Introducing the "Seiko Chronograph Historical Collection"

SEIKO

Two Limited Edition Models Celebrating Innovative Chronographs

Two limited edition models, each produced in a run of 1,000 units worldwide, will be released on Saturday, December 7, 2019, across Japan and internationally. These new timepieces celebrate the anniversaries of two chronograph models first introduced in the 1960s, one from the authentic sports watch line <Seiko Prospex> and the other from the <Seiko Presage> line, which embodies Japanese aesthetic sensibilities.

Text by Sayaka Ozaki

Elevating Seiko's Epoch-Making Chronographs to a Higher Dimension

To commemorate the launch of two chronograph models released in 1964 and 1969, Seiko is introducing limited edition models from its global brands <Seiko Prospex> and <Seiko Presage> as the "Seiko Chronograph Historical Collection." These models not only follow the original designs but are also elevated to a higher dimension through the use of the latest technology and materials.

The "<Seiko Prospex> Seiko Automatic Chronograph 50th Anniversary Limited Edition" is equipped with the Caliber 6138, which adds 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers, based on the Caliber 6139, one of the world's first automatic chronographs developed in 1969. Notably, it adopts the highly popular "panda dial" design. The beautiful contrast between silver and black, along with the hairline finish applied across the entire dial as on the original, is complemented by a chronograph hand with a vibrant orange tip.

Developed in 1969, the Caliber 6139 was one of the world's first automatic chronographs and holds a significant place in Seiko's history. While the vertical clutch and column wheel are common in high-end chronographs today, the advent of a movement that combined excellent shock resistance with precise and light operation was a groundbreaking event in watchmaking history in 1969. Subsequently, the Caliber 6138, which added 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers, was developed, laying the foundation for Seiko's automatic chronographs that continue to this day.

Left: Automatic chronograph with Caliber 6138 (not for sale). Right: Crown Chronograph developed in 1964 (not for sale).

Meanwhile, the "<Seiko Presage> Seiko Chronograph 55th Anniversary Limited Edition" faithfully reproduces the design of the 1964 Crown Chronograph. It features a box-shaped crystal, sharp Arabic numerals on a slim bezel, and an inwardly sloped case for a secure fit on the wrist. The Crown Chronograph, developed in 1964, was Japan's first indigenous chronograph and featured a one-push function controlled by the button at the 2 o'clock position for start, stop, and reset. Like the Caliber 6139 and its successors developed later, it was equipped with a column wheel that enabled reliable stopwatch control, making it a model that boasted high operability.

Caliber 8R48

Both models utilize Caliber 8R48, Seiko's latest mechanical chronograph movement developed in 2014. The stopwatch mechanism incorporates a vertical clutch, inherited from the Caliber 6139. Additionally, a column wheel, also used in the Crown Chronograph for reliable operation, is employed.

These two limited edition models, representing the history of Seiko chronographs, are scheduled to be released on Saturday, December 7, 2019, in Japan and internationally, with each model limited to 1,000 units worldwide.