Seiko Solar Chronograph SSC147 Review & Complete Guide
Regardless of what type of watch you like, Seiko likely has one that suits your tastes and preferences. But most importantly, what Seiko has come to be known for is the fact that the brand manufactures watches at affordable watches which offer exceptional value for money.
Overall, Seiko watches are made to be affordable, but they are not made to be cheap. Having said that, the fact is that there are few watch manufacturers which are able to offer the same build quality and finish at this price point as Seiko.
If you are looking for a sporty, unique, and bold watch, the Seiko Solar Chronograph SSC147 may just be the watch for you. In the world of chronograph watches, the SSC147 has a design that really stands out and has aggressive design features that add to its sportiness.
Seiko Solar Chronograph SSC147 Review
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Already at first glance, it is evident that the Seiko Solar Chronograph SSC147 Review is a very masculine timepiece. First of all, it is relatively large, and then in addition to this, it uses small yet important design elements which make it stand out from the crowd.
Whilst watch enthusiasts tend to have a preference for mechanical watches, this one is powered by a quartz movement. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, if you see this as an everyday watch, it needs to be reliable and durable, and that is exactly what this watch is. As you know, quartz watches are far more accurate than mechanical ones. In addition to this watch, it is equipped with some interesting and practical technology, which is solar power. And we’ll go into detail about this further on.
Without further ado, in this article, we are reviewing and looking closer at the Seiko SSC147.
Seiko Solar Chronograph SSC147 case
The watch is presented with a stainless steel case with a diameter of 43mm and a thickness of 12mm. The actual case design is rather classic. It has a rounded case with relatively thin lugs which extend from the case. The lugs are satin-brushed on top and the sides are polished. A nice touch is that the insides of the lugs have bevels. The outside of the lugs also has discreet yet nicely executed polished bevels as well. The bevel contrasting against the brushed parts is a really nice touch that improves the impression of finish on this timepiece.
In addition to this, the watch has a crown guard that extends from the case at 3 o’clock and protects the crown. On each side of the crown, we have the chronograph pushers. For added sportiness, the crown and pushers of the watch are black.
What stands out the most about the case is the bezel design. The bezel is fixed, but Seiko has still decided to add a black ring on top with ”notches” for added sportiness. The black bezel ring is purely there for aesthetic purposes and does not serve a practical purpose.
At its back, it has a screw-down case back, and at the front, it uses Seiko’s proprietary Hardlex crystal.
The watch offers a water resistance of 100m/330 feet. This is enough for swimming and showering, and considering the fact that most owners will wear it as a practical everyday watch, the water resistance should be more than enough.
Seiko Solar Chronograph SSC147 dial
The SSC147 is presented with a black dial with small and subtle stripes that are raised. Around the outer edge of the dial, it has an angled and raised chapter ring on which the tachymeter scale for the chronograph is printed in white.
The dial has applied hour markers with applied Lumibrite and a polished metal base. The chronograph sub-dials are placed at 6, 9, and 12, and are integrated via a metal frame. The hands are simple and clean, with a sword shape, polished metal finish, and Lumibrite applied to them. Not much to say here.
Positioned at 3 o’clock, the watch has a date window with a metal frame around it. As an everyday watch, the date function will truly come in handy and be practical in the everyday life.
There’s not too much about the dial that stands out from the ordinary chronograph. It has a lot going on, but at the same time, it doesn’t feel cluttered.
If you read the dial printing, you’ll notice the words ”solar, chronograph, alarm”. And obviously, this watch has all of that.
The alarm is just what it sounds like and can be used to alert you at a specific time. Quite a practical feature actually. Furthermore, the chronograph measures up to 60 minutes in 1/5 seconds increments.
Seiko SSC147 movement
The movement inside this watch is the Seiko solar and quartz caliber V172. Being a solar movement, it is also a quartz watch. But what makes this movement special is of course its solar technology.
The way Seiko’s solar technology works is it directs sunlight and ambient light via the dial to solar panels which are placed behind it. The solar panels then take this light and convert it into energy for the movement. The good thing is that it is charged not only by direct sunlight. What this means is that you will technically never have to replace the battery of the watch. This is good for both the environment and for your practicality.
When remained uncharged, the movement offers a power reserve of up to 6 months.
The watch is presented on a stainless steel bracelet that matches the design of the watch perfectly. The bracelet is three-fold with a push-button clasp. The bracelet looks just as aggressive and sporty as the watch. It is mostly satin finished, but as a contrast, it has polished ”stripes” in the middle
Specifications
- Diameter: 43mm
- Thickness: 12mm
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Power-reserve: approximately 6 months when fully charged
- Functions: Date, analog display, tachymeter, chronograph, alarm
Conclusion
All in all, it’s safe to say that the Seiko Solar Chronograph SSC147 certainly isn’t for everyone. The watch looks very aggressive and therefore is likely most suitable for men with medium to large wrists who enjoy a masculine and sporty timepiece that stands out from the ordinary. Whilst it, overall has a classic and timeless design, it is the details that make the difference, and here, Seiko has done a good job.
In addition to this, the SSC147 also offers some very interesting technology. The solar technology as well as all of the functions of the movements add to the appeal of this watch and are also such that actually come in handy in real life.
Having said that, it’s safe to say that the SSC147 offers incredible value for money considering what it offers and the price at which it is available.
The Seiko Solar Chronograph SSC147 is available to order on Amazon.
