Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SSC817: The "Margherita" That Runs on Sunshine
Credit - Seiko
Ah, the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph SSC817. If watches had dating profiles, this one's would read: "Loves long walks on sunny beaches (literally, I need the rays), enjoys timing things for no particular reason, and often mistaken for a delicious, cheesy pizza. Sense of humour essential."
This isn't just any solar chrono; it's the one with that distinctive, yummy, creamy-yellow dial that has watch fans fondly calling it the "Margherita." And honestly, who doesn't love a Margherita? (The pizza, and increasingly, this watch).
So, What's Cooking with this Particular Sun-Powered Speedy Boi?
The "Solar" Bit – Still Powered by Our Fiery Sky Orb: Just like its Speedtimer brethren, the SSC817 scoffs at the idea of batteries. It mainlines sunshine (or, in the UK, optimistic glances towards a cloudy sky) and converts it into pure, unadulterated punctuality. Think of it as a very, very low-maintenance Tamagotchi that tells the time.
The Dial – Oh, That Lovely Cheesy Glow!: This is where the SSC817 really struts its stuff. That creamy, warm yellow dial with contrasting black sub-dials is just chef's kiss. It’s distinctive, it’s fun, and it’s probably made a few people peckish just looking at it. It’s less "Panda," more "Golden Retriever puppy frolicking in a field of buttercups."
"Chronograph" – For Timing Your Important... Stuff: Those pushers aren't just for show (mostly). You've got your standard chronograph functions – perfect for:
Timing how long your tea takes to brew to achieve optimal biscuit-dunking temperature.
Seeing if you really can get ready in 5 minutes (you can't, but it's fun to measure the failure).
Pretending you're timing laps at Silverstone when you're actually just stuck in traffic on the M25.
"Speedtimer" Heritage – Still Got Racing in its Veins (Sort Of): Remember those groundbreaking 1969
The Specs:
Model Reference: SSC817P1
Case Diameter: 39mm
Movement: V192 Solar
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Crystal: Curved sapphire crystal
Bracelet: Stainless steel with three-fold clasp with push button release
Case Thickness: 13.3mm
Seiko Speedtimers?
This watch is their sun-tanned, laid-back descendant. It carries the name, the sporty vibe, and a hint of that go-faster attitude, even if its main race is against the setting sun to get a full charge.
Tachymeter Bezel – The Ring of "Speedy Calculations You'll Never Make": That black bezel with all the numbers? That’s your tachymeter. It’s there to make the watch look suitably sporty and to give you the option of calculating speed over a known distance. Will you use it? Probably not. Does it look cool? Absolutely.
Built Like a Seiko Brick (Outhouse): Prospex means "Professional Specifications," so it's designed to be more than just a pretty face. The SSC817 can handle the bumps and scrapes of daily life. With 100m water resistance, it's fine for a swim, assuming you're not planning on re-enacting "The Abyss."
The Crystal: Likely Seiko's curved Hardlex crystal. Good and tough, gives a nice retro distortion at the edges, and is more forgiving than sapphire if you give it a proper whack, though it might pick up a scratch or two as a battle scar if you're truly clumsy.
You're getting a unique dial, solar power, chronograph functionality, and robust build quality for a price that makes the Swiss brands blush and reach for a stiff drink.
Is the SSC817 "Margherita" Your Slice of Horological Heaven?
If you like your watches with a dollop of personality and a side of sunshine.
If you appreciate a tool watch that doesn't take itself too seriously.
If you want a chronograph that stands out from the sea of black and white dials without being garish.
If your other watch is a battery-powered quartz and you live in constant fear of it dying at an inopportune moment.
In closing, the Seiko "Margherita" is a cheerful, capable, and it won't ask you to chip in for battery changes. Just give it some light, and it'll give you the time, with a little side of Italian-inspired flair. Now, if only it came with extra toppings...😉
