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Seiko SSC667 Recraft Review & Complete Guide
If you are looking for affordable watches that punch well above their weight and offer great value for money, you don’t have to look further than Seiko. In the price range of less than 100 USD to 400 USD, there is a lot to choose from. This includes the Seiko SSC667 Recraft.
If you are looking for a sporty, stylish, high quality, and affordable chronograph with a vintage touch, the Seiko SSC667 Recraft chronograph may just be the watch for you.
With its Recraft series, Seiko seeks inspiration from its own vintage models and combines that with modern design features and technology.
Seiko SSC667 Recraft Review
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The Seiko SSC667 Recraft is a chronograph that has sought its inspiration from Seiko’s chronographs from the 1960s and 1970s. Today, these vintage chronographs are loved and appreciated, and Seiko has taken these now-iconic design traits and incorporated it into a modern timepiece. What is particularly interesting about this timepiece is that it combines old design traits with modern technology. We are of course talking about the Solar movement concept that powers this watch – but more on that further on.
In this article, we will review and look closer at the Seiko SSC667 Recraft Chronograph.
Seiko SSC667 Recraft case
The SSC667 has a diameter of 43.5mm and a thickness of 12.5mm. The case shape is very evidently retro-inspired with its oval shape and the curved lugs in a tonneau style. The watch has a polished bezel which is contrasted by brushed lugs. The sides of the case are polished. It has a lug-to-lug measurement of 51mm.
Sitting on top of the case is a flat mineral crystal with AR coating, providing a clear view of the dial with minimal reflections.
The watch offers a water resistance of 100M. This means it is suitable for swimming and showering but not diving.
On the side of the case, we have two angled chronograph pushers on each side of the crown, which is positioned at 3 o’clock.
Photo: Ablogtowatch
Seiko SSC667 Recraft dial
This watch has a striking blue sunburst dial which can look dark blue in some lights but baby blue when the sunlight hits it. The brushed finish of the dial is especially what makes this watch so striking.
In a retro style, the dial has two chapter rings surrounding the dial. On the very edge, we have a raised chapter ring in blue on which the tachymeter scale is printed, and inside of this, there is a silver ring with the seconds markers printed in black. The chapter ring is a great addition to the dial as it creates a greater depth.
The watch has three sub-dials positioned at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. These are slightly recessed. Between 4 and 5 o’clock, there is a discreetly integrated date window. Due to its discreet integration, it doesn’t disturb too much, but some people may complain it harms its symmetry. At the same time, a date window is always practical.
The minute and hour hands are skeletonized with applied Lumibrite on them. The skeletonized hands are a good feature from Seiko seeing that they prevent the hands from covering the sub-dials and making it difficult to read them. The chronograph hand is painted white and has an orange tip. The hands of the sub-dials are white except for the sub-dial at 6 o’clock which is orange and made to match the tip of the chronograph hand. These discreet yet noticeable splashes of color really add to the sportiness and attractiveness of the timepiece.
Around the dial, we have applied rectangular markers with Lumibrite applied to them.
The dial colors of this watch are very reminiscent of the GULF colors, which of course is a great combination seeing chronographs have a close historical relationship with racing, just like GULF.
Seiko SSC667 Recraft movement
The Seiko SSC667 is equipped with the in-house Seiko caliber V175.
To most people, the dial of the watch is just like any other dial, but Seiko has actually developed it to include some very important technology. Since this is a Solar watch, it means its energy comes from sunlight and regular ambient light. The darker sub-dials are actually designed to let light through to the solar cell technology of the movement which converts it to energy. The benefit of the solar movement and solar technology is that it removes the need for replacing the battery which is both good for convenience and the environment.
Specifications
- Diameter: 43.5mm
- Thickness: 12.5mm
- Lug-to-lug: 51mm
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
Conclusion
The Seiko SSC667 Recraft combines the best of both worlds in the form of modern technology and classic design elements. This is presented in a stylish and beautiful case and at an affordable price tag.
This watch is great as an everyday timepiece that is surprisingly versatile and a great entry-level watch for someone who wants a vintage-styled watch but a modern build quality and reliability. It sits very comfortably on the wrist thanks to the NATO strap and the case design
It does have some room for improvement, but at this price point, it is still a watch that offers great value for money.
The Seiko SSC667 Recraft is available to order on Amazon.
