Seiko expands its Prospex Speedtimer collection by launching four new solar chronograph models inspired by the Japanese watchmaker’s rich and continuing tradition of sports timing. Equipped with the new Seiko Solar Caliber 8A50, these chronographs can measure elapsed time in increments of 1/100th of a second.
These new watches (SFJ001P1, SFJ003P1,SFJ005P1 and SFJ007P1) feature a 1/100th of a second chronograph counter at the two o’clock position, a seconds counter at 12 o’clock, and a 1/10th of a second counter at 10 o’clock.
A sub-dial displaying the hours and the minutes at the six o’clock position differentiates clearly the time-of-day from the chronograph functions. When the stopwatch function is utilized, the time-of-day sub-dial becomes a 60-minute counter, with the hour hand remaining hidden beneath the minute hand.
The hands contrast with the sub-dials to enhance legibility. The hour and minute hands, as well as the indexes of the time-of-day display, are filled with Lumibrite to enhance legibility in the dark. The pushers are specially designed to ensure the high operability and high accuracy when measuring elapsed time.
Since 1985, Seiko has been the timekeeper of choice for World Athletics. In 2023, for the 18th consecutive time, Seiko will be the official timekeeper of the World Athletics Championships, which will be competed in Budapest, Hungary.
The brand has created a new limited edition solar chronograph (reference SFJ007) that celebrates the sporting heritage of both Seiko and the World Athletics Championships.
Its dial texture evokes the surface of the running track, and the hands, as well as the outer ring of each sub-dial, are in gold coloring to call to mind the first-place medal.
Seiko is also offering a limited-edition solar chronograph with the grey-toned dial (reference SFJ005) that celebrates the 40th anniversary of the world’s first analog quartz chronograph, introduced in 1983.
The dial and reddish-orange hands pay respect to the world’s first analog chronograph that displayed elapsed time in increments of 1/100th of a second, which was introduced by Seiko nine years later, in 1992.
All four watches will be available at the Seiko Boutiques and select retail stores worldwide from July 2023. Both commemorative watches will be available as limited editions of 4,000 worldwide.
Technical details
Seiko Prospex Speedtimer 1/100 sec Solar Chronograph
Models
- Seiko Prospex Speedtimer 1/100 sec Solar Chronographs SFJ001, SFJ003 (JDM references SBER001 and SBER003)
- Seiko Prospex Analog Quartz Chronograph 40th Anniversary Limited Edition: SFJ005 (JDM reference SBER005)
- Seiko Prospex World Athletics Championships Budapest 23 Limited Edition: SFJ007 (JDM reference SBER007)
Movement
Caliber 8A50 Solar Chronograph
Chronograph with 1/100th second counter at two o’clock, 1/10th second counter at 10 o’clock, and seconds counter at 12 o’clock
60-minute counter at six o’clock during chronograph operation
Other Specifications
Stainless steel case and bracelet
Curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 42.0mm, Thickness: 12.9mm
Three-fold clasp with push button release
Price
Recommended retail prices in Europe: €890 (SFJ001, SFJ003), €930 (SFJ005), €970 (SFJ007)
