The history of chronographs is full of memorable names like "Speedmaster", "Daytona", "Monaco", and many others. While many of these series are still alive and thriving, one of the most historical models in Japanese chronography has been dormant for a long time - until now. The Seiko Speedtimer line was first introduced with the automatic chronograph Caliber 6139 in early 1969 (possibly the first automatic chronograph on the market, though initially sold only in Japan for several months), and this name adorned many of Seiko's best chronograph models over the years, from the automatic Caliber 6139 and Caliber 6138 chronographs to the world's first analog quartz chronograph of the 7a28 series.
In 2021, the Speedtimer name finally returns to Seiko's stable, bringing with it a new in-house automatic chronograph movement equipped with both a vertical clutch and a column wheel. With an impressive new powertrain and two appearance options inspired by classic Seiko chronographs of the 60s, the new Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph series, including the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph SRQ037 and the limited edition Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph SRQ035, offers a clean and capable look into the future of one of the brand's most renowned models.
Both limited edition models, Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph SRQ035 and Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph SRQ037, share the same bold 42.5mm stainless steel case design. The overall shape is clean and simple, inspired by the 1964 Seiko 1/5 Second Stopwatch model. As much visual space as possible is reserved for the dial, resulting in a narrow and sharply sloped bezel with a chamfer and simple matte straight lugs. The SRQ035 and SRQ037 cases with their simple flat matte sides and low-profile sapphire crystal do little to hide their considerable overall thickness of 15.1mm, though the contrasting polished finish of the bezel may help somewhat break up this profile on the wrist.
Both models begin to differ from each other in the design of the crown and pushers. The SRQ035 limited edition model features a more detailed design, with flared tips of the massive piston pushers reminiscent of the 1/5 Second Stopwatch from the 60s and a raised chamfer on the unsigned crown. In contrast, the SRQ037 model is not adorned with piston pushers and features a crown with square knurling. Both models are equipped with sapphire casebacks and boast a sporty water resistance of 100 meters.
Although both limited edition Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph SRQ035 and Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph SRQ037 have dials inspired by Seiko chronographs of the 60s, this pair offers completely different takes on the core theme. In the limited edition SRQ035, Seiko draws inspiration from the 1964 1/5 Second Stopwatch model. The result is a strict, ultra-legible white dial that wears its stopwatch roots on its sleeve in the initial images. Except for the narrow inner tachymeter bezel in contrasting black, almost every element of the dial eschews traditional wristwatch chronograph cues in favor of a more utilitarian sports stopwatch look.
The numerous concentric printed scales of the chronograph minutes and seconds are a striking example of this approach, as are the bold printed Arabic minute numerals. The subdials feature full-size scales and flat printed construction, while the main chronograph hand has exaggeratedly narrow counterweights reminiscent of the central seconds hand of the 1/5 Second Stopwatch. The overall look is bright and functional, with almost measuring clarity, but Seiko's decision at the "6 o'clock" position is likely to be divisive. Due to the inclusion of a date window at the "6 o'clock" position and the "Prospex Automatic" inscription, the Arabic numerals at the "6 o'clock" position are entirely absent, creating a sense of emptiness and imbalance in the initial images.
In contrast, the dial of the two-register chronograph Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph SRQ037 echoes more familiar wristwatch chronograph features, giving them a more refined look. Like the recently introduced Presage Style60’s series, the SRQ037 model takes inspiration from the 1964 Seiko Crown Chronograph, creating an interesting stylistic bridge between Seiko's dress and sports sub-brands.
The main dial surface in anthracite sunburst creates a sense of visual patina in the images, which resonates with the warm khaki lume used for the hour scale and the broad dauphine hands. The widely grooved applied indices enhance the vintage feel, while the deeper black surfaces and railroad scales of the sunken subdials add a sense of visual complexity to this relatively simple design.
Seiko has equipped the limited edition Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph SRQ035 and Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph SRQ037 models with the new in-house developed automatic chronograph movement 8R46. The 8R46 movement shares a platform with the existing automatic chronograph 8R48, but instead of a triple subdial, the 8R46 opts for a two-register scheme with a date at 6 o'clock.
Like other members of the 8R family, the 8R46 model showcases some of Seiko's most advanced movement manufacturing technologies, including a vertical clutch and column wheel drive in the chronograph complication, and uses MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) manufacturing technology to create a more durable and accurate final product. The overall characteristics of the 8R46 model are quite solid: a power reserve of 45 hours at a frequency of 28,800 beats per second. The finish of the 8R46 model is light and typical for Seiko: a rotor with striped cutouts and clean matte bridges with polished chamfers.
Both limited edition Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph SRQ035 and Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph SRQ037 models feature a patented new variant of the classic three-link stainless steel "oyster" style bracelet. The rounded profile of these massive links and the fully matte finish give the bracelet a softer, vintage appearance, which pairs well with the other models shown in the initial images. For those who prefer straps, Seiko also includes a classic black leather strap with both models.
With well-equipped and highly capable new movements combined with a design that echoes some of Seiko's most historical chronograph models, the limited edition Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph SRQ035 and Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph SRQ037 are a worthy revival of one of the Japanese giant's most iconic product lines. Only 1,000 units of the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph SRQ035 will be released. The SRQ035 and SRQ037 models will be available at Seiko boutiques and selected authorized dealers from November 2021.
MSRP for the limited edition SRQ035 is USD 3,200, while the price for the regular SRQ037 model is slightly lower at USD 3,000. For more information, visit the brand's website.