Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the proper use and care of your SEIKO Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph Watch, model SSC819. Please read this manual thoroughly to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your timepiece.
Image: Front view of the SEIKO Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph Watch SSC819, showcasing the black dial, chronograph subdials, and stainless steel bracelet.
Key Features
- Solar Powered: Converts light into electrical energy, eliminating the need for battery replacement. Features a 6-month power reserve when fully charged.
- Chronograph Function: Measures elapsed time with precision.
- LumiBrite: Beige LumiBrite hands and markers provide enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
- Water Resistance: Water-resistant to 10 bar (100 meters / 330 feet), suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not for diving.
- Durable Construction: Stainless steel case and bracelet for robust wear.
Component Identification
Familiarize yourself with the various parts of your watch:
- Crown: Used for setting time and date.
- Pushers (A & B): Used to operate the chronograph functions.
- Hour Hand: Indicates the hour.
- Minute Hand: Indicates the minute.
- Small Second Hand: Continuous seconds display (usually at 9 o'clock subdial).
- Chronograph Second Hand: Large central second hand for chronograph measurement.
- Chronograph Minute Hand: Subdial for chronograph minutes (usually at 6 o'clock).
- 24-Hour Hand: Subdial indicating 24-hour time (usually at 3 o'clock).
- Date Display: Window showing the current date.
- Tachymeter Bezel: Scale on the bezel for measuring speed.
Image: Side view of the watch, highlighting the crown and chronograph pushers on the right side of the case.
Setup and Initial Charging
Initial Charging
Your SEIKO Solar watch is powered by light. Before initial use, ensure the watch is sufficiently charged by exposing it to bright light (natural sunlight or strong artificial light) for several hours. A full charge provides approximately 6 months of power reserve.
- Place the watch face up in direct sunlight or under a strong lamp.
- Avoid placing the watch in direct sunlight for extended periods in high temperatures, as this may damage the watch.
- The small second hand will move in two-second intervals when the power reserve is low, indicating a need for charging.
Setting the Time and Date
- Pull out the crown to the second click position. The small second hand will stop.
- Rotate the crown to set the hour and minute hands. Ensure the 24-hour hand is also correctly aligned with the current time (e.g., 3 PM should show 15 on the 24-hour subdial).
- To set the date, push the crown back in to the first click position.
- Rotate the crown to adjust the date. Avoid setting the date between 9 PM and 3 AM, as this can interfere with the date change mechanism.
- Once the time and date are set, push the crown back in to the normal position.
Operating the Chronograph
The chronograph function allows for precise measurement of elapsed time.
- Starting the Chronograph: Press pusher A (top pusher) to start the chronograph. The large central second hand will begin to move.
- Stopping the Chronograph: Press pusher A again to stop the chronograph. The elapsed time will be indicated by the chronograph second hand and the chronograph minute subdial.
- Resetting the Chronograph: After stopping, press pusher B (bottom pusher) to reset the chronograph. All chronograph hands will return to their zero positions.
- Split Time Measurement: To measure split times, press pusher B while the chronograph is running. The chronograph hands will stop to indicate the split time. Press pusher B again to resume measurement.
Using the Tachymeter
The tachymeter scale on the bezel can be used to measure speed over a known distance (e.g., 1 kilometer or 1 mile).
- Start the chronograph when you begin the measured distance.
- Stop the chronograph when you complete the distance.
- The position of the chronograph second hand on the tachymeter scale indicates the average speed per hour. For example, if it takes 30 seconds to cover 1 kilometer, the hand will point to 120 on the tachymeter, indicating 120 km/h.
Maintenance and Care
General Care
- Cleaning: Wipe the watch regularly with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and smudges. For stainless steel, a slightly damp cloth can be used, followed by a dry one.
- Temperature: Avoid exposing the watch to extreme temperatures (above 60°C / 140°F or below -10°C / 14°F) or sudden temperature changes.
- Chemicals: Keep the watch away from solvents, detergents, perfumes, and cosmetics, as these can damage the case, strap, or gaskets.
- Magnetic Fields: Avoid strong magnetic fields, which can affect the accuracy of the watch.
Water Resistance
The watch is water-resistant to 10 bar (100 meters / 330 feet). This rating means it is suitable for everyday use, swimming, and snorkeling. It is not designed for scuba diving.
- Ensure the crown is pushed in completely before exposing the watch to water.
- Do not operate the crown or pushers while the watch is wet or submerged in water.
- After exposure to saltwater, rinse the watch with fresh water and wipe it dry with a soft cloth.
Image: Several SEIKO Prospex watches partially submerged in water, demonstrating their water-resistant capabilities.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Watch stops or runs intermittently. | Insufficient charge. | Expose the watch to bright light for several hours to fully charge. |
| Small second hand moves in 2-second intervals. | Low power reserve. | Charge the watch by exposing it to light. |
| Time is inaccurate. | Watch exposed to strong magnetic fields; incorrect time setting. | Demagnetize the watch (professional service recommended); reset the time correctly. |
| Chronograph hands do not reset to zero. | Chronograph hand position misalignment. | Refer to the full instruction manual for chronograph hand position adjustment procedure (usually involves pulling crown to second click and using pushers). |
Specifications
- Model Number: SSC819
- Movement: Solar Quartz Chronograph
- Power Reserve: Approximately 6 months when fully charged
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
- Crystal: Hardlex (Scratch-resistant)
- Water Resistance: 10 Bar (100 meters / 330 feet)
- Luminescence: LumiBrite on hands and markers
- Clasp Type: Deployment Clasp
- Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 4.8 x 3.5 inches; 6 ounces
Image: Rear view of the watch, displaying the stainless steel case back with engravings and the deployment clasp on the bracelet.
Warranty and Support
For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase or visit the official SEIKO website. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
Official SEIKO Website: www.seikowatches.com
