This commitment to innovation culminated in 1969 with the debut of the Speedtimer—the first automatic chronograph in the world to feature both a vertical clutch and a column wheel. These groundbreaking components marked a significant leap forward in accurately tracking elapsed time, cementing Seiko’s reputation as a pioneer in horological engineering.

In 1969, the Datsun 240Z made its debut and quickly gained global popularity, especially across Japan and North America. Determined to showcase its prowess as a high-performance sports car, the 240Z entered the international rally scene. Seiko, driven by a kindred spirit of innovation and adventure, partnered with Datsun during the early 1970s to support its motorsport endeavors. In a defining moment in 1971, the Datsun 240Z—bearing the number 11 and proudly displaying the Seiko emblem—triumphed in the grueling East-African Safari Rally, mastering 6,200 kilometers of rugged terrain to claim overall victory in one of the world’s most challenging races.

Fast-forward to today: Seiko honors this shared history of bold engineering and rally success with three exclusive limited-edition timepieces. These watches join the Speedtimer series, blending cutting-edge Seiko technology with racing heritage. Additionally, three new models enrich the Prospex Speedtimer collection, celebrating the enduring connection between speed, precision, and automotive excellence.

The Datsun name was born in 1932 at DAT Jidosha Seizo, the predecessor of Nissan Motor. Originally, the “DAT” brand was founded under Kwaishinsha Motor Car Works, the predecessor of DAT Jidosha Seizo, and was an acronym derived from three investors’ surnames. Later, “SON” was applied to create “DATSON,” as it was the “son” the investors created. However, in Japanese, “SON” is the word for loss. Therefore, it was immediately changed to “SUN,” which has brighter associations, and the name became DATSUN. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Datsun 240Z, each watch in this special collaboration mirrors the car’s unmistakable aesthetic — from bold red-and-black accents reminiscent of its chassis to dials showcasing unique renditions of the iconic Datsun logo. The SPB517, driven by Seiko’s mechanical Caliber 6R55, flaunts a vintage-style emblem: a red circle coupled with a blue rectangle housing crisp white “Datsun” lettering. The SRQ057, equipped with the mechanical chronograph Caliber 8R48, opts for a sleek, cursive script for a touch of retro elegance. Lastly, the SSC957 — powered by the solar V192 chronograph — goes with solid block lettering, delivering a bold and contemporary take on the Datsun name.

Two of the new collaboration watches pay homage to the Datsun brand with engraved case backs. The SPB517 proudly displays the original logo used during the car’s era, while the SRQ057 features a stylized emblem inspired by the rally edition of the 240Z. Taking it a step further, the SSC957 showcases a custom illustration of the iconic Datsun 240Z — created exclusively for this model.

Evoking the adrenaline and precision of vintage racing, the SPB517 includes a countdown timer, ideal for tracking crucial motorsport intervals like pit stop durations or race start countdowns, while the SRQ057, powered by the Caliber 8R48 automatic chronograph, incorporates a tachymeter scale on its outer bezel for speed tracking between 50 km/h and 60 km/h — a nod to the original Speedtimer from 1969. The movement features a vertical clutch and column wheel for seamless operation and houses a 30-minute sub-dial at 9 o’clock and a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock. Thanks to MEMS technology, the escapement is both lightweight and resilient, enhancing precision and long-term reliability. The SSC957, operating with Seiko’s solar-powered V192 chronograph, offers a 60-minute stopwatch and a 24-hour sub-dial. When fully charged, it delivers up to six months of performance without needing light exposure.

Each leather strap is crafted from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group, ensuring ethical and environmentally conscious production. The inner seams are lined to guard against wear caused by sweat and moisture, and the SPB517 strap comes with sport-inspired perforations for a bold finish.

These timepieces debut worldwide in Seiko boutiques and select retail locations starting September 2025. Production quantities are strictly limited:

• SPB517 – 2,500 pieces
• SRQ057 – 500 pieces
• SSC957 – 4,000 pieces

Joining the main Prospex Speedtimer family are three new watches — two with Caliber 6R55 and one with Caliber 8R48 are offered in silver-white and black dial variations. Models with Caliber 6R55 boast a compact 39.5mm diameter and 12.0mm thickness, water-resistant up to 20 bar. Their design draws directly from the sleek Speedtimer chronographs of 1972, complete with multi-row bracelets for enhanced wrist comfort. The new Caliber 8R48-equipped model includes a black bezel and the same tachymeter scale seen in its collaborative counterpart, combining high readability with sporty flair

All three additions will also hit Seiko boutiques and select retailers starting September 2025, bringing precision and performance to the heart of modern horology.