The New Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph SRQ055

The original 1969 Seiko Speedtimer marked a milestone as the world’s first automatic chronograph with both a vertical clutch and a column wheel, boosting timing precision and reliability. That same year, the Datsun 240Z debuted as a Japanese sports car that proved its performance in global rallying, famously winning the East African Safari Rally in 1971 with Seiko as a sponsor. This shared legacy of motorsport spirit and precision timing sets the stage for Seiko’s latest Speedtimer lineup for 2025, the Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph SRQ055.

Alongside the Datsun-inspired limited editions SPB517, SRQ057, and SSC957, Seiko launches the Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph SRQ055 as a new regular-production model. While the SRQ055 stays faithful to the robust look of earlier Speedtimers like the SRQ051 and SRQ053, it brings updates that improve practicality and visual balance. The stainless steel 100m water-resistant case measures 42mm in diameter and is 14.6mm thick, giving the watch a presence that feels appropriately substantial for a mechanical sports chronograph. The case is topped with a dual-curved sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface.

Despite its size, the watch looks more compact on the wrist, a result of the tachymeter scale now being positioned externally on a fixed bezel rather than squeezed onto the dial’s inner chapter ring as seen on earlier models. This shift frees up dial surface, making the overall layout somewhat cleaner. The black dial stays true to the classic format, with a 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock, a 12-hour counter at 6, and a running seconds sub-dial at 3. Applied indices and crisp printing ensure that time and elapsed measurements remain easy to read. The small round date aperture at 4:30 shows a disc matched to the dial; the hands and hour markers are treated with LumiBrite.

Inside is Seiko’s own calibre 8R48, a proven automatic chronograph movement that beats at 28,800 vibrations/hour and delivers about 45 hours of power reserve, a spec that invites improvement. As with its 1969 predecessor, the 8R48 uses a vertical clutch and column wheel. The escapement parts benefit from the MEMS technology (electroforming lithography), adding further durability and precision.

One notable update is the bracelet, which has been refined with newly styled links that look sharper and improve comfort on the wrist compared to previous Speedtimer bracelets. The watch comes exclusively on this stainless steel bracelet with a three-fold clasp and push-button release. It’s a contrast to the Datsun-themed SRQ057, which comes paired with a rally-inspired leather strap, making the SRQ055 the more interesting option for those who want to wear their Speedtimer every day. Priced at EUR 2,800, the new Speedtimer SRQ055 is a solid chronograph from a brand with motorsport heritage and the technical pedigree to back it up.

For more details, please visit SeikoWatches.com.