The new Seiko Prospex mechanical chronograph, the SBEC027, is here. It uses the same Cal. 8R48 movement as previous models, but with a black dial and bezel, it's a classic model.
Text by Sabine Zwettler
[Article published on January 9, 2025]
Seiko, the king of stopwatches and chronographs
In the 1960s, Seiko introduced a new generation of highly accurate timers to the international sports timing scene. These timers were highly praised by many international sports federations and were adopted as official timing devices at major sporting events around the world.
At the heart of this success were stopwatches equipped with Seiko's unique "heart cam" mechanism, which achieved a level of precision previously thought unattainable for a manual timing device.
In 1969, Seiko introduced the Speed-Timer, featuring the revolutionary Caliber 6139. This was the world's first automatic chronograph with a column wheel and vertical clutch, which significantly improved the accuracy of measuring elapsed time. Both mechanisms remain essential elements of high-performance mechanical chronograph watches to this day.
"Prospex Speed Timer SBEC027"
The new Prospex Speedtimer SBEC027 continues this tradition. Its black dial features luminous indexes and anthracite-colored subdials for a three-dimensional effect.
The clear design ensures excellent visibility from any angle. The bezel is engraved with a tachymeter scale, allowing you to measure average speed. Seiko Prospex mechanical chronographs come in two types: one with the tachymeter located on the inner bezel inside the crystal, and one with the tachymeter located on the outer periphery (standard bezel), and this model is the latter.
Automatic winding (Cal. 8R48). 34 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 45 hours. Case (diameter 42.0 mm, thickness 14.6 mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 374,000 yen (tax included).
Furthermore, a date display is located between the 4 and 5 o'clock positions, enhancing its practicality as an all-rounder.
Construction and Finish
The case and bracelet are made of stainless steel with Seiko's proprietary hard coating, DiaShield, and feature alternating hairline and polished finishes, creating a sporty yet high-quality impression.
The crystal is made of dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides, ensuring both visibility and scratch resistance. The screw-down case back ensures water resistance to 10 bar.
The case measures 42.0mm in diameter and 14.6mm thick. Despite its bold presence, it is comfortable to wear. It is water resistant to 10 bar.
Equipped with chronograph movement Cal.8R48
This model is equipped with Seiko's in-house chronograph movement, Cal. 8R48. It is a bidirectional automatic movement with Seiko's familiar Magic Lever mechanism, and can also be wound manually.
The power reserve is approximately 45 hours, and the vibration frequency is 28,800 vibrations per hour. It has a chronograph function that can measure up to 12 hours in 1/8-second increments. It is also equipped with a second hand stop mechanism, allowing for accurate time setting.
