Want to hunt with hounds and run with the hare? Then Seiko has you covered. What? Is that too esoteric? If you want an ultra-precise quartz watch that connects to GPS satellites orbiting the Earth, draws its power from light, and looks like a traditional mechanical chronograph, Seiko is the place to go. The Japanese giant is introducing three Prospex Speedtimer GPS Solar Dual Time Chronograph models with a traditional look and a high-tech powerplant called Caliber 5X83, which is usually found in the brand’s Astron collection. Yes, today is your lucky day.
Packing modern technology into a traditional, reliable looking watch might seem like a good thing. But what if we told you there are three models to choose from? Seiko’s new Speed Timer GPS Solar Dual Time Chronograph lineup consists of one limited edition and two regular production models. The limited edition SSH169 evokes Seiko’s 100th anniversary with a name you probably won’t utter out loud. The Seiko Brand 100th Anniversary Speed Timer GPS Solar Dual Time Chronograph Limited Edition comes with gold accents and is clearly a celebratory watch.
Choose from three Prospex Speedtimer GPS Solar Dual Time Chronograph models
If you think Seiko makes one watch for each year they were founded, you’d be wrong. The SSH169 is a limited edition watch of 1,000 pieces. On the back of the case, this limited edition Prospex GPS Solar Dual Time Chronograph celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Seiko brand. The watch will be available in October this year, priced at 2,500 euros.
Let’s take a look at the not-so-complete specs list for the SSH169. The 100m water-resistant 42 x 49.6 x 12.9mm case is made from hard-coated steel with a black coating – as is the Grand Seiko-inspired bracelet, by the way. The exterior of the watch is topped off by a dual-curved sapphire crystal and a UTC marking on the edge of the bezel.
As mentioned above, inside the case is Seiko’s Caliber 5X83. This GPS solar movement has a chronograph function that boasts an accuracy of 1/20th of a second. There is also a dual time function on the sub-dial at 6 o’clock, which allows for fast time zone adjustment. The time transfer function allows you to switch between the time displayed on the main dial and the time displayed on the sub-dial at 6 o’clock by pressing and holding the two pushers for three seconds.
The SSH165 and SSH167 are also new Prospex Speed Timer GPS Solar Dual Time Chronograph watches.
The natural steel SSH165 and SSH167 are unlimited but in my opinion are a bit more laid back. They have all the same features as their black LE brothers but are slightly cheaper. They are unlimited and therefore cost 2,300 euros.
If I had to choose between the three new products, I would go with the SSH165, with its silver-white dial and subtle orange accents. The SSH167 isn’t a bad looking watch, but I do have some issues with the black and yellow dial combination. If you’re wondering how bad my issues are, you can read more here.
A final word on first impressions
As a proponent of luxury solar quartz watches and a fan of the ever-evolving Astron technology, I wholeheartedly welcome the new Prospex Speedtimer GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph Trio. While putting a solar-powered movement in a Speedtimer is not new, what is new is having the same caliber 5X83 and all of its features that are found in the various Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph models.
Hopefully Seiko continues down this path. The Astron has gone from a rather clunky, overly detailed watch with a lot of eye-catching details to a much sleeker, slimmer, more understated, introverted piece. But despite being more refined than ever, it’s still an edgy, contemporary watch.
The Prospex Speedtimer with the Astron movement has a more conservative look and will appeal to a different demographic. This is the watch for those who want to hunt with the hounds and run with the hare. Some might call them opportunists, but you could also just call them smart people. What do you think about the new watch? Let me know in the comments.
For more information on the Prospex Speedtimer GPS Solar Dual Time Chronograph Trio, check out the official Seiko website
