Seiko unveils 4 new HBJ-series solar Prospex Speedtimer chronographs, but there's a catch
Seiko has added four solar Speedtimer chronographs, and the most interesting thing about them is how little has changed.
The HBJ001, HBJ002, HBJ003 and HBJ004 were announced on Monday, reported first by plus9time, which spotted that the references are close to watches Seiko already sells — the only update is on the bezel and the price.
Colors split these models. HBJ001 has a silver dial with a black bezel insert. HBJ002 gets a black dial and insert against a gold-toned bezel, crown and pushers. HBJ003 takes a green dial with a green and black insert, and HBJ004 puts a golden dial inside a red and blue one.
The bezel is where the main change shows. The tachymeter scales on the new references has different markings from their predecessors — the highest values on the old scale are now replaced with additional graduations. Seiko has not explained the revision. Also, the date window on the HBJ001 looks to be color-matched to the dial, where the SSC911 left it contrasting.
Everything else is similar. The stainless-steel case measures 41.4 mm across, 13 mm thick and 45.9 mm long, with 21 mm lugs, a screw caseback and 100 m water resistance. Curved sapphire with internal anti-reflective coating sits on top, and LumiBrite covers the hands and indexes.
Caliber V192 drives them — it's a solar chronograph movement running roughly six months on a full charge at plus or minus 15 seconds a month. It times to 60 minutes in fifth-second increments, with a 24-hour sub-dial, date and a power reserve indicator that appears at the touch of a button.
Seiko has not published pricing as of writing. The references these replace sell for $750 to $785. Going by comments on social media, fans aren't exactly happy with the new (probably higher) price tags and how little has changed for the same.
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