Seiko, which would be wrong to deprive itself of it, continues to bring its Prospex Speedtimer line to life with three new variations of its emblematic solar chronograph. Nothing revolutionary on the program, but well-felt aesthetic variations which enrich a collection already well established in the contemporary watchmaking landscape. And sometimes, it doesn't take much to reignite the desire.

A modern icon, inspired by motorsport

The Prospex Speedtimer is one of those watches that has found its place between heritage and modernity (I wonder why I just used this expression that I hate). With these new references, Seiko further embraces its inspiration from the world of motorsport, particularly that of the 1980s and 1990s: a time when analog dashboards, touches of pastel color and metallic finishes conveyed a certain idea of ​​functional design, both technical and elegant.

The three models retain the diameter of 39 mm, a format that I personally find very fair for a chronograph worn daily: neither too massive, nor too discreet, with this balance which allows you to move from casual use to something more dressy without forcing the line.

Three dials for three atmospheres

Seiko plays the chromatic variation card here with three dial shades:

• a luminous white, very readable, almost “tool” in the mind,
• a pale pink, unexpected but rather successful, which brings real freshness,
• a soft, discreet, slightly desaturated green, which is more reminiscent of a chic weekend watch than a circuit chronograph.

These colors, directly inspired by neo-classical automotive aesthetics, give these Speedtimers a softer, more lifestyle personality, without betraying the sporty DNA of the range. This is not a design shake-up, but an intelligent variation on a design that has already proven itself.

A proven and consistent solar caliber

At the heart of these three references, we find the solar caliber V192, a quartz movement rechargeable by light, capable of offering up to six months of autonomy once fully charged. This is a proposition that is very Seiko in spirit: reliable, practical, designed for real use, without the daily constraint of winding or changing the battery.

Functions on the program: chronograph at 1/5th of a second up to 60 minutes, tachometer, 24-hour hand, measurement of intermediate times. Nothing exotic, but a coherent whole for those looking for a versatile, readable and robust chronograph.

Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SSC961P1, SSC963P1 and SSC965P1 technical sheet

The three models share the same technical characteristics:

• Stainless steel case and bracelet
• Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on the inside
• Watertightness 10 bar
• Magnetic resistance 4,800 A/m
• Diameter: 39mm
• Thickness: 13.3mm
• Movement: solar caliber V192
• Recommended retail price: €750

We remain in a fairly consistent pricing positioning for this type of well-finished solar chronograph, signed Seiko, with real historical legitimacy in the segment.

My take on these new Speedtimers

Let's be honest: we are not facing the watch of the year, nor a model that will shake up the hierarchy of accessible chronographs. But that’s not necessarily what we ask for from this type of release. These new variations subtly enrich an existing collection, playing on visual emotion more than technical innovation.

And this is precisely where Seiko is often right: offering well-designed, coherent, easy-to-wear watches, with that little extra aesthetic soul that makes you want to put them on your wrist. For those who appreciate the Speedtimer design and are looking for a slightly more original alternative than the eternal black or panda dials, these new versions clearly have charm. It’s still a great choice for a first watch on a budget.