Seiko’s tradition as a pioneer in sports timing began in the 1960’s, when the company introduced to the world’s sporting stage a range of timing devices that set a new global standard of precision. This tradition has continued and, since 1985, Seiko has been the timekeeper of choice of World Athletics. In 2022, for the 17th consecutive time, Seiko will deliver its state-of-the-art timing services to the World Athletics Championships which will take place in Eugene, Oregon, the spiritual home of the sport in the USA. This new Prospex Speedtimer Limited Edition Chronograph celebrates the sporting heritage of both Seiko and this hallowed venue and honors the performances of the approximately 1,800 athletes who will take part in the championships.
This new Speedtimer chronograph will be available as a limited edition of 400 from June 2022 at the Seiko Boutiques and selected retail partners worldwide.
The Prospex Speedtimer. Showcasing the very best of Seiko’s chronograph watchmaking.
Just as Seiko’s 1960’s suite of sports timers brought important innovation to the global sports arena, so the creation of the Seiko Speedtimer in 1969 was a crucial landmark in the history of the chronograph. Thanks to its vertical clutch and column wheel, it made the measurement of elapsed time more precise and error-free than ever before. Hand-assembled by Seiko’s skilled watchmakers, this new Speedtimer is powered by Calibre 8R46, which, like the Calibre 6139 used in the original 1969 Speedtimer, incorporates vertical clutch and column wheel mechanisms to ensure the highest possible levels of precision and durability. The escapement is lightweight and strong, thanks to the use of MEMS technology which enhances the stability of the watch’s precision. The pushers are prominent and have a wide and flat upper surface area to facilitate accurate operability. With the push of the reset button, the hands return back to zero instantly and in perfect synchronization, ready for the next race.
Designed to celebrate sport at the highest international level
Every detail of the new Speedtimer reflects the high performance and reliability of Seiko’s sports timekeeping and captures the spirit of World Athletics. The sand patterned dial evokes the texture of the running track and the chronograph second hand, as well as the 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock, are in yellow, the colour of all Seiko’s timing and measurement devices. The second hand is gently curved down towards the markers and its tip extends right to the edge of the dial so that the elapsed time can be read accurately at a glance. The hour and minute hands are generously coated with Lumibrite to enhance readability in the dark.
The hands and strap stitching echo the yellow of Seiko’s timing equipment and the back of the watch features the event emblem.
The watch is presented on a stainless steel bracelet that is specially designed and constructed for this series. Its thickness and weight combined with the low centre of gravity of the case ensure stability and a high level of comfort on the wrist. If the wearer chooses, the bracelet can be replaced with the black leather strap that is also included and whose stitching is designed to increase the durability of the strap.
Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph
World Athletics Championships Oregon22 Limited Edition:SRQ041
Calibre 8R46, Automatic Chronograph
Column wheel and vertical clutch systems
Vibrations: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
Power reserve: 45 hours
Jewels: 34
Specifications
Stainless steel case and bracelet with super-hard coating
Dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating in the
inner surface
See-through screw case back
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 42.5mm Thickness: 15.1mm
Three-fold clasp with push button release
Additional calf strap included
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: €3,200
Limited edition of 400