Seiko SNDC31 Review & Complete Guide
Seiko makes some great affordable watches.
In fact, they are widely appreciated for punching well above their own weight and offering exceptional value compared to many other alternatives in the same price range.
From Seiko, you can find all types of watches for all types of occasions. The Seiko SNDC31 is a sporty and elegant chronograph with a classy and timeless design. Everyone needs a formal watch that does not stand out too much but still complements your look. If this is what you are looking for, the Seiko SNDC31 may be the watch for you.
Seiko SNDC31 Review
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Simple and clean designs make for the most timeless timepieces, and that is what Seiko has succeeded with when it comes to the Seiko SNDC31.
In this article, we are reviewing and looking closer at the Seiko SNDC31 chronograph.
Seiko SNDC31 case
The watch features a stainless steel case with a diameter of 38mm. It has a thickness of 10.5 mm and a lug width of 19 mm.
With that said, the case is relatively small, which is exactly what we expect and need from a classy dress watch. 38mm is a size that can fit on a wide array of wrist sizes and slide under the cuff with ease. For people with large wrists, it may wear too small, but keep in mind that a dress watch should have a modest size.
The case design itself is very clean and simple. It has a thin polished bezel that enables a large dial and a more refined and less bulky case. The lugs are almost rectangular and protrude from the case. As we would expect, the whole case is polished which enhances the watch’s elegance and removes the feeling of sportiness and ruggedness – naturally two things that shouldn’t be found in a classic dress watch.
What is surprising about this watch considering both its price but also its design, is that it has a water resistance of 100m. This is quite a lot for a dress watch, especially one that costs merely around 100 USD. Normally, dress watches at this price range offer no more than 20, 30, or 50 m water resistance, so that is quite impressive. This means that you can go swimming or shower with it, but we still wouldn’t recommend it as long as you have the leather strap fitted on it.
Sitting on top of the case is Seiko’s proprietary Hardlex crystal. At this price point, we can’t expect a sapphire crystal, but Seiko’s Hardlex crystal has still proven to be much more resistant to scratches than regular mineral glass.
At 3 o’clock on the case, we have the crown. On each side of it, the chronograph pushers have been placed. Since this is a dress watch, and in order to keep it looking elegant, there are no crown guards.
Seiko SNDC31 dial
Moving on to the dial, the sub-dials immediately reveal that this watch is a chronograph. The functions of the chronograph include seconds, hours, and 1/20 seconds (which means half a second, milliseconds). This millisecond timer is actually very impressive as it allows you to measure time very accurately, and it is also a function that is not to be found in all chronographs in this price range.
The dial layout is made to have the chronograph counters at 6, 9, and 12 o’clock.
Overall, the dial is classic and retro. This can be further attributed to the cream color of the whole dial. Furthermore, around the dial, it has printed Arabic numerals which have been made in a traditional font, to match the retro vibe of this watch.
Positioned at 3 o’clock, the watch has a date window. This is a practical function of everyday wear, and since many people will likely use this in the office and at work, it can come in really handy.
The minute and hour hands are sword-shaped, made of metal, and have applied luminous mass on them. The issue, however, is that the luminescence is virtually the same color as the dial, which means that it can sometimes be difficult to read the time as they provide a poor contrast. The numbers, on the other hand, are printed in black and therefore provide good contrast and good legibility.
Around the dial, at 12, 3, 6, and 9, the dial has small luminous dots. Both the hands and applied lume glow quite weak and not very long. Hopefully, this won’t be an issue since most people won’t wear this dress watch in dark and low-lit conditions.
The black arrow-shaped hand is the chronograph hand.
Seiko SNDC31 movement
The watch is equipped with a Japanese Quartz movement which allows it to be highly accurate and reliable. The most devoted watch nerds may be scared away by the fact that this is a quartz watch, but considering the purpose of this watch of being an everyday watch, having the accuracy and reliability from a battery can actually be rather convenient. When you need to wear the watch, it will be ready to go, unlike mechanical watches which stop when they run out of power reserve after just a day or so.
Strap
The watch is presented on a brown/burgundy embossed leather strap.
After all, this watch is a dress watch, so Seiko has of course fitted it with an appropriate strap to make it more elegant. The leather strap will look great together with a suit or jacket, but also paired with shoes of the same color.
Unlike many other watches in this price range, this watch actually uses real leather – 100% calfskin. The leather strap is quite comfortable to wear and is very universal, suitable both for casual and formal outfits. The strap has a simple metal tang-type clasp.
Specifications
- Movement: Japanese-Quartz
- Diameter: 38 mm
- Lug width: 19 mm
- Case thickness: 10.5 mm
- Water resistance: 330 feet/ 100 meters/10ATM
Conclusion
All in all, the Seiko SNDC31 is a watch that offers great value for money. For its price of only about 100 USD, it is well-finished, robust, and durable. And this is to a higher standard than most other dress watches in this price range.
The Seiko SNDC31 is a classic dress watch. Whilst it does have a sporty water resistance of 100M, it is mostly suitable for formal occasions such as when wearing a suit or jacket. It is a perfect business watch.
Having in mind its price, this watch is a no-brainer. You really cannot go wrong with it.
The Seiko SNDC31 is available to order on Amazon.
