Seiko Launch Prospex Solar Speedtimer European Exclusive SSC953 in Factory Red

Back in December of last year Seiko released a Prospex Solar ‘Speedometer’ Speedtimer European exclusive limited edition, a solar powered treat in sky blue. Now, for 2024 they’ve revisited this model in fresh colours and crucially, an updated case. Meet the Seiko Prospex Solar Speedtimer European Exclusive Factory Red.

Starting with the case, it’s identical to last year’s predecessor, with a 39mm diameter x 13.3mm thickness. Robust and nicely wearable. The new edition measures a wearable 39mm x 13.3mm, a significant reduction. It’s inspired by a heritage model from 1969, which was the world’s first automatic, vertical clutch, column wheel chronograph. That chronograph element is displayed via the tricompax layout of the dial, bare steel tachymeter and prominent pushers on either side of the crown.

I’m not a huge fan of when Seiko create modern quartz editions of heritage automatic watches, like they recently did with the Pogue and now this, as it doesn’t feel like a true homage. If a watch is famous for being automatic then its tribute should surely be automatic too.

Focussing in on the dial, it has a smooth, matte finish in dark, burgundy red – a tone Seiko are calling Factory Red. That’s been paired with dark grey chronograph subdials, which depict a 60-minute timer, 24-hour timer and small seconds. They also have markings that make them look like the dials of a speedometer, with the subdial at 6 o’clock even having a fuel tank indicator. Adding some brightness to the display is the orange hand at 6 o’clock and bright red chronograph seconds hand.

Beneath the Seiko Prospex Solar Speedtimer European Exclusive Limited Edition Factory Red’s surface (that’s quite the mouthful) is housed the Seiko V192 solar chronograph movement. A solar movement is a quartz calibre that charges its battery with light, meaning that unless you keep it locked away in a box, it theoretically will never run out of power. It also has great accuracy of +/- 15 seconds per month at the cost of not being quite so prestigious as a mechanical movement.

The watch is a limited edition of 2,400 pieces available exclusively in Europe and it is priced at £730. That’s more exclusive and also a touch pricier than last year’s edition, however I think that’s justified because of the huge improvement to wearability and quality of life that comes from the svelter design. The colours are solid too although I personally prefer the now departed sky blue.

More details at Seiko Boutique.