The Top Japanese Chronograph Under $700 - Seiko Speedtimer Review 

I love the fact that you're so un-snobbish about watches. You'll sing the praises of a good watch whether it costs $50 or $50,000, whether it has a mechanical movement or quartz, whether it's Swiss or not, etc. Good man! I now have one of these, partly because of your level-headed enthusiasm, and I love it. Your videos are the best.

Some years ago I visited the Seiko museum in Japan. It was an absolutely amazing experience. I made an appointment and they had an English speaking guide waiting for me at the door. If you get the chance, you should go because you will get a much better sense of the incredible history and heritage of this amazing brand.

Congrats on the dealership, Seiko imho is like Tissot, offering great watches at affordable prices, big respect to that.

As a Japanese, I am so happy that you love japanese brand !Thank you Teddy!

Congrats on the Seiko partnership, Teddy! Thank you for this review. I bought this watch in the UK on the day of release as my closest-I-will-ever-get-to-a-daytona watch. However the more I wear it the more I love it. I get so many compliments. It's also really versatile. I've worn it on leather, rubber and steal and it always looks great. Excellent performance as well. Honestly can't fault it.

I have one of these pieces (white dial) and can honestly say the quality for the price is amazing. The case size and proportions are great and the weight and feel oozes quality. I wear mine on a black sailcloth strap and it looks fantastic. Very happy with my purchase

I bought this watch last year and just as Teddy mentioned I looked at all of the other options for chrono under $1k and I didn’t see much. This watch checked off all of my boxes and I’m so happy that I bought it, months before it was released I was looking for a Japanese chrono that was aesthetic. This watch is just perfect for what I was looking for.

It's sooooo good to finally see Seiko on your store! I hope your store becomes even more successful! Thank you so much for all the knowledge and information that your share with us!

Just purchased this watch from your website for my father in-law. Man, he loves it. Great watch, great customer service! Overall awesome experience! Thank you Teddy!

Congrats on the Seiko partnership! Been waiting for your review on this model. I’ll eventually get the Tudor BB Chrono but this looks like a great placeholder 👍🏽👍🏽

Man even some of Seiko's more affordable watches have some fantastic looking dials. Congrats

I know and appreciate that the Swiss brands are considered to be the pinnacle of watchmakers.. but I am just enamored with the quality, style and craftsmanship along with the rich histories within the world of both Japannese and German watchmaking.

Picked up this watch a few months back and I couldn't be happier with the looks and the sizing; absolutely perfect for those with tiny wrists.

Actually went to your site last night and noticed Seiko ! Was wondering when you would announce this. Congratulations, this is great news and a great pairing.

Got mine for $540. Looks great and wears well. Had to learn the hard way that buying from AD was a much better experience.

Got the black variant and the wearability is just soooo good 🤩 I think that’s a great addition for a collection with some luxury watches when you need one watch that looks and feels great and you don’t have to worry that much what you throw at it .

Now; You have made me addicted to, to this Seiko Solar Chronograph & the Quartz PRX becomes second choice by far...!! Congratulations; Many thanks for your wonderful Vid Reviews out there.

Picked one up for $550 this week. I had a Polar Daytona for 2 years and sold it during the hype. This one serious scratches the inch for me. I think you nailed it. Reminds me of a 4 digit Cosmograph. I don’t mind the end links or bracelet at all. Fits my 6.5 in wrist perfectly. Wears like my BB58. Date window is my only quibble. Set too deep because of the solar batteries. That said, for a super accurate, solar, grab and go 100m watch…it’s damn near perfect for me

I got the one with the white dial and it’s such a universal and unisex, classic design! Love the solar-powered battery, the watch can last ages in Singapore haha. Thank you for such a detailed and helpful review of an affordable watch for the masses!

My wife got me this watch last year I was absolutely blown away! I love this watch. I would pay twice what it sells for. I was so impressed by the Seiko solar watches I just got a Prospex solar diver with Pepsi bezel. You can't go wrong with any Seiko watch.

These watches are so incredible looking. I’m finding it hard to not start a separate Seiko collection with all these great releases 😂

You nailed it as always Teddy, I've had mine for a few months now. Very wearable without a doubt. Looks like a much more expensive watch for sure. Tride and true seiko quality. Can't beat the price for what it offers in the market with comparable pieces. Keep up great work.

Thanks Teddy, Just got mine today very nice watch, from a great recommendation. Thanks again.

I ordered the 813 initially but after much thought ended up getting the 909 limited edition with ice blue crystal dial instead. Absolutely love it coz it has a 6 month power reserve and never had to set the time yet so far. And i only paid 500 dollars after discount from the boutique. Congratulations on your partnership with Seiko!🍾🥂

I picked this one up, it's amazing and has become my only daily watch. I looked at all of the other available colors but only the white panda dial stood out to me as something that can be worn on any occasion, with any setup - whether you're out on a walk in shorts / t-shirt or wearing a dress shirt and jeans, or out for a bike ride or anything - it will adapt itself to the situation.

813 is so wearable and looks so clean and sporty. None of the aforementioned problems affect my enjoyment. It wears smaller than its weight (145.4 g for mine), it's not top heavy, doesnt slosh around on the wrist, and I can reach down "without looking" and start the chrono in a split second, which you can't do with a digital. So handy! It's a no nonsense, grab and go watch-enthusiasts watch that anyone can wear and enjoy. I also personally enjoy the bracelet and clasp which has gotten some criticism. Could it be better, sure, but the chunky links look manly on the smaller chrono, and I like the laser printing on the clasp Get one! I plan on grabbing the black also at a later time. So wearable

Bought one today and I’m absolutely in love with it! Specially because i was looking for a watch in the 38-40mm dial range. Its the best find in this size, with amazing features and looks at a great price!

I own this model and it sits well with my other Swiss watches. This indeed is the closest thing to owning a Rolex Daytona panda. Spot on review Teddy. Keep the content coming. Kudos to you and your new partnership with Seiko.

Teddy - this review was long overdue. Really wanted to hunt down a Speedy Marui, but the prices for those went insane the past few years then this popped up. Couldn't wait to get this watch when it came out. Put my name on the list at my local AD (for an 813) and waited for 4 months (this was very early 2022 - believe you can get much more easily now). Pros: Size is perfect; love pandas; not a Rolex. Cons: Wish the subs were all the same size; would pay up for a mechanical option (of the same size 39mm); not a fan of the date window (but Seiko loves them). I have 0.0 regrets on the purchase and get compliments on it. Another con is the bracelet - not bad, but not great. I have swapped for both a black and a cognac quick release leather strap. Strapcode has an bracelet if you want to upgrade that looks nice - but have not.

Hi Teddy, fantastic review as always. I've had the sky blue dial model for a couple of months now and could not be happier with the purchase. This watch wears so well, really comfortable all day long. Have had a few comments regarding similarity to the Daytona, which isn't a bad thing!! Winter Speedtimer could well be the next purchase, amazing looking all-black watch.

Got the gold-faced model about a year ago. In typical Seiko fashion there were some minor QC issues (the power indicator/60 min timer just does not align, no matter what I do) but I still love it. It's an excellent "grab and go" and works for both casual and more formal settings - and with the 100m WR you can even take it to the beach!

Congratulation on picking up the Seiko line! This Speedtimer will be my next Seiko! Love your videos! Keep up the great work Teddy!

Teddy, could you do a series where you look at a particular brand, and within that brand’s catalog, find ideal dive, dress, everyday, etc. watches? Think what could be found with Longines, Tissot, Hamilton, IWC, etc. Thank you.

Congratulations on landing a deal with Seiko! I must say this watch grew significantly on me over those 12 minutes. You are some mighty salesperson.

Got the 813 Seiko, love it at first sight. Love it when more on hands. It just looks pleasing !

I tried one of these yesterday while I was buying a new watch. I figured I had earned the right to try on a few others while I was waiting for a bracelet adjustment. It looks great, feels awesome on the wrist and I will likely be back for one. The idea of the much lower service cost of maintaining a quartz is something I hadn't really considered before. So this has moved up my list because for me, the 🐼 is such a good look.

So as an authorized dealer, does that mean that you inventory all the watches that Seiko makes? As an online dealer how do you handle your inventory. And how do you send watches to your clients? Do you simply drop ship them to the client? Or do you order them in, wait for them and then ship them direct to the client? I'm just curious how online sellers work. This came up as my family is in Cleveland and I was hoping to visit your store when I went to visit them. But now I know that your online only. And so how does this differentiate you between your operation and Amazon? With exception of having someone answer the phone talking direct to your clients how , do you handle the fulfilling the customer's orders.

The one with the panda dial is absolutely amazing

I bought this a few months back, and it’s my favorite watch in the collections although it’s not automatic the sweeping movement is still nice ! And it being solar is still pretty nice!

I have owned the white dial for about 7 months and absolutely love it. Fit is better than I expected on my 7.25 inch wrist. The Bracelet is really comfortable. I own several much more costly, luxury mechanical watches and this is a pleasure to throw on and know the time is accurate no matter how long I keep it in the drawer. I’ve seen posts where people say the ‘fuel gauge’ isn’t accurate and while I’ve not really tested it, I tend to agree. Never seems to move off of ‘Full’ regardless of how long it’s kept in the dark. I was able to get this watch for a little over $500- so consider this a bargain. I do wonder what happens when the solar charging mechanism dies- is it repairable or just a non- working piece of jewelry? Curious if anyone knows. Thanks for the extensive review and close up shots- I didn’t know it looked that good!

Thank you for making high quality videos!Love amzwatch ’s watches

Thank you for showcasing Seiko and congrats on the collaboration, Teddy. I bought the panda dial (as shown in this video) speedtimer last week and it was my quartz watch. My opinion on quartz watches changed for the better. Really surprised on how light it feels and it took awhile to get used to. Another thing with quartz watch is how accurate they are, I'm glad this piece had introduced quartz watches to my alley. As usual my qualm with this piece, as with most people, is the integration of the bracelet. The circular brushing on the lug is directly contrasted by a longitudinal finish on the strap, which really accentuates the transition between components like they aren't meant to be paired together. It bothers me more than it should frankly, especially knowing that this issue isn't present in most of Seiko's other watches. Nevertheless, this factor actually gave me the push I needed to change the strap to a leather one and I love this piece even more now!

I own this watch with the blue watch face and red chrono dial. Super happy owning it. Nothing to complain about. Absolutely fantastic watch!

I bought mine about 2 months ago and have no regrets... Its a great watch

This watch is my first expensive watch, and it does not disappoint! Other than having some issues with the pin and collar system, which is mainly due to me being new to the watch world. I looked at other chronographs from other brands and microbrands, but basically came to the conclusion that I didn't want to settle. Great watch, still enjoying it as my daily driver.

Glad you are a Seiko dealer now! I was wondered when that was going to happen. That white dial looks pretty nice, I don't know if I'll ever get a chronograph but these seem like a solid option. Right now I'm just saving up for my first automatic watch!

I'm glad you did a video on this model, this looks like the kind of watch I would like - less than 39mm, only 45~mm lug to lug, and it's kind of a retro Seiko white dial design but with modern quartz / solar tech, and it has a sapphire crystal + Japanese movement.

I was bought this watch by my daughter and her partner for my birthday, they know i love seiko but this watch is my 2nd favourite after the green seiko alpinist i love it.

Congratulations Teddy. Finally Seiko Watchers are now on your website.

Got the panda a month ago - really terrific watch!

Teddy's product B-Roll is more buttery than the manufacters' own marketing shots!

Absolutely in love with this watch. I got mine a few months ago and my favourite part is the wearability the size of this watxh is just perfect.

@Teddy Baldassarre: It's funny when you mention quartz movement in that Seiko helps it to be thinner. It obviously mimics Rolex Daytona, which is mechanical and is 12.5mm thick vs almost 14mm for Seiko. I know these come with different price tags but Seiko is just way too thick for a quartz watch.

Picked this one up over the summer. Even on my tiny wrist it looks great. Congrats on the Seiko deal!

Finding these currently in the US shipped including tax for under five hundred dollars, amazing deal for this watch. The gold panda dial and blue/black dial are the real sleepers here.

I mean, how can this channel be even better? Teddy has been doing amazing job. Thank you for the great contents!

Literally just bought this watch over the weekend. So glad I got it, especially before you dropped this video because I got mine for a deal!

Congrats on the Seiko line ! Excellent presentation on this chrono from Seiko

O.k I've taken Teddy's recommendations AND purchased a Seiko 5 Automatic for my collection. Now I have to consider the Speed timer as future purchase , fact is I'm getting quite a few Seikos in my collection and not necessarily a bad thing as the quality and price is just hard to beat. Great review on this watch. 👓☕

The even more budget seiko model is the seiko spirit chrono. They look even more like Daytona’s. I love the gold white dial version ( sbtr024 )as well as the reverse panda version ( sbtr013 )

My only hesitation is the bracelet, but I guess it is an easy swap. Finally a review I trust

Seiko is lucky to have you as one of their retailer. For most of us in working class. Seiko is packed with quality as very underrated value. God tier brand next to Casio for letting commoners experience quality time piece. I ended up buying an orient kamasu, sumo hulk and a king samurai and is not disappointed. Willard is my next option or a hamilton field khaki. Or maybe this😂.

The new light blue edition is mindblowing ❤

The size is a winner on these things - tried switching out to other straps as it is a strap monster with those 20mm lugs but the bracelet is still the way to go. Definitely one of the best daily drivers and a get-and-go type of watch. Wears like a dream.

Got the “Ice -Man “ trophy SSC909! And I love it ! Paid just under 700$ and got #2877/10000 numbered.Let’s Go Seiko

Congratulations Ted! Very happy for your success.

Congratulations so much, you deserve genuinely to be a Sekio AD. I'm very proud.

I have the sand/yellow model. The color really stands out in my watchbox so I tend to grab it more often. What a great watch! I get lots of complements on it. Mazel tov, Teddy!

Happy to see this Teddy. I bought one of these about 3 months ago. Love it.

Congrats on the new partnership! I hope that you'll carry the new SSC91x versions of the chronographs when they become available.

You've given me ANOTHER watch to lust after! Seriously, thanks for the thorough review. I could feel good about buying this watch...

Just bought this watch in the brown/champagne dial. Nothing better than getting this video in my feed after the fact. Loving the watch!

I am in love with this watch, been looking at it for months now. Might pick one up today.

Just snagged one of these for $390 off eBay. Seems like a great watch!

I bought this a few months ago. It is just amazing. The dimensions are phenomenal. The only drawback is its lume (if you can call that a lume....), apart from that, this must be the watch that attracts the most attention!!

As an MI native it’s hard for me to cheer for anything OH related. Jests aside, I’m sincerely happy for you and your success in landing Seiko 😁. For me personally it’s a really hard toss-up between Seiko and Tissot for an everyday chrono or even non-chrono options. Both brands create so much value for dollar it’s a hard choice.

Good review! Congratulations on the Seiko AD status! I own this watch in the white/black color way. I have a 7.25/7.5” wrist. This watch fits me perfectly. Love it!

I got the yellow dial model earlier this year and really like it. The dimensions are absolutely brilliant and it feels like incredible value for money

Congratulations, Teddy, on receiving the Seiko authorized dealer certification. Well deserved!

Thanks for offering Seiko, Teddy. This WILL be my next watch from you!

Congrats Teddy, Well deserved. I appreciate your professionalism.

Ive been binging on Teddy's videos lately on my way to purchasing my first "real" watch (at 47 no less). My first look into a watch started with a video in which teddy referred to the SKX007 and the smaller 013 to which I was drawn, but then realized that those were discontinued. Ive sort of lost the attraction to the diver watch and moved on to a chronometer and this Speedtimer looks like it wont disappoint on my 6.75" wrist. Ive looked long and hard at the Bulova Lunar Pilot but I dont want Flava Flav's watch on my wrist, lol. Im gonna pull the trigger, I think, on the black Speedtimer and cant wait! EDIT - Realized that the 3 o'clock dial is rather useless and not sure how to feel about that.

I bought it in March with the white face dial (the cliche, but also the best looking one) and it's one of my favorite daily drivers. This one, a vintage Seiko 6139 that my grandfather bought new back in 1967 and I recently had it restored, and a G-Shock GA-2100-1A are the three watches that I wear the most.

I got this for Christmas this year, my friend looked at this watch and said, “ thats not a panda, its a Mickey Mouse.” Honestly I couldn’t argue with that argument. I love this watch on a leather strap, and its beautiful on a smaller wrist. Beautiful watch

Just got it yesterday as a birthday gift and it is an absolutely fantastic watch.

I own a SSC813P1 (white dial) and it's an amazing timepiece, and it even wears perfectly with a black/grey OMEGA Nato strap!

Imagine my surprise when I saw one of my watches (it is now vintage just like me) that is shown at 2:01 on the right hand side of the screen. I purchased this not long after joining the military in the very early 70's. It was my first "real" watch. I seemed to develop a thing for picking up a new watch every few years and always kept them. Now I have a drawer full of them that range from Seiko to Rolex to Raymond Weil. As of today, I am now the proud owner of a new Bulova Lunar Pilot which will become my new daily driver. I know that it is probably bad form to discuss value here but would you say that I ought to see whether it is time for someone else to enjoy the blue Seiko or whether I should I let it continue to sleep in the drawer. I do not want to give it away. It has traveled many miles with me over the past five decades. Thank you in advance for your response.

Ended up buying a very similar watch made by Tactical Frog. Essentially the same watch with unique faces and slightly different case profile. Was looking for a turquoise colored watch and for $200, it's been awesome. It rotates through with my other watches including multiple Seikos.

Watch, precise, beautiful, light, comfortable. Possibly its precision is its best virtue, which is what is required of a watch. The very careful aesthetic makes it look on the wrist.

Great video as usual Teddy, however I must say, production on this one was particularly good! The transitions at 1:50-1:53 were awesome!

Yesssss!! Teddy!! Thanks for reviewing this incredible watch. It's become my go-to. I have the 819. Congratulations on your Seiko partnership too! I've been waiting for your perspective on this beauty. 39mm is a perfect size. My power reserve indicator hasn't left "E" since I bought it 6 mos ago in sunny Texas. I highly recommend. Panda dial is definitely next! Well done!

$700 is a large chunk of change when converted to my nation's currency. however, i fell in love with the design, functionality, and overall value for money of this watch. also, i like that the dial isn't too big since i'm a girl and my wrist is smaller. i am currently eyeing the ssc915 prospex speedtimer as my first serious foray into buying a watch. i hope i made the right choice. thank you for the detailed and informative review!

If only Grand Seiko could release a Spring Drive Chronograph with these dimensions, that might be my dream watch!

Cool all the way around! This watch is great and you having Seiko on your site is great!

Bought this as my first watch ever a couple months ago. It’s not too big and matches with everything. Low maintenance, doesn’t scratch too easy and I beat the shit out of it

Man Teddy I'm so happy to see that not only did you highlight the solar quartz chronograph release But you also highlighted the fact that they released another chronograph but on disappointed that you didn't highlight the fact that particular chronograph was a direct re imagining of the original 61 digital 6139 in the fact that it has a column wheel and a vertical clutch all you said was it was $3000

Congrats Teddy - what great news - I am a huge Seiko fan having grown up in Japan - and what a fine looking watch !!

After a great deal of research on sub $1000 chronos...I just acquired a model 813. I changed out the bracelet for a Barton leather rally and I am overall extremely pleased with this watch. If you can find a better chrono at this price...buy it.

Nice! Congrats Teddy!

I LOVE this speedtimer as a complication watch under $1000 and as an addition for a 3-6 piece collection under $7-10k, particularly for little details like a double purpose for the bottom subdial, and then the date window not just being at "around 4:30" but actually being closer to like 4:15. That kind of playful asymmetry + value proposition makes this so much more than the "Seiko Daytona El Primero (yes there is a version with blue and grey subdials)" that people around me refer to this watch as. It's a playful take on a panda chrono that should be in any collector's affordable hit list as a tasteful homage that does and proposes more. As you said, it's either this or the Bulova Lunar Pilot/Seagull 1963 as mechanical chronographs under $1000 go, and this is DECIDEDLY the dressier and more properly sized of the three.