Two New Editions of the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph

Seiko’s involvement in chronographs is far more prominent than many would imagine. While the brand’s significance regarding dive watches is indisputable, Seiko has also left its mark on stopwatches. Remember that in 1969, it was part of a trio that presented the first automatic chronograph movements with a watch named the Speedtimer. Last year, the Japanese watchmaker presented a tribute to this important watch with the Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph SRQ047 and SRQ049. This year, the collection extends with two new models – references SRQ051 and SRQ053 – bearing new dial colours.

While we’ve already explored the history of Seiko’s role in chronograph watches when we introduced last year’s Speedtimer models, let’s just recap the most important facts. Seiko released its first chronograph watch and movement in 1964, which coincidentally was the first of its kind for a Japanese manufacturer: the Seiko Crown Chronograph and its calibre 5179. In 1969, Seiko joined a crucial race for the watch industry, that of the first automatic chronograph movement, alongside Zenith (El Primero) and Heuer/Breitling/Hamilton (Calibre 11/Chronomatic). Seiko came up with the calibre 6139, later replaced by the calibre 6138 – an automatic, integrated chronograph with a column wheel and a vertical clutch (an architecture that is still seen as the best in the game).

Some of the early models using these two movements have now become icons, such as the famous, colourful “Pogue” reference 6139-6002 or the subsequent “Baby Panda” reference 6138-8000 – which was using the later movement, the calibre 6138. Seiko has used this specific reference as a base for a modern recreation, presented last year under the references SRQ047 and SRQ049 and the name Prospex Speedtimer.

Following these two models, Seiko now enlarges the collection with two new models using the same technical base but with new dial variants – namely, black or blue reversed panda. Most of the specifications of these new Speedtimer Chronograph SRQ051 and SRQ053 are familiar, with a retro-styled design that relies on semi-integrated lugs and an almost tonneau-shaped case. While the dimensions are not compact, they are in line with most modern sports automatic chronographs. The 42mm diameter is paired with a 14.6mm thickness and sub-50mm length – it’s not a small watch by any means, but it feels balanced and coherent on the wrist.

Some positive aspects, such as the nice finish combining hairline-brushed and polished accents, the anti-reflective sapphire crystal and the 100m water-resistance, have been kept, as well as the super-hard coating on all surfaces. What can be surprising, however, is the size of the crown and pushers, which are clearly on the large side – but which add personality to this sports watch. The closed caseback is relevant in this context since the chronograph’s function is positioned under the dial.

Talking about dials, this is where most of the updates are visible. Last year’s editions were equipped with either a panda dial (SRQ047, part of the permanent collection and still available) or a reversed panda dial with a grey-blue tachymeter scale and a rather matte dial overall (SRQ049, limited edition of 1,000 pieces). The new versions are classics, with a dark blue reversed panda edition (SRQ051) or a classic black reversed panda model (SRQ053). The latter is slightly different from the inaugural limited edition, thanks to its pitch-black base, its red accents on the chronograph hands and a black inner flange with tachymeter scale.

These Speedtimer Chronograph watches have a classic silver-toned tri-counter display with 12-hour and 30-minute counters, a precision seconds scale printed on a silvery-white base and a date positioned at 4:30 in a small circular window – always up for debate. The new colour schemes are classic, legible and efficient.

Inside the case, no revolution. The Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph SRQ051 and SRQ053 are powered by the in-house calibre 8R48, a surprisingly fine movement equipped with a vertical clutch and column wheel, ensuring a smooth actuation of the function and a precise start of the seconds hand. This automatic engine beats at a 4Hz frequency, with an escapement made lighter and stronger thanks to MEMS technology. The 45-hour power reserve is on the short side compared to many modern Swiss competitors.

Worn on a 1970s-inspired multi-link steel bracelet with a three-fold clasp, the new Seiko Speedtimer Chronograph SRQ051 and SRQ053 are released as part of the permanent collection and will be available from 1 October 2024. The price will be EUR 2,700, USD 2,500 or GBP 2,350 – the same as last year’s versions. For more details, please visit seikowatches.com.