BY HARLAN CHAPMAN-GREEN
Following on from my last write-up about a limited edition watch from Seiko, or perhaps leading up to that write-up, depending on when this article gets published, the Japanese giant has announced some more limited edition watches built around their Speedtimer model.
Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph Datsun 240Z Limited Edition SSC957
The first new model is a solar-powered affair called the Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph Datsun 240Z Limited Edition SSC957, which features the Datsun name on it. You’re probably wondering why this watch ties in with a car brand that no longer exists by that name. Well, Datsun’s 240Z (also known as the Nissan Fairlady Z) was launched in 1969, the same year as Seiko launched the Speetimer, one of the world’s first automatically wound chronograph watches (though not the first). This watch features a 41.4mm x 13.0mm stainless steel case with 100m of water resistance. Inside it is the solar-powered calibre V192 which, when fully charged, should last about six months. This watch is limited to 4,000 examples with a price of €1,050.
Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph Datsun 240Z Limited Edition SRQ057
This next model is the first of two mechanical chronographs we have today. It follows on from the previous model in that it is another tribute to the Datsun 240Z, which not only got more and more people in the West interested in small Japanese sports cars but also won the 21st East Africa Safari Rally in 1973. The new watch features a black-coated stainless steel case measuring 42.0mm x 14.6mm, also with 100m of water resistance. This model is presented on a black leather strap to keep with that motor racing theme. Inside the watch is the selfwinding calibre 8R48 which has a power reserve of 45 hours and both a column wheel and vertical clutch for the chronograph. These are rarely seen in mechanical watches at this price point, which is €3,500, the watch is limited to 500 examples.
Seiko Prospex Speedtimer ‘Maximum Precision’ 8R Mechanical Chronograph SRQ055J1
The last model for now is the Prospex Speedtimer ‘Maximum Precision’, this one isn’t a limited edition and doesn’t follow the automotive theme of the previous watches. It’s still paying tribute in some ways to the historical Speedtimer. While I said earlier that the Speedtimer wasn’t the first selfwinding chronograph wristwatch, because it wasn’t, Seiko says that it was the world’s first selfwinding chronograph wristwatch to include both a column wheel and vertical clutch as well. These are often viewed as superior to cam-controlled chronographs with a lateral clutch, those can judder as the chronograph is engaged and the lateral clutch can wear over time whereas vertical clutches don’t suffer the same issues. Sat in a stainless steel case which also measures 42.0mm x 14.6mm (with 100m of water resistance), this watch comes with a stainless steel bracelet. It also features the 8R48 calibre, and while I like the historical references I do find it ironic that Seiko called this model the ‘Maximum Precision’ but the 8R48 is rated to perform between -15s and +25s per day. The price of this model is €2,750.
