SEIKO – PROSPEX Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph

SEIKO – PROSPEX Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph Blue Dial 2022

Precision in every aspect. 
A new Speedtimer chronograph.

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Heritage and innovation in harmony. The new Prospex Speedtimer mechanical chronograph.

The creation of the 1969 Seiko Speedtimer was an important landmark in the history of the chronograph. 

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It was one of the world’s first automatic chronographs but its true significance lay in that fact that its movement, Caliber 6139, was the first to incorporate both a column wheel and a vertical clutch, two devices which made the measurement of elapsed time more precise and error-free than ever before. 

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Today, a new creation pays homage to the 1969 original and showcases many of the most innovative aspects of Seiko’s watchmaking. 

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The original 1969 Speedtimer was the first chronograph in the world to incorporate both a vertical clutch and a column wheel.

Precision in every design detail

Just like the 1969 original, every detail of this new creation’s design is tailored to reflect the precision required for elapsed time measurement at the highest level. The sub-dials and markers on the outer dial ring are in white so that they stand out prominently against the blue dial. The chronograph hands are in red to ensure that elapsed time can be read accurately at a glance.

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Thanks to the dial’s vertical hairline finish, the dial turns from navy to vivid blue as the angle of vision changes.

The chronograph second hand is gently curved down towards the dial so that the tip of the hand is as close as possible to the dial's markers and extends right to the tachymeter markings at the dial edge. The minute and hour hands and the edge of the indexes are generously coated with Lumibrite so that the time can be read even in low light conditions. The pushers are prominent and have a wide and flat upper surface area to facilitate secure and accurate operability. In every aspect, precision has inspired the design.

The Caliber 8R Series.  
Designed for maximum precision in every aspect.

This new Speedtimer is powered by Caliber 8R46, which incorporates both vertical clutch and column wheel mechanisms, just like the 1969 original. The vertical clutch eliminates any shuddering or jumping of the hands and so enhances the measurement accuracy while the column wheel ensures the precise control of the chronograph operation.

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Designed and hand assembled completely in-house by Seiko’s most skilled watchmakers, Caliber 8R46 ensures the highest possible levels of precision and durability.

In addition, the movement incorporates Seiko’s unique three-pointed hammer which ensures that, when the re-set pusher is depressed, the hands return to zero instantly and in perfect synchronization. The escapement is lightweight and strong, thanks to the use of MEMS technology which enhances the stability of the watch’s precision.

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As well as the steel bracelet, a black leather strap is also offered with the watch.

The watch is presented on a stainless steel bracelet that is specially designed and constructed for this series. Its thickness and weight, combined with the low center of gravity of the case, ensure stability and a high level of comfort on the wrist. In addition, the presentation case includes a leather strap whose stitching is specially designed to increase the strap’s durability.

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This new Speedtimer chronograph will join the main Prospex collection and will be available from September 2022 at the Seiko Boutiques and selected retail partners worldwide.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 

SPORT - Collection

Model:  PROSPEX Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph: SRQ043

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Ref.  SRQ043

Movement
Caliber Number    8R46
Movement Type:    Automatic with manual winding
Precision:   +25 to -15 seconds per day
Power reserve    Approx. 45 hours
Vibrations: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
Jewels:  34
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m  

 

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Functions
        Equipped with small seconds hand
        Stop second hand function
Case
Material    Stainless steel (super hard coating)
Size
Thickness:15.1mm
Diameter:42.5mm
Lug-to-lug:50.0mm
Crystal:   Dual-curved sapphire crystal
Crystal Coating:   Anti-reflective coating on inner surface
LumiBrite:    Lumibrite on hands and index(es)
Water Resistance:    10 bar
Weight:   194.0g
Band
Stainless steel bracelet with super-hard coating
Three-fold clasp with push button release 

Bracelet Length:    203.0mm
Distance between lugs:    20mm

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Additional calf strap

🔴  Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: €3,200

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Press releases - 2022
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SEIKO WATCH CORPORATION
Mr­­ Noboru­­ Miyadera
2-8-10, Toranomon, Minato-ku,
Tokyo­­ 105-8467
Japan
Telephone+81 3 6739 2150
Telefax+81 3 6739 2071
seiko-pr@seiko-watch.co.jp
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LOUIS MOINET – Cosmic Art MARS MISSION Edition

 

LOUIS MOINET – Cosmic Art MARS MISSION Stainless Steel Edition 2022

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 MARS MISSION

“There are 77 government space agencies to date, and knowledge of Mars has become a priority for humanity” Jean-Marie Schaller

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Why is the cosmic world so important to Louis Moinet?

Louis Moinet invented the chronograph in 1816, to meet the needs of his astronomical observations. This hitherto unknown instrument was indeed associated with the unit of measurement of his astronomical transit instrument: the tierce, which corresponds to 1/60th of a second.

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 The Louis Moinet’s Chronograph, 1816

Why “Mars Mission”?
 
Louis Moinet was a trailblazer and wanted to develop a better knowledge of the universe through his astronomical observations. 

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The same can be said of the programmes aimed at Mars, which are probably the next step in the conquest of space.

Mars Mission, a character-filled creation

This modern timepiece aims to combine the visionary talent of the inventor of the chronograph and high frequency with contemporary architectural work. 

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The essential elements are outlined below.

The dial – a witness to the conquest of space

The dial pays tribute to the first detailed photos of Mars taken in 1965 by the first Mars flyby probe: Mariner 4. 

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The engraving results from hand-crafted hammering creating pleasing contrasts on the surface of the planet. The finish features two light and dark tones resulting from a light black patina achieved after the dial was copper-plated.

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It has an opening between 8 o'clock and 12 o'clock, revealing each beat of its exclusive calibre including the escapement operating at a rate of 28,800 vibrations/hour, as well as the off-centre seconds hand. Everything is arranged to ensure that the eye loses nothing of intricate workings of this MARS MISSION watch.

 Mars – an authentic Martian meteorite fragment

Louis Moinet offers exclusive real fragments of Mars. This is an extremely rare and precious material, as only 277 Martian meteorites are known to exist worldwide.

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Martian meteorite

After being torn from the Martian crust probably millions of years ago, this meteorite drifted through interplanetary space, travelling millions of kilometres, before finally being captured by the Earth's gravity and landing in the Jiddat al Harasis Desert in Oman. 

It has now been transformed into an objet d’art, sculpted by the expert hands of Daniel Haas and suspended above the void, protected by an anodised aluminium capsule with a shiny black base to make the red planet stand out.

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Martian meteorite becomes an artwork

The hour-markers – light and radiance

Representing an essential stylistic element in this creation, the hour-markers involve an extremely sophisticated manufacture process. Each features three variously shaped facets designed to make the light dance over them. The flank features a diamond and satin-finished part to endow the dial with a deep radiance. The colour contrast is accentuated by its black PVD base and the lacquer in its centre.

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The real accomplishment was to keep them suspended above the void, with the clear intention of creating a strong perspective. This virtuoso craftsmanship enables them to be linked to a central ring and to the inner bezel ring.

The self-winding calibre – function & style

The finishing of the movement is based on the noble traditions of fine watchmaking: Côtes de Genève, diamond-polished chamfers, circular satin-finished wheels, circular graining. 

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The sapphire caseback reveals the movements of the rotor mounted on ball bearings. 

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The Clous de Paris motif dear to Louis Moinet in the 19th century has been reinterpreted in a concentric version, giving an impression of movement.

The Neo case – a watch industry trailblazer

The Mars Mission case has been christened Neo, as its novel technical solutions have created a silhouette that is unprecedented in watchmaking.

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Everything is built around two vertical bridges that cross the piece to accommodate the strap at each end of their openworked lugs. These bridges enclose the movement container, which is dominated by the six-screw bezel, one of Louis Moinet's trademarks.

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Its alligator leather strap is secured by a folding clasp adorned with the curved Fleur de Lys, the symbol of Louis Moinet.

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Technical Specifications 

 Collection:  Cosmic Art

Model:  MARS MISSION Edition

Ref.  LM-75.10.MA-C

Movement
Automatic Calibre LM45 : High precision automatic movement.
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4Hz)
Power reserve: 48 hours
Jewels: 22
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds
Type: Self-winding mechanism | Balance with screws
Oscillating mass: Bi-material | 6 ball bearings | Adorned with concentric "Clous de Paris" hobnail pattern and "Fleur de Lys

Finishes:
Mainplate: circular “Côtes de Genève” hobnail pattern, circular satin-finished and circular-grained
Self-winding bridge: circular graining, diamond-polished chamfers, engraved and gilded Louis Moinet symbols
Gear trains: circular satin-finished
Dial 

Theme: Depiction of the surface of Mars
Engraving: Hammering | Copper plating | Patina
Capsule at 3 o'clock Mars meteorite fragment | Red anodised aluminium
Index: Suspended above the dial | Black PVD treatment, diamond-polished and satin-brushed flanks

Case
Diameter: 45.4 mm
Design with two-part bezel and 6 screws, assembled at a 17° angleOriginal Louis Moinet® design featuring six-screw bezel
Original design by Louis Moinet®, made up of 59 parts
Case material:

316l Stainless steel

Water resistance: 50 metres
Caseback: Secured with 6 screws, engraved with individual number and Louis Moinet markings
Crystals: Two anti-reflective sapphire crystals
Patent-pending crown guard
Sapphire crystal and back | Glareproofed on both sides
Width between lugs: 24 mm
Strap
Material: Louisiana alligator leather | Alligator lining, hand-sewn
Clasp: Triple-blade folding clasp | Steel with black PVD finish | Fine adjustment | Curved "Fleur de Lys"
 

• Limited Edition  to only 100 pieces

 
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