Description
In 1969, Seiko introduced the Seiko Speedtimer with the innovative Caliber 6139. It was the world’s first automatic chronograph with a column wheel and vertical clutch, two devices that delivered real improvements in the measurement of elapsed time in a wristwatch and are still a prerequisite in high functionality chronographs.
This new chronograph is inspired by the 1969 Speedtimer and Seiko’s rich and continuing tradition of sports timing. The charcoal-grey dialed Speedtimer draws inspiration from Seiko’s and Japan’s first chronograph wristwatch, the 1964 Crown Chronograph. The 1964 Crown Chronograph was designed from scratch and it marked the beginning of Seiko’s chronograph wristwatch manufacturing. It had a simple one-push mechanism but it amply demonstrated the same commitment to precision as would Caliber 6139 and all its successors with the inclusion of a column wheel to control the start, stop and reset functions.
The dial design is a subtle nod to the 1964 Crown Chronograph. Its beveled hour markers, sharp hour and minute hands with colored Lumibrite, its chronograph pushers and markers on the outer dial ring echo the design of the original. The chronograph second hand is gently curved down towards the dial so that the tip of the hand is as close as possible to the dial’s markers and extends to the tachymeter markings at the very edge of the dial, thus ensuring that elapsed time can be read accurately at a glance.
The new Speedtimer incorporates a new movement from Seiko’s most advanced chronograph 8R series, Caliber 8R46. It shares the same performance attributes as Caliber 8R48 but incorporates two sub-dials instead of three and has a date window at the six o’clock position. The vertical clutch and column wheel ensure the precision and durability which are the hallmarks of the 8R Caliber series. The escapement is lightweight and strong, thanks to the use of MEMS technology which enhances the stability of the watch’s precision. With the push of the reset button, the hands return back to zero instantly and in perfect synchronization.
From the first diver’s watch released in 1965, Seiko has been exceeding expectations for divers with its innovative technology. A timepiece that guides you through the challenges in the deep blue.
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• automatic caliber 8R46 with manual winding capacity
• 34 jewels
• 45 hour power reserve (approximate)
• chronograph with 30 minutes & 12 hours
• date display
• stop second hand
• stainless steel case (super hard coating)
• screw case back
• see-through case back
• dual curved sapphire crystal
• LumiBrite on hands and indices
• stainless steel bracelet with three fold clasp
• water resistant to 100 metres
• diameter: 42.5mm
• case height: 15.1mm
• lug width: 20mm