Seiko announced four new Prospex 1/100th Second Speedtimers just last week. These models extend the brand’s range of solar-powered chronographs, but this time with even greater precision. As their name suggests, the stopwatch on the new Speedtimers can measure time to the nearest 1/100th of a second. However, this isn’t the only update. Refreshing the dial design of the Speedtimer collection, these new models also feature four subdials instead of the usual three. Its beautiful albeit quirky appearance makes it a great representation of Seiko’s professional and innovative timekeeping heritage. Alongside their wacky new design, there is lots to love about the new Seiko Prospex 1/100th Second Speedtimers. So, let’s get stuck into their core specifications.
Core Specifications of the New Seiko Prospex 1/100th Second Speedtimers
Dial and Case
The dial is one of the features that has certainly attracted the most attention. Subverting the need for a ‘main dial’, the new Speedtimers instead divide the watch’s functions into four subdials.
Although this fundamental design is universal across all the new Speedtimers, there are four different colourways to choose from. Each of these versions emphasises the design differently. For instance, the ‘panda’ model (SFJ001P1) of this range draws more attention to the quirkiness of the subdials. With its lightly-textured silver-white dial, the eye is immediately drawn to the contrasting black subdials. However, for a look where the subdials are not the main focus, there is a ‘black on black’ model (SFJ003P1). For a nice middle ground, the limited edition all-over black model (SFJ007P1) features a more intricate texture and gold details to accent the design. Moreover, the fourth model features a khaki dial with red-accented black subdials (SFJ005P1), providing a little more depth to the design.
Housing each of these designs is a sturdy stainless steel case that measures 42mm in diameter. On the limited edition model (SFJ007P1), this case has a hard black coating. The robustness of this case also seals in 100 metres (10 bars) of water resistance across the series.
Movement and Finishing Touches
The new Seiko Prospex 1/100th Second Speedtimers are also built with brilliant mechanical technology. Back and better than ever, each model is equipped with Seiko’s in-house solar-powered movement. Its 8A50 chronograph calibre recharges from both natural and artificial lighting. But, without recharging, the watch can still last up to six months from a full charge.
This calibre also allows for ultra-precise time measurement. Impressively, its stopwatch is able to measure to the nearest one-hundredth of a second. To easily control this stopwatch, there is a hammer-shaped button on the side of the case.
Completing each of the watches is a classic stainless steel bracelet. Whilst the bracelet is silver on the panda (SFJ001P1) and the black dial model (SFJ003P1), the other two models put their own spin on it. In keeping with the rest of the design, the bracelet on the limited edition all-over black model (SFJ007P1) has a hard black coating. On the khaki model (SFJ005P1), the central links of the bracelet are solid black to contrast the silver outer links.
Specific, sustainable, and slightly quirky, the new New Seiko Prospex 1/100th Second Speedtimers are very promising. But what do you think of them? Are you a fan of the four-subdial design? Let us know below.
