Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Automatic Datsun 240Z Limited Edition SRQ057J1 (similar to the regular-production SRQ055J1) - Linking Two Giant Japanese Brands, A Review (plus Video)

Another Seiko Speedtimer has graced the collection. This time around, it is a collaboration between Seiko and the precursor of the Nissan Motor car company of Japan, Datsun. This collaboration has some meaning to me as the car my wife had when we first got married more that 30 years ago was a red Datsun 130Y.

 

I also bought this particular Speedtimer as its has a design feature that is actually quite contemporary to most brands but seldom seen on a Seiko automatic chronograph - a tachymeter scale set on the bezel instead of on the chapter ring. More about this later.

 

The colour combination, with black being the dominant colour and a touch of red, blue and polished steel gives the watch character that is not too blatant yet subtle. 

 

To be honest, I am kind of hooked into chronographs at the moment and when the SRQ057J1 was announced, I felt the need to get one.

 

 

The Story

Datsun was a new car brand born in 1932 at DAT Jidosha Seizo, the predecessor of Nissan Motor.
Originally, the brand “DAT” was founded under Kwaishinsha Motor Car Works, the predecessor of DAT Jidosha Seizo, and it was an acronym derived from the initials of three investors’ surnames. Later on, “SON" was applied to the end and became “DATSON” as it was the “son” they 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.

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. At the same time, the first model of Datsun 240Z was made (also in 1969). The Datsun 240Z became a worldwide hit, not only in Japan but also in 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. The investment paid off and 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 victory in the East-African Safari Rally, widely regarded as one of the toughest races in the world.

The Collaboration Series

Seiko has used its Speedtimer collection as a base to introduce three limited editions honoring the Datsun 240Z, introduced the same year as Seiko’s first automatic chronograph, the Speedtimer. The three limited edition models include an automatic chronograph,a three-hand timepiece with an internal timing bezel, and a solar quartz chronograph. All uses black, white, red, and blue as their primary colors to channel the Datsun look, along with other 240Z-inspired elements. 

 

 

 

Apart from the limited timepieces, non-limited editions will also be issued. Do note that the standard production models will not have any reference to Datsun unlike the limited edition timepieces.

 

Limited Edition	Standard Production
SRQ057J1 Caliber 8R48 Smooth leather strap LE: 500 pieces MSRP: RM16,500	SRQ055J1 Caliber 8R48 Stainless steel bracelet MSRP: RM13,000
SPB517J1 Caliber 6R55 Leather rally-style strap LE: 2,500 pieces MSRP: RM6,000	SPB515J1 Caliber 6R55 Stainless steel bracelet MSRP: RM4,700
SSC957 Caliber V192 Two-tone bracelet LE: 4,000 pieces MSRP: RM4,500	SPB513J1 Caliber 6R55 Stainless steel bracelet MSRP: RM4,700

 

Below are the case-back graphics of the SRQ057J1, SPB1517J1 and SSC957 (L to R). 

 

 

Personally, I like the graphic on the SSC957. Having the Datsun name only is too basic considering the ability of computer aided manufacturing than can easily etched something more awesome.

 

The Watch

In my collection, I have the the following Speedtimers: the SRQ029J1, the SRQ031J1, the SRQ035J1 and the SRQ049J1.

SRQ029J1	SRQ031J1
SRQ035J1	SRQ049J1

 

Although the latest Speedtimer in the collection, the SRQ057J1 is similar to the ones already in the collection, a few details set it apart from the rest. The most obvious change, apart from the black coated stainless steel case, is the fixed external tachymeter bezel. Seiko tend to incorporate the tachymeter scale internally on the chapter ring in the previous offerings but has now been moved to the outside on the bezel itself. While the case dimensions are similar, it looks a bit smaller thanks to its black finish. By relocating the tachymeter scale to the bezel, the dial also feels bigger.

 

 

Made out of stainless steel with black PVD coating, the watch is 42.0 mm in width and 14.6 mm in height. Its lug-to-lug length is 49.5 mm and its lug width is 20.0 mm. Protected by sapphire crystal, there is not display case-back but a solid screw-down plate with special etchings. Coupled with a smooth black cow leather strap with deployant clasp, the whole package weighs in at 127 grams.  

 

 

 

The dial is jet black and strongly contrasts with the steel coloured applied markers, brand and faceted hours and minute hands, white printed scales and numerals on the slope chapter ring, the minute track, the sub-dials and the texts and logo. The chronograph functions all get a touch of red on the hands, while the running seconds hand received a blue stripe. A circular window at 04:30 reveals the date, and LumiBrite on the applied markers and hands glow in the dark. The finishing touch is the cursive ‘Datsun’ script below the logo at noon. 

 

The sub-counter at 9:00 is the 30-minute counter with Arabic numerals "10", "20" and "30" painted in white while the numerals "40", "50" and "60" are printed in grey and below the corresponding white painted numerals on the counter surface. The sub-counter at 6:00 is the 12-hour counter with Arabic numerals "1" to "12" painted in white on the counter surface. The small sub-seconds counter at 3:00 is generally similar with line markers for every minute (longer line for every 5th minute) painted black directly on the surface. The only numerals painted on this sub-dial are "30" and "60".

 

The dial is protected by a dual-curved sapphire crystal. You can just see the curvature in the photo below. I would be more impressed if a box crystal was used instead to give the nostalgia of something vintage.  

 

 

 

The bezel itself is fitted with a black metal insert that presents its tachymeter scale in white and red, in correlation to the Datsun 240Z that inspired the series. What is interesting to note is the fact that the tachymenter for this Speedtimer model is not on the chapter ring but on the bezel like most contemporary chronograph watches. This design change reduces the 'clutter' on the dial and makes it more visually pleasing.   

Another unique change in the tachymeter scale is the ability to measure speeds from 50 km/h to 60 km/h (in red), paying homage to the original Speedtimer bezel format from 1969. My only gripe about this is the use of a metal insert instead of a more refined ceramic insert. Not sure if the colour choices effected the type of material that can be used but personally, I would prefer a non-metal insert.

 

 

The pump style pushers and the crown are also PVD in black. The crown uses the push-in/pull-out system. Both the crown and pushers are sterile from any graphics which is a shame as Seiko should have at least taken the effort to do something unique to make the watch more special.

The screw-down case-back is solid and has the "Datsun" logo at the centre. The special serial number is also added on the case-back. The unit I was accorded to is 325 out of 500 units.

Underneath this is the Caliber 8R48 automatic movement. This is a column wheel and vertical clutch system. The vertical clutch eliminates any shuddering or jumping of the hands and so enhances the measurement accuracy while the column wheel ensures the precise control of the chronograph operation. In addition, the movement incorporates Seiko’s unique three-pointed hammer which ensures that, when the re-set pusher is depressed, the hands return to zero instantly and in perfect synchronization. The escapement is lightweight and strong, thanks to the use of MEMS technology which enhances the stability of the watch’s precision. The Caliber features a date, 30-minute counter at 9:00, 12-hour counter at 6:00 and a sub-second dial at 3:00. Operating at 28,800 BPH (or 4 Hertz), it can hold up to 45 hours of power reserve. The 8R48 uses 34 jewels and has a manufacturing accuracy of -15/+25 seconds per day although actual experience is much tighter.

The movement is also rated to withstand magnetic fields of at least 4,800 A/m and the casing has a water rating of 100 meters.

The watch is paired with a smooth black cow leather strap with deployant clasp. The strap has a more sporty design with light coloured enforcement thread needled in on the four corners of each strap. The leather is supple out of the box and soft to the touch. 



The Wearing Experience

The Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Automatic Datsun 240Z Limited Edition SRQ057J offers a robust and exclusive wearing experience, blending substantial presence with nostalgic design. Its black PVD-coated stainless steel case feels solid yet wearable due to subtly curved lugs, though it commands attention on the wrist. The smooth black leather strap with contrasting stitching is comfortable but may lack the rally-inspired perforations some enthusiasts desire, balancing elegance with sportiness. The all-black dial with vintage Datsun cursive script and red/blue accents ensures legibility, while the tachymeter bezel (optimized for 50-60 km/h) and chronograph pushers reinforce its motorsport heritage. Powered by the column-wheel 8R48 movement, it delivers precise timing with a satisfying mechanical feel, though the 45-hour power reserve requires regular wear. Limited to 500 pieces, it embodies exclusivity, making it a conversation piece for collectors and automotive enthusiasts alike. Below is a video of the watch on my wrist.

 

 

Specifications

Case Material: Stainless steel (hard coating with black PVD)
Case Thickness: 14.6 mm
Case Diameter: 42.0 mm
Case Length: 49.5 mm
Lug Width: 20.0 mm
Dial Colour: Black
LumiBrite: Lumibrite on hands and indexes
Clasp: Three-fold clasp with push button release
Strap/Bracelet: Cow leather strap with deployant clasp included
Calibre: 8R48 mechanical chronograph with automatic movement and manual winding
Accuracy: -15/+25 seconds per day
Frequency: 28,800 BPH (4 Hertz)
Power Reserve: 45 hours
Jewels: 34
Water Resistance: 10 bar/100 meters
Weight: 127.0 gm
Crystal Coating: Anti-reflective coating on inner surface
Crystal Type: Dual-curved sapphire crystal
Watch Function: Chronograph with 30 minutes & 12 hours, date display, stop seconds-hand function
Serial Number: 325/500
Magnetic Resistance: 4,800 A/m
MSRP: RM16,500

Availability: September 2025
Purchase Date: 3 September 2025
Purchase Price: RM14,800
Vendor: Seiko Boutique, Mid Valley 
Warranty: Three (3) years

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