In watchmaking, the devil is in the details. That is why it is so important to choose the right model with functions that suit your needs. But what makes some watches bestsellers and why is the opinion of other users important to us? It goes without saying that people are fascinated with Japanese brands. I decided to test and understand this phenomenon myself. In this respect, I decided to test Seiko Chronograph SKS611P1, which is a very popular model among customers.

Japanese watches and their phenomenon

Why choose a Japanese watch? Japanese watches have taken the customers from the whole world by storm recently. Their appearance and seemingly classic designs keep up with the demands of the modern wearer. This is all the more so because their precision can successfully rival many Swiss Made manufacturers. Plus, their functions aren’t only a sign of a high level of watchmaking, but they are also the best example of advanced technological progress. However, before focusing on the reviewed watch, I would like to briefly discuss their history and dispel the stereotypes that are in circulation, distorting the image of watches produced in the Far East.

Seiko and the 19th century Japanese art of watchmaking

The Japanese art of watchmaking, contrary to many appearances, did not begin at all with the great boom in quartz watches - it was just one of its many phases in the search for and development of new innovations. The tradition of the Japanese art of watchmaking is just as long and rich in experience as that of the European one. The first Japanese timepieces began to appear at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries and were exclusively based on lunar time (Solar time was used in Europe). It wasn’t until the 2nd half of the 19th century that solar time began to be widely used.

This opportunity for development was seized by Kintaro Hattori, who in 1881 founded the Seiko brand - Japan's oldest watch company. Seiko is also the undisputed leader, along with Citizen and Casio, in the production of durable and precise watches that dominate the world market in terms of modern equipment. It was Seiko that was the first to launch, among others, a watch with an automatic power generator (Seiko Kinetic) and a model with a battery-powered quartz movement, the Seiko Astron Quartz, which became the official timekeeper at the Tokyo Summer Olympics.

Seiko Bestseller

There are many lovers of the Seiko brand and its products around the world. A large number of people are sitting on the fence, trying to decide which watches to choose: Japanese or Swiss ones. In moments of hesitation, people decide to make a choice based on the positive reviews of other customers. The same was and still is true of the Seiko Chronograph SKS611P1 men's watch, which has become a true global bestseller.

Seiko Chronograph – new dimension of elegance

Just like any man, I keep up with technological innovations and love all sorts of gadgets. And when the opportunity arises, I like going into an electronics shop to buy the thing I'm interested in. However, it's not just because I have such a craving. I am interested in their practical use, especially when a new product is appreciated by manufacturers. Then, it is tempting to see for oneself if it really is as good as what the adverts tell us. This is partly why I decided to try out and review the Seiko Chronograph SKS611P1 men's watch.

What was my first impression after getting this Japanese model? It was very positive. The fact is the Seiko Chronograph watch is not one of the lightest, as it is made mainly of steel, but this was not the most important thing at first. What interested me was the seemingly classic combination of black and silver - on closer inspection one can see its incredible depth of colour. I guess every man dislikes bland accessories. Seiko simply has that strong character, further emphasised by its contemporary form, sporty character and contoured lines. Elegance and sport in one - probably just what you need to be yourself and feel confident in your own skin.

The versatile style of the Seiko Chronograph

Seiko Chronograph SKS611P1 is not such a typical dress watch. The model combines sporty functions with classic shades and refined finishing, so it’s perfect for the smart casual style. It will work very well as a break from precisely elegant attire. It will work just as well as a reliable accessory for every day or work. Its design, size and weight will not interfere with driving or working out at the gym.

High-quality materials in Japanese Seiko

I personally tested this model during walking and driving. As I mentioned earlier, the Seiko Chronograph SKS611P1 watch is heavy, and this is due to the material used - stainless steel. However, after a while I got used to its weight, and after taking it off I felt like something was missing. What’s another advantage of this weight? It is a guarantee of sturdiness and good solid workmanship. On top of that, it effectively protects the quartz mechanism.

But let’s focus on the material itself. Both the case and the segmented bracelet with a butterfly clasp are made of stainless steel. The links and the lugs are brushed while the case is carefully polished. The polished steel bezel in black finishes the look. All these things beautifully emphasise the elegant look of the watch and add class to the overall design. What’s most important, however, is the fact that the bracelet fits snugly on my wrist. It doesn't move or pull my arm hairs out. For me, this is a big plus. Why? Because my wrist didn’t look like it was after a failed visit to the beauty salon.

Seiko Chronograph – practicality for every day, not just for special occasions

Just as important as the bracelet and the case are the dial and the very heart of the Seiko Chronograph SKS611P1 watch, i.e. the quartz movement. The watch is powered by a Japanese movement and is equipped with tried-and-tested sporty features including a chronograph and a date display. Have I tested the watch when exercising? I haven’t had the opportunity, but let me say this. When I get home from work, I love to clear my mind, put my phone away, get into the kitchen and just cook what I like. When preparing dinner for myself and my beloved, the chronograph proved to serve as a reliable stopwatch. I was genuinely pleased with its precise timekeeping while cooking and frying my favourite dish. But what I remember the most, is that accidentally, I splashed out a bit of tap water on the watch. Thankfully, the watch was fine as it has a water resistance rating of 10 ATM.

The chronograph subdials, date window and applied silver hour indices are placed on the elegant black dial. This breaks up its classic look. The whole dial is protected by a hardened mineral crystal. One minor drawback? The lack of anti-reflective coating on the glass, which makes it a little difficult to read the hours when looking at the Seiko watch in bright sunlight.

Trust Japanese quality and choose Seiko watches

To sum up, I’m very satisfied with the Japanese Seiko Chronograph SKS611P1 watch. In terms of the quality of operation, timekeeping, the use of materials and the modern design, it doesn’t differ in any way from Swiss timepieces. Do I recommend this men’s model and other products offered by the Seiko brand? Absolutely! The collection is aimed at both men and women. Everyone is sure to find something for themselves. And the best thing is that no matter what watch you choose, it will stand for high-quality workmanship and will all be available at an affordable price.