BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
In 1969, Seiko made a breakthrough in movement accuracy when it introduced cal. 6139, the world’s first automatic chronograph watch equipped with both a vertical clutch and column wheel. Commonly known as Speedtimer by watch lovers, the 6139 came in a wide variety of dials ever since its inception. It set a benchmark in high-precision timing owing to a large part to vertical clutch and column wheel, the two mechanisms that serve as prerequisites for highly effective chronographs and made significant advancements in the measurement of elapsed time in wristwatches. In 2021, Seiko paid tribute to this rich past with the introduction of two new mechanical chronographs; and now in 2023 Seiko honors once again, a new all-black version of the iconic chronograph from the Japanese brand, the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph SRQ045.
First off the case, which is a good 15 mm high and that’s thick by any standard. But then again, it’s consistent with the standard models of the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer. The other dimensions of this stainless steel case are 42.5mm in diameter and 50mm lug to lug. This model is presented in an all-black livery along with touches of red. The all-black styling goes hand-in-hand with the sports chronograph nature of the watch, and is made possible due to Seiko’s proprietary hard coating which provides not only a stylistic look but excellent scratch resistance as well. The elongated pump-style pushers further help to make the sports chronograph point across. Sapphire crystal protects the dial and makes 100 meters of water resistance possible.
The matte black dial has a sandblasted finish, and this dial has a distinctively unique character from past iterations. Additionally, the seconds scale is accentuated in red on the black. The high-contrast dial and the dial style is directly inspired by the first Seiko stopwatch designed for winter sports.
The see-through caseback reveals the calibre 8R46, also found in the standard models. It is Seiko’s proprietary 34-jewel, two-counter mechanical chronograph movement, beating at 28,800 vibrations/hour and offering 45 hours of power reserve. The SRQ045 is offered on a black calf leather strap with a folding clasp. Limited to 600 examples, the price is set at US$3,000 and the availability starts in February 2023 at Seiko boutiques and retailers.
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