The Seiko Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph SRQ043 arrives and honours the original.
When it comes to innovations, few watchmakers can come close to Seiko. Even as far back as 1969, the company was revolutionising the timekeeping business. In that year, the Seiko Speedtimer was introduced. It was one of the first automatic chronographs and the first to incorporate both a column wheel and a vertical clutch. These two devices made it more precise and error-free at measuring elapse time than anything else on the market.
Today, Seiko has launched a new Speedtimer. This one (model SRQ043) pays homage to the original. The first big change is the enhanced legibility. The sub-dials and markers on the outer dial ring are finished in white, contrasting against the blue dial with the hands in red. This makes it easier to get an accurate reading at a glance. Another little trick was to gently curve the second hand towards the dial’s markers at the dial edge. The minute and hour hands as well as the indexes are coated with Lumibrite to make them visible in low light conditions.
Other aspects have been improved as well. The pushers, for instance, are prominent and have a wide and flat upper surface to make them easier to operate. The watch has a stainless steel bracelet with a leather strap option.
Powering the new Seiko Speedtimer SRQ043 is the Caliber 8R46, which has the vertical clutch and column wheel mechanisms of the original 1969 model. The vertical clutch functions to eliminate any shuddering or jumping of the hands. This enhances the measurement accuracy.
The column wheel gives the operator precise control of the chronograph. It also incorporates Seiko’s three-pointed hammer which returns the hands to zero instantly and in perfect sync when the reset pusher is depressed.
This timepiece is a part of the main Seiko Prospex collection along with others launched last year. It is available starting this month at Seiko Boutiques and selected retail partners in Malaysia and Brunei.
For product details, please contact SEIKO’s sole distributor, Thong Sia Sdn Bhd at 03-2141 5163 or
visit www.seikoboutique.com.my / www.thongsia.com.my.
Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph: SRQ043
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 on 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
Approximate recommended retail price in Malaysia and Brunei: RM 14,500.00
