Shin Domestic Watches [Seiko] Edition vol.6 - "Prospex Speed ​​Timer", which reproduces the functional beauty of a masterpiece stopwatch with a chronograph Report on the important people of Japan's four major watch makers

The white dial model is a limited edition of only 1000 pieces. I hear it's very popular.

Some people may have noticed that there are many imported goods in Japan due to the global spread of the new coronavirus. In the watch market, shipments were delayed, mainly from European manufacturers, and there were some new products whose release dates were postponed. [Related photo] Chronograph hands with curved tips are a must-see!! Japan is the second largest country in the world of watches after Switzerland, and there are four major manufacturers with long histories, all of which are highly regarded both domestically and internationally. Now again, as an opportunity to reconsider the underlying strength of "domestic production", we interviewed key persons from four major companies and asked them about their advanced technology, innovative ideas, and attractive collections with advanced designs. In the 6th installment, we will introduce a new cornerstone born from the sports watch brand [SEIKO PROSPEX] of [SEIKO], to learn the behind-the-scenes story behind the development of the [PROSPEX Speed ​​Timer] and the points we are particular about. Introduce an interview.

The power of a new speed timer, based on the world's first mass-produced self-winding chronograph

Speaking of Seiko Prospex, the image of a diver's watch is strong. This is because the orthodox school is developing, inheriting the technology that gave birth to the first domestically produced divers in 1965. Around the same time that the original model for the “sea” appeared, Seiko was also achieving great achievements in the field of “timekeeping”. Looking back on its glorious history, the new Speedmaster was created as the first step towards a new legend. This time, we interviewed Mr. Hideaki Kato and Mr. Masayuki Kimura of Seiko Watch, who have been involved from the planning stage.

The unique design is based on a historically important pocket watch-type stopwatch.

(Mr. Kato) "After about two years of work, we finally reached the point of sale. It all started with the desire to create a watch that would show the high level of Seiko's timekeeping technology." 2020 (The event will be postponed for one year to 2021) is also related to the fact that it was the Olympic year. At the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Seiko was the official timekeeper. (Mr. Kato) "At the time, in addition to developing a mechanical stopwatch that could measure accurately without error, we also introduced a quartz-type crystal chronometer. After that, the computerization of timekeeping progressed. Also in 1964, Japan's first domestically produced Wristwatches with a stopwatch function and the Crown Chronograph also appeared.Timekeeping technology flourished at a stroke during this period.” I was in charge of the timer. The story is also linked to the development of the new series. (Mr. Kimura) "While projecting such history, we repeatedly discussed how to create a functional new chronograph as a wristwatch. Although it was affected by the new coronavirus infection, we held remote meetings and steadily I have proceeded with