A new series of six watches inspired by the Speedtimer and Seiko’s tradition of sports timing join the Prospex collection.
A limited edition watch with a new automatic chronograph movement pays faithful tribute to the design of the 1964 stopwatch, while a second version with the same caliber and a series of four solar chronographs complete the range.
The original Seiko Speedtimer was released in 1969, with the new limited edition incorporating several design features from the 1964 stopwatch.
The limited edition chronograph’s dial pays homage to the 1/5th second stopwatch from 1964 and very detail of its design inherits the precision and legibility that were crucial to the high performance of the original.
The numerals at each ten-second mark and the markings stand out prominently against the plain white dial and guarantee the same high level of legibility.
The chronograph second hand is gently curved down towards the dial so that the tip of the hand is as close as possible to the dial’s markers and extends to the tachymeter markings at the very edge of the dial, thus ensuring that elapsed time can be read accurately at a glance.
The large concave pushers ensure the high operability for which the original stopwatch was renowned.
The watch incorporates a new movement from Seiko’s most advanced chronograph 8R series, Caliber 8R46 which shares the same performance attributes as Caliber 8R48 but incorporates two subdials instead of three and has a date window at the six o’clock position.
The vertical clutch and column wheel ensure the precision and durability which are the hallmarks of the 8R Caliber series.
The watch is presented on a stainless steel bracelet that is specially designed and constructed for the series.
Its thickness, weight and low center of gravity ensure stability and a high level of comfort on the wrist. If the wearer chooses, the bracelet can be replaced with the black leather strap that is also included and whose stitching is designed to increase the durability of the strap.
The new Speedtimer is offered as a limited edition of 1,000.
In addition to the limited edition watch, a new creation with the same case and bracelet and also powered by Caliber 8R64 joins the main Prospex collection.
The dial design is a subtle nod to Seiko’s and Japan’s first chronograph wristwatch, the Crown Chronograph from 1964.
Its beveled hour markers, sharp hour and minute hands with colored Lumibrite, its chronograph pushers and the markers on the outer dial ring echo the design of the original.
Four new solar chronographs complete the range, 39mm in diaemeter, available in white, navy, gold and black.
Approximate recommended retail prices will range from approximately £2,200 to £2,350.
All six creations in the new Speedtimer series will be available from November 2021 at the Seiko boutiques and selected retail partners worldwide.
