In Review: The Seiko SNDF Chronograph

Seiko SNDF95P1 Chronograph – $169.06

What is it about a blue dial chronograph with red accents? Especially a blue dial chronograph with red accents… and contrasting sub dials. Is it just because it’s derivative of the Tag Heuer Monaco? Sure, homages with this color scheme won’t have a similar case shape to the Monaco (unless they’re outright copies), but that color scheme sure seems to work. And it works here for a reasonable price.

More than a passing resemblance to the Tag Heuer Monaco. Even if it is a round case.

The SNDF series (SNDF8 = stainless bands, SNDF9 = leather bands) sure appears to be a newish addition to the Seiko lineup. Or, maybe they’ve just only recently been made available here in the states and/or on Amazon. Regardless, like many other new watch styles, they look great precisely because they don’t look new. Their designs are decidedly classic. Retro even.

Instead of sharp, almost jagged lines and clunky or futuristic text, these types of designs favor curves and simple fonts.  The Tag Heurer Monaco may be a square case, but all of its right angles are softened. Even down to the sub-dials. On the Seiko, it’s round… all around. And even the chronograph pushers have a decidedly 70s, raised “button” look to them. They’re more than just a straight cylinder. There’s a nice little roof to them. It’s a nice detail that really helps the watch look more intricate and expensive than it is.

The pushers and crown aren’t throw-away designs.

As is the case with a lot of these sporty chronos, it’s not small. 43mm is going to be too big for plenty of wrists, but it’s far from beastly. And the height of the thing is pretty modest. 12mm isn’t Skagen slim, but it still slips easily under a shirt or sweater cuff.

The model pictured here comes with a dark brown croc-embossed leather strap with white contrast stitching. It’s a little stiff out of the box, but should break in decent enough. Swapping out the croc band for a rally strap should really bring out the racing look Seiko is going for.

The blue outer ring really isn’t that noticeable in person.

Functions are straightforward. There’s a date window at 3 o’clock and the seconds hand is at nine. The 60 minute chronograph has a minute dial at 6 o’clock, and an abnormally precise 1-second dial at 12 o’clock. That 1-second dial is accurate down to 1/20th of a second. Another nod towards it’s racing culture influence. Water resistance is a welcome 100 m. Crystal is Seiko’s own “Hardlex.”

The pics on Amazon make the blue ring on the outer edge of the bezel look much more noticeable & brighter than it is in person. It is a colorful watch, but that extra bit of blue around the outside really blends in. The black band, silver dial w/ yellow accents option leaves the bezel be, and it doesn’t look that much different.

If you’re attracted to 70s and or classic motorsport looks, then you’ll probably find this Seiko to be one of the more attractive sport/casual watches to hit the internets in a while. One day, the Monaco. For now… and for a good long while into the future? This’ll fit the bill, for a hell of a lot less bills than the Tag, quite nicely.