Seiko celebrate their heritage in sport timing with the release of three new models. The first is a new automatic chronograph paying tribute to a 1964 stopwatch, the second a vintage-inspired limited edition chronograph and the third, a series of four solar chronographs. Meet the new Seiko Prospex Speedtimer watch collection…
We often associated Seiko with the worlds of diving and affordable dress watches, but a part of their legacy important to remember is their involvement in sport. In 1964, they developed a stopwatch equipped with Seiko’s innovative “heart-shaped cam” mechanism allowing for the measurement of one-one hundredths of a second, a feat once thought unachievable by manual sports timing devices. Then in 1969 they applied this revolutionary technology to the world’s first automatic chronograph equipped with a vertical clutch and column wheel mechanism. This watch became known as the Seiko Speedtimer and delivered unprecedented performance for the measurement of elapsed time. Today, we’ll be looking at the series of six new Prospex watches inpsired by the original Seiko Speedtimer.
Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph (SRQ037J1)
Heading the line-up of Seiko Prospex Speedtimer watches is a mechanical chronograph under reference SRQ037J1. The overall aesthetic of this design takes its inspiration from Seiko’s and Japan’s first chronograph known as the Crown Chronograph from 1964. The same sword-shaped hands and faceted hour markers are present as is the sleek stainless steel case and bracelet. Several improvements are understandably introduced including the Japanese watch manufacturer’s new Calibre 8R46 movement from their most advanced 8R chronograph movement series. The movement incorporates two subsidiary dials instead of the classic three alongside vertical clutch and column wheel mechanisms and a power reserve of 45 hours.
The dial of the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph is beautifully done, subtly nodding to the 1964 Crown Chronograph but offering modern functionality with Lumibrite coloured hands and markers and a smooth black tachymeter scale. The dial is finished in a shade of anthracite grey which contrasts just enough to the black counters for the small seconds and 30 minutes. With the push of the reset button on the left hand side of the case, the chronograph hands return to zero instantly and in perfect synchronisation. The watch measures to 45.5mm in diameter, 15.1mm in height and is completed by dual curved sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective coating.
Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph Limited Edition (SRQ035J1)
Following closely to the model above but opting for a more retro finish is the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph watch under reference SRQ035J1. This is a limited edition of 1,000 pieces and commemorates the original Seiko stopwatch of 1964. The design of its predecessor was large characterised by its crisp white dial and jet black hardware for instantly legibility. As you can see, the face of the new design offers exactly that with each marking standing out prominently against the plain white backdrop. The dial also features double-digit markers for every ten-second mark, Lumibrite hands and a slightly curved chronograph seconds hand. The latter is done purposely to ensure the hand is as close as possible to the dial’s markers so that elapsed time can be read accurately at a glance.
The Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph Limited Edition is also home to the brand’s new Calibre 8R46 movement which like the model above provides a date window at 6 o’clock, a 45 hour power reserve, vertical clutch and column wheel mechanism, 34 jewels and an accuracy of +25 to -15 seconds per day. The movement can be witnessed through the see-through case back alongside the words “Limited Edition” and the individual serial number. The stainless steel case also measures in at 45.5mm on the wrist with a 100 metre water resistance, sapphire crystal glass and a beautifully balance stainless steel bracelet. As a limited edition, the watch also comes with an additional black leather strap which can be equipped for delivery on your request.
Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph (SSC813P1, SSC815P1, SSC817P1, SSC819P1)
Last up in the new generation of Seiko Prospex Speedtimer watches is a series four solar-powered chronographs. Found under references SSC813P1, SSC815P1, SSC817P1 and SSC819P1, the designs take inspiration from yet another historic Seiko watch, this time from the 1969 Speedtimer itself. The main architecture of the case remains remarkably faithful to its predecessor but with a few improvements on it’s 39mm sizing, hairline and smooth polished finishing on the bracelet and curved sapphire crystal glass.
The dials are easily recognisable as Seiko Prospex with handsome sandblast finishing and contrasting chronograph counters for high levels of readability. The dial comes in four colours, hence the four references, including a gorgeous deep navy face, a unique gold dial, a classic black on white panda dial and a simple black dial. The shades found on the faces also subtly makes their way across the details on the black tachymeter bezels. Powering each of the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph watches is the Calibre V192 solar movement with a 24 hour indicator, time of day seconds hand, 60 minute chronograph subdial and a power reserve indicator.
If you’d like to learn more about the new Seiko Prospex Speedtimer watch collection and order the models for yourself, head over to the Jura Watches website here. Alternatively, get in touch with the team by calling 01335 453453 or send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
