Few partnerships in motorsport history have aged as gracefully as that of Seiko and the Datsun 240Z. Back in the early 1970s, the Datsun 240Z wasn’t just a beautiful Japanese sports car—it was a proven rally machine that went on to dominate endurance racing across unforgiving terrain. In parallel, Seiko was breaking new ground with its mechanical chronographs, becoming one of the first watchmakers to produce an automatic chronograph with both a vertical clutch and column wheel. Now in 2025, Seiko revives that shared legacy with a limited-edition Prospex Speedtimer trilogy inspired by the legendary Datsun 240Z.

Whether you’re a rally enthusiast, a collector of Seiko chronographs, or someone who just appreciates vintage-inspired design done right, this release has a lot to offer. The three references—SPB517, SRQ057, and SSC957—each draw inspiration from different aspects of the 240Z’s racing DNA, from its livery and dashboard gauges to its rally heritage and team liveries. And while each model has its own technical identity, all three come together as a cohesive tribute to the bond between speed and precision.

The History Behind the Timepieces

The story begins in 1971, when the Seiko-sponsored Datsun 240Z bearing the number 11 famously won the East African Safari Rally—a grueling endurance race widely considered one of the toughest tests for man and machine. The victory cemented the 240Z as a motorsport icon and put Seiko’s logo on the chest of rally legend Edgar Herrmann. It was a moment of pride for Japanese engineering, both on the road and on the wrist.

Fast forward to today, and Seiko’s latest tribute isn’t just a nostalgic reissue—it’s a celebration of mechanical performance, aesthetic restraint, and thoughtful design. Each watch in the collection references a different facet of the Datsun 240Z legacy, blending Seiko’s signature craftsmanship with modern wearability and technical upgrades.

SPB517 – The Understated Countdown Champion

If you’re drawn to minimalist vintage-inspired design with a functional twist, the SPB517 might be your pick. At a glance, it resembles classic rally timers of the 1970s with its inner rotating countdown bezel, black dial, and retro font. Look closer and you’ll notice a splash of red on the second hand and quarter-segment bezel, echoing the livery of the Datsun rally cars.

This model runs on Seiko’s reliable 6R55 automatic movement, offering a solid 72-hour power reserve—plenty for a weekend away or daily wear rotation. The 39.5mm case diameter hits the sweet spot for most wrists, and the 12mm thickness ensures it wears comfortably even under a cuff. The dual-crown setup adds a unique, almost compressor-style look, while the signed crown at 4 o’clock lets you operate the internal bezel. A leather strap with red lining and a deployant clasp rounds out the package with a nod to automotive interiors.

Only 2,500 pieces will be made worldwide, and it’s expected to retail for around 1,250€ when it launches in September 2025. This is arguably the most versatile and wearable of the trio, ideal for collectors who appreciate subtle storytelling through design.

SRQ057 – The Mechanical Chronograph Flagship

For those who want a no-compromise chronograph with Seiko’s latest mechanical tech, the SRQ057 leads the pack. Housed in a 42mm case with a full black hard-coating and fixed tachymeter bezel, this model exudes a bold motorsport vibe while retaining the layout that Speedtimer fans love. The red second hand and hammer-shaped pushers lend it a rugged, utilitarian charm, while the “Datsun” script at 12 o’clock adds vintage flair.

Inside beats the 8R48 movement—a workhorse column-wheel chronograph with a vertical clutch that ensures smooth pusher feel and high timing accuracy. The three-register dial layout includes running seconds at 3, a 30-minute counter at 9, and 12-hour totalizer at 6, all surrounded by crisp minute markers and subtle contrast finishes. The hard-coated case gives it excellent scratch resistance while keeping the aesthetic consistent with motorsport tools of the past.

This is the most limited model of the trilogy, with just 500 units being produced worldwide. It’s expected to retail for around 3,400€. For mechanical purists, this is the crown jewel of the set.

SSC957 – Solar-Powered Daily Driver with a Motorsport Edge

The third piece in the collection offers something a little different: solar-powered convenience wrapped in a retro racing aesthetic. The SSC957 draws direct inspiration from the dashboard of the 240Z rally car, especially in its bi-color aluminum tachymeter bezel, cockpit-style subdials, and blocky “Datsun” text at 12 o’clock.

What really sets this one apart is the bracelet. The black-coated center links are said to be a nod to the car’s hood design, and the caseback even features an illustration of the original rally-winning Datsun. With a 42mm case and solar-powered V192 movement, it’s the most accessible and practical of the three. You get chronograph functionality, a 24-hour subdial, and no need to ever worry about winding or battery changes—just light exposure.

This one’s limited to 4,000 pieces and should appeal to casual wearers or collectors looking for a unique solar chronograph with a solid story behind it. It’s also the most affordable of the trio, retailing at around 1,000€.

Final Thoughts

Seiko’s Datsun 240Z Limited Edition Speedtimer series is more than just a trio of good-looking watches—it’s a time capsule that captures the intersection of Japanese innovation in motorsport and horology. Each model offers something distinct:

• The SPB517 is clean, compact, and wearable, ideal for vintage enthusiasts.
• The SRQ057 flexes mechanical sophistication with a race-ready attitude.
• The SSC957 delivers solar convenience and design details straight from the dashboard

With their limited production numbers and thoughtful execution, these watches won’t just appeal to Seiko collectors—they’ll likely catch the eye of motorsport fans, design lovers, and anyone chasing that perfect blend of heritage and everyday functionality.