Since it’s release the Seiko Speedtimer has become an instant classic. Let us have a closer a look at why with the Seiko Speedtimer review.
Brief history of Seiko
Seiko, one of the most iconic names in watchmaking, began its journey in 1881 when Kintarō Hattori opened a watch and jewellery shop in Tokyo. Just over a decade later, in 1892, he founded the Seikosha factory, which produced wall clocks and later pocket watches. The name “Seiko,” meaning “exquisite” or “success” in Japanese, was first used in 1924 on a wristwatch.
Seiko’s legacy is defined by innovation. In 1969, it revolutionized the industry with the Seiko Astron, the world’s first quartz wristwatch, offering unprecedented accuracy and affordability. This breakthrough sparked the “Quartz Crisis,” challenging traditional Swiss mechanical watchmakers.
Seiko continued to lead with firsts: the first automatic chronograph with a vertical clutch and column wheel in 1969, the first TV watch in 1982, and the Spring Drive in 1999—a unique movement combining mechanical and quartz technologies.
Today, Seiko operates under two main lines: Seiko for accessible luxury and Grand Seiko, which became an independent brand in 2017, representing the pinnacle of Japanese craftsmanship and precision.
Dial
It is fair to say for most people the dial is one of the first things you look at and this one is a stunner.
Using a sandblasted finish, which gives it a matte texture and enhances legibility against three grey almost black sub dials the panda design is simply stunning.
The 3 sub dials play beautifully against the white dial and comprise of 24-hour time, running seconds and 60 minute which also doubles as a power reserve indicator.
The indices are applied metal markers which add depth and a premium feel to the dial and watch in general.
Lumibrite coating on the indices and hands ensure visibility in low-light conditions and is known for being brighter and longer-lasting than traditional lume.
A date function sits between 4 and 5 five o’clock and is quite small to read, there is a case of whether it is needed at all at does throw off the aesthetic somewhat, but it is only a small bug bear in truth.
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Case
Coming in at the sweet spot of 39mm the watch is perfect for the small wrist brigade and sits very well.
If you have bigger wrists this might feel a touch small for the 7” and up but that is not to say people with larger wrists cannot wear it as it does have presence about it.
That presence is down to the thickness, which is 13mm, so it is not a thin watch also weighing in at 161g this is not a light watch by any means but on the wrist it feels light.
To add to this the case has a domed sapphire case and Seiko have added an anti reflective coating which when the light hits at certain angles really brings out the sub dials against the white dial.
Another strong point is the fixed aluminium black bezel with a tachymeter with white markers which gives a particularly good contrast.
Lug to lug a very respectable 48mm.
Bracelet
The bracelet is made of stainless steel with a brushed finish which is quite muted but really does fit in with the dial and the bezel.
A polished finish would have given it a flashier feel, so Seiko went in the right direction with their choice.
The three-fold clasp with button release feels secure and curves lovely around the wrist.
20mm lug to lug also means there are many options if stainless steel is not your favourite option or if you want to wear a rubber strap for the summer months.
The Movement
Powered by the Seiko V192 solar powered quartz movement the watch has a power reserve of 6 months when fully charged.
Another cool part is the power reserve indicator, so you know when you need to charge the watch up but also has an overcharge prevention function too.
Not only is it a great looking chronograph but it has a water resistance of 100 metres.
Final Thoughts
The Seiko Speedtimer Solar is a fantastic watch with some all-round qualities.
From the Panda dial which has made it an excellent value alternative to the Rolex Daytona to the solar charging which gives great accuracy.
With it’s obvious sporty looks being a chronograph it is much more versatile than that, yes you can wear this with a casual outfit, but you can certainly wear this in more dressy situations too.
The 39mm dial hits the sweetspot and with the brushed bracelet it is not too flashy but will certainly get you compliments from both watch fans and non-fans alike.
There are not too many things to find fault with this watch but the date window does throw the aesthetics off slightly and is quite small to read but overall this a watch without much fault.
If you prefer a bit more colour to your dials check out the full range Seiko Speedtimer Range
What do you think of the Seiko Speedtimer review?
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