Watches and Wars: Seiko
Part Three: The Legendary Watch For A Budget
In this series we are taking a look at the timepieces of war, from yesterday to today, diving into the iconic importance of the keepers of time men (and women) have worn throughout history from military service to foreign allies, adversaries, and fiction.
Next up: Seiko
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The Brand
Nobody offers a bargain with exceptional quality like Seiko does. So many companies either use their movements or have copied it that it almost seems unfair. That’s what happens when you create something so timeless, so unique, and so reliable. Seiko has a long standing reputation for reliable, classy, and durable watches from World Wars to the Boardroom.
The pieces we are discussing in this article are the SKX series of dive watches, specifically two historically popular watches amongst collectors and Seiko nerds. Although, there are some doubters who believe the SKX line is overhyped and overpriced, with lower entry price points for Seiko to be much more attractive. With them, I totally disagree, and think the SKX line is the perfect entry into Seiko collection if you want to make more than just a little splash.
The Timepieces
SKX 007 and 009
Two classics. Two various styles. Must have for collectors.
Everyone should have a SKX in their collection, if not two. I’d personally recommend the 007 and the 009, especially if you can get your hands on a vintage one. The new SKX models today are great, but they don’t have that vintage dive watch feel to them and look flashier than their previous counterparts.
The SKX is a robust, yet highly durable and useful dive watch with a long history. Military members have been wearing this dive watch for decades, and Seiko’s have had a long history in the wars overseas. In Vietnam and other wars they were used as gifts and currency, often awarded as a prize for a mission complete. Funny how the world has changed so much sense then.
Jack Carr recently wrote about Seiko’s and many other classic vintage watches in Cry Havoc, his Tom Reese origin thriller that is a must read. (Buy your copy here). I’d do a job for a watch today, especially a Seiko or equivalent that has been wrapped around the wrist of soldiers both foreign and domestic. The history behind them is so rich and deep—a mainstay for many watch collectors like myself.
7548-700F “Stormin’ Norman”
From first glance, these watches all seem the same. But they aren’t. The SKX line is different from the 7548. It’s mechanical versus quartz. The machining on the vintage SKX’s is very clean, whereas the newer SKX’s are rounded and highly polished. WHile they look the same, they are truly not when you get down to it. Otherwise, much of the style is the same outside the movement.
Famous general, General Norman Schwarzkopf has been seen wearing this watch before, specifically during the Gulf War (more on that below). The legendary dive watch dates back to the 1970s and is based on the 7548 movement. There are many watches in the “turtle” series of Seikos with the 7548 movement and collectors have ran to try and find them all, from solid black dials to orange bezels and dials, and the famous “Pepsi” bezel style as picture above.
Pop Culture
Legendary general, General Norman Schwarzkopf, was known to wear two watches during the Gulf War. Hence, why model 7548-700F is nicknamed the “Stormin’ Norman”. There are many models in the 7548-700 line, but the “F” suffix model is the one General Schwarzkopf famously wore.
When asked why he wore two watches, Schwarzkopf explained that he wore one watch set to Saudi Arabia time, and another for Eastern Standard time to keep up with Washington, D.C. Believed to be a Rolex and a Seiko, that rumor was debunked. According to historical watch expert @niccoloy, the watches he wore were two Seikos as spotted on the inside of the General’s wrist while flying on a helicopter.
While commanding forces in the Middle-East during the Gulf Wars, he was crucial in communications to the Pentagon and the White House. The General commanded US Central Command (CENTCOM) and organized coalition forces against Sadaam Hussein.