Seiko’s SpeedTimer series is a collection of Japanese brand chronographs that celebrate retro looks with modern technology. This series is part of the Prospex collection and has been growing slowly in recent years. It consists of several impressive mechanical chronographs and multiple solar-powered models. I had the opportunity to go practically with some of these watches and they were impressed with me every time. In the latest SpeedTimer Solar Chronograph model, Seiko has a beautiful trick to deceive in its sleeves. The new SSC955 was created for this year’s World Athletics Championships and features a lovely soft purple dial. It’s time to learn more.
Seiko’s Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph series includes two base silhouettes, creating an attractive lineup. The first is the larger 41.4mm chronograph range, and the second is the smaller string of the 39mm model. This new ProSpex SpeedTimer Solar Chronograph SSC955 is one of the latter. This watch celebrates the 2025 World Athletics Championships. This will be held in Tokyo from September 13th to 21st.
Seiko Prospex SpeedTimer Solar Chronograph SSC955 Story
Take this opportunity to create a special light purple dial. The colour was inspired by “Ed Purple.” This is a colour that was cherished in ancient cities that are becoming modern. Tokyo. Soft purple colour as a nod to the historic Edo name of Tokyo It was selected as the official color for the World Athletics Championships. Tokyo 25. It was a beautiful shade I admired so surprisingly, and this watch became one of my favorites in the series.
Let’s explain some details to get an idea. The SSC955 features a 39mm stainless steel case with a 13.3mm thickness, a lug-to-lug 45.5mm, and a water-resistant rating of 100m. It has a circular top surface and a highly refined case band. The topping for the case is a fixed black hard-coated steel bezel with white markings that contrast with the engraved tachymeter scale. To the right of the case is a tightly divided crown and pusher. Seiko paired a three-row stainless steel bracelet and case with sophisticated center links and brushed outer links.
The dial is a beautiful nod to Tokyo
But the true star of the show is the new soft purple dial. It features a black index with facets, a black logo and black markings for a few minutes. The index size of the base point is different, and Lumibrite is applied to each. Properly, the dial matches the white luminescent and matte black sword style hands so that you can read the time in the dark. The three subdials look great with dark, eggplant-like tones and white hands. The register holds a solar cell to charge the clock, and on top of it, it has a transparent disk with white printing.
As explained in a previous review, the 9 o’clock register is for a few seconds of travel, while the 3 o’clock function as a 24 hour (AM/PM) indicator. Finally, the 6 o’clock register is a 60-minute chronograph register. It also has an empty “e” and a “f” that acts as a power reserve indicator. Overall, I love this new color scheme. I adore the kindness of colours and the soft, dark purple combination works very well.
I also love that Seiko has black bezels instead of keeping it natural stainless steel. Add another layer of visual richness to the watch. But one thing I should have changed is the color of the date disk. As you can see, Seiko used a white dating disc with black printing. The date disc doesn’t stand out much as it sits relatively deep deep inside the opening, but it would have been nice if the date disc matched the color of the dial.
Solar-powered V192 movement
Looking back at the clock, a special commemorative incident comes back with the Tokyo 25 logo of the World Athletics Championships. In addition to that, it has a unique LE number out of the 6,000 pieces produced by Seiko. Hidden behind the caseback is the brand’s solar powered V192 movement. The caliber has a power reserve of 6 months on a fully charged, and is accurate up to ±15 seconds per month.
If the clock is almost at the end of charging, the hand of seconds will begin to jump at 2-second intervals. The smart feature of the V192 aperture is that solar cells can use any light source to store energy and power the watch. This will make you a worry-free everyday wearer.
Seiko Prospex SpeedTimer Solar Chronograph SSC955 Wear
On the wrist, the watch left a lasting impression. The lovely size, proportions and color scheme make it an easy and unforgettable watch. Honestly, I’m not usually the biggest fan of light purple and it feels a bit strange. However, this particular purple color makes the dial look like a soft white tone from a certain angle. It highlights the SSC995 when compared to other purple watches. Also, operating the chronograph is fun. The pusher starts, stops, resets the chronograph with a solid click, encouraging clicks, and makes this feel like a very well-made watch.
Additionally, the center links polished in the mirror inside the bracelet add a visual pizza. Certainly, I’m not the biggest fan of the big contrast between the centre link and the outer link, but it works well here. The overall aesthetic is pretty soft, so the polished middle row pops well without being too big. The watches are worn well and look sturdy and sturdy. Plus, this makes for a very great everyday wearer, as the bracelet and clasp feel well built.
Seiko Prospex SpeedTimer Solar Chronograph Final Thoughts on SSC955
Overall, I loved spending time with the new Seiko Prospex SpeedTimer Solar Chronograph SSC955. It was short, but it was definitely sweet. Even if you’re not a fan of the World Athletics Championships, this watch is worth checking out. With the exception of casebacks, there is no specific event-related branding, so this could be a good choice for everyone. But if you’re a fan of the World Athletics Championships, that’s even better.
The new Seiko Prospex SpeedTimer Solar Chronograph SSC955 will be available for 770 euros starting August. Considering what you get for the money, I think it’s quite a thing. If your love for watches is not limited to mechanical ones, this new SSC955 can make fantastic, affordable daily watches. With the special dial colour, it has a slightly acquired taste, but Seiko feels that all of this new limited edition will be on sale soon.
