Post by Oisac on Feb 26, 2007 22:21:43 GMT -5
[img src="[/img]http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/8446/dscn1057ph1.jpg"]
With literally thousands of Seiko watch models available, I’m sure anyone can find at least a dozen or so Seiko models that would appeal to each individual. This particular one (SNA 487) appeals to me for several reasons: One, it is a very handsome black (actually brownish black) bezel with a matching dial. The bezel comes with their unique ceramic-like TiCN (titanium carbo-nitride) coating (I read somewhere that this is found in only a few Seiko models). Two, the bezel diameter is slightly smaller than the case, making the watch appear smaller than it is, which makes it fit my smallish wrist better. Three, this is the first watch I’ve had in years that has an alarm feature. And Four, it has conventional 20mm lugs, which means I could use one of my favorite straps with this watch.
Summary of the main specs are as follows:
• 40mm case diameter (my measurement, some people call it 42, don’t know why)
• Non rotating 38mm diameter bezel with tachymetre scale
• 14mm thick
• 20mm between lugs
• Seiko 7T62 chronograph movement
• Alarm function with a display that can be used as 2nd time zone indicator
• Sweep second hand stopwatch on the main dial with lap time function
• Solid SS bracelet using friction pins for link adjustment, non-SEL
• Push button bracelet release with safety clasp
• 100 meter water resistance
• Date display at 3 o’clock position
• Domed Hardlex crystal
This watch has a nice presence when worn, although it may look a little bit on the thick side because of the very pronounced bezel design. The silver hands set against the very nice dark colored dial makes it relatively easy to read. The sub-dials are also quite legible. The arrangement of the sub dials are as follows: The running second hand indicator is on the 9 o’clock sub-dial. The alarm display (which can double as a 2nd time zone display) is at 6 o’clock. The 12 o’clock sub-dial indicates the stopwatch minutes (max 30). Date display is at the normal 3 o’clock position.
The sweeping stopwatch second hand can indicate an approx. 1/5th second accuracy at best, as it has to be read right on the dial (there is no separate fraction of a second, sub-dial indicator as most ETA or some other Seiko quartz chronographs do). The stop watch buttons are quite “silent” when pushed. There is no firm “snap” to indicate actuation (start, stop or reset). I prefer ones that snaps when pushed, just to give you some sort of tactile feedback without the need to constantly look at the dial.
The alarm function is a little cumbersome and not very intuitive to use. I always have to consult the manual whenever I wanted to use it. It appears that the alarm function is an entirely separate watch-within-a-watch module and as such its time has to be separately set. This set-up however, allows it to be used as a second time zone indicator, but since these are separate modules, unless extra care is exercised, the time indicated on both the main watch and the alarm display, is not synchronized. I found this a little annoying at times.
There is nothing unusual about the bracelet on this watch except for its simple yet distinctive design. It has dual pushbuttons to release the main clasp and as mentioned it also comes with a safety clasp. Although the links appear to be solid, it does not have the feel of one as the overall weight of the bracelet feels quite light, typical of watches in this price range. End links are stamped/folded pieces. I did not care too much for this bracelet so I quickly installed a strap immediately after I received it.
Overall, this is another version of a typical great quality Seiko Chronograph with the 7T62 movement. This one is quite a handsome example with its unique looking TiCN bezel. Considering its features, I consider it another excellent Seiko value at the sub-$200 price range.
as reviewed by jas32 in timezone.com
With literally thousands of Seiko watch models available, I’m sure anyone can find at least a dozen or so Seiko models that would appeal to each individual. This particular one (SNA 487) appeals to me for several reasons: One, it is a very handsome black (actually brownish black) bezel with a matching dial. The bezel comes with their unique ceramic-like TiCN (titanium carbo-nitride) coating (I read somewhere that this is found in only a few Seiko models). Two, the bezel diameter is slightly smaller than the case, making the watch appear smaller than it is, which makes it fit my smallish wrist better. Three, this is the first watch I’ve had in years that has an alarm feature. And Four, it has conventional 20mm lugs, which means I could use one of my favorite straps with this watch.
Summary of the main specs are as follows:
• 40mm case diameter (my measurement, some people call it 42, don’t know why)
• Non rotating 38mm diameter bezel with tachymetre scale
• 14mm thick
• 20mm between lugs
• Seiko 7T62 chronograph movement
• Alarm function with a display that can be used as 2nd time zone indicator
• Sweep second hand stopwatch on the main dial with lap time function
• Solid SS bracelet using friction pins for link adjustment, non-SEL
• Push button bracelet release with safety clasp
• 100 meter water resistance
• Date display at 3 o’clock position
• Domed Hardlex crystal
This watch has a nice presence when worn, although it may look a little bit on the thick side because of the very pronounced bezel design. The silver hands set against the very nice dark colored dial makes it relatively easy to read. The sub-dials are also quite legible. The arrangement of the sub dials are as follows: The running second hand indicator is on the 9 o’clock sub-dial. The alarm display (which can double as a 2nd time zone display) is at 6 o’clock. The 12 o’clock sub-dial indicates the stopwatch minutes (max 30). Date display is at the normal 3 o’clock position.
The sweeping stopwatch second hand can indicate an approx. 1/5th second accuracy at best, as it has to be read right on the dial (there is no separate fraction of a second, sub-dial indicator as most ETA or some other Seiko quartz chronographs do). The stop watch buttons are quite “silent” when pushed. There is no firm “snap” to indicate actuation (start, stop or reset). I prefer ones that snaps when pushed, just to give you some sort of tactile feedback without the need to constantly look at the dial.
The alarm function is a little cumbersome and not very intuitive to use. I always have to consult the manual whenever I wanted to use it. It appears that the alarm function is an entirely separate watch-within-a-watch module and as such its time has to be separately set. This set-up however, allows it to be used as a second time zone indicator, but since these are separate modules, unless extra care is exercised, the time indicated on both the main watch and the alarm display, is not synchronized. I found this a little annoying at times.
There is nothing unusual about the bracelet on this watch except for its simple yet distinctive design. It has dual pushbuttons to release the main clasp and as mentioned it also comes with a safety clasp. Although the links appear to be solid, it does not have the feel of one as the overall weight of the bracelet feels quite light, typical of watches in this price range. End links are stamped/folded pieces. I did not care too much for this bracelet so I quickly installed a strap immediately after I received it.
Overall, this is another version of a typical great quality Seiko Chronograph with the 7T62 movement. This one is quite a handsome example with its unique looking TiCN bezel. Considering its features, I consider it another excellent Seiko value at the sub-$200 price range.
as reviewed by jas32 in timezone.com
