Seiko Solar Chronograph SSC717 Review & Complete Guide
Are you looking for a fun, unique, sporty, yet reliable everyday watch at an affordable price?
Then Seiko is definitely a brand worth looking closer at. Seiko has countless models in all types, shapes, and forms, which means you should be able to find one that suits your taste. But in this article, we will help you along the way by reviewing the Seiko Solar Chronograph SSC717, which is a watch that ticks all of the boxes of the above-mentioned criteria.
Seiko Solar Chronograph SSC717 Review
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The Seiko SSC717 is a watch that stands out already at first glance. And it is particularly its use of colors that stand out, as these are uncommonly seen on watches.
Furthermore, this watch is a solar timepiece, which means it uses solar technology to power the movement. This is a rather clever invention from Seiko which is practical to have. In particular in an everyday watch. In addition, the watch is, as the name suggests, a chronograph as well. This adds to the sportiness of this timepiece and makes it more versatile.
This is a watch with some sporty wrist presence and a unique appearance for those who want a classic watch but with a different twist.
Seiko Solar Chronograph SSC717 case
The watch is presented with a stainless steel case with a diameter of 43.2mm. The case thickness measures 12.2 mm. With that said, it’s a relatively large timepiece. This adds to its sportiness and makes it more masculine. With that said, it is great for those who have a preference for watches that have some presence on the wrist.
Sitting on the case is a fixed tachymeter scale bezel. The bezel is made of stainless steel and is colored black. An interesting detail to this bezel is that the markings are painted in white but the outside ring is painted in red which really pops. And as you have probably noticed, red is a consistent theme of this watch.
The actual case design is quite classic, but what stands out is that the edges of the lugs are abruptly angled and polished which gives it a much more sporty appearance, but also makes it wear better on the wrist. This detail also shows that Seiko has paid attention to the details. The top of the case is satin-finished, the sides are polished, and so are the angled lugs. It’s a nice contrast that enhances the impression of the finish.
Sitting on top of the case, we have Seiko’s proprietary Hardlex crystal. No surprise here.
At 3 o’clock, we have the crown. The crown is a push-pull, and on each side, we have the chronograph pushers.
Since it does not have a screw-down crown, there is some risk that you may accidentally push the pushers or pull out the crown when underwater, and this is a risk with this watch. With that said, it offers a water resistance of 100m/330 feet. With that said, it should be enough for swimming and showering but just not need diving.
Seiko Chronograph SSC717 dial
The dial is perhaps what stands out most about this timepiece. It uses a unique indigo-blue color which is uncommon on watches. Firstly, the dial has a metal finish which makes it more vibrant and allows it to change its color and look depending on how the light hits it.
Around the outer edge of the dial, we have an angled chapter ring made in blue on which the seconds markers are printed in white. To go with the red theme, each five-minute marker also has a luminous dot on it.
The dial has applied rectangular hour markers that have a polished finish. This adds depth to the dial but also shows that Seiko has paid attention to the details.
The chronograph sub-dials are positioned at 6, 9, and 12 o’clock and display 60 seconds, 60 minute, and 1/20th of a second. If you look closely, the sub-dials have a rather unique background that looks shiny and perhaps similar to mother of pearl. This is because this is a solar timepiece, and the sub-dials are the ones that let in solar and ambient light to the solar panels placed behind the dial, turning it into energy for the movement.
You will also notice that the hands of the sub-dials are orange/red to continue on this theme.
There is not much to say about the hands. The chronograph second hand is painted orange/red and the hour and minutes hands are thin, white, and sword-shaped with Lumibrite applied to them.
Positioned at 3 o’clock, you’ll find a date window. The date window is really discreetly tucked into the dial and is rather discreet, apart from the orange-painted frame around it.
The indigo-blue color contrasted with orange and red makes for a very sporty and distinct look that stands out from the crowd and is sure to attract attention. Its classic design, topped off with bold colors makes a sporty and fun everyday watch.
Seiko Chronograph SSC717 movement
The watch is powered by the in-house Seiko caliber V176 quartz movement. For a solar timepiece, having a quartz movement is obviously necessary, since this is the whole point of a solar watch – converting solar and ambient light into energy to the battery.
Quartz movements have a few benefits over mechanical movements, therein accuracy, and reliability, and are also affordable to maintain and service.
This is a movement that you can rely on to continue to tick for years to come. This is obviously a great thing in an everyday watch.
Seiko SSC717 bracelet
The watch is presented on a stainless steel bracelet with a lug width of 21mm which uses a deployment clasp.
The bracelet is a three-link Oyster-style bracelet that goes very well together with the watch in terms of design. It is satin-finished and looks very sporty and robust. The downside to this bracelet is however that since this is an affordable watch, the bracelet is, as is often the case, not 100% solid and does not feel completely sturdy. It has some rattle and some room for improvement. But with that said, it is completely expected for a watch in this price range. But if you want something else than the bracelet, you can easily switch it thanks to the drilled lugs which makes changing bracelets a breeze.
Specifications
- Diameter: 43.2mm
- Thickness: 12.2mm
- Crown: Push/pull
- Lug width: 21mm
- Water-Resistance: 330 feet/100 meters
- Movement: Seiko Caliber V176 quartz movement
Conclusion
To conclude this review, the Seiko Chronograph SSC717 is a chronograph timepiece that has a classic look, but modern twists to it. Visually, it uses bold and bright colors which makes it stand out from the crowd. And technically, it uses Seiko’s solar technology which is both clever and interesting.
At this price point, it is however very evident that the watch offers great value for money.
It’s a watch for someone who wants something different yet a trusted and reliable companion for everyday wear.
The Seiko Solar Chronograph SSC717 is available to order on Amazon.
