For Those Who Just Want It Both Ways: Seiko Offers Three Prospex Speedtimer GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph Models

Do you want to hunt with the hounds and run with the hare? In that case, Seiko has got you covered. What? Is that too cryptic for you? If you want an ultra-precise quartz watch that connects to GPS satellites circling the globe and takes its energy from light but looks like a traditional, mechanical chronograph, Seiko has something for you. The Japanese mega-brand presents three Prospex Speedtimer GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph models with traditional looks and a high-tech powerplant, the caliber 5X83 you would normally find in the brand’s Astron collection. Yes, this is your lucky day.

Putting modern tech in a watch with a traditional and trusted look might sound good. What if I tell you there are three models to choose from? Seiko’s new Speedtimer GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph lineup consists of one limited edition and two regular-production models. The limited edition SSH169 reminds you of Seiko’s 100th anniversary with a name you probably will never have to speak out loud. The Seiko Brand 100th Anniversary Speedtimer GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph Limited Edition with its gold-colored accents is clearly a celebratory watch.

Three Prospex Speedtimer GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph models to choose from

You’re wrong if you think there will be one watch for every year of Seiko’s existence. The SSH169 is a numbered edition of 1,000 watches. On the case back, this limited-edition Prospex GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph celebrates 100 years of the Seiko brand. The watch goes on sale this October and will cost €2,500.

Let’s take a look at the not-so-complete spec list of the SSH169. The 100m-water-resistant 42 × 49.6 × 12.9mm case is executed in blackened, hard-coated steel. So is the Grand Seiko-looking bracelet, by the way. The watch’s exterior also offers a dual-curved sapphire crystal and UTC markings on the edge of the bezel.

As mentioned, inside the case is Seiko’s caliber 5X83. This GPS Solar movement has a chronograph function that is accurate to 1/20th of a second. It also offers a dual-time function in the sub-dial at 6 o’clock and high-speed time-zone adjustment. The Time Transfer function makes it possible to switch the time of day displayed on the main dial with the one on the sub-dial at 6 by holding down the two pushers for three seconds.

The SSH165 and SSH167 are also new Prospex Speedtimer GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph watches

The SSH165 and SSH167 in their natural steel attire are not limited, but they are a bit easier-going if you ask me. These two share all the same features and functions as their black LE brother but have a slightly lower price. Because these are unlimited, the price is €2,300.

If I had to choose between the three newcomers, I would pick the SSH165 with its silvery white dial and subtle orange accents. No, the SSH167 isn’t a bad-looking watch, but I have a slight issue with dials that combine black and yellow. If you’re wondering how bad my issue is, please read all about it here.

Final words on a first impression

As an advocate for luxury solar-powered quartz watches and a fan of the ever-evolving Astron technology, I welcome the new Prospex Speedtimer GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph trio with open arms. Putting a solar-powered movement inside a Speedtimer is not new, but having the same caliber 5X83 with all its bells and whistles as you get inside various Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph models is.

I hope Seiko will continue along this path. The Astron changed from a rather clunky, overly detailed watch with many dominant details to a much sleeker, slimmer, understated, and introverted creation. But even though it’s more refined than ever, it is still an edgy, modern watch.

The looks of the Prospex Speedtimer with an Astron movement inside are more conservative and will speak to another audience. It’s for those who want to hunt with the hounds and run with the hare, you could say. Some might call them opportunists, but you could also just call them clever people. What do you think? About the new watches, I mean. Let me know in the comments.

For more info on the Prospex Speedtimer GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph trio, visit the official Seiko website.