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

The new mechanical chronographs are each equipped with a new movement from Seiko’s most advanced automatic chronograph 8R series, Caliber 8R46. It shares the same impressive performance attributes as Caliber 8R48 but incorporates two sub-dials instead of three and has a date window at the six o’clock position making the dial layout more streamlined. The vertical clutch and column wheel ensure the precision and durability and allow 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 back 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.

SPEED DRIVEN DESIGN

This exciting collection includes both a limited edition inspired by the 1/5th second stopwatch from 1964 and an ongoing model Inspired by the Crown Chronograph, Seiko’s and Japan’s first chronograph wristwatch. The new Prospex Speedtimer limited edition chronograph’s dial pays homage to the 1/5th second stopwatch and every detail of its design inherits the precision and legibility that were crucial to the high performance of the original. The numerals at each ten-second mark and the markings stand out prominently against the clean white dial and guarantee the same high level of legibility. The continuing model has beveled hour markers, sharp hour and minute hands with colored Lumibrite, and markers on the outer dial ring that echo the design of the original 1964 Crown Chronograph.

USABILITY, LEGIBILITY, AND VISIBILITY

With a design concept based on utility and legibility for timekeeping, the new Prospex Speedtimer models feature large concave pushers ensuring the high operability for which the original stopwatch and timpieces were renowned. For accurate measurement, the chronograph second hand is gently curved down 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 at a glance. In addition, each model is presented on a stainless steel bracelet that is specially designed and constructed for the series. Its thickness, weight and low center of gravity ensure stability and a high level of comfort on the wrist.