Continuing Seiko’s avalanche of releases, the Japanese brand has launched the latest generation of their Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph, called the ‘Crystal Trophy’. It’s not Seiko’s first solar chronograph released this year as it follows the crazy 1/100th Second Solar Chronograph from the summer. However, the ‘Crystal Trophy’ is more of a spiritual successor to the Speedtimer 1969 Re-creation in terms of style and function.
It has a 41.4mm diameter case in steel with fairly broad lugs, a black tachymeter bezel and inverted chronograph pushers. Inverted pushers are a specific style of chronograph pusher design that feature a cylinder that pushes down into a cup rather than the standard style with a cap which you press. This style is most common on sporty timepieces so the use of them on the Speedtimer makes total sense. Overall, the case is pretty much identical to those 1969 Re-creations, just slightly larger as the existing versions are all 39mm.
The signature element of the Prospex ‘Crystal Trophy’ Speedtimer Solar Chronograph is its dial. It’s light blue with sunray brushed finish that gives the piece an icy appearance, hence the term crystal in its name. Paired with the blue are a trio of black subdials for running seconds, 60-minute timer and 24-hour timer. Plus, there’s also a black date window between 4 and 5 o’clock. The colour combination works well, creating a high contrast display that’s easy to read.
Powering the watch is a solar chronograph movement and what that means is that it’s a quartz piece whose battery power reserve is charged by sources of light. Both natural and artificial light charges the watch so unless you keep it in a box for years, it will effectively never run out of power.
Seiko’s Prospex ‘Crystal Trophy’ Speedtimer Solar Chronograph is priced at £620, which is £30 more than the smaller 1969 Re-Creations. A solid addition to the Speedtimer line up with a lovely sunray dial. Although I’ve always had a soft spot for the 1964 Speedtimer Automatic, which has a stronger retro aesthetic and, crucially, a mechanical movement.
Price & Specs:
Model: Seiko Prospex ‘Crystal Trophy’ Speedtimer Solar Chronograph
Ref: SSC935P1
Case/dial: 41.4mm diameter x 13mm thickness, stainless steel case, blue dial with black sub dials
Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
Movement: Seiko calibre V192, solar quartz movement
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
Price/availability: £620
More details at Seiko Boutique.
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