To mark the dual anniversaries of Seiko?s first ever chronograph and their first ever automatic chronograph, the brand is releasing two new limited editions in two of their marquee lines: Prospex and Presage. The late 1960s, as watch enthusiasts are likely well aware, was an important period for chronographs as the largest Swiss movement makers and Seiko raced to bring the first automatic chronograph caliber to market. To this day, scholars differ on who was actually first, but there?s no denying the impact that mass produced automatic chronographs had on the watch market ? the ripple effect can still be felt.
Let?s take a closer look at Seiko?s new vintage-inspired tribute chronos.

Seiko Automatic Chronograph 50th Anniversary Limited Edition (SRQ029) & Seiko Chronograph 55th Anniversary Limited Edition (SRQ031)
Case Material: Stainless steel 
Dial: Black & white panda dial (SRQ029), Champagne (SRQ031)
Dimensions: 41 x 16mm (SRQ029), 42.3 x 15.3mm (SRQ031)
Crystal: Sapphire 
Water Resistance: 10 bar 
Crown: Push/pull 
Movement: 8R48 Automatic Chronograph 
Strap/bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet (SRQ029), Cordovan strap (SRQ031)
Price: Approximately $3,700 (SRQ031) to $4,000 (SRQ029)
Reference Number: SRQ031, SRQ029
Expected Release: December 2019

We?ll tackle the Presage entry first. Reference SRQ031 is a 55th anniversary tribute to the 1964 Seiko Crown Chronograph, credited as Japan?s first chrono. The original, made entirely in-house by Seiko,...