Best Seikos divers for a beginner?

So, let me ask the obvious question: What do you want to do with the watch? (Will it actually see water?) And you don't have to buy a Seiko, but if you want to mod, I would recommend it. Do you like mechanical or quartz movements? And no, nobody forces you to buy a Seiko, and a lot in this tier of the market will depend on the styling and the size of the watch you are comfortable with. 

I just like divers a lot for the looks, so I've been looking into those the most; just going to be wearing it for fun, no job requirements or anything. They won't see anything more than a sink or the occasional rain shower, desk diver maximum. I like mechanical movements the most.

I've got a 6.5 inch wrist if that helps!

Yeah, your wrist is just slightly smaller than mine, and if the watch doesn't see water, then the entry-level Seikos (Seiko 5) are fine, assuming that you don't mind a mechanical movement. An SRPD would fit your wrist also, and you can mod it later. Some people don't like them because of slight chapter ring misalignments, but I haven't had the issue yet. You would be able to pick up such a watch slightly over 200 USD.

The Prospex line will feature larger case diameters with actual dive watches. But I would recommend that for later, once you have a better idea of what you like. This is also where you will find solar watches.

Taking a look now, thanks! That SRPD looks really cool, I'm digging it, that really has that classic diver look to it, and I love the colors that it comes in. Great advice!

And yeah I keep hearing about the chapter ring misalignments with Seiko lately.

Yes, it is a traditional dive watch look, even though the SRPD is not he diver that the SKX was, and you will probably see a lot of discussions around this. The nice part is the movement upgrade, and the modding aspects are also picking up. The chapter ring ... I have an SRPE on the way, let's see what it looks like. 😉

Yeah the movement upgrade looks like a godsend, no more Seiko Shake right? haha.

My collection consists of a bunch of Vostoks right now, so honestly if anything, a Seiko will be a step up when it comes to chapter ring and pip alignment. 😂

I had a Vostok once, which I bought on a flea market in Eastern Germany. The watch lasted about two years, and I didn't mind that much, as it was appropriately priced. (In fact, it might have been a Vostok clone, but I wouldn't have known at the time.)

Seiko dials are normally quite nice, and the 4R35/36 is a reliable movement, there shouldn't be too many surprises. Seiko bracelets are functional and will last, but they are not fancy at all in this price category. Overall I think you will like the watch if you like a traditional diver design.

Yeah, loving the Vostoks so far! They're fun pieces.

I think the one thing that I find hard with the Japanese watches are all the reference numbers. Trying to look at what a Samurai and Turtle is, and everything is like a SRPF03 model number or something crazy haha

You know, there are also Mini Turtle and King Turtle. 😉 But seriously, these terms refer to general styles of dive watches. Once you look at a couple of examples they are pretty easy to identify. The Samurai is pretty wide with sharp angles, for example. The Tuna really looks like a tuna can. The model numbers change more frequently than these terms, which are fairly loosely defined, anyhow.

Honestly?, Massive SEIKO fan, but I'd be looking at Ali Express and looking at some of the homage stuff, you'll get a screw down crown, probably a half decent bracelet, and a sapphire crystal for a chunk of money less than an SKX.. or you could buy an SPRD, and get charged more for less, but it's got SEIKO on it.

Also, consider the Citizen ny0040, there are some proper bargains out there on these, yes, they have a Miyota movement in and are a bit whirry with the wobble of a single way winding rotor watch, but you honestly probably won't even notice it on the wrist.  You'll get a decent tool watch for your money though.. avoid the Citizen bracelet though, it really sucks.

If you really MUST get a Seiko, and it really MUST be an automatic and  Diver's, then for the current price of the somewhat iconic SKX, you could probably get a great condition Sumo on the used market, it's a bit bigger, but mine actually feels smaller on the wrist than my SPRD Seiko 5 (which has a very similar look and feel to an SKX.

That's great advice, thank you! I was actually looking at the Steeldive "Captain Willard" on Ali Express, I can't believe what a bargain that one is! Literally a Seiko with a Sapphire crystal for like 85 bucks, how is that even possible? Do you know any other amazing deals from Ali Express? I've seen a bunch from JOMW but I was curious if there are any other cool ones.

And yeah those Citizens are pretty neat! The Miyota rotor is a bit eh, but hey, if it works it works.

I'll definitely take a look at the Sumo as well! I've always been interested in those.

I'd take a look at HEIMDALLR watches on there, they're a bit more than Steeldive/addisdive (the same people I think) but are a bit nicer too.  If you spend the same money as you would a SEIKO you can probably find a nice San Martin or something too, and they rate really well, the ones I've seen are certainly great quality.  I've got a steeldrive Submariner homage in the watch box, I enjoy it as much as I do some of my more expensive watches and I'm less worried about bashing it into door frame, desk diving marks and so on.  

A bit more money spent on Chinese stuff gets you nicer bracelets with solid end links, milled clasps and better case finishing. 

With that said though. You're not really getting original designs from a lot of the Chinese stuff..that might be important, but if you're early on then I find the Ali Express stuff has been useful for me to find what works for me.   I'd never have considered a Tuna if I hadn't got and sold on a Steeldive one, for example.

I'm new to collecting myself, so I can't say which one is the best. Personally, I wanted one that was a bit different, something I hadn't seen or heard of very much. Decided on a Seiko 5 Sports Divers SRPC67K1 Bottle Cap