The Seiko SKX series, an icon in the watch world, has captivated enthusiasts with its rugged build, legendary reliability, and timeless design. Sadly, the SKX is now discontinued, and acquiring one often means paying upwards of $600 to $800. Enter the SKX Tandorio Titanium TD248, a $200 homage aiming to fill the void left by the SKX. While it boasts impressive specifications, there are important nuances to consider. Here’s an in-depth look at this intriguing timepiece.
Specifications That Shine
On paper, the Tandorio TD248 is a powerhouse of features that seem to outclass the original SKX:
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Ceramic Bezel: Durable and scratch-resistant.
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Sapphire Crystal: Offers superior clarity and toughness.
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Titanium Case: Lightweight and robust.
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Seiko NH35 Movement: Hackable and hand-windable, a step up from the non-hackable SKX movement.
At first glance, these specifications seem to justify the $200 price tag, but there’s more to the story than meets the eye.
Design and Wearability
The TD248 takes inspiration from both the Seiko SKX009 and SKX013 models, blending their best elements:
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Dimensions: A 37mm diameter, 12.8mm thickness, and 45mm lug-to-lug length make it compact and wearable for smaller wrists. The 20mm lug width ensures compatibility with a variety of straps.
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Dial and Hands: The bold luminous markers and dual-colored seconds hand echo the SKX design, while the vibrant orange sunray dial offers a fresh, eye-catching twist.
However, the proportions may feel unconventional. The small diameter combined with a relatively thick case gives the watch a chunky aesthetic, though its lightweight titanium construction mitigates this.
Performance and Build Quality
While the TD248’s specs are impressive, some aspects of its build quality warrant scrutiny:
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Bezel and Crystal: The ceramic bezel looks premium but produces a hollow, twangy sound during rotation. The sharply curved sapphire crystal causes minor distortion, leading to a “double vision” effect on the indices.
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Water Resistance: Advertised at 200 meters, the watch lacks ISO certification, which raises questions about its actual dive capabilities. This contrasts with the SKX’s trusted 100-meter ISO rating.
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Lume Performance: The lume is bright and satisfying under sunlight but fades quicker than expected.
Strap and Comfort
The TD248 comes with a black waffle strap, soft and malleable out of the box. However, the polished stainless steel clasp feels out of place against the brushed titanium case, creating a slight design dissonance.
The Homage Debate
The Tandorio TD248 unabashedly mimics the SKX, a move that may irk purists but feels justified given the SKX’s discontinuation. Think of it as a pre-modded SKX, offering enhancements like a sapphire crystal and ceramic bezel at a fraction of the cost of modding an original.
Areas for Improvement
While the TD248 delivers remarkable value, a few areas could use refinement:
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Bezel Markers: The lack of precise minute indicators makes time-reading less accurate.
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Hand Design: The circular marker on the back half of the seconds hand limits visibility in the dark.
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Sound Quality: A more substantial bezel click would elevate the overall tactile experience.
Final Thoughts
The Tandorio SKX Titanium TD248 is a value-packed homage that caters to enthusiasts seeking the essence of the SKX without the hefty price tag. Its lightweight titanium build, vibrant dial options, and upgraded specs make it a compelling choice for everyday wear or as a mod-friendly platform.
While it may not replace the Seiko SKX in terms of heritage and certification, the TD248’s affordability and versatility make it a noteworthy contender in the budget watch market. For those willing to overlook minor quirks, this watch offers a fun, functional, and stylish alternative.
If you’re intrigued, the TD248 is worth a closer look. It may just be the watch that inspires your next adventure—whether that’s mowing the lawn or diving into a new hobby.
