Seiko Neo Classic spc131p1 Review & Complete Guide
Seiko is perhaps for the most part known for its robust and high-quality dive watches, as well as its sporty and long-lasting everyday watches. – Both of which are for the most part equipped with automatic mechanical movements, and are offered at affordable prices.
But Seiko is a huge watch manufacturer that makes a wide array of watches of all types, shapes, and forms. Seiko makes everything from dress watches to pilot’s watches, to casual watches, and everything in between.
Although many people -especially watch enthusiasts – think about sports and dive watches, Seiko has much more to offer.
For example, who would thought that Seiko could make a stylish and classic dress watch?
Seiko shows that it is capable of not only making divers and sports watches but also other watches, too.
Seiko Neo Classic spc131p1 Review
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
One of those watches is the Seiko Neo Classic spc131p1. This watch is very classic and refined in design, but it still has a lot going on.
If you are looking for an elegant dress watch that is functional, easy to read, and offers great value for money, the spc131p1 may just be the one for you.
The watch is packed with technology and functions which makes this, seemingly simple dress watch one that has a lot going on and many interesting features built in.
Without further ado, in this article, we are reviewing and looking closer at the Seiko Neo Classic spc131p1 to see what it is all about and if it is worth owning.
Seiko Neo Classic spc131p1 case
The watch has a stainless steel case that appears to be clean, refined, and elegant. In other words, just what a dress watch should be.
It has a crown at 3 o’clock and a chronograph pusher on each side of it.
The watch has a diameter of 44.6mm and has a lug width of 22m. Having said that, it is quite a big watch for a dress watch. But at the same time, this allows for a large dial and good legibility. It’s still relatively thin though, so it should slip under a cuff without issues. For a refined and elegant look, the majority of the case is polished. This is with the exception of the top of the lugs which have been satin-brushed. The lugs still have nice bevelings on the edges, too. All of these things show that Seiko has paid attention to the details, despite the fact that it is an affordable timepiece, and we can’t expect everything from it.
It has a water resistance of 100meters/330 feet which is actually surprisingly good for a dress watch like this. This means that it can handle water splashes and that you can even go swimming with it. However, since it is presented on a leather strap and doesn’t have a screw-down crown, we would advise you not to take it swimming.
To protect the dial, the watch uses a Hardlex crystal. This is just what we expect from Seiko watches in this price range.
Seiko Neo Classic spc131p1 dial
The watch is presented with a white dial with a lot going on. It has a very retro/classic appeal to it, which can be attributed to several things about it. One of which is that the numerals and text are made in a classic font and style.
Firstly, the watch has a beveled chapter ring around the outer edge of the dial on which the tachymeter scale is printed. On the dial, we have sub-dials displaying 60 seconds, 60 minutes, 24 hours, and alarm
In traditional fashion, the watch has blue dauphine/leaf-style hands. These add to the classic look of the watch and provide a good contrast against the white dial.
In addition to this, we have a few other dial printings, including the months.
What is interesting about the spc131p1 is that it is a clean and elegant dress watch, but at the same time, the dial is far from sober. However, this does not take away from its dressy appeal in my opinion. It just makes it more interesting. Yes, there is a lot going on, but it isn’t really perceived as cluttered, I would say.
Seiko Neo Classic spc131p1 movement
What stands out about this watch is that it is battery-powered, but at the same time, the readings of the watch are mechanically operated. In other words, it is a hybrid watch that is both electronic and mechanical. Seiko probably did a very clever decision in using a hybrid movement, because, with all these different functions, the mechanical movement would have to be much bigger. The functions are both quartz and mechanical, but via the dial, they are all displayed mechanically. In addition, if all of the functions in this watch would be mechanical, the price would be substantially higher.
Whilst this watch has a clean and refined design, the dial reveals that it has a lot going on. And that is exactly true. The movement in this watch displays hour, minute, and second tell the day of the week, the month of the year, and the week of the year. It also tells whether it is a leap year or a leap year plus 1, 2, or 3 years. In addition, it has a stopwatch function as a standard chronograph, and lastly an alarm function, too. This is quite impressive as it is built as a dress watch but still discreetly packed with all of those practical functions.
One thing that some owners have complained about, however, is that the alarm function is very low in volume and can be difficult to hear.
What owners have reported about this watch is that some of the functions can be difficult, such as setting the month. And in practice, you may not have the need to use all of the functions, but that’s not what this watch is about anyways.
The movement that is responsible for all of this is the Caliber 7T86.
Seiko Neo Classic spc131p1 strap
The watch is presented on a black embossed leather strap which is ok. The strap looks quite good and goes well with the watch design, but it is nothing special. There are both higher quality and more comfortable straps that you can use for the spc131p1 – if you want.
Specifications
- Diameter: 44.6mm
- Lug width: 22mm
- Water–Resistance: 100m/330 feet/10 ATM
- Movement: Seiko Caliber 7T86
Conclusion
With all of the above mentioned, this watch certainly offers great value for money. For its price, the Seiko Neo Classic spc131p1 is packed with tons of different functions that not only make it more interesting but which can actually come in handy.
The discreet and classic design makes it very sleek and timeless, which means you can wear it for all kinds of occasions.
One owner said ”I don’t feel weird wearing this when I wear a shirt and tie. The styling of the watch reminds me of some very expensive vintage swiss chronographs.” And that perfectly sums up this watch and why it is so great. Because its price is far from Swiss chronographs.
With all that is going on about this watch, it can also work as a fun conversation starter.
The Seiko Neo Classic spc131p1 is a dress watch, but thanks to all its interesting functions, it’s one that you likely won’t get tired of. Especially since many dress watches simply have a clean dial without anything on it. If you think this is too boring, then this watch is definitely worth considering.
The Seiko Neo Classic spc131p1 is available to order on Amazon.
