What are the new Seiko Prospex Speedtimer 1972 Panda watches all about? Let’s take a look...
Thursday - 07 December 2023
Seiko dive watches from the 1960s? Done. Seiko dress watches from the 1970s? Done. Speedtimer Chronograph watches from the 1960s and 70s? Not so many.
Japanese giant, Seiko has done well to remind consumers of its rich heritage over recent years. It has paid dividends for many Seiko watch designs. Yet, you can’t help by think there is more to be done on the Speedtimer front. The brand has lagged behind in reviving its back catalogue somewhat. Until now. Today is a good day for those who consider themselves true fans of the Seiko Speedtimer watch. The brand has launched two new models – the SRQ047 with a distinctive panda dial and the limited edition SRQ049 on a vintage-coloured reverse panda dial. Let’s get to know them a little better…
The Race to Develop the Automatic
The two new Seiko Speedtimer 1972 Panda watches take inspiration from a chronograph released by the Japanese watchmaker in 1972. The influential model was released during the golden era of chronographs. During this time, the race was well and truly on to become the first to master the automatic watch. Bidding to be the first to succeed, Zenith was neck and neck with Seiko. It was in the midst of manufacturing the El Primero when the Speedtimer arrived. Seiko, however, was the official brand crowned as the first to achieve the automatic watch. The Speedtimer was revolutionary in its technology. With Seiko paying homage to so many other historical timepieces from its back catalogue, it seems only fair to honour the Speedtimer in this very special way with these two latest releases.
The New Seiko Speedtimer 1972 Panda Watches
The new Seiko Speedtimer Panda 1972 watches measure larger than the original design, with a 42mm diameter. Both models are crafted from stainless steel and finished with the brand’s hard coating technology to enhance robustness and strength. Both models are also fitted on a stainless steel bracelet, yet the limited edition version also comes with an additional black leather strap. That’s a great option when you think about it. You can switch from sophisticated to relaxed with very little effort. Simply switch up the strap and Voila!
The new watches may not be exact recreations of their 1970s ancestor, but they do feature a similar handsomely contoured case with a tall sloping polished bezel, short lugs that are aggressively tapered, and polished case side chamfers. The horizontally brushed case sides donate a chunky appeal, whilst the linear brushing applied to the piston push pieces at 2 and 4 o’clock is another nice touch. Upon flipping the case of the new watches over, you will see a simple engraving of the Seiko script logo. The watches are also 100-meter water resistant making them perfect for plenty of outdoor use.
The difference between the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph SRQO47 and the Limited Edition SRQO49 is the dial colour. Both models share the same racing chronograph dial layout, with a split tachymeter and chronograph scale and recessed chronograph sub-counters at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. The chronograph hands are differentiated by a vibrant orange tip, leaving the baton hour markers and central hands to glow richly in the dark thanks to plenty of trusty Super-LumiNova.
The watch that resembles the original Seiko 6138-8020 the most is the SRQO47. It features a warm silver dial with black-filled chronograph dials that deliver all the sporty elements of the watch via a softer and more luxurious design. The tachymeter scale around the flange appears in an almost midnight blue colour in some lights. It is just one of the many attractive features of this latest Speedtimer watch.
The Seiko SRQO49 takes on a slightly sportier look. It features bright silver accents against a rich black dial. The famous cut-out date window makes its appearance at 4.30 and the entire dial is capped by a protective piece of anti-reflective and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass. Running the show is the Calibre 8R48 movement inside both watches. It is the brand’s reliable power plant, operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and providing a 45-hour power reserve. It also comprises a column wheel and vertical clutch for enhanced overall mechanical performance. The vertical clutch is responsible for coupling to the chronograph gear train via friction (as opposed to a gear). It provides a smoother start for the second hand and eradicates the jumpy feel of the hand once activated.
To complete the sporty look of these new Seiko Speedtimer 1972 Panda Chronograph watches, the brand fits them on a stainless steel nine-link bracelet. Essentially the bracelet is a mix of a pair of Jubilee-style links and some conventional wider links. As mentioned, the limited edition watch also comes with an additional black leather band for a more relaxed finish on the wrist.
If you think the new Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Panda 1972 watches are for you, get in touch with a member of our Jura Watches sales team today and call 01335 453453 for more information.
