Unveiling the NEW Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Watch Collection

The new Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph collection is home to four solar-powered models with a 24-hour and power reserve complication, as well as a standard and limited edition mechanical version – all of which pay homage to vintage Seiko chronographs of the past.

It was the development of the heart-shaped cam that contributed to the success of Seiko’s involvement in the sporting world and the evolution of its reliable chronograph watch. The Japanese brand entered the world of sport with confidence, providing reliable timekeeping to international sports federations and measuring elapsed time at many of the world’s leading sports events. The Seiko Chronograph watch later evolved further with the introduction of the column wheel and vertical clutch. The column wheel connects the chronograph function to the movement whilst blocking the reset mechanism whilst the chronograph is engaged and is still plays a valuable role in modern-day chronograph manufacture today. The Calibre 6139 inside the Seiko Speedtimer in 1969 enhanced an overall smoother chronograph performance and now Seiko pays homage to this by welcoming the watch into the Prospex collection with models that are based on the 1969 Speedtimer plus two other instruments from the 1960s – the Seiko 1/5th Second Stopwatch and the 1964 Crown Chronograph.

The new Seiko Prospex Speedtimer watch collection

The new Seiko Prospex Speedtimer watch collection comprises two mechanical chronograph versions, one of which is a special limited edition model of just 1000 pieces worldwide, plus four solar-powered variations, equipped with a 24-hour scale, a 60-minute chronograph function, and a power reserve indicator. Both the mechanical and quartz iterations are crafted from stainless steel but take inspirational cues from different landmarks from the brand’s historical catalogue. The 1964 stopwatch developed by Seiko, which has inspired the design of the white dialled Mechanical Chronograph Limited Edition watch, could measure one 100th of a second. Just 5 years later Seiko adapted this timekeeping technology to create the world’s first automatic chronograph wristwatch – the 1964 Crown Chronograph, which the new standard charcoal dialled Mechanical Chronograph takes inspiration from.

The Seiko Chronograph Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph Limited Edition watch

Firstly, the white dial limited edition version of the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer has a dial layout that evokes the look of the brand’s earlier 1964 1/5th Second Stopwatch. It features crisp black 10-second markings that create a vintage-inspired feel across the surface of the display. The central chronograph second hand is also gently curved, enabling it to reach out to the minute scale and the black tachymeter scale around the edge of the dial. The watch features a bi-compax chronograph layout with a small second sub-dial at 3 o’clock, balanced by a 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock and a date window at 6 o’clock. The surface of the dial is protected by a sapphire crystal glass front and the 42.5mm stainless steel case is 100-meter water-resistant. It features a see-through sapphire caseback that exposes the workings and performance of the new 8-series calibre. The caseback of the watch is also engraved with the individual limited-edition number of the watch and the case features concave push-pieces. At night, details on the dial illuminate thanks to the brand’s innovative Lumibrite material, and the watch also comes with both a stainless steel bracelet with a triple folding clasp and an additional black leather strap.

Specifications of the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph Limited Edition watch

• Case: 42.5mm – stainless steel with super-hard coating– depth 15.1mm – 100-meter water resistance – anti-glare sapphire crystal glass front – screw-down see-through sapphire exhibition caseback – engraved “Limited Edition” lettering and serial number
• Dial; White – black 10-second markings – curved central chronograph second hand – small seconds at 3 o’clock – 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock – date at 6 o’clock – Lumibrite hands and indexes – Bicompax layout inspired by original 1/5th Second Stopwatch from Seiko from 1964
• Movement: Calibre 8R46 – self-winding - +25 to -15 seconds per day accuracy – 45-hour power reserve – automatic and manual winding – 34 jewels
• Strap: Stainless steel – three-fold clasp – push-button release mechanism – additional black leather strap
• Reference: SRQ035J1
• Availability; limited to 1000 pieces worldwide
• Price: £2,780

The Seiko Chronograph Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph watch

With its charcoal grey dial, the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph watch is not a limited edition model but does house the same 8R46 movement with manual and automatic winding. The movement offers an accuracy of +25 seconds and – 15 seconds per day, comprises 34 jewels, and provides a power reserve of 45 hours. It propels a set of Lumibrite central hour and minute hands around the dial, surrounded by a baton index hour track and a bicompax dial layout. The curved central chronograph hand is gently curved like the 1964 Crown Chronograph watch from which it takes inspiration from. The dial also features a small second sub-counter at 3 o’clock and a 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock. The 100-meter water-resistant stainless steel case features a screw-down caseback and comes fitted on a robust stainless steel bracelet with a three-fold clasp and push-button opening mechanism.

Technical Specifications of the new Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph:

• Case: 42.5mm – stainless steel with super-hard coating– depth 15.1mm – 100-meter water resistance – anti-glare sapphire crystal glass front – screw-down caseback – push buttons ay 2 and 4 o’clock
• Dial; Charcoal – curved central chronograph hand – baton index hour track - small seconds at 3 o’clock – 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock – date at 6 o’clock – Lumibrite hands and indexes – Bicompax layout – dial inspired by the original 1964 Crown Chronograph
• Movement: Calibre 8R46 – self-winding - +25 to -15 seconds per day accuracy – 45-hour power reserve – automatic and manual winding – 34 jewels
• Strap: Stainless steel – three-fold clasp – push-button release mechanism
• Reference: SRQ037J1
• Price: £2,600

The Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph

Inspired by the 1969 Speedtimer launched by Seiko for the accurate measuring of elapsed time in the sporting industry - the four new solar-powered quartz Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Chronographs are offered on a silver, navy-blue, gold and black dial. Lumibrite hands and indexes are accompanied by several features that enhance functionality on the wrist. The 3 o’clock sub-counter offers a 24-hour scale, whilst the 6 o’clock sub-dial features a 60-minute function, as well as a power reserve indicator. The 9 o’clock counter is where the small seconds can be tracked. Each of the dial variations, with date windows located at 4:30, feature contrasting colour-filled chronograph counters surrounded by a black tachymeter bezel for measuring speed based on distance.

Splashes of red can be seen in the central chronograph second hand of the navy-blue dial iteration, as well as its surrounding tachymeter scale, creating a more assertive sportiness compared to its three counterparts. The entire surface of the dial is protected by a curved sapphire crystal glass lens with anti-reflective properties. The Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph watches restore energy via natural and artificial light and come integrated with 100-meter water resistance. To finish, these 39mm models also feature hairline and smooth polished finishes on the surface of their stainless steel bracelets, securing with a three-fold clasp.

Technical specifications of the new Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph watches

• Case: 39mm – height 13.3mm - stainless steel – curved anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass front – 100-meter water-resistant – screw-down caseback – black tachymeter bezel
• Dial: Silver/navy/gold/black – contrasting colour-filled sub-counters – 24-hour track at 9 o’clock - 60-minute sub-scale at 6 o’clock – small second sub-dial at 9 o’clock – chronograph central second hand in red – date window at 4:30 – power reserve at 6 o’clock – Lumibrite central hour and minute hands – baton indexes and hour markers
• Movement: V192 – quartz, movement – solar-powered – accuracy of +15 seconds per month
• Strap: Stainless steel – triple folding clasp – push-button mechanism
• Price: £590
• References: Silver SSC813P1 / Navy SSC815P1 / Gold SSC817P1 / Black SSC819P1

For more information on any of the new models from Seiko’s Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph range, you can check out the watches here. Alternatively, you can call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team on 01335 453453