Cazalea introduces the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Limited Edition Chronograph SRQ041, a timepiece celebrating Seiko's enduring legacy in sports timing and its role in the World Athletics Championships. This article delves into the watch's design and technical specifications, highlighting its connection to Seiko's pioneering chronographs of the 1960s. Cazalea's post provides a detailed look at how this new Speedtimer honors both athletic heritage and horological innovation.
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 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.
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 Caliber 8R46, which, like the Caliber 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 color 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 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 center 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.
World Athletics Championships Oregon22 Limited Edition:SRQ041
Caliber 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
This one is coming too
Caliber Number 8R46
Movement Type Automatic with manual winding
Accuracy +25 to -15 seconds per day
Duration Approx. 45 hours
Exterior
Case Material Stainless steel (super hard coating)
Crystal Dual-curved sapphire crystal
Crystal Coating Anti-reflective coating on inner surface
LumiBrite Lumibrite on hands and index(es)
Band Material Crocodile leather
Clasp Three-fold clasp with push button release
Other Details
Water Resistance 10 bar
Case Size
Thickness: 15.1 ㎜
Diameter: 42.5 ㎜
Length: 45.5 ㎜
Weight
120.0 g
Bracelet Length 185 ㎜
Other Specifications
Screw case back
See-through case back
Other Features
34 jewels
Equipped with small seconds hand
Stop second hand function
