Seiko Introduces Six New Speedtimers, Including There Limited Editions Celebrating the Datsun 240Z
We’re several years deep into the era of collaborative, limited edition watch releases, and while a lot of the hype has subsided around some of these drops, there’s no sign that the overall strategy is shifting anytime soon. Brands both large and small are still keen to slap partner logos on dials and casebacks, and draw parallels between watches and, well, you name it. Obviously, the automotive world is ripe for these collaborations, and is the window through which a trio of new Seikos come into our lives. Three limited edition references made in partnership with Datsun are the headline here, but in a smart move, Seiko is simultaneously announcing corresponding regular production models that riff on the same themes without all the branding. So there’s something here for the Datsun enthusiast (of which we know there are many) as well as those that are more inclined to shun this type of commercial cross-polination and just want their watch to be a watch and not an exercise in remembering a very specific link to a carmaker’s history.
The premise for all these watches (or rather, for the limited editions) is Seiko’s relationship with Datsun, which dates back to the early 1970s when Seiko supported the 240Z in races across the world. Most notably, Seiko was a sponsor of the #11 car that won the East-African Safari Rally, a 6,200 kilometer race that is generally regarded as one of the most challenging on the international circuit.
All of the watches discussed here are under the Speedtimer banner, which shouldn’t be a surprise given the automotive connection. The first, though, is not a chronograph, but more of a general purpose sports watch that actually has more in common with a diver. The SPB517 has an inner rotating countdown bezel with numerals inspired by those found on the instrument panel of the 240Z. The Datsun wordmark also appears at 6:00, and there are red highlights that pay tribute to the classic #11 car. It’s 39.5mm and runs on the 6R55 caliber with 72 hours of power reserve. If you like the platform of this watch but would prefer it without the Datsun branding, Seiko offers the SPB513 and SPB515, with tan and brown dials respectively.
The SRQ057 is a mechanical chronograph running on the 8R48 caliber, which features a vertical clutch and column wheel. This is a moodier, more contemporary take on the racing chrono, with a blacked out case and the Datsun wordmark in a cursive script near 12:00. The case measures 42mm and is mounted to a matching black leather strap. The standard production equivalent here is the SRQ055, which loses the black coating on the case, the red highlights on the black tachymeter bezel, and of course all of the Datsun branding. Otherwise it’s actually quite close to the limited version aesthetically once you take a few steps back.
Last but not least, Seiko introduces the SSC957. I have a suspicion that this might be the most popular of the three limited editions (it’s also the only one without a direct comp in the standard production lineup). This is a solar powered quartz chronograph in a similar colorway to the other limited edition Datsun pieces. This one has black coated center links on the bracelet and matching black coated pushers and crown, a detail that to me really evokes a very specific late 1980s, early 1990s aesthetic. Because it’s a solar quartz chronograph, the price ($1,000 even) is inviting, and might be a nice way to experience this look without spending an exorbitant amount of money. We’re also generally pretty big fans of this 41.4mm case size and shape.
All of the watches mentioned here are due to be available in September. The SPB517 is an LE of 2,500 with a retail price of $1,150, with the SPB513 and SPB515 coming in at $995. The SRQ057 is an LE of 500 pieces retailing for $3,200, with the non-limited SRQ055 priced at $2,500.
More on the new Datsun releases can be found here.
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