Following on from the summer’s adventurous Silfra models, Seiko’s latest European exclusive wristwatch trades the rugged landscapes of Iceland for the open roads of the Mediterranean coastline. The new watch is officially called the Seiko Prospex Solar ‘Speedometer’ Speedtimer Chronograph European Exclusive. Although I think colloquially it’s more likely to be known as the Speedtimer Gulf edition, because while Seiko haven’t gone so far as to say it, it’s clearly inspired by the legendary race car livery of the 1960s.
The dial has a sky-blue base with black tricompax chronograph subdials and orange accents for the chronograph seconds hand and small seconds indicator. The combination of the light blue and orange is textbook Gulf, a colourway made famous at Le Mans in France by Porsche. In the wristwatch world it’s a livery most commonly associated with Tag Heuer and the Monaco due to the watch’s connection to the race.
The Prospex Solar ‘Speedometer’ Speedtimer Chronograph European Exclusive isn’t quite so overtly Gulf as Heuer’s offering, since the main colours are slightly washed out and pale. But the correlation is clearly there to be seen. In Seiko’s words, it’s inspired by “the classic 1960s Mediterranean blue automobiles which were the height of fashion when the Speedtimer was first created”. Ultimately, regardless of if you think Seiko are copying an already popular design or are genuinely taking inspiration from elsewhere, it looks really good and is virtually guaranteed to be popular.
With the nickname ‘Speedometer’, the tricompax display has been styled after the dashboard counters of a car. Of particular note is the counter at 6 o’clock, which features F and E lettering in the style of a fuel indicator, which serves as the watch’s power reserve indicator. Although the idea of a power reserve indicator on a solar powered quartz watch is somewhat amusing because if it ever hits zero, something has likely gone very, very wrong.
Taking a step back from the dial to look at the case, it’s a 39mm diameter piece made from stainless steel. It’s finished well with circular brushed graining across the lugs as well as the bare steel tachymeter bezel. Overall, it’s relatively restrained compared to other editions of the Speedtimer, which generally have more distinctly retro designs. Although it does bring a suitable sporty energy that matches the feel of the dial.
As briefly mentioned, it’s powered by a Solar Quartz movement, specifically the V192. It’s highly accurate with a deviation of +/- 15 seconds per month. Quartz movements often get looked down on by collectors, but they’re impressive in their own way. Just look at the insanity of 8A50 in the 1/100th Second Speedtimer.
The high quality of Seiko quartz also justifies the £650 price tag. At that price, I think these will be a no brainer for many, simply because of the iconic combination of colours. As for being a limited edition, 3,000 Seiko Prospex Solar ‘Speedometer’ Speedtimer Chronograph European Exclusives will be available.
Price and Specs:
More details at Seiko Boutique.
