Seiko Solar SNE471P1 Review & Complete Guide
There are wristwatches and there are wristwatches.
The purpose of a wristwatch is to tell the time, but as we have moved more and more towards using watche§s as pieces of jewelry and fashion accessories, some manufacturers and designers have, to some extent focused more on style and design, and forgotten the legibility part of it.
The Seiko Solar SNE471P1 shows that you can combine both good legibility with a sleek design. Furthermore, it finds a perfect balance between versatility, elegance, and sportiness for everyday wear.
Seiko is perhaps most well-known for its sports and dive watches, at least by watch enthusiasts. But the brand actually has a huge collection of other timepieces worth considering and looking closer at. Seiko has interesting technology, innovation, and most importantly, watches that offer exceptional value for money.
Without further ado, in this article, we are reviewing and looking closer at the Seiko Solar SNE471P1.
Seiko Solar SNE471P1 case
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The watch is presented with a stainless steel case with a diameter of 43mm and a thickness of 11mm. With that said, it is relatively big of course, but because of the fact that it doesn’t have a lot of things going on, and a clean case and bezel design, it isn’t perceived as huge. In fact, actually quite wearable.
The finishing of the cases actually very impressive at this price point. It has satin-brushed lugs, contrasted by polished bevels, and the sides. The bevels really have a great impact on the impression of the case and truly show that Seiko has paid attention to the details, which is nice to see.
The case features a fixed stainless steel bezel with knurled edges for a touch of sportiness. Sitting on top of the case, we have a scratch-resistant Hardly crystal.
It features a push-pull crown at 3 o’clock with notched edges. Having said that, the watch has a water resistance of 100m/330 feet. This means it is suitable for swimming and snorkeling but not scuba or saturation diving. It should be enough for what an everyday watch may be subject to.
The case back is solid and flat which enables it to sit slim on the wrist, compared to a protruding case back.
Seiko Solar SNE471P1 dial
Legibility will be the least of your concerns with this watch. It has a large black dial with a beautiful sunburst finish taking up most of its property.
The dial is monochrome and only executed in white and black. What makes it stand out is the large Arabic numerals surrounding the dial which are printed in white from 1 to 12.
Positioned at 3 o’clock on the dial, it has a day and date function which blends into the dial well thanks to its black background. A day-and-date function can be truly convenient and useful in everyday life, so it is a perfect addition to this type of watch.
The hands are simple and made to ensure a great contrast against the black dial. In other words, they are painted white and have white Lumibrite applied to them to allow for good legibility also in low-lit conditions.
But whilst it may look like just like any other ordinary dial, it is not. In fact, it stands out from the crowd via the technology that hides behind it. Behind the dial, it has solar panels that work to convert solar and ambient light into power for the battery.
This brings us to the next point….
Seiko Solar SNE471P1 movement
As mentioned, this is a solar timepiece which also means it has a quartz movement. The watch is powered by the Seiko Caliber V158. The benefit of this movement over a mechanical movement, although watch enthusiasts may prefer a mechanical movement, is accuracy and practicality. This movement is much more accurate but also easier and more affordable to maintain.
Furthermore, the benefit of solar technology is that it converts solar and ambient light into energy for the battery. In other words, it removes the need for having to replace the batteries. For a watch that is meant to be worn every day, the accuracy of quartz is a good thing.
Seiko Solar SNE471P1 bracelet
The watches are presented on a three-link Oyster bracelet with deployment with push-button release. As is common with more affordable watches, the bracelet is the part that has been compromised with the most. Yes, it does have a nice satin-brushed finish where parts of the middle links provide a polished contrast.
The catch is that the bracelet has some rattle to it and does not feel completely solid, which damages the impression of quality slightly. But at the same time, it is what we can expect from a watch bracelet on a watch in this price range. The good news is that if you want, you can easily change the bracelet to a strap of your choice to give it a different look and enhance its comfort.
Specifications
- Diameter: 43mm
- Thickness: 11mmm
- Crown: Push/pull
- Lug width: 22mm
- Movement: Seiko Caliber V158
- Water resistance: 100 meters / 330 feet
- Crystal: Scratch Resistant Hardlex
Conclusion
To conclude this article, the Seiko Solar SNE471P1 is a perfect everyday watch. It has been made with a purpose in mind, which is why the legibility is great.
It is perfect for one-watch people who have one watch in their collection and which should be able to withstand all of life’s occasions. This watch is surprisingly versatile and works just as great with casual attire as on formal occasions. It goes great with a suit, just as it goes great with a pair of swimming trunks. And whilst doing all of this, it ensures that legibility is great at all times.
With all of that said, its finish, technology of solar power, and overall build quality, the SNE471P1 is a watch that offers great value for money that you really cannot go wrong with on any occasion.
The Seiko Solar SNE471P1 is available to order on Amazon.
