Seiko Essentials ChronographvsStraton Sportiva and Volante
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Measurements
Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.
Essentials Chronograph
Sportiva and Volante
Diameter
41.5mm
38mm
Lug-to-Lug
46.5mm
n/a
Thickness
12.1mm
12mm
lowest
Water Resistance
100m
100m
MSRP
$265
lowest
$599
Movement
Seiko 8T63
Seiko VK64
Case
5 specsCrystal & Dial
2 specsMovement
2 specsPricing
1 specsReviews
Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.
Owners widely praise the Seiko Essentials Chronograph for its value and clean, everyday design, with many finding it beautiful for its price point. Some owners highlight its lightweight wearability for active use and college budgets. One owner notes the orange stripe on a stopwatch button can expand and fall off in heat. The Seiko Essentials line is generally considered great value, offering quartz options. Overall, owners rate the Seiko Essentials Chronograph highly for its aesthetic appeal and affordability.
The Seiko Essentials Chronograph offers vintage styling and the in-house 8T63 mechaquartz movement at an accessible price point. The 50-meter water resistance is a limitation.
Owners praise Straton's customer service and the unique horizontal brushed dial on the Volante, with one owner noting the BGW9 lume on thin hands is surprisingly good. The 38mm size is recommended for wrists smaller than 7 1/4 inches. Some owners report the meca-quartz movement is not very precise, and one owner experienced a band that was too short with no response from customer service. Overall, owners appreciate the Straton Sportiva and Volante for its distinctive dial and comfortable bracelet, despite some reservations about the meca-quartz movement's precision.
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