Maintaining monitor of elapsed time might be probably the most helpful watch issues you’ll be able to have, whether or not it’s monitoring hours or as little as 30 seconds to time the proper double shot of a fragile and juicy espresso to start out your morning. Figuring out your time is what makes issues that a lot better.
That’s why I’m providing this Seiko SSC813 evaluate. Right here, I’ll talk about the Seiko chronograph nicknamed the Seitona (SSC813) and the way it might presumably be top-of-the-line chronograph choices from Seiko because the unique Speedtimers from the late 60s.
Key Takeaways
- The Seiko SSC813 ‘Seitona’ Chronograph might be considered one of Seiko’s finest chronograph choices because the unique Speedtimers from the late 60s.
- It is available in a candy Goldilocks dimension of 39 millimeters and has spectacular proportions that make it tremendous snug to put on and function.
- The watch has a fauxtina-like (manufactured patina so as to add a classic attribute to watches) handset that provides classic character, and the handled metal bezel appears virtually like ceramic.
- The SSC813 is a part of the legendary Speedtimer line, which is slowly being reborn and paying homage to older Speedtimer references.
- The watch’s proportions and Panda shade scheme make it versatile for various straps, permitting you to clean up the look.
- Nevertheless, the uncovered photo voltaic cells on the subdials and the steep value level of virtually $700 could also be turn-offs for some folks.
- Comfy and well-proportioned 39mm case
- Pores and skin diver-esque case design with compact pushers and huge crown
- Fauxtina-like handset provides classic character
- Handled metal bezel appears virtually like ceramic
- A part of the legendary Speedtimer line
- Versatile Panda shade scheme that works properly with completely different straps
- Energy reserve indicator perform
- Uncovered photo voltaic cells on the subdials
- Pusher suggestions is not probably the most satisfying
- Steep value level of virtually $700 for a solar-powered chronograph
- Worth for cash won’t be justified in comparison with different choices in the identical value vary
- Some folks is probably not followers of the fauxtina-like handset
First Impressions
I do know this watch has been out for fairly a while, however I lastly had the possibility to get my fingers on one from a pleasant viewer of the channel. My uncle. (Thanks, Uncle!) To be sincere, I’ve seen this Seiko SSC813 evaluate flow into throughout social media and in my YouTube feed fairly a bit. Nevertheless, I by no means actually had the urge to dig deeper into this watch, possibly as a result of I knew it was a photo voltaic chronograph providing from Seiko.
Not that there’s something flawed with photo voltaic expertise. I truly personal fairly a number of photo voltaic watches myself. My important fear was that generally when watch homes provide photo voltaic motion, particularly sophisticated watches like chronographs, they are typically just a little chunky. It wasn’t till I learn into the sizing specs and began this Seiko SSC813 evaluate that I noticed it got here in a candy Goldilocks dimension of 39 millimeters. In hand, I used to be pleasantly shocked with its proportions.
Design and Consolation
From the pores and skin diver-esque case design to its pushers, it’s tremendous snug to put on and function as soon as it’s on the wrist. I feel that is the place the watch actually shines. After spending a while with this watch, I noticed that that is in all probability probably the most snug chronographs I’ve ever had.
The compact pushers and huge crown make it very easy to press and set the time. Now, the pusher suggestions isn’t probably the most satisfying, however there’s a particular click on if you push it in if that’s one thing you need. There’s additionally a pleasant little perform to inform your energy reserve on the watch by urgent the underside pusher. It’s a fairly handy characteristic, particularly if you happen to haven’t worn this watch shortly or don’t plan to make it your day by day put on.
Dial and Arms
One factor I seen on the dial of the watch is the handset. It has this fauxtina-like fingers set, which I don’t actually know if I’m a fan of, but it surely provides a little bit of classic character to this in any other case Speedtimer homage.
Talking of homages, this watch is nicknamed the Seitona because it appears so much like a ceramic Panda Daytona from Rolex. However actually, any Panda dial with a black bezel will look comparatively the identical by way of the colour scheme, however this Seiko SSC813 positively has its personal distinctive design and attraction.
The bezel appears virtually like ceramic, and to the bare eye, it would simply idiot you, but it surely’s truly a handled metal bezel with polished and brushed accents that comply with the identical particulars of the case, which is polished on the perimeters and a satin concentric brushing on the highest, which I feel enhances the watch very well given its sporty nature.
Proportions and Versatility
Now, my absolute favourite half about this watch, and I do know I’m going to repeat myself, is the proportions. Photographs of the watch on-line don’t actually exhibit how proportional it’s. In the event you ever have the possibility to do this Seiko SSC813 on, I extremely encourage you to take action. It would simply push you over the sting on whether or not or not you need to personal it. Additionally, due to its Panda shade scheme and wearability, it takes straps very well if you happen to’re like me, who likes to vary out the look of your watch primarily based in your outfit, otherwise you’re simply not a fan of the bracelet, which truthfully isn’t that unhealthy as different individuals are saying it’s. Having a flexible watch just like the Speedtimer can actually clean up the look of your watch and hopefully maintain you from shopping for one other watch at any time when you get tired of the look.
Drawbacks and Worth
Now, regardless that there are a variety of good issues happening with this watch, there are literally a few issues that put me off. One is how the photo voltaic cells are uncovered a bit on the subdials.
Sure, I get that gentle has to cross via the dial by some means to cost the watch, however not like Citizen with their Eco-Drive watches, they do a a lot better job of hiding the cells, whereas those on a number of photo voltaic Seikos I’ve come throughout, they will often simply be seen. That is actually nitpicking on the watch, however I anticipate just a little extra care in that division for the value level. And that’s one thing it’s best to actually contemplate – the worth you’re getting.
At roughly $700, I feel it’s a fairly steep value level for a solar-powered chronograph. As you all know, for $700, there’s a large choice of watches you’ll be able to select from, a few of which section into the lower-tier luxurious territory. I imply, it’s an awesome watch with its proportions and has all the proper appears, however to me, the worth you’re getting out of it isn’t actually definitely worth the price ticket.
Video Overview
Last Ideas
Nevertheless, if you happen to’re actually on this watch and don’t thoughts paying the value, I extremely advocate visiting your native Seiko seller and seeing in the event that they may give you a reduction. I’ve all the time had some luck attending to know some folks on the Seiko shops, they usually all the time exit of the way in which simply to offer a fairer value on their watches. So give it a shot.
Ultimately, if you happen to like one thing and also you assume it’s value spending your hard-earned cash on, it’s watch, and nobody else’s opinion actually issues.
To me, that is considered one of Seiko’s best-looking chronographs in a very long time. As I mentioned earlier than, I’ve all the time been a giant fan of the Speedtimer line. With these first passes of the fashionable Speedtimer, I feel Seiko is perhaps on the proper path to reviving this once-legendary line.
