Seiko Solar Chronograph

The Seiko SSC019 is a watch forum favourite: an affordable watch that is accurate, good looking and doesn’t break the bank.

Seiko SSC019 Solar ChronographIt’s a solar-powered, quartz regulated chronograph with running (ticking) seconds at 9, elapsed minutes at 6 and a 24-hour totaliser at 3. The chronograph sweep hand, when engaged, ticks five times per second. Reset is a standard quartz slow-glide. It also has a date at 4.30. This makes it extremely versatile, and we can think of few extra features you would want in a watch.

A full solar charge will keep it running for six months. If you leave it in the dark too long, then it indicates low charge by ticking every two seconds. When this happens, simply take it out in the daylight for a few hours. The hands, pearl pip and indices are all lumed with Seiko’s usual superb formula. A few seconds in the sun and they glow all night.

Seiko SSC019 Solar Chronograph Watch

The watch comes with a bracelet that has raised, polished centre links. Although an unusual choice for what is ostensibly a tool diver, it does look good. On the other hand, it has a horrible pin and collar system for the removable links (what is wrong with screws?). Although bad, it is not as bad as the Seiko Monster. The collars on this watch are held within the centre links, so they don’t pop out when you attempt to reassemble the bracelet. Still, we’d recommend entrusting a jeweller with the task if you are unsure. It is a fiddly process, and those polished centre links on the bracelet are real scratch magnets!

Timekeeping is perfect, as you would expect from a quartz regulated movement, chronograph works great, timing down to 1/5th a second. The bezel is really nice and clicks smoothly but positively. It feels like it has a lot more than 120 clicks due to the multiple click springs which make it feel firm and precise.

The whole watch screams quality, and it is heavy and solid feeling with screw-down pushers and crown and a divers extension. The 200m water resistance is going to be sufficient for all but the most extreme divers. We recommend this watch to anyone wanting a good looking, reliable watch that will keep on going no matter what you throw at it, and for the price, it is a steal. The best recommendation we can give is that many watch enthusiasts would happily have it as their only watch. It is that versatile.

You can find the Seiko SSC019 Solar Chronograph at Creation watches, on eBay, or at Amazon.co.uk.

By Mike Richmond

Mike spends what little spare time he has writing for WRUK; and what little money he makes building up his collection of timepieces.

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