The Seiko Prospex SSC673P and SNE493P share the Black Series’ black-and-orange look and reported 43.5 mm case diameter, but they suit different preferences: the SSC673P adds chronograph timing and a 24-hour indication, while the SNE493P keeps a cleaner three-hand display. The reviews behind their styling impressions and Australian prices date to 2 February 2018, so those prices are historical rather than current buying guidance.
At a glance: chronograph or three-hand diver?
| Feature | Seiko Prospex SSC673P | Seiko Prospex SNE493P |
|---|---|---|
| Movement and display | Solar caliber V175; chronograph, 24-hour hand and date, according to Seiko’s Philippines listing. Seiko specification | Solar caliber V157; three-hand layout, according to Time+Tide’s hands-on review. Time+Tide review |
| Case diameter | 43.5 mm, according to Seiko; the review also reports 43.5 mm. Seiko specification · Time+Tide review | 43.5 mm, as reported by Time+Tide. Time+Tide review |
| Power reserve claim | Approximately six months when fully charged, per Seiko’s specification. Seiko specification | Ten months, as reported in Time+Tide’s 2018 review; this is the reviewer’s claim, not a current Seiko specification established here. Time+Tide review |
| Water-resistance information in these sources | 200 m / 660 ft diver’s water resistance, per Seiko’s Philippines listing. Seiko specification | Not stated in the cited sources. |
| Australian price quoted in 2018 | A$650, as reported by Time+Tide on 2 February 2018; not a current price. Time+Tide review | A$625, as reported by Time+Tide on 2 February 2018; not a current price. Time+Tide review |
The references are not identical across every source: Seiko’s Philippines specification is for the SSC673 and shows SSC673P1 imagery, while the hands-on articles cover SSC673P and SNE493P1 variants. Check the exact regional reference when comparing specifications or listings.
What changes between the two watches?
SSC673P: timing functions and a denser dial
The SSC673P is the more complicated choice. Seiko lists its V175 solar movement with a chronograph that measures up to 60 minutes in 1/5-second increments, a 24-hour hand and a date display. Its blacked-out design is punctuated by an orange hour hand. Time+Tide’s reviewer noted the screw-down crown and pushers, and described the subdial-filled face as visually busy while finding its large luminous markers helpful for legibility. Those are hands-on impressions, not results from a controlled legibility test.
SNE493P: a more conventional three-hand layout
The SNE493P1 is the simpler solar diver in the pair. Time+Tide identifies its movement as solar caliber V157 and describes large luminous hour markers, a bright orange minute hand and a date magnifier. With no chronograph subdials or pushers, its display is the more straightforward option for someone who wants the Black Series look without the extra timing controls.
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Solar operation and reserve claims
Both models are presented as solar watches, but the reserve figures come from different kinds of sources and should not be treated as a direct test comparison. Seiko’s SSC673 specification says it runs for approximately six months when fully charged. Time+Tide’s 2018 SNE493P1 review reports a ten-month power reserve and says the solar system charges from light. The cited material does not establish that these figures were measured under matching conditions.
For the SSC673, Seiko also specifies precision of ±15 seconds per month. That figure belongs to the official SSC673 listing; it should not be read as a measured result for the SNE493P.
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- SEIKO Prospex
- Item shape: Round
- Power source type: Solar Powered
- Seiko Prospex
Size, construction and water-use information
Both hands-on reviews report a 43.5 mm case diameter, a substantial size that is worth considering alongside your wrist and preferred fit. Seiko lists the SSC673 at 13.8 mm thick, with a stainless-steel case with hard coating, Hardlex crystal, silicone band and 20 mm lug distance. LumiBrite is specified on its hands and indexes. No independent wrist-fit or weight testing is represented by these sources, so the reported diameter alone cannot determine how either watch will wear.
Seiko’s Philippines listing rates the SSC673 for 200 m / 660 ft diver’s water resistance, and Time+Tide notes its screw-down crown and pushers. That official rating is specific to the SSC673 listing. The cited material does not establish an equivalent rating for the SNE493P, so do not assume one from the family resemblance or shared styling.
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- Individually boxed, with warranty card included
- Solar
- Runs for approximately 6 months on a full charge
- Includes tachymeter
- Charging level display function
Which Black Series model makes more sense?
- Choose the SSC673P if you want a chronograph, 24-hour indication and date, and you are comfortable with a busier face and extra controls.
- Choose the SNE493P if a cleaner three-hand display and prominent orange minute hand matter more than chronograph timing.
- Compare the exact regional references before purchase, since the official SSC673 specification and the reviewed variants do not use identical suffixes.
Time+Tide published both hands-on reviews on 2 February 2018 and quoted Australian prices of A$650 for the SSC673P and A$625 for the SNE493P. Those figures are historical snapshots, not evidence of present-day availability, value or pricing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- WATER-RESISTANT: these water-resistant men's dive watches are ISO scuba-approved to depths of 200 meters
- SOLAR & AUTOMATIC: this men's automatic wrist watch is powered by any light source, with no battery change required for a 10-month power reserve
- STAINLESS STEEL: features a durable stainless steel watch case and bracelet with vibrant blue uni-directional bezel
- LUMIBRITE DISPLAY: this men's automatic watch features a highly-legible display with LumiBrite hands and markers
- V147 CALIBER: equipped with the reliable V147 caliber solar movement, these precise men’s watches ensure the most accurate automatic timekeeping
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- WATER-RESISTANT: these water-resistant men's dive watches are ISO scuba-approved to depths of 200 meters
- AUTOMATIC: these self-winding, automatic men's watches are powered by your movement, with a power reserve of 41 hours
- STAINLESS STEEL: features a durable 43.8mm stainless steel watch case and bracelet.
- LUMIBRITE DISPLAY: this men's automatic watch features a highly-legible display with LumiBrite hands and markers
- 4R35 CALIBER: equipped with the reliable caliber 4R35 automatic movement, this accurate men's watch keeps precise time
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
