Coutura Men's Solar Perpetual Calendar Alarm Chronograph Watch

Other reviewers have already captured this watch's excellent value, feature set, looks and quality. Below are my observations; I'll summarize that this is a dress watch that makes slight trade-offs for looks over functionality (rather than being a sports or everyday watch), and is really well designed and manufactured for that purpose. NOTE: You must properly set the watch the first time around, otherwise calendar and alarm may not work right. It's all in the manual! Shouldn't have to touch it again for a long time. Battery: It's solar-powered, so you shouldn't have to replace the battery for a long time. Size and fit: The case size of 44 mm is on the smaller side for men's chronographs these days, and should work for more wrists. The lugs curve downwards from the watch back (rather than going straight out, or being offset by a domed back), helping the watch wrap nicely on my thinner wrist. There's plenty of removable links - in fact, they *all* can be removed (no one's going to, but just so you know). Functions: I compared this to a Citizen PCAT, which was also in the running. Seiko's functions are easier to use - lower side button for chrono, upper side button for checking date-month-year-battery reserve. Pull crown to position 1 for setting alarm, position 2 for setting time and calendar. Missing are world time, multiple time zones, and radio time sync (compared to more expensive Couturas and the Citizen PCATs), but those weren't worth the premium for me. Buttons: Two side buttons, that shouldn't get pushed accidentally, thanks to the raised "shoulder" of the crown, as well as their own resistance and clickiness (might take some time getting used to). The alarm is set using the side buttons rather than by turning the crown. In some contexts, holding the button pressed will move the hands faster (like when setting the alarm or the time/calendar). Dials and hands: Top dial is for day, date-hand function indicator and power level. The "day arc" dial is less common in watches, and I like how it's done here. Bottom dial is alarm time/chrono hour+minute. Left dial is always seconds. The normal second hand is actually a calendar hand on this watch, cycling between displaying date, month and year when pressing the top side button. It's much more readable than a small date dial, of course less so than a date window - but the date hand is unique and works for the look of the watch vs a date window. The big dials has 1/5th second markings for the chrono functions, but these are missing near the big 5-minute markers - for looks I guess, but I'd have preferred if they had kept the fine markings everywhere. Hands are nicely styled, with the hour and minute hands having plenty of LumiBrite. The calendar hand is really thin; a bit more width would have been nice. Other markings are white against black, no LumiBrite here - will be difficult to read in "mood lighting". Materials and build: can't complain, solid parts are solid, moving parts are well-fitted, glass is sapphire crystal and flat, water resistance of 100 m is adequate (not planning on scuba diving with this dress watch). The polished silver band will slowly scratch, so enjoy it while it lasts. After that, declare it "brushed metal"? The band styling is unique to the Coutura line, as far as I can tell, and quite attractive. You won't find a replacement band from Seiko, so take care of the original (or maybe buy a busted Coutura for the band if you must). Comparable watches: Seiko SSC787 is this watch but in silver with blue tone. Citizen PCATs offer similar dial layout, more features (time zones, tachymeter, radio sync, and 200 m water resistance, but lack month-year) at a higher price. Finally, be careful where you buy it from - either get it from Amazon.com directly, or an authorized Seiko seller. My first attempt landed me a "new" watch from an inventory liquidator, and many of the negative reviews here appear to have had a similar experience.

Beautiful and top quality look and performance! I receive a lot of compliments

Make no mistake this is a stunning kinetic art piece that also doubles as a dead accurate chronograph. My jaw dropped when I opened the box. Been wearing it for 6 years and still every now and then the gold flash catches someone’s eye. “That’s a mighty fine watch you have there ! “. Never looses a second. Plus the toddlers love it when they push a button and the hands whirl into a new position to indicate the month or day.

I was not really sure what to expect buying a watch over the internet. I have exclusively owned Seiko watches for 50 years. This watch did not disappoint me. It is heavier than most watches, which I like very much as I am a big man. And the styling is beautiful. Some have complained about how difficult it is to setup the various functions on the watch. Personally I found the "quick start" guide easy to follow and was able to set the time, date and month easily. I have not tried to stop watch function, and my never even use it. And it comes with a very long band. I was a little confused as to how to remove links as I could not find it covered in the instructions. But thanks to YouTube I found a video and it was supper easy to take out a couple of links and now it fits perfectly. It does take some getting used to reading the date and time on dials instead of in a window. But that is how the watch is made and I am getting used to it. Overall love this watch.

This is my most beautiful watch. Incredible craftsmanship! Absolutely GORGEOUS! Instructions are good. Just read them. Big gripe that seems like a little thing, but is a BIG thing. This "little thing" cost Seiko a star from me. How do I make this watch fit my skinny wrist without extra expense? Did I miss an adjustment voucher for a watch that cost a reasonable amount of money? Here is a respectful suggestion to Seiko, my favorite watch brand. Please include tools to take links out of the band!!! Attached is an example of what could be done. With another recent purchase, I bought an inexpensive stainless watchband for my Timex Expedition (my outdoor watch) because the Expedition's leather band gave me a rash when it got wet. Guess what? The no-name band maker gave me the tools it took to take links out of that band (see pic of what should be included with any Seiko watch)! Venerable, but maybe calcified Seiko did NOT do that for me on this watch. Where do I take it to have it adjusted? If I buy this off Amazon, no one wants to adjust the band for me for free... I'm not afraid to adjust my own band given a proper tool that would cost almost nothing to include in the beautiful box. Maybe even put the tool in that cool pillow thing that holds the watch in the box. For this kind of money a $5 manufacturing adjustment = $250 mental adjustment for me. It seems like a little thing. I believe it is a BIG thing. If you want to sell your watches online, provide the support needed to make them fit without extra expense!

Absolutely fabulous. Day one wearing it and I already got comments of admiration. Classy. Elegant.

First, I have worn Seiko watches since 1970. While not the bling or reputation of Tag Heuer or Beitling, Seiko is an outstanding value. I’ve never had a poor watch among the some half dozen I have owned. Most of the preceding, thorough reviews have captured the essence of this time piece: great value, stylish, dependable, accurate. With care and attention to detail (read the instructions) it is reasonably easy to set up. The video tutor on the SeikoUSA website is also helpful. Should you need to, the band is easily adjustable by removing one or more of the links (using a pin or the end of a paper clip, small pliers). I removed three links with no problem. Having had a solar powered Seiko dress watch, I find them dependable and accurate. Some general advice when watch shopping on Amazon: Pay attention to the specific seller. Sometimes it is a watch retailer; sometimes it is Amazon specifically. The difference? The warranty varies by seller. Some sellers are Seiko authorized dealers and/or offer the Seiko manufacturer’s (3-year warranty), others offer some variation of a shop or third-party warranty. If it makes a difference, read the find print or ask the seller directly. I look forward to many years of good service from this watch.

Beautiful watch nice quality and it arrived in a timely fashion