Inheriting a design inspired from some of Seiko's most historical chronograps including the 1964 Crown Chronograph, Seiko's and Japan's first chronograph wristwatch, and the 1969 Seiko Speedtimer chronograph which was powered by the innovative in-house Cal. 6139 automatic chronograph movement, these new releases alluringly revisits Seiko's prodigious tradition in sports timing while flexing their modern watchmaking expertise in producing some really good-looking, yet performance-oriented chronographs — Seiko definitely hit a home run with this one. Seiko set a stage for themselves on an international level with the endorsement of their incredibly accurate time-measuring equipments by sports federations worldwide in many of the world's leading sports events, this success was made possible with the incorporation of Seiko's "heart-shaped cam" mechanism, a revolutionary development which delivered a level of precision once thought unachievable by manual sports timing devices. Following the release of the 1964 Crown Chronograph during the Summer Olympics, in May 1969, Seiko launched the Seiko Speedtimer, the world's first mass-produced automatic chronograph timepiece driven by a column wheel and vertical clutch, an especially favored feature that became widespread in today's scene of high-end chronograph watches. These were phenomenal watches that allowed Seiko to be established as one of the leaders in wristwatch chronograph technology, and these series of newly-released models certainly pays a strong tribute to the mighty performance and visual beauty of their eminent forefathers. Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph Blue Ref. SBDL111 / SSC939 Encased in a robust 316L stainless steel case construction, the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph Blue – Ref. SBDL111 vaguely resembles the case shape of some of Seiko's modern 62MAS reissues with its slightly rounded lug design, a well-crafted case design many Seiko lovers are largely familiar with. Measuring with a at an increased diameter of 41.4mm, a lug to lug distance of 45.9mm and a thickness of only 13mm, the size will definitely satisfy the those looking for a bigger upgrade from previous Speedtimers. Like many of Seiko's other Prospex models, the finishes here are skilfully executed to a high level of detail with circular satin brushing on the top of the lugs and a smooth high polish at the side of the case. Pairing with the watch is a black racing sports leather strap, keeping it casual and sporty. Being a watch originally built for the tracking of time, Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph Blue – Ref. SBDL111 houses a fixed green polished tachymeter bezel which is utilized in conjunction with the chronograph function to measure elapsed time over a fixed distance. Taking a closer look at the finer details, the bezel sharply slopes downward to divide the cream markers and etched tachymeter numerals on the outer perimeter, adding a beautiful layer of dimension to the watch as the polished blue captures the light in various angles. Seiko Cal. V192 solar-powered quartz chronograph movement The dial configuration is the classic and much-loved tri-compax layout - a black dial with gradient grey sub-dials. Retro applied indices are used throughout, with the indices at 3,6 and 9 shortened to accommodate the chronograph subdials. Seiko went with the classic 3-6-9 layout here, just like the original vintages, with the ticking second hand at 3, a 60-minute counter at 6, and a 24-hour indicator at 9. A date wheel is located at 4.30, which is a helpful complication that does not disrupt the dial's proportions as it is color-matched. The watch will also allow you to calculate the speed of an object as it has a tachymeter scale etched on the bezel. Bearing a close resemblance to the 1969 Seiko Speedtimer, the hour indices are intricately applied with boxy markers, accompanying the broad sword-style handsets, which are treated with Seiko's renowned LumiBrite paint for an easy time-reading experience even in the dark. The dial is then complete with a curved scratch-resistant sapphire glass, treated with generous amounts of blue anti-reflective coating to ensure utmost clarity. Satin brushed and high polish case profile Underneath the solidly-constructed exterior, the Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph is driven by the reliable Seiko Cal. V192 solar-powered quartz chronograph movement, boasting a power reserve of about 6 months on a full charge and an accuracy rating of approximately ±15 seconds a month. Operated through the chronograph pushers on the side of the case, the movement features a 60-minute chronograph function, a date complication and a 24 hour indicator. Despite not being a dive watch, the watch is well-equipped with a substantial 100m of water resistance, providing protection from light water splashes in everyday use. Paying tribute to one of Seiko's most legendary chronograph timepieces, the Seiko Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph Blue – Ref. SBDL111 showcases the modern watchmaking prowess of the Japanese watch manufacturing giant in a gorgeous value-packed Prospex chronograph that got so many things right. From the lovely dimensions to the exceptional craftsmanship, Seiko's rich timekeeping heritage is unmistakably reflected in both the iconic visual aesthetics and remarkable timing precision of this new release, and we can definitely expect this one to be a fan-favorite in no time.
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