The Seiko Panda or the SSC813P1 is arguably one of the most popular of Seiko’s references. Coming from the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer collection, the timepiece has Seiko fans talking about it non-stop in the Philippines, making it one of the most sought-after Seiko sports watches.
I mean what’s not to love? The classy black and white formation of the dial and the subdials form the familiar Seiko Panda silhouette, which is so versatile you can wear this on your morning run, your daily drive, your 2 pm business meeting, and your late evening date. Chronographs have a look that seems busy to some people, and the almost minimalistic approach of a Panda dial watch gives it a nice balance.
Of course, this classic design recently received an update with a new set of Seiko Panda Speedtimers. Let’s just say it goes big in a good way.
But does it stand up to the scrutiny of discerning horologists? Let’s take a look.
Trust Us, You Need A Chrono
It’s important to begin with asking the right questions. Do you need a Seiko chronograph? You probably do. The chronograph is arguably the most useful function to have on a watch.
No matter how free-spirited we are, we all have moments where accurate timing is given much more importance. It can be as simple as waiting for the right time to take out your pasta, timing your planks, or as important as knowing when you can eat after taking a time sensitive medicine. And yes, of course, for its intended use case on the racetrack.
The two additional buttons at 2 pm and 4 pm act as the controls for the chronograph. The button at 2 pm is used for starting and stopping the chronograph while the 4 pm button is for resetting. And then with a simple twist of the tachymeter bezel and some math, you can calculate the speed of almost anything.
With the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer, you get one of the best watch functions you can find.
One Movement To Rule them All
Inside the heart of these references lies the excellent V192 Seiko movement. The most important aspect of this caliber is that it is a solar-powered movement, which means that any light source can be used to power up the watches. The middle subdial also acts as a power reserve indicator so you know when you need to take your Seiko Panda out for a stroll to soak up some energy.
You’ll also get one of the most precise watch movements on the planet. The chronograph hand ticks five times per second, which makes it have a smooth mechanical style sweep that is pleasing to the eye.
And lastly, you get Seiko’s vaunted durability and reliability. Since this is a Prospex, the movement is no dainty flower you have to protect out in the field, especially if you’re behind a roaring V12 engine that vibrates all the time (or simply going through the occasional pothole when you’re driving through Sucat). Your Seiko Panda is both tough and very useful.
Subtle Differences, Big Impact
What differentiates the SSC911P1 from the next generation are a few key items.
The most obvious is case size. The SSC813P1 comes in at a handy 39.0mm while the new generation Seiko Prospex Panda is a bit more hefty at 41.4mm. This is an interesting difference in a sense that what was attractive about the original Seiko Panda was that it was on the smaller side which ran counter to the bigger, more imposing chronographs on the market. The slight increase in size in the new Seiko Prospex Panda is somewhat a meeting in the middle for enthusiasts who may have bigger wrists. The newer Seiko Prospex Pandas should be your choice if you want more size.
There’s also a subtle difference in the dials. The SSC813P1 has a crisp white dial while the newer generation Seiko Pandas have a bevy of choices for dials. Fret not, the colors are still considered Pandas. What’s important is the three subdial formation that forms the face of the Panda, now with more colors to choose from.
Finally, the tachymeter bezel also presents a difference in size and color configurations. The slightly larger newer Seiko Pandas have a configuration that helps with legibility. The SSC813P1 on the other hand has a smaller all-black tachymeter bezel for that classic Seiko Panda look.
Coming in Fast: The Tale of the Tape
So, to help you, let’s show stats on each piece.
The SSC813P1: The Original Seiko Prospex Panda
- Caliber/Movement: V192 Solar
- Power Reserve: Up to 6 months with a full charge
- Case Size: 39.0mm
- Dial: Classic white with black subdials
- Bracelet: Stainless steel and three-fold clasp with push button release
- Crystal: Curved Sapphire
- Water Resistance: 10 bar
- Functions: Chronograph, tachymeter bezel, power reserve indicator
The SSC911P1: The Next Generation Seiko Prospex Panda
- Caliber/Movement: V192 Solar
- Power Reserve: Approximately 6 months with a full charge.
- Case Size: 41.4mm
- Dial: Silvery white with black subdials
- Bracelet: Stainless steel and three-fold clasp with push button release
- Crystal: Curved Sapphire
- Water Resistance: 10 bar
- Functions: Chronograph, tachymeter bezel, power reserve indicator
The SSC935P1: A Bluer Take On The Seiko Prospex Panda
- Caliber/Movement: V192 Solar
- Power Reserve: Up to 6 months with a full charge.
- Case Size: 41.4mm
- Dial: Light blue with black subdials
- Bracelet: Stainless steel and three-fold clasp with push button release
- Crystal: Curved Sapphire
- Water Resistance: 10 bar
- Functions: Chronograph, tachymeter bezel, power reserve indicator
The SSC923P1: The All Black Seiko Prospex Panda
- Caliber/Movement: V192 Solar
- Power Reserve: Approximately 6 months when fully charged.
- Case Size: 41.4mm
- Dial: Black with black subdials
- Bracelet: Stainless steel and three-fold clasp with push button release
- Crystal: Curved Sapphire
- Water Resistance: 10 bar
- Functions: Chronograph, tachymeter bezel, power reserve indicator
The SSC915P1: The Black and Red Seiko Prospex Panda
- Caliber/Movement: V192 Solar
- Power Reserve: Up to 6 months with a full battery.
- Case Size: 41.4mm
- Dial: Black with dark blue subdials
- Bracelet: Stainless steel and three-fold clasp with push button release
- Crystal: Curved Sapphire
- Water Resistance: 10 bar
- Functions: Chronograph, tachymeter bezel, power reserve indicator
The SSC913P1: A Pepsi Variant of the Seiko Prospex Panda
- Caliber/Movement: V192 Solar
- Power Reserve: Approximately 6 months with a full charge.
- Case Size: 41.4mm
- Dial: Black with dark blue subdials
- Bracelet: Stainless steel and three-fold clasp with push button release
- Crystal: Curved Sapphire
- Water Resistance: 10 bar
- Functions: Chronograph, tachymeter bezel, power reserve indicator
The Verdict? A Seiko Prospex Panda Is Always A Good Choice
In the end, it all comes down to preference. All watches use the same incredible V192 solar-powered movement to deliver excellent performance on the racetrack and for more real-world applications. The functions that make the Seiko Panda great can be found in the same watches. All dial color configurations look classy and have that clean visual flair that makes the Seiko Panda so attractive.
There’s also the matter of wrist sizes. If you have smaller wrists, the SSC813P1 would be your pick, but if you don’t mind a more imposing timepiece, then go with one of the new generation Seiko Prospex Panda. But that’s really a minor decision in the grand scheme of things.
Our suggestion? Get both. Especially if you’re looking into a couples watch with your significant other. The smaller SSC813P1 would look great on her wrist, while you can sport the bigger new generation Seiko Prospex. It’s a win-win situation.
And to get your Seiko chronograph, shop only at Seiko Philippines.
Your Seiko Panda awaits you. Catch it before it speeds away.
