To celebrate one of the greatest milestones in Seiko’s chronograph history, the Japanese watch manufacturer has unveiled this breathtaking Seiko Prospex 50th Anniversary Chronograph Limited Edition SRQ029J1 watch. Its retro ‘panda’ chronograph dial is based on a much loved design released by the brand in the 1970’s, a design that housed one of their greatest and most significant automatic winding calibres.
The history of Seiko and the story of their unparalleled success is one that many of you have likely heard of before, but it’s one that we never get bored of telling. The brand are behind an impressive range of innovations from their proprietary magic level system to Japan’s first wristwatch equipped with a stopwatch, but 1969 in particular was a prolific year for both Seiko and the watch industry with the introduction of the world’s first automatic chronograph movements. The Caliber 6139 by Seiko surpassed them all as the first automatic chronograph to boast a column wheel and vertical clutch. This impressive innovation celebrates its 50th birthday in the form of the new Seiko Prospex 50th Anniversary Chronograph SRQ029J1 watch.
The new Prospex limited edition boasts a similar design to its historic counterpart but now makes use of the brand’s most advanced chronograph movement: the Seiko 8R48 calibre. As well as still showcasing the vertical clutch and column wheel, the automatic winding movement includes Seiko’s unique three-pointed hammer and a heart-shaped cam which guarantees absolute perfect synchronisation of the fly-back hand. Of course, in typical Seiko fashion, the mechanical calibre provides a remarkable rate of accuracy of +25 to -15 seconds per day, a power reserve of 45 hours and 34 jewels.
The much-loved ‘panda’ dial of the original can still be found centre stage on the Seiko Prospex 50th Anniversary Chronograph Limited Edition SRQ029J1 watch. Its vintage aesthetic is going to be a huge hit amongst Seiko fans and lovers of retro inspired watches. It’s two black subsidiary dials for chronograph 30 minutes and 12 hour counters are set against a crisp white dial decorated with the same hairline finishing as the original. The hands are also the same with sleek black luminous centre hour and minute hands, an orange tipped chronograph seconds hand and matching tachymeter bezel markings. The two key differences on the new model is the addition of a third subsidiary dial for continuous seconds and the repositioning of the date window.
The sleek and sophisticated aesthetic of the Seiko Prospex 50th Anniversary Chronograph Limited Edition watch continues through the 41mm stainless steel case polished using the brand’s breathtaking Zaratsu polishing technique. The case is given a 100 metre water resistant rating, fitted with box shaped scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass treated with an anti-reflective coating and equipped with an exhibition case back which allows you a glimpse into the incredible automatic winding movement within.
As a limited edition of only 1,000 pieces, we don’t expect the Seiko Prospex 50th Anniversary Chronograph Limited Edition SRQ029J1 watch to remain on the shelves for long. If you would like to get your hands on your own, head over to the Jura Watches website today where they are offering the model to purchase with interest free finance up to 60 months. You can also find more Seiko watch reviews on Horologii here.
Specifications: Seiko Prospex 50th Anniversary Chronograph Limited Edition SRQ029J1
- Case Size: 41mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Bezel: Fixed
- Case Back: Screwed down with exhibition glass
- Water Resistance: 100 metres
- Movement: 8R48 automatic winding
- Functions: Central hands for hour, minutes and chronograph seconds, subsidiary dials for continuous seconds, 12 hours and 30 minute counters, date window at 4 o clock
- Power Reserve: 45 hours
- Jewels: 34
- Accuracy: +25 to -15 seconds per day
- Dial: White with black subsidary dials, Lumibrite hands
- Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
- Buckle: Three-fold clasp with push button release
- Limited Edition: 1,000 pieces
- RRP: £3,290
