Lifestyle The 7 Best Seiko Watches You Can Buy Under $250

Seiko SKX007K2 Price:$179

This bombproof dive watch commands respect. Unlike most watches that boast a 200-meter depth rating, this Seiko is a "Diver's 200m," meaning it can actually handle that depth. It's a tool, and a handsome one. Weirdly, the Amazon listing says it's 46 millimeters wide, but it's really a manageable 42-millimeter case. Pictured on a Nylon Hodinkee NATO.

Seiko 5 SNZH53 Price:$151

Echoing the designs of classic dive watches, this 42-millimeter Seiko has 100 meters of water resistance, a uni-directional bezel, day and date, and a face bluer than the Pacific. This one's on a leather strap we had kicking around from Crown & Buckle.

Seiko SNKN01 Price: $129

Reminiscent of beefy '70s models, this retro-looking automatic Seiko has a square-shaped case and great contrast between blue dial and red second hand.

More than enough to start a pretty diverse collection, no?

Seiko 5 SNXS77 Price: $75

When you look at a watch, it's important to imagine it in other configurations than the one the manufacturer chose. Tossing this Seiko onto a gorgeous leather strap nets some pretty eye-opening results. At 37-millimeters wide, it's a classic size that won't overwhelm your wrist.

Seiko SNXJ89 Price: $195

It's hard to believe this watch actually sells with the photo Amazon's complex algorithms chose. It looks sort of like a Datejust—think Paul Newman's wrist in The Color of Money—and looks stunning on Hodinkee leather. If you need a dress watch, this demands your consideration.

It's incredible how much swapping a strap can change a watch's entire feel and bring out a whole new side of its character.

Seiko SKX175 Price: $220

The Seiko SKX009—often marked as the SKX175, the square hour-marker version—is the Pepsi-bezeled version of the venerable SKX007. Ted wears his on the classic Jubilee bracelet, but as we've shown above and below you really can't put a strap on this bad boy that doesn't make it pop.

Pro tip: when you're rolling deep thanks to all the $$$ you've saved by moving to Seiko country, splurge a bit on a proper watch roll for traveling.

Seiko SKZ330 Price:$215

Can't handle the black or Pepsi Seiko divers? They have one with the Midas touch. It's a little aggressive, but that's not necessarily a bad thing to have in a watch. Also you get to say that you're rocking a watch that beat the new Rolex Yachtmaster II to the punch by at least a few years.