Seiko have released a brand new limited edition version of their history-making automatic chronograph. The Seiko Crystal Trophy Speedtimer SSC909 brings an elegant new look to the Prospex Speedtimers that were released late in 2021.
Only 10,000 copies of this crystalline sports watch have been released to the world, which makes owning one a true privilege. Appropriately, the colour design of this limited edition timepiece is unlike any Seiko Prospex watches that we’ve seen before.
We’ll be diving into the Crystal Trophy Speedtimer and its inspiration to help you make sure this Seiko watch is for you. And, we’re happy to announce that this rare timepiece is available now at Shiels.
Overview
- Seiko Speedtimer History
- Crystal Trophy Inspiration
- Dial & Bezel
- Case & Bracelet
- Specifications
- Final Thoughts
Seiko Speedtimer History
In 1964, the year of the first Tokyo Olympic Games, Seiko served as the event’s official timekeeper. The famous Japanese watchmaker provided over 1000 stopwatches to the event, and in the same year would release Japan’s first-ever chronograph.
It wasn’t much later that Seiko would break new ground again, this time with a world-first. The Seiko 5 Speedtimer, created in just two years, was the first ever automatic chronograph watch with an innovative column wheel and vertical clutch.
The line would continue to 1977, but wouldn’t return until the recent release of the Seiko Prospex Speedtimers. And now, this new limited edition Crystal Trophy Speedtimer is here to continue the legacy of the historic timepiece.
Crystal Trophy Inspiration
The SSC909P Speedtimer is designed to express the brilliance and transparency of the crystal trophies used to recognise achievement. Seiko uses this colour “which honours the challenges of athletes,” as the ultimate celebration of overcoming challenges.
Their inspiration is true to the history of the Seiko Speedtimer and makes this watch a worthy limited edition model.
Crystal Trophy Seiko Speedtimer Dial & Bezel
You can see how Seiko transferred their crystal trophy inspiration into this glassy dial. Their silver tone mixes with a tinge of blue to create an effect of translucence and a crystalline look. The textured sunray dial, along with bright indexes, only add to the spectacle of this limited edition Seiko Speedtimer.
Similar to recent Speedtimer releases, the Crystal Trophy SSC909 comes in at a smaller 39mm case diameter. As a result, a thin handset has been implemented to allow some extra visibility to the chronograph subdials.
The subdials themselves have been painted black, which is the main accent colour of the timepiece. It’s a good choice, contrasting the silver blue and cutting into some of the brightness the sunray texture brings.
A tachymeter was included in the original Seiko Speedtimer, and again in the Crystal Trophy Speedtimer. It marries well with the timer, allowing you to measure your speed over distance when running or cycling. This is also a definitive sports watch styling, designed in black with white numbering.
Crystal Trophy Seiko Speedtimer Case & Bracelet
Seiko have chosen a crisp, and to-the-point option for the case. Lightly brushed, the steel frame adds some shine and finishes a really strong colour palette of black, steel grey, and glassy silver-blue.
The chronograph pushers and crown stick out of the case-right, and are an essential part of the Speedtimer charm. Aside from this lovable (and necessary) addition, the case does a good job of directing attention to the unique Crystal Trophy dial.
If you aren’t sure about the Seiko SSC909 Crystal Trophy Speedtimer, the bracelet might just sell it to you. Running through the centre of the three-link design is an elegant yet sporty black stripe. Given a hard coating, this section gives the watch an honestly beautiful finish.
It sets the Crystal Trophy further apart from the other Seiko Speedtimers, which is exactly what you want from a limited edition watch. And this isn’t an everyday Seiko bracelet either, it has an obvious quality and strength to it — to be expected at this price point.
Crystal Trophy Seiko Speedtimer Specifications
Seiko have made sure that this limited edition Speedtimer isn’t all for show. It’s backed by a powerful V192 calibre, with a pinpoint accuracy to ±15 seconds per month. You won’t have to worry much about charge, with a 6-month power reserve at full capacity.
If you do purchase the Crystal Trophy Speedtimer, you’ll also be able to enjoy an anti-reflective sapphire glass and LumiBrite for nighttime visibility.
Here is the full list of specifications:
- 39mm diameter x 13.3mm thickness x 45.5mm lug-to-lug
- Automatic chronograph movement
- Stainless steel case & bracelet
- Water resistance to 100m
- Curved sapphire crystal
- Anti-reflective coating
- Magnetic Resistance - 4,800 A/m
- LumiBrite hands & indices
- Three-fold clasp with push button
- Screw case back
And functions:
- Chronograph up to 60m with ⅕ second increments
- 24-hour hand
- Tachymeter bezel
- Date window
- Overcharge prevention
Final Thoughts
The Seiko Crystal Trophy Speedtimer is a great new addition to the Prospex range, and one that will tempt more than a few avid watch collectors. With only 10,000 available around the globe, you’ll need to get in quick if this sporty timepiece is in your sights.
If you weren’t sold by the Seiko Prospex Speedtimers that were recently released, this is an excellent new look. We’re big fans of the black bracelet, and the crystal trophy inspiration is well represented in the dial design.
If you’re after a sports watch with fantastic aesthetics, this automatic watch is a great pick. Seiko have achieved their goal with the limited edition Crystal Trophy Speedtimer, by creating a watch to honour the challenges of athletes.
