Seiko SSC813 Review: The Best Chronograph You Shouldn’t Buy?

Holding observe of elapsed time might be probably the most helpful watch problems you possibly can 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. Understanding your time is what makes issues that significantly better.

That’s why I’m providing this Seiko SSC813 overview. Right here, I’ll focus on the Seiko chronograph nicknamed the Seitona (SSC813) and the way it might presumably be top-of-the-line chronograph choices from Seiko for the reason that authentic Speedtimers from the late 60s.

Key Takeaways

• The Seiko SSC813 ‘Seitona’ Chronograph could possibly be one in all Seiko’s finest chronograph choices for the reason that authentic Speedtimers from the late 60s.
• It is available in a candy Goldilocks measurement 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 to be like 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 shade scheme make it versatile for various straps, permitting you to clean up the look.
• Nonetheless, 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 arms on one from a pleasant viewer of the channel. My uncle. (Thanks, Uncle!) To be trustworthy, I’ve seen this Seiko SSC813 overview flow into throughout social media and in my YouTube feed fairly a bit. Nonetheless, I by no means actually had the urge to dig deeper into this watch, perhaps as a result of I knew it was a photo voltaic chronograph providing from Seiko.

Not that there’s something improper with solar technology. I really personal fairly just a few photo voltaic watches myself. My fundamental fear was that typically 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 overview that I spotted it got here in a candy Goldilocks measurement 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 spotted that that is most likely probably the most snug chronographs I’ve ever had.

The compact pushers and enormous crown make it very easy to press and set the time. Now, the pusher suggestions isn’t essentially 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 operate to inform your energy reserve on the watch by urgent the underside pusher. It’s a reasonably handy characteristic, particularly should you haven’t worn this watch shortly or don’t plan to make it your every day put on.

Dial and Fingers

One factor I observed on the dial of the watch is the handset. It has this fauxtina-like arms 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 appears to be like rather a lot like a ceramic Panda Daytona from Rolex. However actually, any Panda dial with a black bezel will look comparatively the identical when it comes to the colour scheme, however this Seiko SSC813 undoubtedly has its personal distinctive design and attraction.

The bezel appears to be like nearly like ceramic, and to the bare eye, it would simply idiot you, nevertheless it’s really a handled metal bezel with polished and brushed accents that observe the identical particulars of the case, which is polished on the edges and a satin concentric brushing on the highest, which I feel 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. Pictures 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’d 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 rather well should you’re like me, who likes to alter out the look of your watch based mostly in your outfit, otherwise you’re simply not a fan of the bracelet, which truthfully 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 maintain you from shopping for one other watch each time you become bored with the look.

Drawbacks and Worth

Now, although 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 gentle has to cross by the dial by some means 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 just a few photo voltaic Seikos I’ve come throughout, they’ll 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 you need to actually think about – the worth you’re getting.

At roughly $700, I feel it’s a reasonably steep worth level for a solar-powered chronograph. As you all know, for $700, there’s a huge number of watches you possibly can select from, a few of which part into the lower-tier luxurious territory. I imply, it’s a fantastic watch with its proportions and has all the correct appears to be like, however to me, the worth you’re getting out of it isn’t actually well worth the price ticket.

Video Assessment

Closing Ideas

Nonetheless, should you’re actually on this watch and don’t thoughts paying the value, I extremely suggest visiting your native Seiko seller and seeing in the event that they may give you a reduction. I’ve at all times had some luck attending to know some individuals on the Seiko shops, and so they at all times exit of the best way simply to present a fairer worth on their watches. So give it a shot.

In the long run, should you like one thing and also you assume it’s value spending your hard-earned cash on, it’s a superb watch, and nobody else’s opinion actually issues.

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