Seiko 145th Anniversary Prospex Speedtimer Two-Tone Mechanical Chronograph Limited Edition Watch Review

Completing the trio of Seiko’s 145^th Anniversary edition watches is the Prospex Speedtimer Two-Tone Mechanical Chronograph Limited Edition. It pays tribute to the 1972 Seiko Panda Chronograph, which they have previously paid homage to with the 2024 re-interpretation. The new watch builds on that 2024 series with an updated dial and fresh colours.

Jumping straight to the dial, considering that it’s based on the Panda they’ve somewhat ironically decided not to use a Panda design here. Though as the 2024 collection features both Panda and Reverse Panda dials perhaps that’s not all that surprising. Instead what we have is a monotone white dial with a new textured surface with a woven pattern. It’s similar to the nanako pattern of the King Seiko anniversary edition but slightly less intricate – as you would expect of the difference between Seiko and King Seiko.

In addition to the new textured surface, the 145^th Anniversary Prospex Speedtimer introduces gold coloured hands and hour markers. In the press imagery the gold appears quite vibrant but I find that in the metal it’s a bit more muted which suits the sporty nature of a chronograph better. Though ultimately the watch does feel like it’s caught halfway between being a Prospex and a Presage. They’re clearly pushing the boundaries to make it feel like an anniversary special edition, but personally I think that if I wanted a chronograph based on the 1972 Panda, opting for either of the existing actual Pandas would make more sense.

For the case, it’s identical to the 2024 version. Which means a 42mm diameter and 14.6mm thick. That thickness is quite extreme and gives the watch a tall profile on the wrist that not all collectors will like. It definitely sits in the chunky tool watch category rather than the svelte, unobtrusive dress watch style.

Beneath the updated dial of the 145^th Anniversary Prospex Speedtimer is the 8R48 automatic movement with 45-hour power reserve. It’s their vertical clutch, column wheel chronograph movement featuring hours, minutes, small seconds, central chronograph seconds, 12-hour timer, 30-minute timer, and date. It’s protected by a solid steel caseback that also marks it as a limited edition of 700 pieces. It’s priced at £2,300.

More details at Seiko.