Seiko SNDA13 chrono, the "Caesar", review.

[om-4]

Today my long awaited Seiko SNDA13p1 arrived. I wanted to share the initial thoughts and some pics.

The SNDA13 seem to share the same case as the kinetic diver SKA383. This design is from the new collection '07/'08 and follows the trend for bigger and bolder watches.

The case comes in at 46mm wide, 49mm including crown and 50mm lug to lug. That is massive considering the popular monster being just 42mm. The lugwidth is a surprisingly "small" 20mm.

Fortunately the bezel and case are tapered which give the watch a lighter appearance. The bezel has wider slots which carry down the case and even cut the lugs at an angle where it meets the case.

The case and bezel have a mix of polished and brushed ss. The bracelet might be a dealbreaker to some because like the monster bracelet it features polished middle bits. But it does have a buildin wetsuit extension.

Lume: ist's a Seiko so it's good but nowhere near the monster. Lume is found on all markers, the hands ofcourse, the chrono tip and on the end of the second-hand which makes it look like the spike of a X-mas tree.

The title says "Caesar" which is a nickname I came up with. Don't know whether this model has a nick yet or not. The reason for it is because it reminds me of a Marathon Csar (at one fourth of the cost) and when viewed from the side the shape resembles a crown. Oh, and it is good to 200m! All buttons and crown are screwed down unlike the SNA225 which looks like it has screwdown buttons.

Well, maybe the nick will stick. Here are some pics, enjoy.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn194/om-4/SNDA13.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn194/om-4/SNDA13wrist.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn194/om-4/SNDA13wristside.jpg

Caesar vs Monster
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn194/om-4/CaesarVSMonster.jpg

Note the crownlike tapered bezel/case
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn194/om-4/snda13side.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn194/om-4/snda13buttonshtm.jpg

[citeniK]

Holy monkey! That thing is HUGE. The Monster looks a little...scared...next to it. :-)

[valvestem]

They look like they used a Sawtooth/Buzzsaw bracelet. Pretty nice chrono. That is a HUGE watch! Borrowed Pic Below, Thank you to the owner!

The pic below is borrowed, and is of the Sawtooth/Buzzsaw to show the similar bracelet.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y116/valvestem/DSC00713.jpg

[Isthmus]

Nice one OM congrats on the new purchase. Have you guys heard, the non-chrono version of this watch is already being called the "Bruiser" over at SCWF. Very apt nickname if you ask me (if I were another watch I wouldn't want to run into this one in a dark alley, that's for sure).

[valvestem]

Nice one OM congrats on the new purchase. Have you guys heard, the non-chrono version of this watch is already being called the "Bruiser" over at SCWF. Very apt nickname if you ask me (if I were another watch I wouldn't want to run into this one in a dark alley, that's for sure).

It's big and I like it, in particular the shape of the watch body and bezel.:-!

Ohh too bad, it looks like a Japan only watch.:-(

[om-4]

They look like they used a Sawtooth/Buzzsaw bracelet.

Indeed has similar effect to the Sawtooth bracelet but actually is more akin to the monster braclet upsidedown. The shiny bits are one piece with the links. BTW, the endlinks are solid.

[wired]

After seeing the great photos and reading that very nice review you posted... I'M SOLD! Can't wait to get my SNDA13P1 this week. I'll post some pics when it comes in.
Thanx again 0M-4 for taking the time.

[Ricehead]

(swooning)

I think I'm in love-

I also like the SNDA15P1 (Yellow Face)

In the interest of saving money, I'm gonna call the cable company and get rid of my internet service and convert back to a 56K dial-up. This is to limit my Bay time....


I CANT STOP SHOPPING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I need help.

Rice

[crashaholic]

I love resetting the chrono and watching everything spin....but then, I'm easily amused.
Video of it here:
http://s247.photobucket.com/player.swf?file=http://vid247.photobucket.com/albums/gg130/crashaholic/Video3.flv&fs=1&os=1&ap=1 (http://s247.photobucket.com/albums/gg130/crashaholic/?action=view&current=Video3.flv)

Plus the bezel sounds like my bike's freewheel.

[Ricehead]

I love resetting the chrono and watching everything spin....but then, I'm easily amused.
Video of it here:
http://s247.photobucket.com/player.swf?file=http://vid247.photobucket.com/albums/gg130/crashaholic/Video3.flv&fs=1&os=1&ap=1 (http://s247.photobucket.com/albums/gg130/crashaholic/?action=view&current=Video3.flv)

Plus the bezel sounds like my bike's freewheel.

I could not help but laugh when I read this posting. Back when I had my 7A38, I used to do the same thing...for what seemed like hours!

I think I may have to "fire-up"the SNDA15P1...i curse you Crash for showing me that in action...I never should have clicked the link!

Rice

[om-4]

Bike freewheel, haha. I just tried that and indeed reminds me of that sound. Not Shimano more like Huigi or Suntour.

Great video Crash!

[dualtime]

Beautiful watch!!!!!!! What's the case size?

[wired]

Ok, as promised... finally took a pic of my new Seiko Chrono Diver.
Check it out sitting on 7inch wrist.

[om-4]

Looking good. Took it straight into action.
Nice foto, can go straight to a holiday brochure.

[SgtRick]

I think one is in my future.

[rsr911]

Yes join the club!!! I love mine!!!:-!

[mungosdad]

ive got the yellow version, I love it. Had it for about 2 months now and none of my other watches are getting a look in at the moment.

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/8655/cimg1686yw6.jpg

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/9663/cimg1679nz1.jpg

[valvestem]

Beautiful watch!!!!!!! What's the case size?

46mm x 13mm thick:-!

[aaappp]

i wonder if you could fit a valjoux 7750 in the case, love the case but not to fond of the kinetic movements

[rsr911]

The divers Chronograph is a digital quartz movement not a Kinetic.:-!

[flinfling]

I don't know how it happened but I just ordered the SNDA15P1. I'm sure I told my wife that there would be no more watches for a while. Better start doing some serious jobs around the house. Maybe some flowers.

[Joram]

OM-4.

Thanks for taking the time to make a little review about your watch.
Thanks for sharing. I was completely new to this watch and your review was the first time i saw it. I must say that i am impressed! Great looking dive watch. Nice and big too! Perhaps i will be wearing one in the future|>

Wear yours in great health and enjoy as much as possible:-!

Greetings from the Netherlands,

Joram.

[rsr911]

I don't know how it happened but I just ordered the SNDA15P1. I'm sure I told my wife that there would be no more watches for a while. Better start doing some serious jobs around the house. Maybe some flowers.

Man I have so been where you are right now. In fact I think it was the same watch too. Best of luck!! ;-):-!

[Caesar]

Beautiful watch! Might have to buy one just for the name :-d

[SgtRick]

Ordered mine 2 days ago. Just patiently waiting now.

[Cruiser]

Hi,

Am just wondering... do u guys find it a bit cumbersome that everytime you want to activate the chronograph, you have to first unscrew the buttons? b

[rsr911]

Hi,

Am just wondering... do u guys find it a bit cumbersome that everytime you want to activate the chronograph, you have to first unscrew the buttons? b

Not really. I don't use that function very much.

[om-4]

Hi,

Am just wondering... do u guys find it a bit cumbersome that everytime you want to activate the chronograph, you have to first unscrew the buttons? b

I usually leave it unscrewed. I guess this way it's still good to 100m but I don't dive anyway so no problem.

Here are somemore pics. I love this watch!
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn194/om-4/coffeebreak.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn194/om-4/CaesarChronis.jpg
I've put it on a Di-Modell chronissimo.

[RALaustin]

I am curious about the weight of the SNDA13. I have an Orange Monster that I wear a lot with the OEM rubber strap, and am wondering for those who have both watches whether the SNDA13 case is noticeably heavier than the Orange Monster.

[om-4]

The SNDA13 watchhead does feel heavier than a Monster. Have to pull out a scale from somewhere to measure it for you.

[thecoug]

This is my first post, however, I've been lurking on this board for awhile, and you guys were helpful in my decision to buy my first Suunto Vector, which I absolutely love.

I am currently deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I was given a Seiko Diver years ago as a gift, however, it broke and I never got around to fixing it.

Now, I am shopping for a new one, and I am extremely impressed with the SNDA13P2.

I'm just curious as to where exactly I can order one online from a reliable dealer??

Could you Gents please point me in the right direction.

Also, how is the watch holding up after a year of use???

Thanks again.

-R

[Schaferhund]

I've had one for over 6 months, dived it, worn it every other day in rotation with my ska293 (boss?), and I love it.

I picked up a z22 strap with a stainless keeper, just like the one on my kinetic, and cut the ends down to 20mm, so it fits the lugs and the notch still potrudes to the outside of the lugs....beefs it up and the taper follows the lugs identically.
Much better than the z20 it came on, and also a 20mm nato against such a wide watch head can look aneamic imo.
There are obvious monster throwbacks in the way the bezel is guarded at each end by the lugs, and the wider notches in the knurling line up with the case.
Here are some TERRIBLE webcam pics to illustrate the strap mod I did;

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/796/snapshot200902241.jpg

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/627/snapshot200902242.jpg

Love it, but I like leaving the chrono running so the big second hand moves, and I'm sure I'll see a shortened battery life as a result.
Oh well!

Rick

[Ryan Alden]

I usually leave it unscrewed. I guess this way it's still good to 100m but I don't dive anyway so no problem.



om-4,

i have Seiko velatura with screw crown in chronograph buttons, and just like you, i always leave it unscrew.

i never use it from swimming, or diving..

but sometimes my watch splashed by water when i wash my hand or when i was walking in the rain..

does it ok? because it think Seiko give the screw to be screwed. so it must have an function and i guess we have to always leve it screwed.

regards.

[om-4]

om-4,

i have Seiko velatura with screw crown in chronograph buttons, and just like you, i always leave it unscrew.

i never use it from swimming, or diving..

but sometimes my watch splashed by water when i wash my hand or when i was walking in the rain..

does it ok? because it think Seiko give the screw to be screwed. so it must have an function and i guess we have to always leve it screwed.

regards.

the screwdown chrono buttons give extra security when really diving. the construction should be wr even unscrewed but not below dishwater depth. Some people do not even shower with their dive watches because in some cases the seals may expand in contact with warm/hot water so moist can intrude.

Great to see more "Caesars" on the forum. Mine is a keeper altough I see a few being flipped. It needs a bit of getting used to but I like it.

[Outlawyer]

This is my first post, however, I've been lurking on this board for awhile, and you guys were helpful in my decision to buy my first Suunto Vector, which I absolutely love.

I am currently deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I was given a Seiko Diver years ago as a gift, however, it broke and I never got around to fixing it.

Now, I am shopping for a new one, and I am extremely impressed with the SNDA13P2.

I'm just curious as to where exactly I can order one online from a reliable dealer??

Could you Gents please point me in the right direction.

Also, how is the watch holding up after a year of use???

Thanks again.

-R

I got my yellow face one from www.skywatches.com (http://www.skywatches.com).
It's friggin huge!
BTW, the hands are all spot on with the markers, a fairly rare event in my experience on a $200 chrono, and the lume is awesome. Another winner for Seiko, if you want a really BIG watch, as big (but not as heavy) as EcoZilla.

[Outlawyer]

I love that leather band on yours. The bracelet is kind of noisy.

[om-4]

I love that leather band on yours. The bracelet is kind of noisy.

Très cool pictures, bro!

Yeah, the bracelet is nice and heavy but you either love it or don't. Am not going back from my combo.

[acidblack]

i am looking both at the ceasars ....they look bad and brutal...excelent for my
7 3/4 inch wrist ....and will be excelent as watches for free time....especialy for the shopping ritual at the close buy super market....like them more than the monsters btw

[acidblack]

i just love the watch and his brother ska383p1 that they sare the same bracelet,anybody that know where ca i acquire the bracelet?

[Bluntside]

Hi WUS people!

I just received my SNDA13 watch and I would like to thank you all your opinions about this watch, helped me a lot to choose this beauty! Its really big and heavy watch, but since I got 8'25" wrists, it fits me perfectly. Later I would like to change the bracelet to a strap (its a bit noisiy), can I put on a 22mm, if it has a 20mm width? I want to insert some carbon or kevlar types, can I cut their end to fit the 20mm?
(sorry for the terrible photo skills)
http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/bluntside/P1010021.jpg

[Isthmus]

sure, you can trim a mm of each side of the lug strap's springbar hole in order to make it fit. use an exacto knife and take little bits off at a time.

[Bluntside]

great, I was thinking about this solution but wasnt sure :P

[Schaferhund]

They really are a huge watch; see it dwarf a BFK here.....

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/5907/clayitems2005062.jpg

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/9771/clayitems2005064.jpg

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/9751/clayitems2005055.jpg

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/2339/clayitems2005066.jpg

[Schaferhund]

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/3632/clayitems2005047.jpg

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/9598/clayitems2005048.jpg

[Bluntside]

Ok here are some comments after 1 day:
- the pics cannot truly show its size and weight: it is B I G and heavy, but not uncomfortably, its like you wont forget that you are wearing it
- the lume is very good, easily goes through the night
- the bezel is tend to move a few clicks while you just shaking your hand, its not a big thing
- the big crown can hurt the back of your hand (its large sized and quite sharp), so I have to wear it a bit higher (a few mm closer to my elbow) on my wrist
- bracelet: its the weakest part of the watch IMO, it is noisy, and should be more wider (at least 24mm).

[Schaferhund]

Ok here are some comments after 1 day:
- the pics cannot truly show its size and weight: it is B I G and heavy, but not uncomfortably, its like you wont forget that you are wearing it
- the lume is very good, easily goes through the night
- the bezel is tend to move a few clicks while you just shaking your hand, its not a big thing
- the big crown can hurt the back of your hand (its large sized and quite sharp), so I have to wear it a bit higher (a few mm closer to my elbow) on my wrist
- bracelet: its the weakest part of the watch IMO, it is noisy, and should be more wider (at least 24mm).


Hmmm, there must be some variance in these models,

-Size, I agree, but weight....the two kinetics in my pics are much heavier, probably because of the rotors, but I find the Caesar to be surprisingly light for the case size....the BFK on it's bracelet is way heavier.
-Lume, I agree, it's great!
-Bezel, mine is probably the best bezel on any of my watches, very smooth and definately clicks into place with barely any backlash, there is no way mine will move from arm movement. Seiko diver bezel mechs are great, and the Caesar one, at least mine, is the best of any I've had so far.
-Crown, I agree, it's big and chews my hand a little, one of the negatives about this watch.
-Bracelet, again, I agree, actually, I think the 20mm lugs let this watch down, because if you put rubber or a NATO on it, the watch looks ungainly and even bigger than it is.
My solution was to put it on a trimmed down 22mm seiko "wave" that flares out to 24mm, it balances it a bit more.

I'd like a maratac elite for mine at some point.

[Bluntside]

Well maybe you are right about the weight, I'm not too experienced in watches, all I can say is that its much heavier than my G-shock, so this a new experience for me.;-)
About the bezel: I dont know it the hand-movement or something else moves it, but when I set it exaclty to 12'o clock, and look down a bit later, its not there, but a few clicks away. :-s
Yeah a Maratac Elite was my choice too lol! |> Just ordered it! Will post some pics, when arrives!

[Schaferhund]

Well maybe you are right about the weight, I'm not too experienced in watches, all I can say is that its much heavier than my G-shock, so this a new experience for me.;-)
About the bezel: I dont know it the hand-movement or something else moves it, but when I set it exaclty to 12'o clock, and look down a bit later, its not there, but a few clicks away. :-s
Yeah a Maratac Elite was my choice too lol! |> Just ordered it! Will post some pics, when arrives!

Awesome, will probably NEED an Elite after I see yours on the watch!;-)

Maybe the bezel is getting turned as you brush things....it is such a big watch you can't avoid it sometimes, great feel to it though, really nice ratchet IMO.
Looking forward to the pics!:-!

[drj126]

I have the Kinetic version (SKA383) and it keeps better time than most any other watch I have. It has a great reserve, always seems to be running! For those of you thinking about a JSAR, it is about the same "wear", but more comfortable somehow. I didn't know there was a chrono in the same case... if you ever see mine being flipped, it is to buy the chrono.

...and I may just have to take the bracelet off...great pics!

[om-4]

The Caesar is quartz. Don't know of a kinetic chrono that is similar.
But if you want to save your pennies for a really cool Seiko chronograph with Spring-drive technology, check out the Spacewalk (http://www.seikospringdrive.com/spacewalk/index.html).

[jasontking]

I want one of these bad!

Awesome watch. :-!

[Bluntside]

OK, as I wrote before I ordered a Maratac Elite strap, which HASNT ARRIVED YET!! (damn you customs office!).o| So beacuse I wanted to change the OEM bracelet (its perfect, I just wanted to try something different), I ordered a leather and a rubber strap.

Both are from http://www.watch-band-center.com (http://www.watch-band-center.com/) just because they are germans and I'm in Europe so it was more easier than ordering from overseas.

Anyway, the leather strap arrived first. I ordered a 24 mm, I wanted a wider strap, so I had to trim its ends to fit the watch's 20mm lugs. This process was quite easy, I used a sharp knife. But the ending wasnt satisfying, somehow its overall feel and look... I dont know, I just didnt liked it.<|

Then the rubber arrived, which was also 24mm. Alright, I grabbed my knife again... but the result worth it! The strap is long enough to easily fit my 8'25" wrist, I wear it on the 4th hole. Very comfortable and thick strap, the double-tongue buckle gives it a special look. So I'm happy now, I wish if I just could also try the Maratac :-(. The watch's overall weight is much lighter also.

And now for the pics! (please forgive the poor quality, it just a point-and-shoot camera)

As soon as the Maratac arrives, more pics are coming!


http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/bluntside/P1010024.jpg
http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/bluntside/P1010031.jpg

http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/bluntside/P1010034.jpg




http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/bluntside/P1010035.jpg




http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/bluntside/P1010023.jpg
http://s579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/bluntside/?action=view&current=P1010031.jpg

[ThinkBachs]

....can I put on a 22mm, if it has a 20mm width? I want to insert some carbon or kevlar types, can I cut their end to fit the 20mm?
(sorry for the terrible photo skills)


I don't see why this can't be done, the last photo I saw on this forum of someone customizing a strap this way was on a Brit Heritage and it looked fine to me. As long as the trimmed area is cut nice and clean, it'll look good- especially if there is no gap between the trimmed area and the lugs, so do a little at a time until it fits properly.


Edit: Ooops, too late...

http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/bluntside/P1010035.jpg

I've been looking for the perfect watch for me and I think this is going to be it for a while. Gotta feel bad for those that are trying to sell theirs for over $200 when you can get them cheaper on eBay- just have to be patient... ;-) I'm not sure how much longer I can hold out for the best price though.

As far as the wrist shot goes- I've seen waaaaaay worse shots! :-)

[ThinkBachs]

I've spent a week or so looking for just the right diver, and keep coming back to this one. I'm sure that I'll never go as deep as this watch is rated, but it's a little more comforting to know that I don't have to worry about it when it gets wet. ;-)

My fantasy watch of all time would be a Rolex DSSD Chrono, but since they don't make one, this is has to be my second choice. Something that looks durable and manly! I spent $199 on this which included a second strap and free shipping found on eBay with seller 99watches. This was the best price I could find, even after looking at the used ones here on the forum- which btw I found to be higher in price for the most part.

The one thing that has irked me the most about comparing prices on the forum's delling are are the people who go back and edit the price once a watch was sold. This makes it a challenge to know if what I'm looking at is being sold at a fair market price. Personally, I believe this shouldn't be allowed. Besides reviews, this is a valuable resource for those looking to purchase a used watch and feel strongly that those who delete their prices or change them to SOLD are :-x! The other thing that anoyed me were the people who seemed agitated that they couldn't sell their SNDA13 for $250 or $220 when new ones can be found for less...:roll:

http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/oo81/300vrooom/Watches/SNDA13.jpg
http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/oo81/300vrooom/Watches/4hx0jb.jpg

[MAP]

I stumbled across this topic whilst doing a search for information on the Seiko SNDA.
I have my eyes on the lookout for an SNDA15 and this topic has given me great insight into what to expect from this Goliath of a watch.

Many thanks.... I'll be back once I find my quarry.


Mike

[MAP]

SNDA15 Yellow face ordered and on it's way.

Be back when it arrives.


Mike

[diaboliq]

Has anyone ever put this watch on watchadoo? I wonder how it looks..?
And a video of this watch as well.. ?

[Freighttrain]

I'm curious as well if this fits on a Watchadoo, I just got the black face version, and while I love it, I would like some metal bracelet options:-).

[Isthmus]

I'm curious as well if this fits on a Watchadoo, I just got the black face version, and while I love it, I would like some metal bracelet options:-).
I would think that a 22mm straight end Anvil would work, but you'll have to shave the ends down to 20mm. How it will look is a different story.