Seiko Expands The Prospex Speedtimer Line With The SRQ043

August 09, 2022

Announced just today, the Seiko SRQ043 is an expansion of the Speedtimer line within the brand's ever-growing Prospex collection. Based around an automatic chronograph movement rocking both a column wheel and a vertical clutch, the SRQ043 sports a blue dial with red accents and it is not a limited edition.? Much like the pre-exisiting SRQ035, 037, and the limited edition SRQ041, the Speedtimer SRQ043 has a steel case measuring 42.5mm across, 15.1mm thick, and 50 mm lug to lug. The case, as well as the included steel bracelet, have been treated to Seiko's Super-Hard coating and the SRQ043 also includes a calf leather strap.? Featuring a two-register layout and a maximum measure of 30 minutes, the SRQ043 houses the Seikos 8R46 movement, which is automatically wound and, in keeping with the brand's original automatic chronograph movements, integrates a column wheel and a vertical clutch. With a rate of 4 Hz and a power reserve of 45 hours, the 8R46 can be seen via a display caseback and helps the Speedtimer sit among the upper echelons of the Prospex range.? The Speedtimer SRQ043 will hit Seiko retail in September of this year with a list price of $3,200.? What We Think I mean, in short, it's a blue dial version of an already lovely Seiko chronograph, which feels like a very Seiko-sort of move (especially given its chronograph history). As a premium offering within Prospex, I think these chronographs C which I have taken to calling "big ears" due to their overstated but quirky chronograph pusher design C do a great job of offering a higher-spec alternative to something like a 7750 and just about any chronograph fan will appreciate the column wheel and the vertical clutch, not to mention Seiko's three-pointed hammer (for precise hand reset). For those curious, the vertical clutch allows for a more direct engagement of the hands as the gears in question are active (this, in comparison to the rocking pinion of the 7750 or the action of a lateral clutch). It's more of a technical flex than anything else, but, at this price, it's part of what you're paying for.? Likewise, the column wheel is a smoother and more precise way of engaging and resetting the chronograph that is often found in higher-end chronograph movements (vs. the less expensive cam-based executions). ? The Speedtimer SRQ034 is a handsome chronograph that can now be had with a blue dial. At a bit over three grand, its most direct competition comes from the likes of Longines, where you can find a handful of models that sport movements with similar specifications. Add in the Speedtimer's hardened case treatment and included steel bracelet and you've got a flat-out race on your hands (or wrist). The Basics Brand: SeikoModel: Speedtimer Mechanical ChronographReference Number: SRQ043Diameter: 42.5mmThickness: 15.1mmLug to lug: 50mmCase Material: Steel with Seiko's Super-Hard coating Dial Color: BlueIndexes: AppliedLume: YesWater Resistance: 1oo metersStrap/Bracelet: Steel bracelet with fold-over clasp and an additional calf leather strap.? The Movement Caliber: Seiko 8R46Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, 30-minute chronograph, chronograph secondsPower Reserve: 45 hoursWinding: Automatic Frequency: 28,800 vphJewels: 34Additional Details: Employs both a column wheel and a vertical clutch Pricing & Availability Price: $3,200 Availability: Sept. 2022, via Seiko boutiques and select retail partners Shop this story HODINKEE is an Authorized Retailer of Seiko watches. You can check out our collection?here. For more information about Seiko, visit their?website.