When you think of high performance sports timing on the world stage, there are three names that immediately jump to mind. Omega for the Olympics, Rolex for Wimbledon and Seiko for the World Athletics Championship. Seiko has been right there at some of sport’s most iconic moments. We all remember Usain Bolt at the 2019 event setting his world records and it was Seiko that timed those all important seconds. In celebration of the 2022 event in Oregon USA, Seiko is releasing a limited edition Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph.
As befits a watch celebrating one of the world’s top sporting events, the new piece puts a lot of emphasis on being serious and sporty. That means the funky, retro style of recent Speedtimers, like the 1964 Re-Interpretation, has been dialled back in favour of a stark, legible design.
Black and yellow are the primary colours on display. They’re the main colours Seiko has always used on their professional timing equipment due to their great contrast and easy readability. On the Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph limited edition that translates to a black, sand textured dial (simulating the surface of the track) complimented by yellow chronograph seconds and 30-minute counter hands.
In the pursuit of ever more accurate timekeeping, the tip of the chronograph hand dips towards the circumferential seconds scale so that more accurate readings can be taken at a glance. After all, each 0.1 of a second matters. Powering the chronograph is the Seiko 8R46 movement, an automatic calibre with 45-hour power reserve and column wheel and vertical clutch systems.
It’s not just the dial and movement which excel in sporty environments though, as the case and bracelet are designed to sit comfortably on the wrist during any activity. The 42.5mm stainless steel case has a low centre of gravity, meaning it stays close to the wrist and doesn’t pull on your arm as you swing it. It also has an exhibition caseback displaying the Oregon 2022 emblem. It’s available on a matching steel bracelet or durable black leather strap with yellow stitching.
The Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph limited edition for the World Athletics Championship 2022 is limited to 400 pieces and priced at £2,740. It will be available from the Seiko Boutique online from June 2022, ahead of the July Championship.
Price & Specs:
Model: Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph Limited Edtion
Reference: SRQ041
Case/Dial: 42.5mm diameter x 15.1mm height, stainless steel, sand patterned black dial
Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
Movement: Calibre 8R46, automatic chronograph, 34 jewels
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 45h
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph with central seconds and 30-minute counter
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with additional leather strap
Price/availability: £2,740, limited edition of 400, available from June 2022
More details at Seiko.
