BY HARLAN CHAPMAN-GREEN
Sometimes we get called “elitist” or other such names because we generally only write about expensive watches. Like, duh, that’s the super-interesting stuff guys. But, seriously, we love all kinds of watches here at WristReview and we’re always looking out for a bargain. We know that even people who can afford to drop thousands on a watch often won’t because they can’t see the justification, and we totally get it.
The new Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph starts at a healthy £760 and rises to a maximum of £830. Those prices get you a 42mm x 12.9mm stainless steel case with a matching steel bracelet and clasp, two models also feature black details on the case, the full black version marks Seiko’s contribution to the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, which Seiko is the timing partner of. The four crowns/pushers on the case somewhat remind me of those hideous Diesel fashion watches, at least the ones on this serve a practical function. The water resistance is 100m
Inside the watch is the new calibre 8A50, a solar-powered quartz chronograph movement, accurate to within +/- 10s per month. Time is distributed over four subdials. In normal mode, the 6 O’clock subdial displays the time, but when set to chronograph mode it morphs into a 60-minute counter with the hour hand disappearing (why no 12-hour counter Seiko?). The subdial at 12 O’clock is the seconds counter, while at 10 O’clock is the 1/10th of a second counter and the opposite that is the 1/100th of a second counter.
Seiko designed these for accuracy and that’s what you get, coupled with the solar power the Speetimer Solar Chronograph could be the perfect daily for those out there who need a super-accurate timer.
