Introducing the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph 1969 Re-Interpretation

Powered by the unremarkable-yet-reliable 8R46 movement, with 45 hours of power reserve, this large 42.5 x 15.1mm thick steel-cased watch doesn’t look too much like its inspiration, thanks to a much rounder case silhouette and more prominent pump pushers. However, the dial is where the story lives. The blue is rich and glossy like its inspiration, but its the hands that are full of character. The main hours and minutes have a very true-to-the-original feel, broad chunky facets with a wide lume plot. Similar attention to detail has been paid to the subdial hands, which have a teardrop flair characteristic of vintage Seiko chronographs. The hour markers also have a double-ridged design that will be sure to catch the light, and adds some extra dynamism to an already attractive dial.

Seiko fans have long been clamouring for the revival of the desirable historic chronograph models, and with good reason, and it looks like Seiko is finally set on delivering. These modern re-interpretations are just that, interpretations, as sadly, we can’t have the form factor that added so much charm to the originals. Having said that, the dials are very good, and the overall package, as we’ve come to expect from Seiko, is top-notch.