Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph White Ref. SBEC021

Inheriting a design inspired from some of Seiko's most historical chronographs including the 1964 Crown Chronograph, Seiko's and Japan's first chronograph wristwatch, and the 1969 Seiko Speedtimer chronograph which was powered by the innovative in-house Cal. 6139 automatic chronograph movement, these new releases alluringly revisits Seiko's prodigious tradition in sports timing while flexing their modern watchmaking expertise in producing some really good-looking, yet performance-oriented chronographs — Seiko definitely hit a home run with this one.

Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph White Ref. SBEC021

Seiko set a stage for themselves on a international level with the endorsement of their incredibly accurate time-measuring equipments by sports federations worldwide in many of the world's leading sports events, this success was made possible with the incorporation of Seiko's "heart-shaped cam" mechanism, a revolutionary development which delivered a level of precision once thought unachievable by manual sports timing devices. Following the release of the 1964 Crown Chronograph during the Summer Olympics, in May 1969, Seiko launched the Seiko Speedtimer, the world's first mass-produced automatic chronograph timepiece driven by a column wheel and vertical clutch, an especially favored feature that became widespread in today's scene of high-end chronograph watches. These were phenomenal watches that allowed Seiko to be established as one of the leaders in wristwatch chronograph technology. Today we unveil the new Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph White – Ref. SBEC021.

Encased in a robust 316L stainless steel case construction, the Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph White – Ref. SBEC021. vaguely resembles the case shape of some of Seiko's modern 62MAS reissues with its slightly rounded lug design, a well-crafted case design many Seiko lovers are largely familiar with. Measuring with a diameter of 42mm, a lug to lug distance of 49.5mm and a thickness of 14.6mm, suited for most male wrist size. Like many of Seiko's other Prospex models, the finishes here are skilfully executed to a high level of detail with circular satin brushing on the top of the lugs and a smooth high polish at the side of the case. Pairing with the watch is a stainless steel 7-link bracelet with sleek and durable finish. It uses a "one-push" three-fold clasp for security and convenience.

Seiko Calibre 8R48 with (MEMS) technology

The aged white dial of the Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph is delicately finished to ensure a high level of readability and legibility, an attribute critical for a sports watch meant for professional use. Equipped with three blue subdials at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock position with the 3 o'clock subdial displaying the 24 hour time, the 9 o'clock subdial showing the running seconds and the 6 o'clock dedicated to dual functions: a 60-minute elapsed time counter and a power reserve indicator. Held together by a rehaut with the traditional tachymeter which is usually present at the bezel of a chronograph. With markers and etched techymeter numerals, the details add a whole new dimension and distinct itself from other chronographs.

Bearing a close resemblance to the 1969 Seiko Speedtimer, the hour indices are intricately applied with boxy markers, accompanying the broad sword-style handsets, which are treated with Seiko's renowned LumiBrite paint for an easy time-reading experience even in the dark. The dial is then complete with a curved scratch-resistant sapphire glass, treated with generous amounts of blue anti-reflective coating to ensure utmost clarity.

Constructed out of 316L stainless steel with bi-compax layout dial

At the heart of the Speedtimer Chronograph lies Seiko's latest and most advanced automatic chronograph caliber introduced in their 8R series of movements — the Seiko in-house Cal. 8R46. Featuring all the hallmarks of the Cal. 8R48 such as a vertical clutch and a column wheel for the highest levels of precision. The 8R46 movement's performance is enhanced by the use of micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) technology to produce the escapement, resulting in an improved stability for the watch's mechanical precision. Beating at a rate of 28,800 beats per hour (BPH), the movement houses an astonishing 34 jewels and a capable power reserve of approximately 45 hours. As a result of this new caliber, operation of the pump chronograph pushers feels incredibly gratifying with crisp and defined actuations.

Paying tribute to one of Seiko's most legendary chronograph timepieces, the Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph White – Ref. SBEC021 showcases the modern watchmaking prowess of the Japanese watch manufacturing and marks the 100th Year of this incredible company. From the lovely dimensions to the exceptional craftsmanship, Seiko's rich timekeeping heritage is unmistakably reflected in both the iconic visual aesthetics and remarkable timing precision of this new release, and we can definitely expect this one to be a fan-favorite in no time.

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