For those who prefer their Speedtimers without the Japanese carmaker’s livery, there are three new references worthy of your attention: The SPB513 ($995) and SPB513 ($995) are like the SPB517 with its secondary crown and internal rotating bezel, but with silver and black dials, respectively, and orange accents and the type of cool multi-link bracelet seen on certain vintage Seiko watches. Priced at just under $1,000, they’re perfect modern, affordable tool watches. And for those who prefer a chronograph, there’s the SRQ055 ($3,200), a stripped-back version of the aforementioned SRQ057 without Datsun branding and featuring a steel case and multilink bracelet with polished and brushed surfaces. Featuring a black dial with matching chronograph totalizers, it would make a lovely everyday piece for those who prefer a larger-cased tool watch.
Many collaborative watches feel strained, tired, or downright wrong. Whether by virtue of their shared racing heritage or the simple fact that Datsun colors look great on a watch dial, these new Speedtimers just work. At prices ranging from $1,000 to $4,000, they’re perhaps not at the price we expect from Seiko, but they’re darn compelling nonetheless. The non-Datsun references, meanwhile, are even more affordable and still look excellent without the Datsun branding. Either way, you’re getting a darn cool, modern watch that you won’t be afraid to wear daily.
