If you point me to a gunmetal kinetic diver with Superluminova for around $200, my eyes light up. That's what happened with the Seiko SKA427, purchased from a reputable eBay seller in Hong Kong, winning bid about $180, a total of $204 with shipping.
At 42mm across the bezel and 47mm case size, this Seiko wears like a 44mm, which is about as small as I'll go. Make no mistake, though, this is a significant timepiece and looks very masculine on the wrist.
I had one link removed for my 7.5 inch wrist, so I doubt this will fit anyone with a wrist bigger than 8 inches.
The markers and hands are as bright as my famed Seiko Black Monster.
What needs to be emphasized about this Seiko is the bezel. When you turn it, it is so smooth, it brings shivers up the spine of any Idiot Watch Savant like myself (you know who we are; we marvel at our watches with wide or squinted eyes during idle time for intractable periods).
Any weaknesses? None so far, but I do have a concern: The painted numerals on the markings look vulnerable to being scratched or peeled off. We shall see.
Kinetic movement when fully charged (worn every day for 4 days or so) stores power for 6 months.
Conclusion: This has all the earmarkings of a keeper.
Great watch - I think I'll keep it on my wishlist, even though its cousin the SKA371 is now off. I like them about the same, but the gunmetal is more differentiated from my other watches.
The SNAD05/06 also has that smooth bezel movement, although for some reason the SNAD05 is much looser and the 06 more snug, although both are buttery.
I found the SKA371 lume to be as good as the Black Monster, but slightly lesser in overall effect due to smaller markers. The SKA371/427 have very similar lume to the SSC015.
Anyhow, glad you like it.
Posted by: jonnybardo | December 13, 2012 at 08:59 AM