When is Casio better than Seiko?
This is the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SSC813, a solar-powered quartz chronograph. It's a stunning watch that I went out and bought almost as soon as it was released. It's beautiful, perfectly proportioned and fits into my collection brilliantly. (I have a soft spot for Seiko Quartz Chronographs.)
For some reason, I don't wear it as often these days. Other watches compete with it so it's stayed in my drawer. I pulled it out today to discover it had stopped three weeks ago because it hasn't seen the sun in a couple of months.
So here's my first complaint about this beloved Seiko: it apparently doesn't have a "sleep" mode.
Contrast that with my Casio Lineage, also an analog, solar-powered quartz. If you put the Lineage inside a drawer, it automatically goes into a low power mode that stops the hands. It only starts running again when it "wakes up" as soon as the dial is exposed to light. (You then get this magical moment when the hands spin to the correct time.)
A Casio Lineage costs around USD 145 on Amazon. The Seiko costs four times as much. It costs almost USD 500 and it doesn't even go to sleep like a cheap Casio watch! 😕
What do you think, Crunchers?
Watch hobbyist and collector from Singapore. More watch photos on Instagram @twolfwatches
Apples, meet Oranges
A full charge lasts 6 months, which is clearly stated. Wearing it even occasionally will keep it going, or sitting it out near a window for a day. You wouldn't blame a car for running out of gas if you never fill the tank.
Wow, dropping knowledge. I didn’t know the Casio or any watch, was capable of going to sleep. Thank you for this.
A full charge lasts 6 months, which is clearly stated. Wearing it even occasionally will keep it going, or sitting it out near a window for a day. You wouldn't blame a car for running out of gas if you never fill the tank.
My point was Casio has better tech than Seiko at a quarter of the price.
My point was Casio has better tech than Seiko at a quarter of the price.
I get that, but it’s kind of like not winding a Speedmaster, having it stop after wearing it for 2 days, then calling Omega inferior to a Hamilton automatic.
I get that, but it’s kind of like not winding a Speedmaster, having it stop after wearing it for 2 days, then calling Omega inferior to a Hamilton automatic.
That's not even remotely close.
Both watches in my case are solar quartz analog watches. Both watches were not worn and kept in the same drawer. Of course I can compare the two.
Of course. I’m just saying they’re both working properly as designed, and charging once every six months seems like a pretty reasonable expectation. But I have no preference here. I adore Casio and Seiko. I hope you continue to enjoy both.
Of course. I’m just saying they’re both working properly as designed, and charging once every six months seems like a pretty reasonable expectation. But I have no preference here. I adore Casio and Seiko. I hope you continue to enjoy both.
Oh definitely. I own as many Casios as Seikos: that's around six pieces each. The Casio solar ones are surprisingly good value. I even have a "fancy" Casio Oceanus, which is also a solar, comes in a titanium case and uses their atomic clock / radio signal tech. Those are in the USD 400-500 range. But nothing beats Seiko for mechanical watches, though. Seiko is still my #1 favorite watch brand.
The tiny date window was the primary complaint with mine. Otherwise it was always ready to go….with a little sunlight
I threw this on a black racing strap and never looked back. Great watch!! I also have it in blue (the best of the color schemes, imo, and hides the date cutout the best), which is still on the bracelet. I wear both quite frequently.
It can sleep for a hundred years and keep the time. I think.
Don't leave it in the draw, I did that with a seiko once, had it sorted now charge my 7 solars on the window sill, my wife laughs seeing them all lined up...
Don't leave it in the draw, I did that with a seiko once, had it sorted now charge my 7 solars on the window sill, my wife laughs seeing them all lined up...
So glad I'm not the only one who does this.
I do it too, or close enough, that is - mine are on a bookcase that faces a window about four feet away. There's two Seikos, one Lad Weather, one Alba and two Casios. I like seeing them out and ready to go.
I love solar! I wish someone would make a three-hander Solar MechaQuartz.
Casio is popular and affordable for the masses. Seiko it’s a bit more up scaled. You don’t see any 20,30,40 dollars Seikos on department store most are good quality quartz, solar and automatics. Most attractive well built watches out there. I like them both never go wrong choosing any of these two. One last true fact the Japanese never make junk watches they always spot on. I’m willing to bet if any of us make a trip to japan it’s gonna end buying maybe two watches at least Casio and Seiko how cool is that coming from japan!