Reasons for and against the NEW Seiko Solar Speedtimer | Ref. SSC819 / SBDL091

Here we have the ref SSC819/SBDL091 to check out. The Seiko Speedtimer Solar Chronograph created a bit of a stir in the community. It's got the looks but how does it feel and function as a watch? Let's find out reasons for considering the new Seiko Speedtimer line of chronographs
Special thanks to Bezelhouse for lending me the watch for review. Please check them out at bezelhouse.com if you are interested in adding this watch to your collection
#seiko #prospex #speedtimer
0:00 Set the Mood
0:29 Intro and Specs
1:18 On the Wrist
1:49 A word from our sponsor
2:50 Case & Functionality
7:28 Up Close Macro Shots
8:44 Final Thoughts and Alternatives
The Watch stand featured is from aubliq.com/ please use discount code 'PERPETUALITY' upon check out for 15% off.
The following clips were from Artists mentioned below
Instrument Panel of a Car by Erik Mclean via Pexels
Close Up of a Car's Tail Lights by Erik Mclean via Pexels
Mountain Drone footage by Ruvim Miksanskiy from Pexels

[@jasondoe2596]

I very much *wanted* to like this watch, but ultimately it lacks the details that would make me fall in love. Which is too bad, because there are very few reasonably priced 39mm chronographs with sapphire glass from the big manufacturers. The steel bezel, the very obvious solar cells (unlike Citizen watches) and the poor finish on the indices are my major disappointments. Also, the 24 hour subdial is just stupid (although I can live with that). At least make it capable of displaying a different time zone, dammit!

[@jasondoe2596]

PS. I believe the circular brushing on the top of the bezel is fully intentional, and not an indication of poor finishing. It contrasts the polished sloped part and makes the shape more obvious. In general, I like the case.

[@perpetuality]

I share similar thoughts Jason. The solar cells being the thing i stared at the most wishing they were just less obvious. There seems to be a watch for everybody but not yet a sub $1000 chronograph that doesn't have these attributes you mentioned. Thank you for the comment and for watching

[@jasondoe2596]

@@perpetuality Thank you for the response, and for the great videos :)

[@september29ification]

I think it's a great looking watch! The brand may not have all the foo foo but I could give a sh*t about that. Seiko is a great brand, found the ssc813 and can't wait to get it!

[@coolti44]

I struggled with buying this watch but I found a deal for $430 on Amazon buying directly from Japan. I can't take it off. It's stunning!

[@j.h.2967]

Love the new Speedtimer! I own a SSC813P1 (panda white dial) and wear it with a OMEGA black/grey "Bond" NATO strap - which works perfectly!

[@blubbloob3164]

I'd buy this watch in black in a heartbeat, yet the date between 4 and 5 and the date itself at an angle kills it for me in any watch and this as well. Beautiful video, thanks for the effort put into it, definitely keeping my eye out for more videos from this channel. Keep up the good work.

[@pompeylad1977]

Fantastic in-depth review, thanks 👍🏻

[@citronaide95]

That intro was so satisfying!!! Great video!

[@perpetuality]

Really appreciate it! Thank you 😀

[@Rgunt8905]

The full black dial gives it a very aviation look. While the panda gives it a more sporty look.

[@anirbanbhattacharjee3474]

Very nicely made video. Can see the efforts you have put into it, kudos. I just got the so called panda dial version, simply because of the contrast between the subdials and the main dial, the nice sapphire with the smooth done edge, the bracelet with solid end links and everything in 39mm. For my relatively smaller wrists, it is very difficult to find a decent chronograph that sits and wears well on the wrist. The watch felt and looked so good in person, especially the blue one with the red hands and red markings on the tachy scale. However the panda beats all in terms of readability. Wishing for a mechanical movement, integrated bracelet and ceramic bezel is a dream for every watch collector. But you get what you pay for, atleast I managed to get a decent discount on the retail price. Nothing much to complain. Thanks for the video 👍

[@perpetuality]

Thank you for watching and for your kindness!

[@gilbert4394]

@@kshitijagr I actually prefer aluminum but what do I know I’ve never had a Rolex 🤷‍♂️

[@martinlee7368]

The indices, and the seiko logo are applied not stamped. The 24 dial is used for northern and Southern hemisphere full dark days and full daylight 24 days......also helps with adjusting the date. Having screw down crown and pushers would be just stupid on a chronograph, its not a dive watch, it's a chronograph watch. Come on guys.....

[@MyZippy13]

100%

[@GeorgeUK84]

Fuck off - a 12-hour totalizer would’ve been a lot more useful than a 24-hour indicator.

[@_sansvisage]

based comment

[@williamwagner827]

100% agree with this comment. This watch is killer, own the panda and looking to add the black as well.

[@ryancampbell5246]

Agreed it's a killer watch. I have the green one (SSC933)

[@BlueCuddlefish]

I got this watch for Christmas from a close friend and I've been enjoy the watch quite a bit. Overall feels well finish for something at this price point. Also I have the "night vision" model with teal-ish lume on all indexes which is really nice.

[@atimelyperspective5085]

I think if microbrands can use ST19 movements for watches under $1000- i think Seiko could come up with an entry level version of the NE88- lower power reserve and beat rate with these watches. It would be a killer value proposition! Great video as always keep up the great work! I liked the GT-R connection

[@perpetuality]

I'd like to think Seiko wanted to leave room for this and their automatic Speedtimer. Introducing a new movement is very expensive but this is Seiko and I think they would be more than capable of doing it if they wanted to- something like the 6138 movement but bi-compax with longer power reserve and shock resistance, modern features etc would be fantastic. We can dream!

[@atimelyperspective5085]

@@perpetuality Exactly! I want to see more microbrands challenge big brands like Seiko for chonograph supremacy. Unfortunately some of my favorite chronos are past $1000. The Airain, Nivada Grenchen and Hanhart 417es are some examples. However the Hemel aviation chronos are nice and are under $1000 but i dont think they will wear as nice as the Seiko...

[@jayevan3295]

Got it 11/7/23. Love it...

[@chrisfiat]

Especially in Black this should not be compared to a Rolex but should be compared to the Speedmaster and infinitely better watch than the Rolex

[@dannyboyZ87]

I have the SEIKO SBTR027 watch Love it 👌🏻

[@vegard2000]

Loved the intro, great work! But saying you wanted to dig deep and find out why, then just skim the surface doesn't cut it. These are already 30% off some places.

[@perpetuality]

I think you make a great point, I could have been more clear. Perhaps a big part of why people love these is the look and the overall high quality finish work and solidity. I think many believe these upsides outweigh the watch not having an automatic/manual movement and they voted with their money. As some of the dial variants are routinely sold out. This was the point I was trying to communicate. It's hard to extract my thoughts on the go as all my videos are improvised in one take with keeping the video under 12mins on purpose. Thank you for watching and for the kind comment

[@smokeylake3150]

Got a Timex Expedition Chronograph with 100 meters water resistance quartz. Only 72 dollars. Works well and looks good. Love it enough to wear it outside.

[@dannyboyZ87]

Beautiful watch 👍🏻

[@davidhobson7851]

I paused and picked mine at 25% discount, at that price it’s well worth the money

[@federicogalli8064]

This will be soon added to my collection! Great video!!! 👍 Can you please tell me the name of the vintage chrono watch on the background???

[@perpetuality]

Thank you! I believe it is a Chronosport chronograph

[@AdAce21]

I have the panda version, and I'm very fond of it. I do have some gripes, mainly being that the chrono timer is the smallest subdial. The 24 hour one is the least useful, so I wish that was the smallest of the 3 (at the 6 position). The bracelet's really nice and has a lot of heft, but it doesn't completely match the watch case. Not a big deal to me. If I can find the blue one at a good price, I might splurge. The watch simply looks great on wrist.

[@hanigharaibeh6002]

Do u recommend the panda 🐼

[@AdAce21]

@@hanigharaibeh6002 yeah, I do. It's a REALLY nice looking watch, but I wouldn't pay MSRP for it. If I could go back, I would've bought the blue version, tbh.

[@mortimerwatt1766]

The 24 hrs dial is useful for people that work in enclosed environments for long periods of time as an am/pm indicator

[@tracer74]

I'm never going to be able to buy other watch brands if Seiko keeps pulling these beauties out of the bag lol. As always,, a very nice, and well done review, BTW, iooks like the same bracelet that comes on the 63MAS. Anyone know if it fits the 2021 62MAS? If it does I'm definitely buying this watch that's for sure.

[@perpetuality]

I’ll have to take a look to see if it fits. The biggest concern is the placement of the spring bar holes which may be different. Thank you for the kind words!

[@tracer74]

@@perpetuality Thank you very much kind Sir, that would be great!

[@darthgiggity7948]

The Orient Neo 70s Solar Panda and the Timex Marlin Chronograp are the first watches comes to my mind as alternatives to this. Both are cheaper and offer great value.

[@RedwoodAggie]

This is probably a bit small for my wrists (I still want to try one in person), but this is a cool release. I would love it if it was a 40.5 or 41mm model, but I realize this will be great for people with smaller wrists. Other than also wishing each index was lumed, I can't really ask for anything more. Some people could say they want a ceramic bezel, but I think the one included looks great. The panda variant is definitely my favorite.

[@perpetuality]

I think the secret to it's wearability is the short lug length at 45.5mm- I have a colleague with a 7.2in wrist and it wears very nicely on his wrist! worth checking out in person :)

[@chasfoster9895]

I have the ‘819 on my 7.75 in. wrist now. My personal sweet spot is 40mm ( everybody is different) this wears and sits like a 40 for me even with the short lug to lug. It is a good looking time piece.

[@tablameister]

Orient (Seiko Epson) makes a similar but cheaper solar Panda chronograph: check out the WV0011TX and WV0041TX. I'd be interested to see the Seiko and the Orient go head-to-head.

[@karvast5726]

The bracelet is garbage compared to this one thought,looks is completely subjective too but i think seiko hit the nail on the head ad fas styling,it’s a very very good looking watch,i love the tachymeter bezel that orient does not have either

[@ZombieNinjaYT]

What brand is that flannel? Looks great

[@chrisaragon2639]

I got the Blue dial verison or I guess you can say the Pepsi version, but I only got it for 450$ and at this price point its too good for the price in my opinion since it does have a history value from Seiko and its a practical watch to use everyday. I had to get it since i only been wearing Grand Seiko and want something simply but unique and this watch delivers it. However for the 675$ price. Its a near opinion to "Maybe you should wait and buy it for a lower price," but its a great watch. It really is. Thanks for your opinion and review on the speedtimer

[@jamessher6956]

Just bought the blue version as well for the same price at Gnomon Watch. I never wear a bracelet and have it on a rubber strap. I simply like the looks and don’t sweat the details.

[@schnyderschnyderson8908]

Great editing as always can you name the intro song please.

[@perpetuality]

Thank you! it's "Another Day Gone" by Damma Beatz

[@schnyderschnyderson8908]

@@perpetuality Thank you !

[@terencecragg2781]

Great video

[@togrul87]

💣

[@xampl2]

Looks like orient mako with chronograph. The case and the bracelet aside from the casp look identical.

[@jamesblackard1329]

I can’t find the difference of the SBDL091 vs the SCC819. Could you let me know it would be greatly appreciated.

[@chasfoster9895]

SSC819 is the U.S. id #. SBDL is Japanese id. Same watch.

[@adamwest5625]

My AD that stocks both Tudor and Seiko called me up to inform me that my Tudor Pelagos 39 arrived and was ready for me to collect. After I paid for the P39 and got the bracelet sized, l also got a free £200 gift card as part of the purchase which is nice so l used it to purchase the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer in the the white panda dial. Absolute love both pickups and at 39mm perfect for my 6.25” wrist.

[@perpetuality]

That’s a great pick up- enjoy in good health!!

[@iflyana9361]

I was very close to buying this but went with the blue panda Lunar Pilot (at a big discount) for two reasons: 1) date window ruins symmetry on Speedtimer; 2) Lunar Pilot subdial at 3 is infinitely more useful than Speedtimer’s if you actually use the chrono.

[@hangdogdaddy38]

The Bulova accuracy has spoiled me with its +/- 10 seconds a year. I've found nothing else come close in that price range.

[@guille19912]

Have you experienced the power reverve function not moving away from FULL? Many owners say this… Thanks!

[@perpetuality]

I haven't seen that in this example! seems hit or miss

[@minimalistmaverick]

Are the subdials blue? or do they just have a different shade of black from the rest of the dial? i've looked at a bunch of pictures but in a lot they almost look blue. Honestly kind of like the contrast. Looking to pick one up in a couple weeks. Just waiting to see if there is any black friday or cyber monday discounts. Might get the "golden panda"version as i've seen it called, with the brown dial, kinda funky. But this is probably a more safe look overall. idk!

[@jasontanuwijaya1170]

The subdials are indeed a different shade and it's blue because that's where the solar panel is placed

[@williamwagner827]

@@jasontanuwijaya1170they aren’t blue in the slightest. They are a very deep purple. I own the panda.

[@jonboy8181]

Get rid of the 24hour subdial and put the date at 3. Or have the 24hour subdial count up to 24 hours on the chronograph, that would be helpful. Then, seiko, add two more micro adjusts at the clasp and we have a winner!

[@williamwagner827]

Hey Seiko! Change the watch a million different ways, then we’ll have a winner 🙄

[@jonboy8181]

Haha

[@DaxXx988]

Screw-down crown on a quartz watch? Not sure that exists :)

[@avoeeeee]

I got white dial for 300$ mint condition.

[@Dewabarasunderan]

05:20 “The crown is not a screw down crown by any measure.” “The lock of the screw down crown… .”😂???

[@Bob.martens]

Seiko should make a bicompax solar chrono without date. Just cramming in a useless 24 hour subdial and an illegible date adds only clutter...

[@alirezamirafkhami1948]

Omega speedmaster killer

[@leos3010]

Got this on Black Friday for 500 Euros

[@JayGreezy]

The JDM version of this is better and has the clear coating SBPY165 AND its cheaper

[@Televisiontechnology]

Add a screw-down crown & buttons. Remove date window, add some lume & more micro-adjustment to the clasp - i´d pay an extra $100 for that happily.

[@anildamodar8142]

The way the endlinks fit are pathetic.. Big gaps and looks like an aftermarket addition.. A poor one at that... The rest is ok

[@SuperLisandro86]

Seiko needs to stop saving cash on the bracelets considering how much they raised their prices. This one mismatches the lugs at so many levels it hurts to see. Apart from that, is a good watch,.

[@Crimson_626]

I bought it and......"Returned it" very very small watch. So used to Large Seiko watches, was disappointed in how small it was...and it was 600 : (

Hi there, I am a video editor (and also a beginner watch enthusiast) and I believe that I can add value to your videos. I would like to discuss this further even if you are slightly interested. Can we arrange a meeting?

[@perpetuality]

Hi Emre thanks for the interest- this is a small channel that I have a lot of joy out of learning to improve with making videos. I’m always open to feedback to improve but at this time I’m not looking to partner up just yet.

@@perpetuality No problem. Im still a fan of your work and will keep watching the content you make! Keep up the good work.

[@perpetuality]

@ really appreciate your viewership and kindness Emre

[@ericparton1232]

Great value when you consider a Rolex is five ounces of stainless Steel but people pay thousands of pounds for them.

[@kenjkbs]

Returned mine. Did not look nice on my wrist and it does not look $700 watch. It wears quite big too. And the bracelet is too bulky for my taste. Bought king turtle instead.

[@daveLin104]

The turtle is bigger than this

[@williamwagner827]

You traded it for a turtle? Lol you people are smoking crack or something

[@latuman]

Saw it live and its just too small.

[@soundscaperecordings1111]

Why do you keep banging on about the lack of screw down crown? When it has 100m water resistant without it? Which is enough for 99.9% of people

[@ayeyo2711]

$500 & no ceramic bezel, pretty disappointing. 13.3mm thick vs. Citizen EcoDrive chronos starting at 10.5-11mm. Seiko continues mismatching angular/squared off lugs with rounded end links & bracelets. Odd sized subdial & hour marker at 6. Fauxtina.

[@jolamos1703]

Not worthy unless you want to pretend that you are wearing this watch as its more expensive 8R series mechanical speedtimer.

[@HRM.H]

The 8R is a ugly watch. That thing is 15mm thick ffs 😂

[@sK3LeTvM1]

3:13 'This has the look of...Rolex Daytona.' NOT. Omega Speedmaster. The Daytona is for hairdressers. :-)

[@HRM.H]

Ahhh yes , all those hairdressers that wear Daytona's.

[@woozertoo]

hairdressers like Jon Peters.

[@wintermute8315]

You're actually trying to say those indices and Seiko logo are stamped...? Come on haha, you can't stamp a logo like that, it's clearly applied.

[@perpetuality]

If you look at the photos of the back side of the dial plates of modern Prospex Seikos up to the Marinemaster 300 you'll see that the indices and logo are indeed stamped. This is done for cost measures but also to prevent the indices from breaking off the dial from a hard impact. Lastly, having quality applied indices is not an inexpensive endeavour.

[@J.K.Barrik]

Is it worth it? Well of course not. For a watch costing almost £600 and not to have a screw down crown is just stupid

[@BarbaraA.MertzRN-CCRN]

Please stop using the word 'functionality' when you actually intend 'function'. If you are talking about the general FUNCTION of a particular watch (as you are in this case) then the correct word is FUNCTION. If, however, you are speaking about the functions of ALL CHRONOGRAPHS then the correct word is FUNCTIONALITY. Since you are speaking only about this watch then you should be saying FUNCTION. The FUNCTION of the continuous reset is called a LAPSE TIMER and allows for the timing of multiple situations which share a begin or start point.

[@perpetuality]

Sounds great Barb 😄👍

[@NeovaTL]

You sound like you’re fun at parties

[@zending6299]

wow, mate RN CCRN, you are an RN CCRN to the max, not God. OK?

[@wintermute8315]

You can give feedback without nagging, legend.

[@adamselene5957]

Good advice! I always confuse these words. Along with other words in the English language which should be on the 'strike-out' list (like LITERALLY for example) these two words CAN be used correctly without overuse. Good catch!

[@smokeylake3150]

Too much money.