We\u2019ve always had a thing for dive watches. They aren\u2019t any random rotating-bezel chunk of steel, but the kind you reach for when you want something rugged, reliable, and meaningful. Over the past 10 years of hands-on reviews, strap swaps, salt-water splashes, and daily wear (yes, even the incidental door-frame scars), we\u2019ve come to realize that the bezel (the rotating ring around the dial) isn\u2019t merely decorative. It\u2019s a living part of the watch. It tells you how long you\u2019ve been submerged, how long your meeting has dragged, or how long your coffee break has taken. And we\u2019ve tested enough divers to know when that bezel works, when it\u2019s just for show, and when it\u2019s downright frustrating.<\/p>\n While testing these pieces, we discovered that a bezel\u2019s feel: how it clicks, how it aligns, and how visible it is, matters more than what a glossy brochure might promise. So, in this blog, we\u2019re going to answer a simple question: Which bezel designs genuinely earn their place on the wrist? If you\u2019re hunting for a diver that promises the utility (and fun) of the rotating bezel without the gimmick, this piece is for you.<\/p>\n The SKX173\u2019s bezel is classic Seiko: a 120-click unidirectional ring that feels tactile without being stiff. It\u2019s not the tightest action you\u2019ll find, but the clicks land with a clear, confident sound that tells you it\u2019s built for work, not display. Even after years of use and testing<\/span><\/a>, the action stays smooth if the gasket\u2019s kept clean. The black aluminum insert maintains a toolish and period-correct look, although it\u2019ll pick up scratches over time. We\u2019ve always seen that as part of its charm. You can swap it easily when you\u2019re ready to refresh or mod the watch, which is something many SKX owners eventually do anyway.<\/p>\n In use, the bezel earns its keep well beyond the water. We\u2019ve used it for timing ramen in the office kitchen and to keep track of parking meters downtown, and it feels as reliable for those moments as it does in open water. During testing, the knurled edge proved to be grippy, even with gloves on. That\u2019s a rare thing at the price point of $400 to $600. After nearly two decades of use, we only needed to replace the gasket once, which speaks volumes about the SKX173\u2019s resilience.<\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n \n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/twobrokewatchsnobs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Glashutte-Original-SeaQ-08-1024x768.jpg.webp)
\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\nSeiko SKX173<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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