In addition to the Speedtimer 6R Compact Countdown, Seiko are launching three new Speedtimer chronograph models. There’s the Prospex Speedtimer ‘Maximum Precision’ 8R Mechanical Chronograph, Prospex Speedtimer x Datsun Fairlady Z and Solar Speedtimer x Datsun Fairlady Z.
The connection between Datsun and the Speedtimer dates all the way back to 1969 when both the wristwatch collection and Datsun 240Z were introduced, so it’s no surprise to see the brand reference here. With that context in mind, let’s get into the watches.
‘Maximum Precision’ 8R Mechanical Chronograph
The ‘Maximum Precision’ 8R Mechanical Chronograph and its accompanying Prospex Speedtimer x Datsun Fairlady Z limited edition are interesting beasts. Essentially, they take the mechanics and chronograph structure of the 1972 Chronograph Re-Interpretation and present them in the aesthetic style of the Solar Speedtimer, blending the technical ability of the former with the incredibly popular aesthetic of the latter to create the ultimate ‘best of both worlds’ chronograph.
That means a 42mm diameter case in stainless steel (with a black superhard coating on the limited edition) with a 14.6mm thickness providing plenty of presence on the wrist. That does make it solidly larger than the Solar Speedtimers that share a similar case shape from lug-to-lug with a prominent tachymeter bezel, but that’s to be expected with the difference between a mechanical movement and quartz. It also features the retro pump pushers that are a signature of Seiko’s mechanical chronos as opposed to the button pushers of the Solar versions.
The overall impression is that while it’s called the Speedtimer, as noted by the new Speedtimer logo on the dial, you could easily have a tongue slip and call it the Prospex Speedmaster, especially when it comes to the standard model which feels very much like an Omega-lite. Right down to the tone-on-tone black tricompax subdials. The Prospex Speedtimer x Datsun Fairlady Z at least mixes things up by adding coloured accents across the hands and tachymeter bezel as well as swapping the typography to that used on the dashboard of the Fairlady Z.
Powering both versions of the watch is the 8R48 automatic movement. It’s a vertical clutch, column wheel chronograph calibre, which has historic significance because the Speedtimer is believed to have been the first automatic chronograph equipped with a vertical clutch and column wheel system. You can find out the importance of that here. It has a 45-hour power reserve, protected by a solid caseback. For the special edition, the caseback features a Datsun logo.
The standard ‘Maximum Precision’ 8R Mechanical Chronograph is £2,400 and the 500 piece limited edition Prospex Speedtimer x Datsun Fairlady Z is £2,950. It’s probably about time to update our Affordable Alternatives to the Omega Speedmaster article and put this front and centre.
Price and Specs:
Solar Speedtimer x Datsun Fairlady Z
If you need any proof that the ‘Maximum Precision’ 8R Mechanical Chronograph is a mechanical interpretation of the Solar Speedtimer, Seiko have helpfully made a Solar Speedtimer x Datsun Fairlady Z edition too. So, you can really see the side-by-side similarities. It’s a touch smaller than its mechanical counterpart at 41.4mm x 13mm. Its tachymeter bezel also makes use of the Datsun typography.
The biggest difference though compared to the 8R Datsun edition is the bi-colour design of the case and bracelet, which only has coated centre links as opposed to the entire piece being coated black. It makes for a more overtly sporty design, like a racing stripe down the centre. Also increasing that sportiness further is the red minute track around the periphery of the dial, which is based on the red and black colour scheme of the Safari 240Z, a rally spec version of the Fairlady Z from the 1970s that won the East African Safari Rally twice, a race sponsored by Seiko.
Inside is the V192 solar quartz movement. Essentially, it’s a quartz calibre that uses light that passes through the translucent dial of the watch to charge the battery, eliminating on the biggest downsides of cheaper quartz watches, the need to replace that pesky battery. It makes it much more reliable and accurate than its mechanical counterpart but less horologically appealing. Though there is an appropriate trade off in value with the Solar Speedtimer x Datsun Fairlady Z being just £880 in a limited edition of 4,000 pieces.
Price and Specs:
More details at Seiko.
Does Seiko regulate these or are they simply Seiko’s -30/+45 seconds over 24 hours? Id so, nbot worth the price od admission.