The New Prospex Speedtimer!

Posted on August 10 2022

The creation of the 1969 Seiko Speedtimer was an important landmark in the history of the chronograph. It was one of the world’s first automatic chronographs but its true significance lay in that fact that its movement, Caliber 6139, was the first to incorporate both a column wheel and a vertical clutch, two devices which made the measurement of elapsed time more precise and error-free than ever before. Today, a new creation pays homage to the 1969 original and showcases many of the most innovative aspects of Seiko’s watchmaking.

Just like the 1969 original, every detail of this new creation’s design is tailored to reflect the precision required for elapsed time measurement at the highest level. The sub-dials and markers on the outer dial ring are in white so that they stand out prominently against the blue dial. The chronograph hands are in red to ensure that elapsed time can be read accurately at a glance.

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 right to the tachymeter markings at the dial edge. The minute and hour hands and the edge of the indexes are generously coated with Lumibrite so that the time can be read even in low light conditions. The pushers are prominent and have a wide and flat upper surface area to facilitate secure and accurate operability. In every aspect, precision has inspired the design.

This new Speedtimer is powered by Caliber 8R46, which incorporates both vertical clutch and column wheel mechanisms, just like the 1969 original. The vertical clutch eliminates any shuddering or jumping of the hands and so enhances the measurement accuracy while the column wheel ensures the precise control of the chronograph operation. In addition, the movement incorporates Seiko’s unique three-pointed hammer which ensures that, when the re-set pusher is depressed, the hands return to zero instantly and in perfect synchronization. The escapement is lightweight and strong, thanks to the use of MEMS technology which enhances the stability of the watch’s precision.