Introducing: The Latest Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph (Kind Of) References A Space-Age Icon
What We Know
One word is notably absent from Seiko’s latest Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph, but it also can’t be escaped: “Pogue.” On its surface, the new SSC947 is just an addition to the existing Prospex Speedtimer lineup with a different red-and-blue bezel and yellow dial. But we know there’s more to the story.
Astronaut Colonel William Pogue wore a yellow-dial Seiko ref. 6139 on his Skylab 4 mission in 1973, making it the first automatic chronograph to travel to space. Because of this, it’s become one of the most collectible vintage Seikos and also something enthusiasts are always demanding a reissue of. The defining features of the “Pogue” are the red-blue bezel and vibrant yellow dial (for real nerds, Colonel Pogue wore a 6139-005 “Resist” model).
I knew the Seiko Pogue. You sir, are no Pogue. Vintage Seiko ref. 6139.
In its release materials for the SSC947, Seiko has made no reference to this history; that’s probably because, beyond the colors, this Speedtimer has very little in common with the original Pogue. It measures 41.4 x 13.3mm (46mm lug-to-lug) and is water resistant to 100 meters. Unlike the original Pogue’s automatic movement, it uses Seiko’s solar-powered quartz chronograph caliber V192. The Seiko V192 is accurate to +/- 15 seconds per month and, on a full charge, can run for six months. Using this movement also means the SSC947 has that funky dial layout, with a 24-hour subdial at 3 o’clock, a 4:30 date window, and dark subdials to contrast against the bright yellow dial. All this makes it different from the original Pogue.
The Prospex Speedtimer SSC947 will be available in August with a retail price of $700.
What We Think
Seiko introduced the solar Speedtimer in late 2021, and it’s a pretty good modern watch, as we’ve covered before. But it’s certainly no Pogue. In a list that was compiled before my time but surely must’ve been one of the most contentious meetings ever held at Hodinkee, we once called the Pogue our third favorite Seiko of all time. One of the first automatic chronographs, and it went to space? Throw in a funky ’70s design, and it’s essential Seiko.
The new Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph makes an oblique reference to the Pogue with its colorway but not much else. The dial layout is completely different. So is the solar movement inside. It’s a modern Speedtimer chronograph in a Pogue “colorway,” and nothing more. Certainly not the reissue some enthusiasts have been clamoring for for years (don’t hold your breath). The Speedtimer platform is a modern, solar-powered chronograph, so it wouldn’t make sense as the home of a Pogue reissue.
One of my favorite Seiko releases last year was the Seiko SRPK17, a limited edition that was a pretty faithful reissue of the original three-hand Seiko 5. This year, Seiko built on the SRPK17 with its Heritage Design limited editions. I love these vintage-inspired releases from Seiko; I recognize they can’t (and shouldn’t) make up the brand’s entire collection, but it’s a nice counterpoint to the modern Seiko 5 Sports collection. I’d love to see them do something similar and heritage-inspired with its chronographs. Sure, some of the Speedtimers have some vintage inspiration or styling, but why not go all the way?
Until then, the SSC947 is a solid addition to the Speedtimer lineup – but don’t call it a Pogue.
The Basics
Brand: Seiko
Model: Prospex Speedtimer
Reference Number: SSC947
Diameter: 41.4mm (46mm lug-to-lug)
Thickness: 13.3mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Dial Color: Yellow
Indexes: Applied
Lume: LumiBrite
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet with three-fold clasp and push-button release
The Movement
Caliber: Seiko V192
Functions: Solar-powered quartz chronograph movement
Power Reserve: Operates for approximately six months on full charge
Frequency: +/- 14 seconds per month
Pricing & Availability
Price: $700
Availability: August via Seiko retailers
Limited Edition: No
Shop this story
The Hodinkee Shop is an Authorized Retailer of Seiko watches. You can check out the shop collection here. For more, check out the SSC947 on Seiko Watches.
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