Seiko’s sports timing tradition inspires a new solar-powered calibre

On the eve of the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Seiko is rolling out a new sports-timing calibre in its latest Solar Speedtimer. Called Calibre 8A50, this 1/100th of a second chronograph is capable of timing multiple sporting events (ie: multiple lap times) with incredible precision and accuracy. And in keeping with Seiko's rich history of timing sporting events, this distinctive Speedtimer is built around four timekeeping displays (two 1/100 totalizers at 3H and 9H, and a 60 second totalizer at 12H), a tribute of sorts to Seiko's vintage Sportura models, like the Kinetic-powered SBCG001. Like the rest of Seiko's Solar-powered movements, this Speedtimer can run autonomously for approximately six months when fully charged, and maintains an accuracy rating of ±15 seconds per month. 

Specifications

• Case: 42mm stainless steel (12.9mm thick, 48mm L2L)
• Caliber Number: 8A50
• Movement Type: Solar chronograph with additional 1/100 second totalizer
• Functions: Chronograph up to 60 minutes in 1/100 second increments, overcharge prevention function
• Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month
• Duration: Operating for approx. 6 months (when fully charged)
• Crystal: Curved sapphire crystal
• LumiBrite: LumiBrite on hands and indexes
• Clasp: Three-fold clasp with push button release
• Water Resistance: 10 bar