Prospex Speedtimer

A RICH AND CONTINUING TRADITION

In the 1960’s, Seiko entered the international sports timing stage with a whole new generation of high-precision equipment that was enthusiastically endorsed by many international sports federations and used to capture elapsed time at many of the world’s leading sports events. A range of stopwatches were introduced with Seiko’s innovative “heart-shaped cam” mechanism, a feature which delivered a level of precision once thought unachievable by manual sports timing devices. The 1964 Crown Chronograph was designed from scratch and it marked the beginning of Seiko’s chronograph wristwatch manufacturing. It had a simple one-push mechanism but it amply demonstrated the same commitment to precision. Then, in 1969, Seiko introduced the Caliber 6139 Seiko Speedtimer, the world’s first automatic chronograph with a column wheel and vertical clutch, two devices that revolutionized the measurement of elapsed time and are still prerequisites in modern automatic chronographs. A new series of automatic chronographs inspired by the Seiko Speedtimer and Seiko’s rich and continuing tradition of sports timing join the Prospex collection.

POWERED FOR PRECISION

Designed for maximum precision, the new mechanical Speedtimers are powered by Seiko’s 8R caliber, the brand’s most advanced automatic chronograph movement. Each is equipped with a column wheel and vertical clutch mechanism, ensuring accuracy and durability and allowing for smooth movement of the chronograph hand with no stutter motion when the chronograph is engaged. With the push of the reset button, the hands return to zero instantly and in perfect synchronization. The escapement is lightweight and strong, thanks to the use of MEMS (Micro-electromechanical systems) technology which enhances the stability of the watch’s precision.

EVER- EVOLVING SPEED DRIVEN DESIGN

Inspired by the 1/5 second stopwatch and Seiko’s early chronographs of the 1960s, the first timepieces in the Speedtimer collection inherited the design elements that provided the precision and legibility crucial to the high performance of the original models. New additions to the series are based on Seiko’s 1972 Speedtimer, originally developed with a more modern style and functionality for young motorists, and nicknamed “Panda” by fans due to the prominent contrast between the base dial and subdial colors. They feature superbly tailored details including a streamlined and curved case designed to seamlessly connect to the multi-row bracelet for an enhanced and elegant fit on the wrist.

USABILITY, LEGIBILITY, AND VISIBILITY

With roots in the utility and legibility required for precision timekeeping, the Prospex Speedtimer models feature prominent pushers, ensuring the high operability for which the original stopwatch and timepieces were renowned. For accurate measurement, the chronograph second hand is gently curved towards the dial so that the tip of the hand is as close as possible to the dial’s markers and extends to the tachymeter markings at the very edge of the dial, thus ensuring that elapsed time can be read easily. The new models feature highly legible “Panda” style dials with orange tipped chronograph second hands, a design cue inherited from the 1972 Speedtimer, while the new case and bracelet design employ a classic and refined construction made possible by Seiko’s latest watchmaking technologies. The combination results in a precise, reliable, and comfortable timepiece with a truly elegant sensibility – the best of both worlds.