Seiko SSB Chronograph Series

Gear Review

Exploring Seiko Watches

A deep dive into the versatile and affordable SSB chronograph series

~85

Models tracked

~$100

Starting price

1

Personal sentiment

Section I

The Seiko Obsession

I have found myself thoroughly smitten with several Seiko models lately. The SSB007 chronograph is absolutely stunning, and it vividly reminds me of my very first watch, a humble Guess Chronograph. While that old Guess wasn't anything special from a horological standpoint, it holds significant sentimental value as my first piece. The Seiko SSB line bears a striking resemblance to that style, and with some models retailing for around $100 brand new on Amazon, they are incredibly accessible.

I have also been eyeing the Arctura GMT model (SUN003) with its sleek black dial; it showcases truly futuristic curves and design language.

 

Choosing the Right SSB

To help me narrow down the search, I have begun compiling a list of various models and styles to determine which one belongs on my wrist. I am currently leaning toward the early entries in the series: the 001, 003, 007, or 013.

Note: With such a vast array of dial colors, bezel types, and indices, the SSB series offers something for almost every aesthetic preference at an unbeatable entry price.

Section II

The SSB Model Reference

Below is my ongoing documentation of the SSB chronograph lineup. Note that some variations are still being identified.

Model	Style / Features
SSB001	White
SSB003	Silver/black Panda, red seconds
SSB005	Blue
SSB007	Black
SSB009	White, gold two-tone
SSB011	Black, black bezel, red seconds
SSB013	White/black Panda, red seconds
SSB015	Black (identical to 007)
SSB017	White, Roman XII, blue seconds
SSB019	Black, Roman XII
SSB021	White, Roman XII, gold two-tone
SSB023	Black, all Roman numerals
SSB025	White, Tachymeter bezel
SSB027	Black, Tachymeter bezel
SSB029	White, gold two-tone, Tachymeter bezel
SSB031	Black, black Tachymeter bezel
SSB033	Black, silver Tachymeter bezel, red seconds
SSB035	White, Tachymeter chapter ring, red seconds
SSB037	Black, Tachymeter chapter ring, red seconds
SSB039	Blue, Tachymeter chapter ring
SSB041	Brown, Tachymeter chapter ring
SSB043	White, gold two-tone, Tachymeter chapter ring
SSB045	Black, black Tachymeter chapter ring, red seconds
SSB047	White, 60 min bezel
SSB049	Black, 60 min bezel
SSB051	White, gold two-tone, 60 min bezel
SSB053	Black, black 60 min bezel, red seconds
SSB055	Blue, gold two-tone, 60 min bezel
SSB057	Grey, gold two-tone, 60 min bezel
SSB059	Blue, 60 min bezel
SSB063	Black, black bezel
SSB065	White, 12 and triangle hour indices
SSB067	Black, 12 and triangle hour indices
SSB069	Beige, gold two-tone, 12 and triangle indices
SSB071	Black, gold two-tone, 12 and triangle indices
SSB073	Black, Tachymeter bezel, FC Barcelona logo
SSB075	White, gold two-tone, 60 min bezel
SSB077	Black, 60 min bezel
SSB079	Blue, gold two-tone, 60 min bezel
SSB081	Grey, gold two-tone, 60 min bezel
SSB085	White
SSB087	Black, yellow seconds
SSB151	White, blue hour markers and blue hands

Stay tuned as I continue to update this list and finalize my next Seiko acquisition.