Bringing back the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SSC813 has been a great move from the iconic Japanese house. Next to 3 automatic Speedtimers (SRQ-series), 5 Solar powered chronographs (SSC-series) have been released at the time of writing. In this review, the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SSC813 with the panda dial will be taken under the loupe.

At first, I was hesitating about the watch. Yes, the modernized sporty Speedtimer looks amazing, however, it has a solar movement inside. I would prefer a mechanical movement like the SRQ-series. Over time and after reconsidering it, I realized that the solar movement provides also a lot of benefits. This solar-powered V192 movement led to huge wearability at 39mm in diameter and 46mm lug-to-lug. This is the sweet spot for my tiny wrist size of 16cm. This is also due to the lugs, which have a smooth and gentle downwards slope. Furthermore, I can grab the watch quickly and leave the house when I’m in a hurry, without setting the time or winding the watch up.

This renewed Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SSC813 looks very sporty and robust. The sapphire glass is a huge improvement on the hardlex crystal from Seiko. Retailing at an RRP of $675, sapphire glass is also a minimum requirement. This retail price for a solar quartz movement is a bit heavy in my opinion. So grab this one below retail if you can. Solar movements consist of solar cells, which this chronometer hides well under the 3 sub-dials. However, in some light angles, you can see a line and a purple hue to their appearance in each sub-dial.

The Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SSC813 has a lot of functionalities. The bezel has a tachymeter, with easily readable numerals and hash marks due to the black and white contrast. Ideal to measure speed in your daily life. Furthermore, at 4:30 there is a subtle date window. But the best function can be found at the6 o’clock sub-dial. When the chronograph is not in use, this sub-dial reflects the charging of the movement. This charge indicator is shown with an “E” for empty and a “F” for fully charged. Fully charged, the V912 movement provides approximately 6 months of use.

The funny thing is, Seiko fans are used to nicknames for all Seikos watches. For once Seiko nicknamed a watch themselves, as the Speedtimer Yet Seiko fans still decided to name the SSC813 the Seitona! If you’re looking for a sporty chronograph with a panda dial (or reverse panda dial) and not at the budget of the Daytona, well this is it. What are you waiting for!