Channeling its early progenitor, the Seiko 5 Sports “Speedtimer” 6139, the newest generation of Seiko Prospex Speedtimers pushes the technology envelope. In the last year, Seiko have produced no fewer than 16 iterations—the majority of them solar. But perhaps none have so captured the hearts of enthusiasts as the panda dial SSC813.

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Key Features of the Seiko Speedtimer

Wickedly well-styled, the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SSC813 is an aesthetic departure from previous Speedtimers. But it invokes all the familiar tropes of racing watches from the past–the Daytona, the Speedmaster, the El Primero. From the three sub-register dial layout, to the stark black tachymetre scale–and even down to the quirky date aperture at 4:30–the Speedtimer SSC813 oozes track cred.

But it takes more than an assemblage of elements to create a cool watch. And certainly here there is a cohesiveness of vision that pulls the watch together. To begin, the panda colour scheme is so well deployed. The white has an almost milky texture, and the black is so matte, it absorbs light. However, as though to dispel the starkness, we are hit with a fauxtinaed finish in the unexpected appearance of sword hands.

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Dial

In a nod to the Chronomaster, the subdial layout includes a reduced register in the six position, which creates visual interest, but also feels more balanced. Rather than use an insert for the tachymetre, Seiko have equipped the Speedtimer with bevelled, PVD-finished steel. Both provide for a strong visual presence.

True to Seiko’s reputation, the dial is also abnormally well lumed for a chronograph, right down to its arrow tipped chronograph hand.

Case

Sizing of the Speedtimer SSC813 is also spot on. At 39mm, the compact brushed steel case will surprise you with its tight construction. The pump pushers and oversized crown also seem perfectly proportioned, and the case shape settles nicely into the wrist at only 45.5mm lug to lug. While technically thick for a quartz watch (13.3mm), the case height is well hidden by the lug design and flat, screw down caseback. Another millimetre is devoted to the curved sapphire crystal.

Movement

The SSC813 is powered by Seiko’s V192–a solar quartz movement with a manganese titanium-lithium rechargeable capacitor, rather than a typical battery. It is accurate to with +/- 15 seconds/month and beyond time of day, it has a central chronograph hand, small seconds, 24 hour track, and a 60-minute chronograph subdial. There is also a power reserve indicator located within the 60-minute register.

The brushed stainless steel bracelet that comes on the watch tapers nicely from 20mm at the lugs to 16mm at the foldover clasp. The watch is water resistant to 100m.

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SPECS

Case	316L Stainless Steel 39mm Diameter 45.5mm Lug to Lug 13.3mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Screw Down Case Back Push Crown 100m Water Resistance
Dial & Crystal	Curved Sapphire Crystal /w AR Date @ 4:30 Applied Markers Sword Handset Handset LumiBrite
Movement	Seiko V192 Solar-powered Quartz 32,768 Hz
Strap	Stainless Steel Bracelet

Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SSC813

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Of Interest

The term “Speedtimer” is often linked to Seiko’s vintage chronograph watches equipped with the calibre 6139 or 6138 movements. Originally introduced in 1969, the 6139 is notable for being the world’s first automatic chronograph movement with both a column wheel and a vertical clutch. The 6138 followed shortly afterward.

Watches powered by the original 6139 movements were used in various contexts, including space missions. The Seiko 6139 chronograph, for instance, is known to have been worn by Colonel Pogue aboard the Saturn IB Rocket during the Skylab 4 mission in 1973, making it one of the few automatic chronographs to have been in space. Like the Omega Speedmaster, the 6139 Pogue, as it has become known, is popular among collectors and enthusiasts.

Quibbles

Some will be disappointed that there has yet to be a true 6139 Speedtimer reissue. And I understand this. Some will also find that as a sub-$1000 watch, the case finishing here lacks the panache and sharpness of higher end Seikos, or even the original Speedtimers. This is true.

So perhaps Seiko is seeking a little hype by borrowing a hint of nostalgia from the name. It’s not like Swatch hasn’t done it. And I dare say this a better watch by a longshot.

The only element that really bugs me is that wasted 24-hour register. Why is that even a thing?

Final Thoughts

I am not sure if it is fair to call anything released by Seiko a “sleeper hit,” but certainly during the initial launch of the first new Speedtimer iterations, a lot of attention was paid to the SRQ 8R mechanical models. Traditionally, among enthusiasts solar power and quartz do not carry the same cachet. However, style and dimensions appear to have triumphed here in the end. The solar powered Speedtimers to date strike a much more iconic chord than their larger mechanical brethren. They also tap into the styling elements of Seiko’s 1964 Crown Chronograph–particularly the panda dial–which provides similar visual impact with its matte bezel, creamy dial, and bar indices. And, of course, there is nothing like the siren song of a value proposition.

The Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SSC813 retails for $675 USD. For more information, please visit the brand website. Or visit Gem Bijou, who provided the example used in this review!

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About the author

Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.

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