Amazing sub $700 Rolex Daytona Alternative from Seiko - SBDL095/SSC911 (Panda) Review

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Comparing Seiko's new 41mm Speedtimer (SBDL095/SSC911) Panda to the 39mm Speedtimer ( SSC813P1 /SBDL085).
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0:00 Going Full Daytona
1:35 39mm or 41mm?
2:25 The Specs
3:02 What I Like
5:26 Overview of the 41mm
6:30 Strap Options and Wrist Shot
7:30 Build Quality
8:12 Excellent Chronograph Functions
9:30 Pros and Cons of Solar
11:34 Design Details and Dial
13:03 LUME: Better and Worse
14:08 Conclusion

[@AHMETNECATIUZER]

I love the look and functionality of these chronographs. Those shorn Dauphine hands look perfect, the watch has tons of features but the truth is I can't trust midrange Seiko watches anymore after all the QA issues I had with previous Seiko purchases (2 Prospex, 1 Presage): misaligned chapter ring, malfunctioning bezel, movement whose rotor got stuck after a few weeks). Only a hefty discount and a proper try at an authorized dealer might do it for me. BTW, the videography and lightning really pop in this video. Thanks for the review!

[@felo6035]

Hello Dave, I bought this watch based on your review and I absolutely love it. Thank you for your awesome work 👍

[@scottlauren3145]

21mm lugs? Thanks Seiko. That's super convenient!

[@jambibaub8753]

LOL

[@denist7085]

Decision sponsored by strap manufacturers 😂

[@thisoldbelair]

Seriously i was so hyped for this model for about 5 minutes till i saw the lug width.

[@70DMac]

Don't worry about the price. You can find a hefty discount almost anywhere. I just picked one up with a 30% discount from an authorized Seiko dealer.

[@ollinfernandez2124]

Bro, you have very nice takes, nice angles, good pictures… About the watch, I like it very much, much more than the older version, I would love blue lumen instead of the green one they used…

[@AdAce21]

the red chrono and sub hands are a carry over from the blue 39mm version (SSC815), which was the nicest one, in my opinion. These look nice, but look quite a bit larger. Also check out the black/green version that's coming out next month (SSC917). It looks slick!! Having the 24 hour subregister still absolutely sucks, as does only having 2 microadjust on the clasp.

[@chrishewson40]

I have this watch and i wore it more than my Tudor chronograph, it's a better daily watch, not too bothered about scratches or knocking it, it actually is more comfortable and lighter to wear than the Tudor and. I eventually sold my Tudor as it's too expensive to wear in case of scratches.

[@wpherigo1]

I’ve watched your channel since the beginning. Wow! You are killing it, Dave!

[@kart182]

I really like the intro music! Makes the video feel smoother!

[@rong.2457]

I bought it. I love it. I love the busy-ness of the dial. And, it's a great conversation starter.

[@davidsarmiento5487]

I think 700 price tag can go both ways, a watch enthusiast will pick it apart and say how it’s missing this or could be better there but for someone spending same or more on garbage designer brands this will elevate their style and get them to fall in love with fine watches. I love the vintage racing vibes and sure would wear this beauty. It reminds me of the Omega Speedmaster ck2998

[@paoloeustaquio2248]

I have the SSC813, it won me over because of the quality of life improvements for my use. Long lasting power reserve vs a mechanical (thus allowing more watches to be in my rotation, and I can come back to this without rewinding/shaking), Seiko Kinetic Tuna is nice, but needs to be worn/shaken to build up the power reserve while the solar can sit near a window in between days and we can wear it worry free on the next ones. 😅😅😅 Cool vid bro. Will watch out for more. 😅

[@nickr9000]

Really enjoy you including some other watch strap ideas in your videos. 👍

[@thetruth8003]

Dave never disappoints....great vid as usual. Colour contrast is good (red hands) but it all boils down to a person's preference, for me i still prefer the 39 over this 41. Dont get me wrong this is still a good watch and it had me thinking many times if im gonna get the 39 or 41....at the end I got the 39.

[@osterlitz1]

I like the watch overall but I would have liked to see the watch with 22mm lugs. My one reason for not buying this model would be the date window. I have difficulty reading the date on watches that have the number so deeply set into the face that I would need to align the watch and the light to see it clearly. Just my personal issue and it may not bother anyone else. I like Seiko, my first auto was a Seiko I bought during the war when stationed in Thailand in 1971 and I still have it. I enjoyed the video and the review. You now have a new subscriber.

[@mortimerwatt1766]

In the type of work I did it sometimes ment working underground for long periods so it was quite hard to tell am and pm. Therfore I personally I found the 24 hour dial quite useful. Apart from that i can understand the comment - great video as always by the way.

[@Torquestpro]

You sir are great! I was so confused with this. Thanks a million!!

[@davidhori4899]

Very good review! I really like the overall look of the watch, but I too would like to see an even-numbered lug width and blue lume.

[@kamminsan]

Great review Dave. I bought one after seeing your review. Thanks

[@Rob954ever]

I got the 39mm Speedtimer within a month of it's release. I love everything about it. It has a very clean, understated, yet sporty and elegant look. Initially, my only gripe was it's size ( I have a 7.5 inch wrist too). I thought it was a tad to small when I looked down at it. But the more I wore it, the more I liked the size. Now... I don't know that I'd change it for the new version. If both were available a year ago, I'm sure I would have gotten the larger one. But I'm very happy with the 39mm Speedtimer.

[@frankm4129]

I don’t know it looks kind of cheap Don’t know if I would by one

[@Rob954ever]

I'm sure the Daytona will be more to your liking then.

[@RealistJ]

Maybe a ceramic bezel?

[@kevinorr6880]

Totally agree about the 24 hour dial being set separately!

[@BigBusiness02]

The 39mm still looks sleeker to me. The only things that I prefer from this version over the older version are the contrasting Chrono hands and the chapter ring. Also, the 24 hour sub dial isn't useless, just useless to you. I'm sure folks in certain parts of Alaska and folks who have difficulty remembering 12 to 24 hour conversions would find it quite useful.

[@thewaywelive2775]

Lol what's there to remember? You start the day at 00:00 and then just add the hours? Only time I see it useful if you been on a crazy speed bender and having slept for 20+ hours, waking up all confused and you're in a part of the earth where you can't tell whether it's night or day by looking out the window. You have to be pretty damn confused if you're questioning whether it's three in the afternoon or at night. Regardless of where you are on earth.

[@BigBusiness02]

@@thewaywelive2775 I wouldn't know how confused you'd have to be because I'm not one of those people. I'm just not judging them for their deficits and recognizing that it could be helpful to them.

[@ch3ckm8]

yes certain job occupations require military time record keeping

[@Hakuna_My_Tatas]

@@ch3ckm8 yes sir especially as a medical worker, where we chart in military time

[@ch3ckm8]

@@Hakuna_My_Tatas yup me too

[@nightstalker824]

I may have to sell my night vision samurai, and get that panda dial. I had the 39mm version and it was a great watch. A big step up in quality from the budget Seikos from years past.

[@tablameister]

Thanks for the review. Its a nice looking watch but I agree that it is priced a little on the high side, especially since it doesn't offer a titanium case. I can get a Seiko Astron for less than what they are asking for this watch.

[@roddunne]

You nail it on the 24hour dial at 3pm. What is the use-case for needing to have the 24hr? Being able to change it to a second timezone would give this a nice party trick.

[@valueink]

I much prefer this new version. Much better design especially the handset, looks more modern and well balanced. 41mm is a sweet spot for this style of a watch with large bezel. Now I just have to wait for Sakura to get it back in stock.

[@2manysigns]

Looks great of course . You are absolutely right on with respect to the 3 o'clock sub dial . Yeah , just use 22mm straps in general too .

[@carllange3950]

I own lots of analog chronographs and if a person actually wants to time something over a minute, the legibility of the minute sub-dial is very important. That is why I prefer the traditional/Swiss 30 minute sub-dial over the newer Japanese 60 minute sub-dial. My Glycine, older Bulova (automatic and quartz) and Timex chronographs have 30 minute sub-dials. My Casio, Citizen, Seiko and newer Bulova (Precisionist and Lunar Pilot movements) chronographs have 60 minute sub-dials. (Timex has both 30 and 60 minute sub-dials in their current catalog.) Only some of the 60 minute sub-dials are readable, while all of the 30 minute sub-dials can be easily read. I realize this discussion is fairly moot, since most people will use digital chronographs/stopwatches for serious timing.

[@stevek8829]

You're exactly right about sixty minute sub dials, they're illegible without a loupe! Why bother? I don't want to be a minute off.

[@artswri]

You're exactly right. Use your phone or if you REALLY want accuracy, use a real quality stopwatch. Watch chronographs are for 'fun'

[@chrisdavis8399]

💯 I own 5 chronographs and for me it’s the dial design not the functionality of timing anything.

[@stevek8829]

@@artswri watch chronographs are good quality. It's just as easy to make them legible as illegible. We don't have to be dedicated posers.

[@stanL9]

Great point. Although if accuracy is paramount wouldn't you just be better using a gshock? A 1 hr chrono is more handy in daily life. You're probably going to be measuring stuff like walking distance, time since last glass of water etc

[@havardflaatten]

I bought this watch and i prefer it over more expensive watches. Love the big crown and buttons. It looks great on calf skin

[@StayHomeEatGreat]

Great video. Looking at the black Speedtimer to scratch my Speedmaster itch. So many homages out there but with Seiko, no shame.

[@b.vonschnauser207]

Great, in depth review. I love this watch, especially the yellow dial variant. At this price point I would have loved a screwed bracelet instead of pins.

[@einsteinisbae27]

amazing cinematography. Question, I do have a smaller wrist (16cm, but quite flat, so I can handle lug to lugs of 47mm) and one issue I have run into, is that some watches, their steel bracelet can't be sized to my wrist. They don't allow for enough links to be taken out to fit. How many lugs are left on each side, when the all the removable links are taken away?

[@povertyspec9651]

Just bought this in the light blue face. The band perfectly fit my 8.25" wrist out of the box. Terrific watch!

[@Muss-dv6hs]

Light blue means 39mm?

[@rayleeaustralia]

You're absolutely right. No one needs a Rolex Daytona. It's just nice to have

[@jsirwin4824]

No one needs a Seiko either.

[@davidlloydjones752]

Really bangs on the grey NATO!👌

[@ScottAlanAnderson]

When I think about other chronographs available at this price point, Farer comes to mind. While I find the Seiko intriguing, I'd take the Farer hands down.

[@sweetluisp]

Great review....I have no use for that 24 hour subdial....would've been great if Seiko programmed it like the subdial at 6 and have it reset it when you use the chrono functionality or a date subdial.....

[@michaelturner7949]

Such eloquent narration!

[@dev.martin]

While I can see it somewhat resembles Rolex's Daytona it is definitely more or a nod to seiko's 6139. Especially looking at the other color options it clearly resembles a 6139 from the bezel to the hands and dial markers.

[@ec633]

Just indulged myself getting a Seiko Panda SSC813.

[@cosmodoc]

I still prefer the 39mm both in terms of design and size, especially the gold version with the textured dial

[@chronocommander007]

A timing bezel would be more useful. The tachymeter could have been fit internally like on a Chronomat. Of course, it wouldn't look like any longer like a Daytona. The chrono hands should be fluorescent orange in my opinion.

[@ozziebrito4527]

Great review. I appreciate it

[@fortunatokosko]

To me it surely is nothing like the Daytona. All of the design clues are taken of their Seiko Speedtimer 6139-6002 (and similar references) watches. If you look the hands are from that model, minute register at 6 has a teardrop shape like those Speedtimers had, indicies on the dial resemble that model, also the bezel and the chapter ring are there as it was with that dial. This is a pure homage to their Speedtimer range and has nothing to do with a Daytona. I understand that you saying that it bares a resembelence to the Rolex makes you have more view but in my opinion this comparison with a Daytona is unnecessary and only serves a click bait (sorry). But a great overview of a watch! Great cinematography, representetive shots it is so far the best video on youtube about this model! Really enjoy watching your videos, thank you!

[@tarakuki4387]

Se strinjam 110% 😉

[@Marcotic187]

Great review...is the only difference between the SSC911 and SBDL095 the black hands where the SSC911 has the chrome hands?

[@jalapenowarrior1665]

Check out the Seiko SBPY165. It's a Japan Domestic Market only model, but of course, it's available for order from Japan. I live in the U.S. and I bought one in July. It's a solar-powered Panda calibre V175.

[@danielm2827]

Nice review. One question......Are the marks and numbers on the bezel engraved like the previous one?

[@JKinLVN]

So bright and clean looking.

[@colddjinn7839]

Love your reviews Dave. A little off topic, but what music group is singing (notes) in your intro. music? Thank you!

[@mikehill33]

I have the 39mm and it always gets comments, love this watch.

[@erikanderson123]

This watch is getting a ton of buzz so I probably won’t be able to resist. As of June 2024 there aren’t many used on eBay, so that’s probably just a testament to the desirability of this watch. Nobody wants to sell theirs. I love the sweeping second hand, something I wasn’t expecting from a quartz. I’m watching so many videos to confirm if the silver dial comes off as silver or white because I would prefer white. This video finally gave me the peace of mind I was looking for. When I get mine I’m going to tell people that the right sub-dial is actually a daily count of how many times people tell me the hour of the day dial is stupid. So I’ve got that going for me. Gotta plan ahead you know.

[@TheVFRMike]

Just ordered this watch after spending some time shopping prices. Broad range of prices for sure- I paid under $400 with free shipping. It was this watch or the Seiko Astron Titanium (SSH107), but will wait for a better deal on those before making a purchase.

[@gusthesailor4885]

I"m very happy with the 39 mm sand color 😀

[@nashtzeng8722]

Like it for the proportion and style but the date window makes me sick AF lol

[@mokong9506]

Hi Dave! Thank you so much for this review, made me purchased this piece after watching this video. I am expecting it arriving soon from a local dealer here in US. I have a question, is “shopping in Japan” safe and legit? I am looking for another watch and I found it on this website. I thought you would have an insight since you live there in Japan. Thanks!

[@sbsb4995]

A fair review. Good stuff.

[@yukonthornsaengsanoh7942]

When you select a luxury brand, you also think about a maintenance cost. This one is a good choice for your budget and come with a great design.

[@danielcustodio9650]

I know they are completly different watches. But in between this one and the seiko 5 gmt, what would you buy? What is the better option to go for? Love your chanel. Regards

[@hotwheels9747]

Still love my 39 mm version, newer panda is toooo big for small wrist.

[@snix7613]

Love this one, tho the only situation I can imagine that 24hrs sub-dial would be remotely useful for me is that I was captured in the basement or something 😅 Also the date number is so small that you have to have perfect eyesight to be able see it...

[@phillippugh2161]

Love this watch . So glad they now have a 41mm . But 21mm ??

[@gunstarhero8028]

Is the chronograph minutes Sub-dial easier to read on the 41mm? It looks bigger and the contrasting hands make me think it would be.

[@icemagic7579]

The big question is whether they'll release a version with the golden 'Pogue' dial...

[@Ddelubyo]

I think i wanna add this watch to my buy list😊

[@eggs-benny]

nice watch shots!

[@timyoungnc]

Wish Seiko would upgrade the clasp. I have the black 39mm and love it other than the clasp - needs more micro adjustments.

[@user-lh8ql5zr5e]

It's a very fair price for what it's offering!

[@brentforbush9237]

Nice piece for a fair price when you consider the competition… sapphire glass will make it look new for years!!

[@Henry1981live]

New sub here, im into watches as well... i got thr 39mm got it on a very special price loving it.....

[@WatchWitt]

Great handset…has two different appearances depending on lighting!

[@Boodoo4You]

Remember guys, nobody pays RRP. I just bought one here in Australia for 690 AUD which is 435 USD. For that price, it’s a no-brainer!

[@Kennyuk77]

I want this watch now!

[@HristianHK]

Just received mine ⌚❤

[@5051717]

Just put on the 39 mm limiter. 3 days passed and.... -+¹ sec per day... What can I say... Phenomenal... Last one of you....

[@mitchmatic8029]

Just picked one up on black fri special for 525.

[@paulschleck3560]

Love the shirt! Is it custom, or for sale somewhere?

[@limelife7457]

For the Daytona Homage watch then Pagani Design got me covered 😂

[@jazzman5598]

THE 24 HOUR SUB-DIAL WATCH/Chronograph What is the deal with the 24 hour dial Dave? Great vid btw BTW Fine review. The useless 24 hr dial for the sake of having a tri-compax Chrono is maddening. A VERY USEFUL 12 hr. totalizer could easily replace the “Look at me! I’m a pilot” dial….just go look outside….big yellow ball up there? It’s what some call daytime! For those of us that actually fly airplanes…..uh…….pretty easy to tell night from day……….at least for me……..helps to know when I will bingo fuel. Thanks!

[@GraphicDesignerStephen]

At this price I think you need atomic timekeeping and a bit better finish, especially on the solar cells to consider it. It’s a really nice looking piece (the lug size doesn’t bother me), but this is a $350-400 watch at best.

[@antonhallergren588]

Yeah but you'll get them down to 500 or so in a year when they aren't as popular so stores put them on sale. 500 will be a decent price.

[@GraphicDesignerStephen]

@@antonhallergren588 they’re $526 from Discovery Japan right now, so they’ll need to drop well below $500 to be worth it.

[@antonhallergren588]

@@GraphicDesignerStephen it's not that bad though. 500 bucks is what you'd have to pay for most swiss quartz chronos like certina or Tissot for example.

[@GraphicDesignerStephen]

@@antonhallergren588 and Citizen quartz chronos are like $350

[@antonhallergren588]

@@GraphicDesignerStephen yes but citizen is not as valuable of a brand as Tissot, Seiko or certina. Tag is 1500-2000 dollars with a discount for a quartz chrono. That price tag is 60-70% the brand name and then watch. So what you're paying for Seiko, Tissot or something like that is very small compared to say a tag. And I'd say the brand recognition of Tissot or Seiko in particular is just as good as tag and their reputations are as good or better. So sure they're more expensive than citizen and not much nicer but they're much cheaper than a tag for example and not that much worse build quality wise.

[@timetowatch_francois]

What an awesome alternative to the Daytona! I'm floored! I saw your video come up in my feed this morning and, only yesterday, I was fortunate to have my cousine lend me his true Daytona (116500LN with the white dial) for an evening with good friends and now, looking at this Prospex, I'm floored by the look-n-feel and from what I see on your wrist, seems to be nice and clean and comfortable ... and solar powered on top of that!! Love this! Thanks for sharing this great discovery!

[@r.8742]

Ill have to disagree and just sold my seiko. 39 was to compact. The end links are not curved so straps were limited to change unless u use straight end links. It just didnt wear right for me. Imo! I would have to try in the 41 and see but sounds promising

[@SepOn35]

I wish they'd center that date window.

[@RJ-cq8dd]

I like it, but my Tactical frog solar panda does pretty much everything as good or better for

[@Aaron48219]

Is this a perpetual calendar? My Citizen BL5568-54L is similar with the solar "panels". I had to replace the capacitor/battery due to it sitting in the dark too long. It's now in a case with a light on a timer over it.

[@tarakuki4387]

No

[@mcooke59]

Wish I had gotten the 41 instead of the 39. The 39 is just too small. the red min hand is really nice

[@tengkuasyraf8327]

what’s your wrist size?

[@krisztiannagyszeder1095]

Is it save for snorkeling or swimming or maybe scuba diving?

[@Flux799]

That shirt is awesome.

[@filipepaninho6558]

The 39mm is ridiculous small. This seems better and I like the red hands!

[@Megatraum504]

only if you have fat american arms

[@filipepaninho6558]

@@Megatraum504 16cm european wrists ;)

[@jayjay9932]

In truth 21mm lug is hard to find a matching strap but it is more balanced, a 22mm is wide and a 20mm is slim.

[@nimai0108]

I hope Seiko releases 39mm automatic version with 20mm bracelet, I would buy it in a heartbeat!

[@Arman-nl6mg]

This will last longer than an auto, and will be far more durable

[@AdAce21]

the 39mm versions have a 20mm lug width

[@Conundrum191]

21mm lug width makes this a pass for me. I have no idea why Seiko decided to do that given odd sized lugs are almost universally hated by all. Also I think I prefer the more clean white of the SSC813 over the silvery-white of the SSC911. The price on both also makes this a pass for me too, although crossing fingers the SSC911 might actually drive down the price of the SSC813 allowing me to pick one up eventually.

[@thewrongopinion7811]

It's definitely 20mm. I have this watch and have swapped the bracelet for a 20mm rubber strap from time to time.

[@michaelborrello1942]

@@thewrongopinion7811 You sure you have this 41mm version and not the 39mm version?

[@JusttheWatch]

The 39mm has 20mm lugs. The 41mm is definitely 21mm.

[@gekkehenkie0001]

I wish there was an option to swap the tachy bezel with a diver. Solar, quartz (affordable), stopwatch, 24 hours, diver, everything you need. I do agree that the 24 hours doubling its function as a 2nd time zone would be a really nice add on.

[@andrewshehata6260]

They make a similar Prospex model with the same movement that's a dive watch.

[@ordinarygeek]

There are more affordable JDM Selection model SBPY165 model 42mm and I like that

[@htaehlane5868]

...or get a Pagani PD1644 that uses a Seiko "Mecha-Quartz" movement for under $100 USD with screw down crown/chrono pushers, sapphire, ceramic bezel and a very nice stainless bracelet

[@daley3]

Hi Dave, have you tried the new JDM Seiko SBPY165? That one is cheaper than this Seiko SSC911/SBDL095

[@jafo4u508]

I like the watch but at that price I would rather go with a Swiss entry like a, Hamilton Khaki Field Watch in 39MM, about $700 new or much cheaper in the secondary market, or a Longines, at a higher but not to far from a $700 dollar price point.

[@TheMicocoy]

Hello, do they all come with JDM movement?

[@brightyourlife27]

Watch is very useful I am finding like these watch

[@Dialandhands]

Damn 21mm lugs… I like this better than the 39mm in some ways but the lug width kills the watch for me.

[@lukegalloway2402]

On Sakura watches it's only 444€ I think this version is better although I've not handled it yet. I did handle the 39 and wasn't that impressed especially the bracelet which looked like it belonged on a different watch. Is this bracelet better??

[@pabloz8861]

Nice details on the watch, but it's the same layout on all quartz chronographs. I should organize a protest against 24h subdials and date at 4:30. Why is it so hard to make one with 1/10s counter and no date?

[@NZotyoka81]

Honestly i don’t see too much differences between my ssc007 flightmaster and this one other then the big prices leaps.