One thing we have come to love about the Seiko brand is that they have always upped their game to compete with some of the big brands out there, and with the Seiko Solar Chronograph SSC081, they didn’t disappoint their diehard fans.
Just so you know, the Seiko SSC081 Solar Classic timepiece is a top-notch watch with a solar edge.
From its artistic design to its brilliant technology, Seiko Solar Chronograph SSC081 is a must-have for any Seiko lover.
Right from the get-go, the Seiko SSC081 draws you in with its impeccable stainless steel case and bezel.
And because the watch looks intimidating, it will no doubt ignite your curiosity.
From the watch’s dial to its extraordinary compass, everything about the Seiko SSC081 will wow any watch lover.
To learn more about this stunning timepiece, you’re welcome to read our detailed Seiko SSC081 review for some extraordinary insight.
History of the brand
The Seiko brand was the brainchild of Kintaro Hattori, a 21-year-old Japanese whose love for watches spurred him to set up a small shop at the Kyobashi district in Tokyo.
It was here he began repairing and building watches and clocks.
Fortunately, luck smiled at him as he entered into a partnership with Tsurihiko Yoshikawa, a renowned engineer.
Together, they established the Seikosha factory, which began operating in 1892.
Here, the company built numerous wall clocks.
Thanks to the overwhelming success and patronage the company enjoyed, they decided to take things up a notch by building their first-ever pocket watch, nicknamed the Timekeeper, in 1895.
This pocket watch made the brand famous as it grew in popularity in Japan and beyond.
In 1913, the company decided to tow a different trajectory by launching their first-ever wristwatch, the Laurel.
Like its predecessor, the Timekeeper, the Laurel became an instant hit as many people jostled to get a piece of the pie.
Today, the brand remains a force to reckon with as they have continued to build high-quality watches that can rival those from other top watch brands.
Seiko Solar Chronograph SSC081: Unveiling the beast
Without mincing words, the Seiko SSC081 has a lot going for itself.
From the very first glance, this timepiece looks very different from other Seiko watches, and that’s because of its relatively large and chunky case.
Besides its rather large size, the Seiko SSC081 is robust and rugged.
Because of that, many experts think of it more like a tool watch.
Fortunately, many watch lovers have come to love the sporty and rugged design of the watch.
And thanks to some of its clever technology, the SSC081 is prepped to wow any watch lover.
While the Seiko SSC081 stands out from other watches in terms of design, what makes the timepiece quite appealing is the solar technology that powers it.
The unique combo of solar technology and tool-like design makes this superb timepiece the real survivors’ watch.
Seiko SSCO81: Dial and case
The Seiko Solar Chronograph SSC081 features a black dial contrasts with an accompanying stainless steel case as well as a nicely finished brown leather strap.
Just on the face of the dial sits its charming 6, 9, and 12 large Arabic numbers.
Let us also add that the dial is further complemented by various markers for both the hours and minutes.
Like other Seiko watches, the date display sits at just 3 o’clock.
While we love the casual sporty design of the Solar classic, we are amazed at its extraordinary chronograph with the timer closely overlapping noon.
The second timer at the bottom of the dial is used to set the alarm.
Let us quickly add that the dial is protected by Hardlex crystal.
Though it isn’t as sophisticated as sapphire crystal, it is well built to take a bit of knock.
We also love the LumiBrite technology that lights up the features of the watch at night.
Seiko SSC081’s Movement
As we mentioned earlier, this superb timepiece is a solar watch; hence, it gets its energy from sunlight and ambient light.
Since the brand launched its first solar watch in 1977, it has perfected the technology, and with the SSC081, the brand displayed its ingenuity with solar technology.
That aside, the watch comes with Seiko caliber V172 quartz movement.
Thanks to being powered by the sun, the Seiko SSC081 does not need a battery.
In addition, it is easy to maintain.
When fully charged, you can expect this watch to function flawlessly for up to 6 months.
Bracelet and strap
The Seiko SSC081 Solar Chronograph comes with a beautiful brown calfskin leather strap.
This makes the watch stylish and dressy.
Sure, the watch is bulky and may not fit people with small wrists; the watch fits just fine for people with bulky wrists.
Also, we like how the black dial complements the leather strap.
Pros
- The watch is fashionable
- It is multifunctional
- Accurate
- Readable
- Environmentally friendly
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Not perfect for minimalist persons as the watch has so much going on
- It can only be charged using outdoor light. This can be quite inconvenient during winter or gloomy seasons.
Price
The Seiko SSC081 is quite a steal.
Given its impressive features and impeccable performance, we are quite surprised that it sells for only $178.89.
Frequently asked questions
Is Seiko SSCO81 overhyped?
The Seiko SSC081 has lived up to its promises.
From its impressive solar technology to its one-of-a-kind movement and overall performance, this timepiece has not failed to wow Seiko diehards.
What is the lifespan of a Seiko solar watch?
Thanks to its quartz movement, the Seiko SSC081 should last at least 15 years.
And because it is solar-powered, you can expect the watch to function optimally for up to 6 months before needing any charge.
Do solar-powered watches last forever?
Solar watches such as the Seiko SSC081 are built to last forever, and that’s because they only need sunlight or ambient light to continue working.
This is in contrast to battery-powered watches that will run out of power sooner or later.
Conclusion
The Seiko Prospex Solar Chronograph certainly packs a punch.
From its sporty design to intimidating dial to powerful movement and overall performance, very few solar-powered watches out there can go toe-to-toe with the Seiko SSC081.
And because it is super affordable, it is perfect for any watch lover interested in something unique and bold.
