Reviewing a Seiko SKX007 is almost like reviewing one’s love for watches. I’ve thought a lot about it – my love for watches, that is – and haven’t been able to find a good reason for it. Now, there doesn’t have to be a reason for love, but the obsession sometimes (often) needs justifying (an excuse).

“When did you buy this watch?”
“Sorry, when did I buy what?”
“This watch. This one that I’m pointing at.”
“Oh. That one. Um. I don’t know. A while back.”
“A while back?”
“Yeah. Back. A while.”
“What are you going to do with it?”
“Sorry, what’s that?”
“What. Are. You. Going. To–”
“What I’m gonna do with it?”
“Uh-hu.”
“Oh. Um. You know, probably sell.”
“So why did you buy it?”
“What? Sorry, it’s loud in here, isn’t it?”
“No.”
“Oh. Right. It’s not. What was your question?”

I know I’m not the only one who’s been in that situation. You, who’s reading this, already have a watch that tells the time reliably and accurately. It’s also a handsome piece that you picked out because of its aesthetics. Great. Watch-need realized and satisfied. But you have more than that one, don’t you? Of course, that one is more of a dressy watch, and you also needed something sporty and robust that can take a beating and a splash of water. Okay, fair enough, two watches then. Done and done. But you have more than two watches, don’t you?

The reason I’m diving into the philosophical depths of this passion is because the Seiko SKX007 has me facing it dead on. It stares me right in the eye, would grab me by the collar if it could, and asks me with the clenched teeth of its coin-edged bezel: “Why do you love me so much?” And I don’t know why.

Is it because of the Seiko SKX007 high accuracy? No, the basic 7S26 automatic movement isn’t very accurate at all. It also doesn’t hack or manual wind. Is it because of the detail-oriented craftsmanship? Nope, the bezel and the chapter ring don’t fully align and the screw-in crown threads stiffly (on mine). Also, the indices look cheap and painted on. Is it because of its great value? Not really, to be honest, you can find a better watch for less.

So, is the Seiko SKX007 crap? Oh no, there are plenty of things that I like. The lume is outstanding, best I’ve ever seen. The 200 meters water resistance and robustness give me the confidence to use it in any climate and adventurous situation. The 42mm size doesn’t feel big at all due to its very wearable 46mm lug-to-lug length. It looks great on a wide variation of straps and bracelets. I use the unidirectional 120-click bezel for practical things like timing my runs and my laundry. Moreover, the blue-colored SAT on the day wheel makes me happy and the crown at 4 o’clock looks cool. Good stuff for the likes-list, yes indeed.

But I don’t just like the Seiko SKX007. I love it. Why is that?

Why would I never part from it? Why do I treat it like it has feelings? Why do I feel connected to it like it has a soul? Well, because it has one. And it connects straight to mine, like a spiritual twin. My Seiko SKX007 and I are one.

“My question was, why did you buy it?”

The answer is that I bought it out of curiosity and I’m keeping it out of love.

“Is that the best you can do?”

Yes, it is. It really is.