Seiko Coutura SSC700 Review & Complete Guide
Seiko is known for making high-quality and affordable timepieces, but the brand is perhaps not most known for making complicated wristwatches with lots of functions. Well, the Seiko Coutura SSC700 is one of them. In addition to its function, it is presented with a unique and bold design that stands out from the ordinary.
If you are looking for a stylish, bold, and unique timepiece that is sure to catch people’s attention and incorporates lots of different functions, the Seiko Coutura SSC700 is worth looking closer at.
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Case
The Seiko Coutura SSC700 is presented with a gold-tone case with a diameter of 44mm and a thickness of 11.8mm. However, keep in mind that its dimensions are not the same as those of a classic watch, considering its case design. This watch has an integrated bracelet design which affects the way this watch wears and of course, gives it a very unique look.
On top of the case, it uses a sapphire crystal, which is a nice touch.
The bezel is thin, which puts all the focus on the dial, since this is, after all, the highlight of this watch (but more on this later). The case has crown guards with a crown in the middle and push buttons on each side. The water resistance is 10 bar/100m/330 feet which is relatively good for this type of watch. It means it can withstand swimming and water splashes but is not suitable for diving. But you probably wouldn’t consider taking this watch swimming anyway.
The actual case has an all-polished finish which gives it an elegant and luxurious appearance, with the exception of the upper sides of the lugs which have a brushed finish to go with the theme of the bracelet. Seiko has added bevels on the sides of the lugs, and all in all, the brand has done a good job with the case finishing and attention to detail.
Apart from that, there’s really not much to say about the case, but just keep in mind that just looking at the dimensions of the case won’t give a completely honest picture since this type of integrated watch design tends to wear different from a regular watch.
Seiko Coutura SSC700 dial
Moving on to the dial, which is the highlight of this watch. The dial is black and has yellow-gold contrasting details, which match the case perfectly. The dial has applied polished rectangular hour markers with bevels which reflect the light beautifully and enhances its impression of quality. Around the outer edge of the dial, on the rehaut, with markings from 1 to 31 which works as the date function. The watch is in turn equipped with an additional hand that points toward the actual date.
What makes this watch stand out is its perpetual calendar function, and this watch surely has a lot to offer when it comes to functions. It has a chronograph function which is operated via the push buttons on the case, a day function at 12 o’clock, as well as an alarm function which is a single-time alarm. The perpetual calendar function works up until February 28, 2100.
The chronograph measures 1/5-second increments up to 60 minutes and has a split time function.
All of these elements create a relatively busy dial but at the same time one that is beautiful to look at and one that reflects its technical complications.
The hands are large and have Lumibrite on them. These are the only luminescent element of the watch since the hour markers are not luminescent.
Furthermore, if you look closer, you may be able to spot the sub-dials which also work as solar panels and convert solar and ambient light to energy for the movement, but more on this further on.
Movement & functions
For the movement, Seiko has opted for the Seiko quartz caliber V198 which is, as mentioned, solar-powered.
The watch is also presented with a power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock. And to keep the movement protected, it has an overcharge prevention function. The power reserve is approximately 6 months when fully charged. The benefit of a solar movement is that it eliminates the need for replacing the battery since it is constantly charged. This is both convenient and of course good for the environment.
Bracelet
The bracelet also stands out due to its bold and unique design. The watch has a three-fold clasp with push button release and obviously a yellow-gold finish. It is integrated into the case and has polished middle links with brushed side links to find a perfect balance between sportiness and elegance.
What also makes this bracelet stand out is its raised, almost pyramid-shaped middle links which gives it a very sporty and robust appearance. Whilst the dial may remain discreet, the bracelet certainly isn’t, and will hardly go unnoticed.
Specifications
- Thickness: 11.8mm
- Diameter: 44mm
- Water resistance: 10 bar/100m/330 feet
- Crystal: sapphire
- Movement: Seiko quartz caliber V198, solar-powered
- Power reserve: Approximately 6 months when fully charged
- Lug width: 22mm
- Circumference: 215 mm
- Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month
- Functions: Perpetual calendar: able to adjust day & date for odd & even months including February of leap years up to 2100, chronograph function, power reserve indicator, alarm
Conclusion
All in all, the Seiko Coutura SSC700 is a bold and unique watch that stands out from the ordinary. It has a unique design that may not appeal to everyone but is sure to be noticed. With its aggressive bracelet design and yellow-gold finish, it is sure to draw people’s attention. Its size also means that it is quite big and thus is most suitable for men with large wrists.
But at the same time, its technical complications and different functions are a conversation starter, and whilst it is a quartz movement, it still has a lot to offer.
If you want something unique that is sure to catch people’s attention, the Seiko Coutura SSC700 is, therefore, a great choice. It is perhaps not discreet enough for formal occasions, but it will work exceptionally well on casual occasions and for everyday wear. Worth knowing is that if you don’t like this particular version but enjoy its unique design, there are also other Coutura watches to choose from.
The Seiko Coutura SSC700 is available to order on Amazon.
