Seiko SSC813 Evaluation: The Finest Chronograph You Shouldn’t Purchase? | FashionBeans

Protecting monitor of elapsed time might be one of the vital helpful watch problems you may 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 begin your morning. Realizing your time is what makes issues that significantly 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 probably be probably the greatest chronograph choices from Seiko because the unique Speedtimers from the late 60s.

Key Takeaways

• The Seiko SSC813 ‘Seitona’ Chronograph could possibly be one in every of Seiko’s greatest 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 comfy 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 seems to be nearly 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 colour 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 worth level of virtually $700 could also be turn-offs for some individuals.

First Impressions

I do know this watch has been out for fairly a while, however I lastly had the prospect to get my palms on one from a pleasant viewer of the channel. My uncle. (Thanks, Uncle!) To be trustworthy, 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 unsuitable with photo voltaic know-how. I truly personal fairly a couple of photo voltaic watches myself. My essential fear was that generally when watch homes supply 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 spotted it got here in a candy Goldilocks dimension of 39 millimeters. In hand, I used to be pleasantly stunned with its proportions.

Design and Consolation

From the pores and skin diver-esque case design to its pushers, it’s tremendous comfy to put on and function as soon as it’s on the wrist. I believe that is the place the watch actually shines. After spending a while with this watch, I spotted that that is most likely one of the vital comfy 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 while you push it in if that’s one thing you need. There may be additionally a pleasant little operate to inform your energy reserve on the watch by urgent the underside pusher. It’s a fairly handy function, particularly if you happen to haven’t worn this watch shortly or don’t plan to make it your each day put on.

Dial and Palms

One factor I observed on the dial of the watch is the handset. It has this fauxtina-like palms set, which I don’t actually know if I’m a fan of, nevertheless it 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 seems to be rather a lot 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 undoubtedly has its personal distinctive design and attraction.

The bezel seems to be nearly like ceramic, and to the bare eye, it’d simply idiot you, nevertheless it’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 believe enhances the watch rather 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. Images of the watch on-line don’t actually showcase how proportional it’s. Should you ever have the prospect to do that 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 colour scheme and wearability, it takes straps rather 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 actually isn’t that dangerous 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 preserve you from shopping for one other watch at any time when you get tired of the look.

Drawbacks and Worth

Now, though there are loads of good issues occurring 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 mild has to cross by means of the dial in some way to cost the watch, however not like Citizen with their Eco-Drive watches, they do a significantly better job of hiding the cells, whereas those on a couple of photo voltaic Seikos I’ve come throughout, they’ll often simply be seen. That is actually nitpicking on the watch, however I count on just a little extra care in that division for the value level. And that’s one thing you must actually think about – the worth you’re getting.

At roughly $700, I believe it’s a fairly steep worth level for a solar-powered chronograph. As you all know, for $700, there’s a huge number of watches you may select from, a few of which section into the lower-tier luxurious territory. I imply, it’s an excellent watch with its proportions and has all the correct seems to be, however to me, the worth you’re getting out of it isn’t actually well worth the price ticket.

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Ultimate 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 supplier and seeing in the event that they can provide you a reduction. I’ve at all times had some luck attending to know some individuals on the Seiko shops, they usually at all times exit of the best way simply to provide a fairer worth on their watches. So give it a shot.

Ultimately, if you happen to like one thing and also you suppose it’s price spending your hard-earned cash on, it’s a superb watch, and nobody else’s opinion actually issues.

To me, that is one in every of Seiko’s best-looking chronographs in a very long time. As I stated earlier than, I’ve at all times been a giant fan of the Speedtimer line. With these first passes of the trendy Speedtimer, I believe Seiko could be on the correct path to reviving this once-legendary line.

To proceed your Seiko schooling, take a look at my greatest tricks to spot a faux, even once they’re tremendous lifelike.