Seiko is a brand that has never been afraid of pushing the limits of design, eschewing in many instances what other brands may consider the standard of what a watch should look like. A perfect example of this is their 90’s creation, the Seiko Sportura Kinetic. Bold, unique, and designed unlike many chronographs before it, the Sportura Kinetic became an instant cult classic. Three decades later, the brand has drawn inspiration from this reference to give us the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer 1/100 Sec Solar Chronograph collection. Check out Zach Weiss's side by side of his Seiko Sportura against the new Speedtimers here!
With four references throughout the collection, Seiko has found a way to modernize the design while still providing multiple iterations to cater to different tastes. There is the SFJ001,with its classic panda layout and the SFJ003, which takes a black on black approach. These two references create a foundation for the collection and will do a great job of attracting most collectors.
Rounding out the collection are two references that are limited to 4000 pieces each. The SFJ005 which has a black PVD bezel and black PVD center links. It commemorates the anniversary of the first analog quartz chronograph released by Seiko in 1983. The final reference, the SFJ007, has a full PVD case and bracelet. It features golden highlights on the dial and is celebrating Seiko’s partnership with the World Athletics Championships.
Beyond the visual aesthetics, the collection features an all new movement from Seiko, the Calibre 8A50. It’s a solar chronograph movement where time is displayed on the 6 o’clock subdial. But with a click of the pusher at 8 o’clock, you enter chronograph mode. In this mode, you have a 1/10 second, 1/100 second and 60 minute counter.
After spending some time with the collection, we are big fans of how Seiko decided to modernize a classic. Placing all the subdials under one piece of sapphire crystal keeps the design clean and more approachable. And even as the four subdials give the watch a larger appearance in photos, wearability is still great. With curved down lugs, all four references wear more like a 40-41mm watch instead of the listed 42.
If you like what you see with these new Seiko Prospex Speedtimer 1/100 Sec Solar Chronographs, definitely grab one from the Windup Watch Shop as we don’t expect inventory to last long. Our shop team gave a quick video of the new watches here, if you'd like a closer look! And if you’re still on the fence, schedule a consultation and stop by our offices to check one out in person.
