Seiko celebrates multiple iconic watches from their archives with the new and exotic Prospex Speedtimer 1/100 Sec Solar Chronograph Collection. A clearly unique design, the striking dial layout, which separates time and stopwatch functions onto different sub-dials, was inspired by the Seiko Sportura Kinetic 9T82 powered chronographs from the 90s. Divisive watches with a cult following, they have been re-popularized by former Tonight Show host, Jay Leno.
The layout of the dial isn’t just meant to be striking, however, as it aids in legibility. The time has been relocated from the center to a sub-dial at the six position, allowing for unobstructed chronograph sub-dials. At twelve is a sixty-second counter, which is flanked by a 1/10-second counter at ten, and a 1/100-second counter at two. Balancing the dial is a 42mm x 48mm x 13mm steel case with a classic design, and mixed brushed and polished finishing.
There are four versions of the Prospex Speedtimer 1/100 Sec Solar Chronograph at launch, the SFJ001, SFJ003, SFJ005, and SFJ007. The SFJ001 is a panda dial with a silver surface and black subdials, while the SFJ003 is all black. Both are open editions with steel cases and bracelets. The SFJ005 is an anniversary limited edition paying homage to both Seiko’s and the industry’s first analog quartz chronograph, the 7A28. It features a gray dial with orange accents, and black accents on the case and bracelet. The SFJ007 celebrates Seiko’s partnership with the World Athletics Championships and is all-black with gold accents on the dial.
Powering the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer 1/100 Sec Solar Chronograph Collection is the new solar-powered caliber 8A50. A very modern quartz movement charged by the sun, it is controlled by three pushers and a crown. The crown eight switches between chronograph and time modes. When in chronograph mode, the timing hands center to twelve, and the dial becomes a 60-minute counter. At this point, the pusher at two will start and stop the chronograph, and the pusher at ten will reset or split.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Dial: Vertically Brushed Grey with Black Subdials
- Movement: Seiko Solar Caliber 8A50
- Complications: 60 Minute Chronograph, 1/10 Second, 1/100 Second
- Lens: Sapphire
- Strap: Bracelet
- Water Res.: 100M
- Diameter: 42mm
- Length: 48.3mm
- Thickness: 12.9mm
- Lug Width: 20mm
- Reference: SFJ001
- Case: Stainless steel w/ PVD Bezel
- Dial: Vertically Brushed Brown with Black Subdials. and Orange Highlights
- Movement: Seiko Solar Caliber 8A50
- Complications: 60 Minute Chronograph, 1/10 Second, 1/100 Second
- Lens: Sapphire
- Strap: Bracelet w/ PVD Coated center links
- Water Res.: 100M
- Diameter: 42mm
- Length: 48.3mm
- Thickness: 12.9mm
- Lug Width: 20mm
- Reference: SFJ005 (Limited Edition)
- Case: PVD Coated Stainless steel
- Dial: Black Textured with Blacks Subdials. and Yellow Highlights
- Movement: Seiko Solar Caliber 8A50
- Complications: 60 Minute Chronograph, 1/10 Second, 1/100 Second
- Lens: Sapphire
- Strap: PVD Coated Bracelet
- Water Res.: 100M
- Diameter: 42mm
- Length: 48.3mm
- Thickness: 12.9mm
- Lug Width: 20mm
- Reference: SFJ007 (Limited Edition)
- Case: Stainless steel
- Dial: Vertically Brushed Black with Black Subdials
- Movement: Seiko Solar Caliber 8A50
- Complications: 60 Minute Chronograph, 1/10 Second, 1/100 Second
- Lens: Sapphire
- Strap: Bracelet
- Water Res.: 100M
- Diameter: 42mm
- Length: 48.3mm
- Thickness: 12.9mm
- Lug Width: 20mm
- Reference: SFJ003
Founded in 1881, Seiko began as a humble jewelry and clock store and has since grown into the watchmaking juggernaut that it is today. If the technology for a watch they wanted to make didn’t exist, Seiko made it happen under their own roof. Since Seiko is vertically integrated, they can customize nearly any part of their watches to their own design and specs in house. From the first true dive watch, to one of the first automatic chronographs, and completely new ways of powering a watch like Spring Drive, Seiko’s list of horological achievements is lengthy. They’ve done everything all the way down to creating their own lab-grown and regulated quartz crystals for timekeeping.