The Seiko SKZ329 “Stargate” is a discontinued automatic dive watch collectors still hunt for: black ion-plated steel, a clear day-date window, and a full 200 m water resistance rating in a wearable sports case. If you want a dark, tool-watch look without a modern Prospex price tag, this first-generation Stargate remains one of Seiko’s more distinctive divers.
Why the SKZ329 Stargate still stands out
Unlike plain silver SKX-era divers, the SKZ329 wears an all-black ion-plated (PVD-style) stainless case and bracelet. The dial keeps high-contrast luminous markers and a day-date complication at 3 o’clock. A unidirectional rotating bezel supports dive timing, while Seiko Hardlex protects the dial for daily knocks better than plain mineral glass on many fashion watches.
Inside is Seiko’s proven calibre 7S36 (case/movement code family often listed as 7S36-04P0): a 23-jewel automatic that self-winds on the wrist. It is not designed for manual winding or hacking (the seconds hand does not stop when the crown is pulled). Fully wound it offers around 43 hours of power reserve—enough for a long weekend if you set it down Friday night.
Who it suits
- Collectors after a discontinued black Stargate rather than a modern reissue look
- Everyday sports wear — bracelet, 200 m rating, and a legible black dial for work, travel, and weekend use
- Divers and water sports — recreational dive-capable rating with a proper uni-directional bezel (always follow safe diving practice and service intervals)
Technical specifications
- Brand / model: Seiko Stargate (often listed under Seiko 5 Sports / Superior divers lines) SKZ329
- Movement: Seiko automatic calibre 7S36, 23 jewels, self-winding
- Power reserve: approximately 43 hours when fully wound
- Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, day and date at 3 o’clock
- Case: black ion-plated stainless steel; about 42–43 mm diameter excluding crown (roughly 47–48 mm including crown)
- Thickness: approximately 15 mm
- Lug width: 22 mm
- Crystal: Seiko Hardlex
- Bezel: unidirectional rotating dive bezel
- Bracelet: matching black ion-plated stainless steel with double-lock / dual push-button safety clasp
- Crown: typically at 4 o’clock on this case architecture
- Water resistance: 200 metres (20 ATM) — suitable for swimming and recreational diving when the watch is in good service condition
- Dial: black with luminous hands and markers
Published measurements vary slightly by retailer (42 mm vs ~43 mm “without crown”). We describe the case as a large sports diver that wears bold on the wrist; try a similar 42–44 mm diver if you are between sizes.
Wearing and care
The ion-plated finish looks sharp but, like any coating, can show wear on edges over years of hard use. Rinse after salt water, keep the crown fully seated, and service the automatic movement periodically. Do not operate the crown underwater. Store the watch wound or wear it regularly so the 7S36 stays within its reserve.
Frequently asked questions
What movement does the Seiko SKZ329 use?
The SKZ329 is powered by Seiko’s automatic calibre 7S36 (23 jewels). It winds from wrist motion and does not take a battery. It is not a hand-wind or hacking movement.
What is the water resistance of the Seiko SKZ329?
It is rated to 200 metres (20 ATM). That supports swimming and recreational diving when gaskets and the crown are in good condition. It is not a substitute for a dive computer or professional saturation equipment.
Is the SKZ329 a good everyday watch?
Yes for someone who wants a bold black diver. The bracelet, Hardlex crystal, day-date, and 200 m rating make it practical for commuting, travel, and active weekends. The case is on the large side, so smaller wrists may prefer a mid-size modern Seiko.
Does the Stargate SKZ329 have a day-date?
Yes. Day and date are shown in a window at 3 o’clock—useful for travel and desk use without a separate digital display.
What is the difference between SKZ329, SKZ329J1, and SKZ329K1?
SKZ329 is the short commercial code used on many listings. Regional full references such as SKZ329J1 / SKZ329K1 are the same Stargate family; strap packaging variants exist in Seiko’s broader catalogue. Confirm the dial, plating, and bracelet on the product images for this listing.
Where can I buy the Seiko SKZ329 in Australia?
This SKZ329 is listed in stock at Chronospride with Australian dispatch. Authentic stock, inspected before dispatch. Free shipping Australia-wide on eligible orders. Covered by Chronospride’s 12 months warranty, handled by our team. See our authenticity and warranty page.
Authentic stock, inspected before dispatch. Free shipping Australia-wide on eligible orders. Covered by Chronospride’s 12 months warranty, handled by our team. See our authenticity and warranty page.
| Brand | Seiko |
|---|---|
| Case-Size | 44mm |
| Lug-Width | 22mm |
| Lug to lug size | 50mm |
| MPN | SKZ329 |
| Gender | Men's |
| Band-Material | Stainless Steel |
| Case-Material | Stainless Steel |
| Movement | Quartz |
| Band-Width | 22mm |
| Band-Colour | Black |
| UPC | 4954628132055 |
| EAN | 4954628132055 |
| Calibre | 7S36 |
| Case-Colour | Black |
| Face-Colour | Black |
| Jewels | 23 |
| Power reserve | 43 hours |
| Watch-Shape | Round |
| Water-Resistance-Rating | 200M |