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Seiko SSC015P1 Chronograph Solar Review & Complete Guide
Are you looking for a sporty, robust durable, and stylish chronograph watch that is also affordable? Perhaps that is a lot to ask for, but not when it comes to Seiko.
The Seiko Chronograph Solar reference SSC015P1 is a traditional and rather classic chronograph watch in terms of design. But in the heart, it is anything but ordinary.
This stylish chronograph combines the best of both worlds with a traditional and lovely design, but with innovative technology.
The SSC015P1 is one of Seiko’s most popular chronographs which is on the larger and sportier side. Let’s look at what makes the Seiko SSC015P1 so popular.
Seiko Chronograph Solar SSC015P1 Review
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The Seiko Chronograph Solar SSC015P1 is a sporty and somewhat bulky chronograph. Looking at its design, it is not just a chronograph but also has a touch of dive watch identify, which is further confirmed by this watch’s depth rating – but more on that further on.
Seiko SSC015P1 Case
The Seiko SSC015P1 has a bulky stainless steel case with a diameter of 44mm. With a case thickness of 14mm and a weight of 182 grams, the watch looks and wears sporty and large.
With that said, this watch is suitable for people with larger wrists and those who enjoy a watch that you can actually feel on the wrist.
The watch has a water resistance of 200 meters, which actually makes it a suitable dive watch. In fact, many dive watches have a water resistance of 200 meters, so the fact that this one, which is a chronograph, is a nice feature that makes it more universal and sporty.
To make this possible, it has a screw-down crown protected by crown guards. It also has two pushers with a screw-down feature to ensure it remains waterproof. Naturally, it is by using the pushers that you work with the chronograph. A special feature of this watch is that it is made with 327 stainless steel which has better corrosion resistance than the more commonly used 316 stainless steel.
The case combines both brushed and polished elements for a nice look and feel of quality. The watch uses Seiko’s proprietary Hardlex crystal which is not as hard as sapphire crystal but has proven to be both durable and scratch-resistant.
Furthermore, the Seiko Solar Chronograph also has a rotating bezel. Normally, chronographs feature a Tachymeter scale, but since this is also a dive watch, it has a 60-minute diving bezel instead. Being a dive watch, it is naturally unidirectional.
The watch has a somewhat flat screw-down case back with waves.
Seiko SSC015P1 dial
The dial of the Seiko SSC015P1 is sporty, as you would expect. It has three chronograph counters placed in a traditional chronograph layout at 6, 3, and 9 o’clock. The hands are broad which allows for great legibility. The minute hand is shaped like an arrow, and both of the hands have Lumibrite on them (Seiko’s luminous material), which improves legibility in darkness.
The chronograph hand is also red-tipped, together with one of the sub-dial hands, and part of the crown, which adds to the sporty look.
The dial is black and has five-minute seconds markers printed around the dial. For improved legibility, the watch also has applied markers every five minutes. Between the 4 and 5 o’clock marker, you will find a date display.
You cannot see it, but right beneath the dial is a solar panel that catches the sunlight and charges the battery. This is a very clever manufacturing method, which involves not having to display the solar panel visually (which doesn’t look very good).
Seiko SSC015P1 Movement & functions
The movement is undoubtedly the most special feature of this watch.
The watch does not feature your ordinary quartz movement or your ordinary mechanical movement. Instead, this watch is equipped with an innovative solar power quartz movement that requires no battery replacement thanks to a solar cell with high-performance electricity generation. The movement is known as the Seiko V175 movement. Thanks to solar power, the watch requires longer service intervals.
Seiko released its first Solar watch in 1977 and has innovated this technology a lot since then.
The chronograph has the following functions:
- small seconds
- 60-minute chronograph counter
- 24 hour counter
According to Seiko, the movement has a 6-month power reserve when fully charged.
Seiko SSC015P1 Bracelet
The Seiko SSC015P1 is fitted on a stainless steel bracelet made in 327 stainless steel just like the case. The bracelet is a three-link bracelet that goes well together with the design of the watch due to its sporty nature.
The bracelet is equipped with a deployment push button clasp with a buckle to keep the bracelet locked in place, but also makes removing the bracelet easy.
There is definitely room for improvement here, but bearing in mind the price, it is more than you can expect. The good news is that if you want, you can easily swap the bracelet for a different strap. Choosing a strap instead of a bracelet will allow the watch to sit more comfortably and be less bulky.
Seiko SSC015P1 specifications
- Case Diameter: 44mm
- Case Thickness: 14mm
- Weight: 182 grams
- Movement: Seiko V175
Conclusion
The Seiko SSC015P1 solar chronograph is a great watch for someone who is looking for a sporty chronograph that also has diving specifications.
The SSC015P1 combines the best of both worlds with diving functions and a chronograph. The watch looks great and timeless, and thanks to the solar-powered quartz movement, this watch has long service intervals and does not need battery replacements.
In this price range, there are definitely limited choices when it comes to design, technology, and quality. This is why this is a really great watch that offers fantastic value.
The Seiko SSC015P1 Chronograph Solar is available to order on Amazon.
