BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
Paying homage to their original Speedtimer, which they introduced in May 1969, Seiko has introduced two new series of chronographs. The first series comprises of two models, the first one is limited to 1000 pieces and its design is a tribute to Seiko’s stopwatch from 1964. The second model from the first series will have the same calibre which is Cal. 8R46, but it has different dial and case interpretations. The second series comprises of 4 solar chronographs and all the watches are part of Seiko’s Prospex collection.
As mentioned earlier, the first of the two models is the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Limited Edition SRQ035 which has a dial that pays tribute to Seiko’s 1/5th second stopwatch from 1964 and has a very clean and legible dial design which is a direct inspiration from its predecessor, thanks to a large part to the contrasting plain white dial and black numerals over it. The watch is enclosed in a stainless steel case measuring a substantial 42.5mm and 15.1mm thick, which has a super-hard coating, affixed with a sapphire crystal and see-through caseback, offering 100m water resistance. This model comes with a 3-link stainless steel bracelet with super-hard coating, three-fold clasp with push-button release and and an additional calfskin strap.
The second one of these new models is the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SRQ037 which is a non-limited edition release and has the case, bracelet and movement similar to its limited edition counterpart, but this version has a dial that more closely resembles the Seiko Prospex lineup of watches. The dial is charcoal-grey with a sunbrushed pattern with the recessed sub-dials in black. Only the black flange with a tachymeter scale retains the similarity with SRQ035, otherwise, it’s a different dial with more of a classic look. The sharp and pointy hands received the beige-colored LumiBrite treatment and this version only comes with a 3-link steel bracelet.
Both models are powered by Calibre 8R46 which is an in-house automatic chronograph movement with column wheel and vertical clutch. The movement is beating at 28,800 vibrations/hour and comes with a power reserve of 45 hours. Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Limited Edition SRQ035 is priced at EUR 3,200 and Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SRQ037 is priced at EUR 3,000 and are available at Seiko boutiques and selected retail partners worldwide.
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