Seiko Solar Chronograph Diver - SSC021 (1 year in)

[pepperami]

Ok my first attempt at a watch review, please excuse the phone pics!

I bought this a little over a year ago (following much research and a scramble to find this particular model when I finally decided to get one).



I have a few dive watches, all at the 'affordable' end of the spectrum. Like many, I ebbed toward auto diver's but this particular series was getting some positive musing and a real acceptance as a serious diver.

There are 6 models in the series and if anyone has the other models please feel free to add a few pics in this thread.

I went for the SSC021



This model comes on the Seiko polyurethane strap, which I find terribly uncomfortable and immediately changed out for a Nato,

A little Web browsing led me to choose a black and yellow with SS hardware. This had gained a playful nickname as the 'Bumblebee' solar.



Ok some of the tech info on this one.

It houses a calibre V175 solar-quartz- chonograph movement in a 44mm stainless steel case.

It's 51mm lug to lug, 14mm thick and 20mm (drilled) lug width

The crystal is hardlex and the bezel grown and chrono pushers are ion plated.



Has 3 subdials . 24hr, seconds and a 60 minute chronograph elapsed toner.

Also has a date window between the 4 and 5 hour markers.



The bezel is 120 click and unidirectional.

Has a screw down crown (with quick date set) and a screw case back giving the watch an ISO rated 200m WR.

Lume is typical Seiko



Ok now for my thoughts a year in...

This watch and it's bold design possibly isn't for everyone, it really spoke to me and the unboxing didn't dissapoint. I had the bumblebee Nato ready and waiting and immediately threw it on.

Having 7" wrists I was a little concerned the head size would be a little big and on reflection the 20mm nato seemed to confound my worries. I committed a cardinal sin and started to squeeze 22mm Natos in.





I think I almost get away with the 44mm case size and as with most of us...wear what makes you happy



A wee size comparison with a new monster



The watch has held up very well in the first year, only damage was stupidly self inflicted!



I'd highly recommend any of the models in this series, robust and can be a real novelty reaching into your watch box and no winding/setting.

Lost charge once, afternoon on a window sill and it was fine.

A couple of downs - The date window is illegible with anything less than 20/20 vision and the 60 minute chronograph subdial?

These retail ~ €395 and can be had grey for around €200

So 1 year in and despite the damage I've done, this is a keeper!