2026 The Datsun 240Z and Seiko Prospex Speedtimer

The 1960s were an important decade for Seiko, which made advances in the measurement of elapsed time by taking part in various international sporting competitions, supporting athletes who required reliable and accurate timing to the nearest one-hundredth of a second. In 1969, Seiko introduced the Speedtimer, the world’s first automatic chronograph equipped with both a vertical clutch and a column wheel, two features that greatly enhanced the measurement of elapsed time.

Also launched in 1969, the Datsun 240Z became a worldwide hit, especially in Japan and North America. With the aim of demonstrating its high performance as a sports car, the Datsun 240Z began to participate in world rally competitions. Seiko, sharing Datsun’s spirit for taking on challenges, supported the Datsun 240Z in motorsports activities in the early 1970s. In 1971, adorned with the Seiko logo, the Datsun 240Z with No. 11 on its side conquered harsh terrain as it raced 6,200 kilometers to overall victory in the East-African Safari Rally, widely regarded as one of the toughest races in the world.

Today, three limited-edition watches drawing on a range of Seiko technologies join the Speedtimer series, paying homage to the shared legacy of the Datsun 240Z and Seiko and their advancements in the late 1960s and early 1970s. An additional three watches join the main Prospex Speedtimer series, adding to the automotive spirit of a series built for speed and precision.

Three collaboration timepieces with the Datsun 240Z

Functions inspired by vintage motorsports aesthetics

The Arabic numerals on the limited editions take inspiration from the font used on Datsun 240Z instruments.

SPB517

SRQ057

SSC957

Iconic Datsun logos are engraved on two of the watches' case backs. The SPB517 features the brand logo used at the time, while the SRQ057 has a logo based on the emblem on the rally car. The SSC957 case back is adorned with an original illustration of the Datsun 240Z, specially made for this watch.

The SPB517 features a countdown timer function that can be used to measure key intervals in motorsports competitions, such as the time remaining before the start and target durations for tasks such as tire changes and refueling. The SRQ057 automatic chronograph has a tachymeter scale on the outer bezel for enhanced legibility and a sporty aesthetic.

Furthermore, the scale used allows for measuring speeds from 50 km/h to 60 km/h, paying homage to the original Speedtimer bezel format from 1969. The chronograph movement’s vertical clutch and column wheel ensure the precision and reliability that are the hallmarks of Seiko’s 8R movement series. Caliber 8R48 features a 30-minute counter at nine o’clock and a 12-hour counter at six o’clock and is constructed with robustness and maintainability in mind. Its escapement is lightweight and strong, thanks to the use of MEMS technology, enhancing stability and precision. The SSC957 solar chronograph features a 60-minute chronograph function and a 24-hour sub-dial, and when fully charged, the watch operates for up to six months without exposure to light.

The leather straps are sourced from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group, of which Seiko is a member. The seams on the inner sides of both of the leather straps are covered with lining to minimize damage from sweat and water, and the strap of the SPB517 is perforated for a sportier aesthetic.

The three collaboration timepieces are available now at the Seiko boutiques and select retail partners worldwide. Each will be offered as a limited edition: 2,500 pieces for SPB517, 500 pieces for SRQ057, and 4,000 pieces for SSC957.

In addition to the collaboration timepieces, two creations powered by Caliber 6R55 and one creation powered by Caliber 8R48 join the main Speedtimer series. Both the limited-edition and continuous-production models powered by Caliber 6R55 have a case diameter of 39.5mm and a thickness of 12.0mm while achieving 20 bar water resistance. The streamlined case design and the elegant style of the bracelet inherit the characteristic design of a Speedtimer chronograph introduced in 1972, further emphasizing the ‘70s vintage aesthetic. The multi row bracelet allows the watch to sit securely and comfortably on the wrist.

The continuous production watch with Caliber 8R48 features a black bezel to match the dial. Just like the collaboration model, this watch also features a tachymeter scale on the outer bezel, enhancing its legibility and sporty aesthetic.

The three new timepieces joining the main Prospex collection are also available now at the Seiko boutiques and select retail partners worldwide.

Three additional timepieces join the main Prospex Speedtimer series

SPB513

SRQ055

SPB515

SPB517

SRQ057

Caliber 6R55

• Driving system: Automatic

• Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour (6 beats per second)

• Power reserve: 72 hours (3 days)

• Number of jewels: 24

Caliber 8R48

• Driving system: Automatic

• Column wheel and vertical clutch systems

• Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)

• Power reserve: 45 hours

• Jewels: 34

• Chronograph with 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock and 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock

Specifications

• Stainless steel case with super-hard coating

• Stainless steel bracelet with three-fold clasp with push button release (SPB513, SPB515)

• Leather strap with three-fold clasp with push button release (SPB517) (Leather material sourced from LWG-certified tanneries)

• Curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface

• Screw case back

• Diameter: 39.5mm, Thickness: 12.0mm

• Water resistance: 20 bar

• Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m

Specifications

• Stainless steel case

• Stainless steel bracelet with three-fold clasp with push button release (SRQ055)

• Leather strap with three-fold clasp with push button release (SRQ057) (Leather material sourced from LWG-certified tanneries)

• Dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface

• Screw case back

• Diameter: 42.0mm, Thickness: 14.6mm

• Water resistance: 10 bar

• Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m

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.

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