Seiko SRQ043: A new Speedtimer chronograph
Fernando AldeaA new creation pays homage to the 1969 original and showcases many of the most innovative aspects of Seiko watchmaking.
The creation of the 1969 Seiko Speedtimer was a significant milestone in chronograph history. It was one of the world's first automatic chronographs, but its true significance lay in the fact that its movement, Caliber 6139, was the first to incorporate both a column wheel and a vertical clutch—two devices that 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 watchmaking.
Precision in every detail of the design
Like the 1969 original, every detail of this new creation's design is tailor-made to reflect the precision required for elapsed time measurement at the highest level. The subdials and markers on the dial's outer ring are white to stand out against the blue dial. The chronograph hands are red to ensure the elapsed time can be accurately read at a glance.
The chronograph seconds hand is gently curved toward the dial so that the tip of the hand is as close as possible to the dial markers and extends to the tachymeter markings on the dial edge.
The minute and hour hands, as well as the edges of the indexes, are generously coated with Lumibrite so the time can be read even in low-light conditions.
The push buttons are prominent and have a wide, flat top surface for safe and precise operation. Precision has inspired the design throughout.
The Calibre 8R series, designed for maximum precision
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 vibration or skip in the hands, improving timing accuracy, while the column wheel ensures precise control of the chronograph's operation. Furthermore, the movement incorporates Seiko's unique three-pronged hammer, which ensures that when the reset pusher is pressed, the hands return to zero instantly and in perfect synchronization. The escapement is lightweight and durable, thanks to the use of MEMS technology, which enhances the watch's stability and precision.
The watch is presented on a stainless steel bracelet specially designed and constructed for this series. Its thickness and weight, combined with the case's low center of gravity, ensure stability and a high level of comfort on the wrist. In addition, the presentation box includes a leather strap with specially designed stitching to increase the strap's durability.
This new Speedtimer chronograph will join the core Prospex collection and will be available from September 2022 in Seiko boutiques and select retailers worldwide.
Specs
| SEIKO PROSPEX SPEEDTIMER SRQ043 |
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REFERENCE : SRQ043J1 |
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MOVEMENT : Caliber 8R46, automatic chronograph | Column-wheel system and vertical clutch | 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second) | 45-hour power reserve | 34 jewels |
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CASE : Stainless steel case with super-hard coating | Double-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface | Transparent screw-down case back | 10 bar water resistance | 4,800 A/m magnetic resistance | Diameter 42.5 mm, thickness 15.1 mm |
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DIAL/HANDS : Blue with white subdials and date window at 6 o'clock | Lumibrite on hands and applied indexes | Red tips on register hands and chronograph seconds hand |
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BRACELET : 203mm long super-hard coated stainless steel bracelet | Tri-fold folding clasp with push-button release | Additional calfskin strap |
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FUNCTIONS : Hours, Minutes, Small seconds, Stop-seconds function, Chronograph, Date |
