved for a minor issue that can be easily resolved by minor sanding.
No problem at all with my copy. My sharky is overall a far better watch than my Kamasu, even though both watches cost the same where i live. The two Seikos are cheap watches at high prices IMO. I sold my SKX for just 100euros
Pretty sure that the backwards lume dot on the SKX second hand is only there so you are able to check the watch is still running while you’re underwater (which is one of the ISO6425 requirements), it’s not supposed to make sure you can read the exact time down to the second.
I am missing the Citizen NY0040... The last remaining true 90s diving workhorse.
I have the blue titanium version and I love it!
I have the green Kamasu, which kicks ass. Replaced the bracelet with a Strapcode jubilee and it looks sooo much better and is really comfortable.
I got the Strapcode Jubilee for my Alpinist, I find it very sharp on the edges so I used some nail pile to fix it, not perfect but it feels a little bit better now. The bracelet and the watch combination looks brilliant.
Nice comparison and I think your scoring here is helpful to folks assessing their options in 2020!
For the "would I daily it?" test, there are two winners: Kamasu and Islander.
The thing I love about Kamasu/Mako/Ray is the high comfort and wearability. It's thin and low like a classic sub, and inward-facing end links will conform well to small wrists. The design hits the "classic" point between vintage and modern - it's not loud or tooly, but I also don't think it'll ever look outmoded.
The Islander is basically a modern execution of the SKX formula - big applied indices(deeper than Seiko's embossed 5KX/Turtle ones), lumed ceramic bezel, drilled lugs, oyster bracelet with solid everything, and full compatibility with SKX aftermarket mod parts. Yeah, it's $300, and you can find someone else to ship you something with the same spec sheet for less. But the attention to detail on the Islander is really nice, and I can't believe how much time it gets on my wrist. I'd need to spend $700 or so to get something this nice from Seiko, or $1,000+ from a Swatch brand.
so happy with my kamasu. Unreal value. Had it for 7 months and it’s my recommendation always.
I have the green/teal dial version and i'm in love with it!
Georges Abitbol I have that colour too lmao!
I've had mine for 6 months now and I'm still over the moon with it. I have the red dial version.
frozenover sometimes I wonder about whether I should have got the red! Nailed that colour imo.
Nathan Mawhinney Loving the red!!
I just wanted to share the great news that trough the purchase of the world famous Seiko SKX009 I bought myself my very first piece of horological significance and with that the first watch for my collection. I managed to get my hands on one of the last ones, albeit at the little bit higher price of $235. It’s new, it’s the real deal (I checked the serial and case number) and more importantly it’s mine. I chose the SKX009 for my 7 inch wrist because of the Pepsi bezel which I think stands out just a little bit more and looks just a little bit more iconic than the black version on the SKX007.
I did not opt for the smaller SKX013 because I like my watches a little bit larger.
I want to thank you for teaching me about heritage and horology.
Without your channel I probably would have ignorantly bought myself yet another Fossil. Thank you for making the wonderful world of watches accessible to newbies (on a budget) like me who are just starting out their collection. Please keep on making videos because I still have so much to learn about watches especially as I carefully and slowly try to expand and maybe even start to mod the watches of my collection.
Again many thanks, you’ve got yourself a fan and follower for life!
Joshua
Thank you, for your effort. It is priceless.
Since the beggining it was clear for me that Orient's machine was the most consistent offer in comparison. I also like the way you have classfied the most important items taken into account we are talking about diver watches (for a daily use ).
Thank you again from Canary Islands!!
I got both the kamasu in black and the 5kx in blue. Both are lovely. 5kx is more sporty and sparkly (sunburst is extremely pronounced), while the kamasu is very professional and dressy. I would say the kamasu is more versatile, as you can wear it formally and with jeans and t-shirt. I wouldn't be able to rock the 5kx with a suit, the kamasu no problem.
SKX007 would be my pick primarily for its iconic status as well as for how comfortable it wears. I wear mine often. In Australia the Kamasu is very expensive so if I was going to go for an Orient I’d pick the Mako or Ray. By the way I’m also very happy with the bronze Heimdallr 😉
SKX Owns Daily Bashings,, proven.
@@jonoedwards4195 fcçčfff XD
I liked the 4-way comparison. It was more "big picture" than when it's two watches head-to-head. I hope you do more of these.
The NY0040 is missing! Would've been great to see that in there. Cheers.
Exactly my thoughts!
Citizen NY0040 is much better technically (official ISO), aesthetically, fits better and it's much more iconic: it was used by italian marine army. Sorry but SKX doesn't have a chance against it, even more now that it's out of production and the prices are outrageously high.
@@NicolaCardanobile I own both the NY0040 and the SKX007J. I can't say which one is better. I'm totally satisfied with both. Great watches.
@@NicolaCardanobile "used by the italian marine army" I don't think that's something to drag about😂
btw I have the promaster blue and I love it!
@@ΠαῦλοςΠαυλίδης-χ7θ it meens it has been tested many times in deep water, each time they're sunk :)
The Sharkey continues to prove that the best for the least are Chinese watch brands that lack name recognition.
Because they don't have to pay for establishing and maintaining the "brand" and product design/developments which is the biggest cost of doing business.
Even tiny micro brands stamp their name on a Chinese OEM watch and sell them 3-10x more for the exact watch from OEM because they put effort in marketing.
Majority people will still buy the brand over a better and cheaper unknown watch on paper.
I have had Seikos and Sharkeys. I actually find the quality of the Heimdallrs to be better on the whole. I also like the shark logo.
Great review! I don’t have a Kamasu (yet), but I have a collection of 5 assorted Orient Mako II and Ray II, all picked up cheaply on eBay, and have done Long Island Watch bracelet upgrades as well as crystal and bezel mods including fully lumed ceramic inserts and each has its own personality and unique look. I have various leather and rubber 22mm deployant style straps and I have tons of options to keep me from getting bored. I know I could have bought one really nice watch at the $1k price point but it’s more of a hobby than a status symbol for me. I love it when someone compliments one of them because they’ve never seen one like it and I get to say that ‘I made this’ with pride and have the satisfaction of knowing I spent less than $200 on something really personalized. The enjoyment of spec’ing and comparing parts, imagining what the finished product will look like, waiting anxiously for the parcel to come in and then the hands on of changing the bezels and crystals is as satisfying to me as buying one luxury purchase and only being able to stare at it. 😊 ⌚️🥺
Glad to see the Kamasu win. Have a Mako 2 and the quality for the price point here is as good as it gets - especially with the colour options and sapphire crystal
Great vid 👏
I think the Sharkey has it's own charm and a worthy contender.
it's like an already modded skx which you have to pay $300+++ for that similar config
And let's be fair, some of those categories are clearly subjective. Like branding. I love that shark, Jody doesn't so it gets a very subjective lower score.
@@iluvj00I wholeheartedly agree, the Sharkey appeals to me and I was a navy diver who used to wear the skx fore-runner which was a 1983 Seiko quartz diver. Why did theu ditch the quartz, it took me diving around the world without missing a beat. Worth a lot of money today.
@@iluvj00 I see branding more as brand recognition. Seiko is a home run for brand recognition and respect. Heimdallr is a brand no one that isn't into watches would know about. It isn't necessarily a bad thing (I tossed the brand score out when evaluating for myself because I don't care for brand recognition in a daily driver).
Nice one Jody, fair enough, useful comparison. I got a green SRPD since I only dive in my bathtub. Now Sharkey looks quite appealing to me. Thank you Sir. Cheers.
Lol
Have enjoyed my SKX for 20+ years and still do. Regulated it myself to gain only a few seconds a day - fantastic! The jubilee band is fantastic and always been my favorite, but does pull the hair. To bad Seiko couldn't improve on it. Jody does the best watch videos!
Just got a 5kx today and I’m super pleased with it. Don’t know what all the fuss is about
People who gatekeep, that's it.
Coffee, JOMW Dive comparison, and "Hellooooo!" makes for a brilliant day. EXCELLENT comparison. LOVE this channel. Thank you Jody.
Great breakdown. I think the minute you take using it in water into consideration you have to give the SKX the edge over the 5KX. From an everyday use standpoint though I can't argue. SKX is still my personal favorite though.
I have an skx that I wear on an Uncle Seiko rubber strap. But the diver I wear the most is a Bulova Marine Star. It is just so comfortable on an I-bar bracelet. I find this to be very comfortable, and the lume is fantastic! It doesn’t look as bright to start with because the indexes aren’t as wide, but the staying power is great! I bought mine on a close out deal from Macy’s for $110! I think this makes it a better deal than any of theses. Also the fit and finish is beautiful plus I personally love the Knurled bezel is not only very grippy, but also has absolutely no bounce back nor slop on the lineup. It hits the indices perfectly and never moves after you are done adjusting it. Best diver I own for daily wear, and I own eight divers. I do have some Nautis divers with better water resistances but they are more bulky and not as nice of a movement in them. The top one is a chronograph with a 500 meter water resistance rating. It should be noted that my Bulova was the most expensive of the bunch. Great video as always Jody, I can’t wait for the next one!!!
I've got an Islander and an SKX. The Islander is absolutely gorgeous, but the SKX is still my daily wearer. There are some things that can't be quantified I guess.
The red-dialed Kamasu would be my choice of these. That bracelet would have to go, though!
Mine is now permanently on a black/red silicone strap and really loving it
@@jiayaw Care to share from where?
The Sharkey is also available in Bronze, and with other dial/hand options, including an SKX style one.
I hope that Jody reviews more watches from Heimdallr and that he shows not only the options, but also puts them on the time grapher. Mine keeps very good time.
Another stellar video Jody! I bought my SARB and Oris 65 on your recommendation, and now have Tudor BB and Omega Seamaster 300 V3 on they way based on your opinion on both these ranges. Hooked😂
We have similar tastes my man. Except I went for the Aquis.
From the 4 reviewed here, I have two. The SKX and the Kamasu. I love the Skx, bought it six years ago (in fact I had one 25 years ago, but at that time seemed too bulky for me ) I love it but I wanted to have one "prettier" diver to wear it in some ocasions, so i bought the Kamasu; the green one. Im very happy with this two. If i will add other diver to my collection... if its a Seiko, probably will be a Sumo. if I turn to a "chinese" one... maybe will be a San Martin . I think you could add one San Martin to this comparison as the Sharky does.
I was really looking forward to this one, but oh man, where to start?! Kamasu and SKX/5KX are all 300 euro plus shipping in my country, to get the Islander over here would add over 135 dollars in shipping, custom fees and taxes so that would be a 400+ euro watch for me. I don't care about bracelets (I put leather on everything, lol) nor brands so those points are moot to me. Then the Heimdallr: mine has no sharp edges, mine does have a day-date complication, I paid only 135 euro's for it including shipping directly from Heimdallr, I love the little shark on the dial and it stays within one second of atomic time for weeks on end. I think you bought the wrong Heimdallr and that there are too many subjectives in your comparison Jody, maybe take another look at the format..? Still giving you a like though, but just because it's you ;)
It would be interesting to see your opinion on the Long Island "SKX" remake.
It definitely would have won this comparo.
Marc makes some awesome shit. Own one
Saphire crystal, Si bezel, winding, hacking, day, date and the rest...
Interesting comment as he tells us why its not on the list at the very beginning...
@@ChrisAlvarezAlvarezImaging I see you point, but if you weigh up the specs vs it's price (US$299) then I think it could have been added.
Got my skx009 since almost 25 years, worn it 20 every day and i can still see the time when i wake up in the dark. The lume is perfect ;)
(or the best i can imagine right now. Not enough lifetime to test others so long ;))
I have the ol classic SKX and a Sharkey/Heimdallr 6105 so not the exact same. The Heimdallr stomps the SKX on specs and the feel is identical. I love the 6105 and I suspect the other models would leave me in the same mood. The out of the box bracelets are not even in the same league.
I love my Kamasu. It's my favorite watch.
Always a pleasure to watch a review, Jody! Hope you and your family are staying healthy!
I spent about as much as your physiologist since I started following your channel as well lol. Great stuff
Best decision I've ever made was to purchase the Kamasu instead of the SKX. So many notorious SKX stories of misaligned chapter rings. As Teddy Baldassarre once said, you can't have a misaligned chapter ring if you don't have a chapter ring. Kamasu for the win.
however you may have a misaligned bezel insert. I have both on my skx 😞
Or you could have a badly misprinted dial. However I agree completely, seiko should ditch the GD chapter ring.
The one in the review was misaligned. The SKX isn't such a good buy anymore.
Get a skx.It grow on you.Better get it before it gone.Stock are drying up.
@@joaquinsosa8120 wanna sell it?
So glad I got an Skx009 which is hard to get and is expensive in my country... nothing beats it in my opinion. I got it on a solid super jubilee and I love it!!
Bram de Haas maybe you shouldn’t watch this video then 😂
Listen here boy, but I wanted to hear what Jody had to say haha
The SKX dial is gorgeous and an absolute icon. No idea what you're saying here, love it! Also it is iconic - none of the other watches are an icon. The SKX has featured in movies to and it is found in the collections of people with extremely expensive watches as it is respected. The rest of these watches are just pants in terms of brand awareness and iconic status.
Also we know the SKX movement as basic as it is: is extremely robust. Can we really make the same claims with the other watches? In terms of the dial and use of hardlex. The watch is highly legible, beyond that of alternative options and it is almost transparent through the case. Subjective of course, people can and should like whatever.
A great video as always Jody. Thank you for brightening up my quarantine.
And today's masterpiece video goees brilliiantly wth a soju!!!!! Both straight to the essence, potent and utterly relevant under Covid19 lockdown!!!!!
Thanks Jeffrey! Did you play the drinking game with the bottle cap?
In my deplorable solitude yes, but to underscore the sign of the times, I lost!!!!!
I got the Heimdallr about 2 years ago; I didn’t experience any sharp or even rough edges, and it has the day as well as the date. The only issue I have with it is that it’s lume pip, at the 12 on the bezel, protruded. I caught it on something and knocked it off, but it hasn’t been a real problem. It was $149, and I think it’s STILL around that price now.
Now this is a video I've been waiting for ;)
5:46 "...daily driver.." I wish haha! 😅 Great review, Jody!
Just picked up an Orient Kamasu, through your link so thanks Jody!
for a new strap, on strapcode website they sell a jubilee for 90$..so beautiful
I have a “5kX” and an SKX. I really don’t understand the constant bad mouthing of the new sports models from watch channels. I think the design and band options for the new sports models are pretty cool, along with the updated movement. I understand the SKX has a screw down crown and 200m water resistance and I love my SKX, but who really uses 200m water resistance on a regular basis, is it really that big of a deal. There’s plenty of other 200m dive watches out there if you’re so inclined to go diving with your watches.
When you surf you can put watches under massive pressure equivalent to deep water that’s why
What percentage of the world population would you say are surfers, and what percentage of those surfers would you say buy $200+ dive watches? Just curious ?
My argument isn’t that there isn’t professions/passions that would require dive certified watches because there certainly is (fishing, diving, boating, swimming, snorkeling, surfing, etc.), while there’s definitely a certain niche that requires a certain water resistant rating, my argument is that there has to be a significant enough demand for water resistance in these low-mid level watches to market them effectively to a large audience, and if a large amount of their consumers don’t care about a 200m water resistance (which I’m assuming is a huge portion) then why would they focus their money on the water resistance rating? I personally think dive watches are super cool, and a screw down crown and various other water resistance technologies are super cool, but I just can’t see the general population caring as much about how crazy a watches water resistance is beyond going for a swim or showering.
This is very quickly turning into just one more kamasu.. And that’s not a bad thing.. 10 years from now it will have a cult following, you heard it first!
Definitely a solid choice for $200usd. Strapcode are sold out of their jubilee atm, but I'll be buying one soon. Cheers!
It looks like a $30 Casio!!
I’m part of the Kamasu Cult!
deep pan the term “Orient” makes me think Of Communist China, which really kills the brand for me. If it was called something Japanese-specific like Samurai or Shogun, I’d be bang up for it. Just not “Orient”
I have to admit, I like the Kamasu look most of all. If there is/was a mod community for it, I'd really consider it...
SKX all day everyday. In fact I'm wearing mine first time in ages, and it's a joy to wear.
Halooo,
Great work, Jody! I love the long format.
Keep it up!
Kind regards
Thanks for the video mate👌
I have the Heimdallr 6105, absolutely amazing for £108 shipped with no customs charges.
Everything about this watch is awesome, sapphire, insane lume, stainless case, waffle strap...... Just amazing!!!!!
yep just like the steeldive with a diff. logo, i like the shark..
This was a great format and pacing for a review!I realize you can't do this all the time, but this is a very good way to do these reviews, so enjoyable and so informed in one move.
I was particularly happy with the inherent utility to the side by side lume shot, and that you've included Heimdallr in your review. I would note that the Sharkey you tested comes in several colors and several options, which I think you should have mentioned. Bump up one half of the next price bracket, and the value from Heimdallr takes a huge jump: domed Sapphire, day date available, signed crown, more ceramic bezels, etc... and you should see the bronze watches at 200 and 250 bucks...
Anyway, very nicely done. This is pretty close to a high water mark for style and content.
With lots of extra time right now...ho ho... I rewatched a number of reviews and now I feel like you are not entirely consistent with your own standards, in this review, Jody. Perhaps this is due to the need to move faster, since you're covering four watches in roughly the same time space that you might spend covering one.
In July 1983 I purchased a 6309-7049 prod date of 1982 in Toronto and the back case has never been off. Also the watch still runs like a top and is in pristine condition since it’s not a daily user.
In my book the original is best.
I have loads of cool watches, but I always gravitate to my 007 with strap code oyster bracelet.
It's the one that still gives me the juice while wearing ☺️
Stand out vid Jody 👍
Thanks for the comparison, Jody. I think it was a mistake to exclude the Islander from this comparison as it punches well above its weight. I bought my JDM SKX from Long Island and had a sapphire crystal and ceramic bezel installed by Marc. While it looks totally standard, it cost much more than the Islander. Nonetheless, it is now the perfect SKX, in my opinion ... I really don’t care about hacking and hand-winding, and I kind of like the old-school quirkiness of the 7s26 movement (as I do on my 6139 Pogue chronograph). The SKX is such an icon that never fails to garner a nod and a smile from fellow watch enthusiasts. It is the original and all the others are homages, with the Islander at the top of that list, in my opinion.
I own the SKX, the Orient and the Sharkey. Firstly, the Sharkey bezel is much better than the others. Secondly, agree the SKX bracelet is rubbish, but very comfortable. Dropping the Sharkey 8 points because of the brand is crazy. It's all subjective, but I think the best watch is the Sharkey, then the Orient, and finally the SKX. I should also mention, the SKX costs a lot more in the UK
Totally agree!
I have more respect for orient than I have for seiko and I have the watches of both brands.
Simon Hornby I’ve found the build quality of the Sharkey to be surprisingly good. Great even. My only disappointment was the use of an SKX case with standard springbar holes instead of Seiko fat sprinter holes. Really mucked me up when my StrapCode SKX bracelet arrived for it! I solved the issue with a Crystal Times case. I loved the Sharkey bezel and put it on the new case but the tolerances were off and it jammmed and it bent when I wrenched it off. So ended up getting a new bezel as well.
@@XtremeKremaTor Um, Orient IS Seiko! 😀
@@mikesey1 I have an orient that it 60 years old and at that time it was NOT Seiko but their competition. Am I still wrong to you?
Citizen NY0040 should be up there. If its good enough for Italian Navy, then its good enough for a lot of people too.
Perhaps you haven't noticed, but the crown is on the wrong side.
Getting harder to find though.
@@anonymousgeorge4321 ironically that's the best thing about the watch imo. Brings so much more comfort day to day with the crown out of the way. Bring some uniqueness too
@@microvizart at first i thought it was weird but now that ive had one for almost 2 years its super comfortable without the crown jaring your hand.
Awesome watch! I got the european blue version one
@@ozludo are they?
Jody is basically the Mat Watson of watches.
I'll definitely take that one! Cheers.
I love the SKX dial I think it's my favourite all time! 😁 Simple and nicely styled. I also think the Heimdallr shark logo is very cool. I have the Heimdallr and have had zero issues with the sharp guards. I found everything else on the watch sharp.. the bracelet edges, the bezel pip. What let's the Heimdallr down in my opinion is the weight. It's just such a lump sticking out like it does. I don't wear mine as a result.
Oh yes and I hate decorations around the date window.. those look so cheap and nasty 😂
I've been in a several-month-long argument with myself about pulling the trigger on a sharkey 6105 homage. How close it is to actually just being a Seiko is driving me nuts compared to how much I should expect to pay for an actual Seiko 6105 :/
However I'm definitely a fan of their rubber straps...I have one of their waffles to go with my baby turtle and I love it. It's somewhere between feeling like plastic and silicone. Very comfortable.
A most excellent video, Jodie. Thank you, I thoroughly enjoyed it 👍
Thanks for watching!
Just One More Watch Every time 👍
Definitely the Kamasu
One could do even better by getting the Orient Mako USA II... It's pretty much the same as the Kamasu but adds solid end links, drilled lugs and, arguably, a better bracelet. I picked up my white-dialed variant, brand new, for $200.
DeanUGA $200 USA II blows ‘em all away 👌
Hey Jody.
I LOVED this post.
Please do more.
I'd love to see, say, a pilots watch comparison.
Maybe a simple flieger (type A or B dial), against a Seagull 1963 against a Seiko Flightmaster or Citizen Night Hawk against Simple Rolex GMT homage, like the Concord pilots all (supposedly) wore.
I reckon that would be ACE (pun intented).
4 very different watches all built to serve a similar purpose.
Go on! It'd be great!
Jody I don't think it is fair to dock points in the movement category for the Sharkey not having a day wheel. The version you purchased doesn't have one, but Sharkey does offer variants with a day wheel (NH36).
Also, your scores for the Case, Bezel, and Comfort may already be outdated. Sharkey/Heimdallr just revealed that they are revising the watch to be 99% compatible with SKX mod parts. The new batch is arriving in May and should have changes to the case, bezel, and crown. This means the crown guard may get improved and the bezel action will definitely be different (as they will be switching back to using the SKX style click spring like the 2018 Sharkey SKX used).
Do you know if the parts are compatible from SKX to Sharky these days? I’m looking at the SRPD and Sharky sunburst Orange dials and trying to decide which ones a better buy
I have to agree that the BETTER choice than all of these would be the Islander Diver. It fixes all the weak points of the SKX (crystal, movement, bracelet), plus it adds the ceramic bezel. If you upgraded the SKX to those specs, it would be well over $400. That makes the Islander the bargain AND value option in my book - it's main competition would be the Phoibos PY007. The Helm Khuraburi and Vanuatu are both similarly priced though, are even BETTER values, as true Diver 300m rated watches, but they are so hard to get (as it happens, I am lucky enough to own both of those, thanks to your channel!). Keep up the good work, Jody! Oh, I almost forgot! Deep Blue has a nice dive watch that you can get for around $200 as well.
Too bad the Islander lacks design style. No red tipped second hand or 200m. That childish looking circle logo thing on the dial. Marc needs someone else to do styling.
I have owned a "maroon" Kamasu for 8 months now and the movement is surprisingly accurate. In terms of the dial, yes the black one is somewhat boring, that is why you must buy the maroon red dial one.
Or the green, or blue, basically anything but black.
Just ordered an Orient Kamasu with a rubber strap........and I am adding a Stapcode Super J. bracelet.......I think the combination is a good value for about 350 USD total cost.
Nice comparison. I wanted the Kamasu to be the top winner because I love that watch! I'm debating whether to buy the red dial or not. We'll see. Thanks for another great video!!!
Gayle McGee Red dial all the way! Like it better than SKX or any other entry level diver!
Used to be a big fan of the SKX a while ago, although I've ditched the thick bezel for something slimmer. I feel like the Heimdallr is the real winner here, considering the fact you could get an SKX case and still be cheaper than the Islander, which has the same specs.
Thanks for the video!
I purchased the 5KS over other contenders because it does NOT have a screw down crown, because I only snorkel to around 5m and I like to easily adjust and synchronize my watch while on the wrist.
Nice one Jody. I have the SKX and the Seiko 5 KX and i find the crown guards vert sharp on that especially when winding they are rather nasty to be honest, apart from that i love the watch, Chintzy is a good description of the orients dial they just don't appeal to me.
Stay Well , Darren.
Hi Jodie , Love the channel....youve cost me a fortune in Casios alone over the last few weeks of lockdown...this comparison was great. I have both the SKX and the Kamasu and both are on upgraded strap codes....ive worn them both frequently and no matter what the age of the movement and the hardlex the SKX on a strap code super engineer has something special about it on wrist. My Kamasu is deep blue in colour and is on a Strapcode super jubilee. Its a nice piece but head to head score or not if I were asked to chose I would keep the SKX every time...."star quality"
Just received a "Heimdallr SKX 2K20 Green Version" on a Jubilee bracelet. Probably the most shameless homage of the Seiko SKX on the entire internet at the moment, but in my opinion also the best made. It seems they listened to Jodys advice and improved the case. No sharp crown guards any more, really comfortable. And when they label it "Green Version", they really mean "green"! I reckon this improved version would easily win the above competition. Love it very much so far, except the still existing, "nasty, out sticking lume pip". I can see that coming off very easily, considering me unintentionally hitting all kinds of things with my watches on a regular basis. I'm worse than a 5y old in that respect.
An alternative is the Deep Blue Diver 1000 - they are $249 on a rubber strap but DB run regular sales at 20% off. NH35 in either 40mm or 44mm with a tank-like appearance. Options include full lume dials, more than a dozen colour variants, or exotic dials such as mother-of-pearl and abalone.
The Komasu is outstanding. I'd argue that if the watch is not used for swimming, folks should replace the tinny bracelet with something from Barton or Strapsco. Heimdallr is really the winner for watch modders : the kind of people who are happy to "pop the movement out" and file down the sharp edges by hand.
FWIW, the Islanders beat all of them hands down.
I have 2 Kamasu, love it. One was the 2000 piece limited edition, so beautiful.
I'd go for a Sharkey if you want a brand that only watch enthusiasts would really know about. It would be like belonging to secret society club.
im hoping that the orient divers more or less replace the SKX in spirit. we already have bezel adapters for skx inserts on the ray/mako (maybe others as well) and the strapcode bracelets for those cases are GREAT. If all you did was upgrade the bracelet and the crystal, it would be everything the community wanted out of the 5KX for about $270. In that same vein, the Islander from LIW is exactly all those things as well for $299. i know it starts to push the value envelope at that point, but i think we all would happily take the new seikos at $300 if they came on a nice bracelet and sapphire, and thats what you get when you upgrade an orient diver or grab an Islander. Oh plus a screw in crown on either option.
which is only $20-$50 more than the SKX price, if you get a good deal
Great video! I love my SKX 007 to death, seriously! Love to wear it on leather NATO straps, or nylon. My 007 has fortunately not a misaligned chapter ring! But the 009 I got last x-mas had a misaligned chapter ring. Orient Kamasu: nice, but hands are too thin. SRPD: unsure about this one. I got the movement of this one already in another Seiko watch but much much cheaper two years ago. Exhibition caseback: why? Movement looks boring. Sharky: I need to check out this one!
can wholeheartedly recommend the sharkey, both the watch and the brand! they had a shipping delay so they sent me a free parachute strap along with an extra bracelet, both bracelets, the strap and the watch was great.
Could you give a link to the site you bought from? The link for the sharkey is no longer working on this video.
@@codyharder9541 i think it's this one heimdallrwatch.com/store/SHARKEY-SKX007-V-2K20-p238541823
I have Long Island islander and it’s great, I almost bought a sharky in the sale last weekend. If this video came out a week ago I think I would have got it.
Great video Jody
It might be better you waited. Heimdallr/Sharkey's next batch is going to have a revised case, crown, and bezel with the goal of being 99% compatible with SKX mod parts. Hopefully the crown guards will be tweaked in the process.
Islander with ceramic well lumed bezel, premium bracelet, REALLY nice dial, and everything else is kinda a different thing.
Islander is what you spend $200 in parts molding an SKX into becoming.
Got myself an skx 009 yesterday and I’m in love. I don’t get the chance to drop on bigger watches very often so wanted to buy a classic
I own a SKX and a Kamasu. The Kamasu is leaps and bounds better than the SKX. Don't even get me started on the 5KX, totally not worth it. Don't know anything about the Sharkey, but probably not for me. I do want to get one of Marc's SKX replacements from LIW, preferably the pepsi bezel in 38mm. Great video Jody!
For me the best every day affordable diver is the skx013 ... the size is perfect and it’s also more affordable because the 007 is much more popular ... I got mine second hand at 130€ and I am super happy with it
Just too small for me 🤭
It’s all about personal taste and wrist size 😀
When you are using a dive computer it is still recommended to have a watch on you as well. I always dive with both anyway for the added security if my computer fails
Weird, I have an SKX and a Kamasu and out of the entire collection they are easily the most worn. Love the bracelet on the SKX plus I like the Kamasu one as well plus I’m kinda glad it does not taper. If strapcode do a jubilee for the Orient I might be tempted at a later date. Still fancy the 5KX but prices still seem high. What does ‘wind me up’ is the lack of manual winding on the SKX as having a desk (computer) job you have to remember to shake every few hours, much to the amusement of other people (remember those days eh?). 😉
“over Braceleted “is my phrase of the day!!
Great video, the orient kamasu is definitely my pick, just a very well done watch.
By the way, would we have a change to see the pagani design datejust review?
Bought two skx Sharkey watches recently. I love them. They worked out the crown guard rough sides.
Hi Jody, Hemildallr say they have adjusted the crown guards for 2020 (smoother) and have sent you a sample, will look forward to a update? Great videos as always. 😊
Sorry they say will offer to send you one, for update review.
If you'd picked the blue Kamasu, it would have gone straight from the bottom to the top in the dial category…however, right at this moment, it probably wouldn’t be doing so well in the value category, as I see the price has currently gone up from $210 to $275 on Amazon.
James David Walley Love the blue dial of my Mako USA II👌
I like the Orient Kamasu and the Sharky as a runner up
I have an SKX and my wife bought be a orange dial SRPD, which has surprised me by becoming a favourite, I quite fancy the Orient it admit something about the Sharkey - perhaps the logo? - doesn’t appeal. Anyway, another great video 👍
Very happy with my decision to stay with the Iconic Seiko skx007.. -I bought a second and put it away😍. Seems to be nothing like it in my opinion others all get it wrong. No frame date windows should be a more common thing with dive watches.
I would be interested in seeing some SKX013 homages or something a lot like them. As a smaller-wristed guy, I find the 007 and watches in that range just too bulky and am chasing after a smaller diver.
Long Island watches sells a 38mm version of their SKX homage.
Greatest cinematic line of all time!!!
Wearing red Kamasu on rubber tropic strap here👌
Willard..... Just curious. Where were you able to find the red Orient Kamasu? I can't find it in stock anywhere. I will pickup a blue or green if it comes down to it. But I'm holding out a little bit longer for that RED dial. Congrats on finding and owning one. Have a great day.