Daniel Oliver 
Although Seiko was one of the very first watchmakers in the world to launch an computerized chronograph with the ref. 6139 of 1969, the complication is not as synonymous with the manufacturer as say, dive watches. That is because of in portion to the brand’s sparse choices in phrases of mid- to- higher-finish mechanical chronographs.
But that is slowly modifying. After reviving the Speedtimer two several years in the past, Seiko has just released the most recent iteration of the design with the Prospex Speedtimer SRQ045. Benefiting from an all-black makeover, the new Speedtimer is elegant nevertheless functional homage to the stopwatches Seiko designed for the 1972 Wintertime Olympics in Japan.
Initial feelings
I was not far too amazed by the new Speedtimer at first as it appeared way much too similar to the common-creation design. But when I looked nearer, I transformed my mind. While the new Speedmaster is admittedly one of a lot of retro-styled chronographs introduced by Seiko in the past several several years, it’s nevertheless an appealing observe.
The stark black-and-crimson livery of the new Speedtimer will make for a formidable racing chronograph in truth it appears much more like sports chronograph than the standard iterations of the product, which sense a little bit flat in comparison.
The focus to depth in design exhibits up below far better than on other models. Examples of that contain the scaled-down moment numerals on the dial and the pump-style pushers. I do want, nonetheless, the seconds hand experienced a sprint of pink on its tip to entire the appear.
That said, the new Speedtimer retains the similar circumstance (and cal. 8R46 movement) as its frequent-output counterparts, which indicates the scenario is a chunky at about 15 mm high – it is a thick watch by any regular. Ideally Seiko will inevitably refine its chronograph movement to allow for for a extra compact situation.
1970s styling
The new Speedtimer requires inspiration from the first Seiko stopwatch built for winter athletics. At the 1972 Wintertime Olympics, Seiko was appointed official timekeeper, so the model established about developing a observe that would be legible throughout darkish and frigid winter season months. The end result was a 1/10th-of-a-second stopwatch with a substantial-distinction black dial that includes the seconds scale highlighted in purple.
An illustration of the stopwatch built for the 1972 Wintertime Olympics. Image – Seiko
This was the design for the new Speedtimer, which reproduces the dial fashion and even the sub-dial arms but provides a tachymeter scale to the periphery of the dial.
The circumstance is similar to the standard types – round, steel, and measuring 42.5 mm by 15.1 mm. But contrary to the normal designs that have a preserve the pure metal end, this situation has a black coating that boosts scratch resistance.
The motion is continue to the cal. 8R48, a two-counter mechanical chronograph motion featuring a vertical clutch and column wheel. A noteworthy attribute of the motion is a two-finger hammer that resets the two chronograph palms in sync each and every time.
Crucial information and selling price
Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph Restricted Version
Ref. SRQ045
Diameter: 40.5 mm
Height: 12.80 mm
Substance: Metal with hard coating
Crystal: Sapphire
Drinking water resistance: 100 m
Motion: Cal. 8R48
Options: Several hours, minutes, seconds, date, and chronograph
Frequency: 28,800 beats for every hour (4 Hz)
Winding: Automated
Ability reserve: 45 hrs
Strap: Calf leather strap with a folding clasp
Minimal edition: 600 pieces
Availability: At Seiko boutiques and vendors beginning February 2023
Cost: US$3,000
For additional, visit seikowatches.com.
