Seiko Introduces Two New Speedtimer Chronographs With Panda And Reverse Panda Dials
Inspired by 1972 chronographs, Seiko brings us two attractive chronographs that come with the classic duo of Panda and reverse Panda dials.
While the new reference SRQ047 with white silvery dial joins the brand’s permanent collection, the SRQ049 with black dial is a 1,000-piece limited edition.
The two new chronographs wear a hard coated stainless steel case that features a mainly brushed finish, with dimensions of 42mm in diameter by 14.60mm in thickness, smooth polished bezel, curved sapphire glass, fluted crown at 3 o’clock flanked by two pump-pushers, screwed solid case back and 100m water resistance.
On the white or black dials, we find the same configuration, consisting of an inner black tachymeter bezel followed by a white minute track ring, applied hour markers with illuminated tips at the top, three sub-dials that are presented in black on the SQR047 and in white silvery in SRQ049 at 3-6-9 hours substantiated in a running second, a 12-hours counter and a 30-minute counter respectively. Faceted hands filled with LumiBrite, a chronograph centre seconds hand with an orange tip, a round date window at 4:30 and the brand’s inscriptions followed by the ‘X’ from the Prospex line and ‘Automatic’ from the movement at noon.
Powered by the Caliber 8R48 automatic movement with a vertical clutch and column wheel, it reaches 28,800 Vph and offers up to 45 hours of power reserve.
Both timepieces come attached to a nine-row steel bracelet with a folding clasp in the style of the 70s, in addition, the limited edition also includes a black leather strap with a folding clasp adorned with the brand’s signature.
The watches will be available from December 2023 in the brand’s official boutiques and authorized retailers with prices ranging from €2,700 for the regular edition to €2,900 for the limited edition.
Our Opinion
This is excellent news for chronograph lovers, even more so when the bet is on the classic format with Panda and reverse Panda dials.
Despite their good appearance, the watches continue to suffer from being excessively wide, possibly leaving out many fans with more moderate wrists.
A final note on the prices that have been growing substantially, less than a week ago we were pleasantly surprised by the return of the Marinemaster, however at very high prices and not justifiable due to the reductions in its capacities, so there seems to be a narrowing between the prices of Seiko and its ‘subsidiary’ Grand Seiko, but for now without this resulting in raising the quality standards of the first.
Read more here.
General Specifications:
Brand: Seiko
Model: Prospex Speedtimer
Reference: SRQ047, SRQ049
Dial: White silvery (SRQ047), black (SRQ049)
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Dimensions: 42 mm diameter, 14.60 mm thickness
Crystal: Sapphire glass
Case Back: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 100 Meters
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp, an extra black leather strap (SRQ049)
Caliber: 8R48
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 Vph
Jewels: 34
Power Reserve: 45 Hours
Price: € 2,700 (SRQ047), € 2,900 (SRQ049)
Availability: December 2023
Limited Edition: No (SRQ047), Yes, 1,000 pieces (SRQ049)
