The Seiko Prospex range offers a high level of quality for a very affordable price. And the Seiko Prospex SSC017 is a great example of what a combination dive watch and chronograph looks like.
It comes with a Pepsi style two-color bezel, giving it that stylish look we all know and love from such watches. But Seiko was not content with just any old diver here.
Sure, they added a well-balanced 3 sub-dial chronograph, but they have also given us a solar movement that charges with almost any light. So, no more worries about changing a battery every year or two. This baby stays charged for a very long time.
In terms of functionality, it is relatively simple, albeit with a chronograph. But, it also comes with a small date window snuck in at 4-5 o’clock.
The SSC017 Dial & Case
As with most divers, this Seiko has an all-black dial, with large, well-lumed pips every hour and a double tapered rectangle at 12 o’clock. The sub-dials are as unobtrusive as any sub-dial can be, with matching black and white and a nice accented blue on the minute hand, matching the main second hand.
The hands overall are large batons, that are also well-lumed and easy to reach.
As for the bezel, it is the standard two-tone Pepsi style, albeit in black and blue (not blue and red). The first quarter is colored, as this is the most critical for a countdown when diving!
The case is reminiscent of almost all dive watches with a large, multi-click bezel that helps you keep time for diving. The pushers are large and easy to use, and the crown has a nice blue-ringed accent and a reasonable guard on it too. Although, with the pushers on either side of it, it is unlikely the guard will ever come into play.
The SSC017 Bracelet
Again nothing out of the ordinary on the bracelet. It is a fairly standard Seiko stainless steel affair. It has a decent amount of adjustments at the clasp, when combined with removable links it makes it easy to fit to almost anyone.
It has a safety release on the deployant clasp, so ideal for diving watches. Although perhaps more fiddly than a daily beater requires.
All in all, what you get for under $500 with this Seiko Prospex diver is quite impressive. The only thing it is missing at this price point perhaps is a sapphire crystal?