Seiko’s Affordable New ‘Motoring’ Chronograph Is Dripping with Vintage Rolex Panda Vibes

One of the most exciting and popular Seiko releases of the past few years has been the brand’s solar-powered Speedtimer line of chronographs.

First introduced in the fall of 2021, the Prospex Solar Speedtimer instantly became a fan-favorite for its combination of a wearable 39mm case size, a laundry list of specs including a sapphire crystal, Lumibrite lume and 100m of water resistance, and a Rolex Daytona-adjacent design, all for an ultra-competitive sub-$1,000 price tag.

One reference in particular has become something of a modern classic. The reference SSC813 has been given the nickname “Seitona” due to its resemblance to the modern Rolex Daytona “Panda,” a result of the watch’s stark-white dial, thick black tachymeter bezel and black subdials.

Now, the “Seitona” has some competition in Seiko’s Solar Speedtimer lineup, as the Japanese brand has debuted a new version of the chronograph that looks a whole lot like a vintage Rolex Daytona Panda.

Seiko

Seitona, circa 1969

Seiko’s new chronograph is the Prospex Speedtimer ‘Motoring,’ and while it’s largely the same watch as the SSC813 “Seitona” and other Solar Speedtimers, it has some unique touches, too.

First, let’s talk about the design. Like the “Seitona,” it has a panda dial, but it’s a decidedly more retro one. Instead of going with contemporary, optic white for the dial like the SSC813, the ‘Motoring’ opts for a cream-colored dial that gives the watch an aged look. The chronograph registers remain black, and the date wheel is now black as well, adding a bit more character to the dial.

Seiko

The biggest change is found on the bezel, where in place of the SSC813’s black tachy bezel, we get one in plain stainless steel. This combination of a cream panda dial and steel tachymeter bezel looks a whole lot like a certain Rolex Daytona ref. 6239 that was produced in the 1960s.

I doubt the Rolex resemblance is a coincidence on Seiko’s part, but the brand says the new chrono is inspired by “European classic cars,” which is a pretty broad and vague source of inspiration, if you ask me.

European Watch Company

Like other Solar Speedtimers — and like the Daytona — the Speedtimer ‘Motoring’ comes equipped with a stainless steel Oyster-style bracelet. But that’s not all. As a bonus for this special edition, the watch also comes with a tan leather rally strap, adding even more of a vintage racing feel to the watch.

Outside of the new dial color, the plain steel bezel and the additional strap, this is the same Solar Speedtimer as usual, which is great news. You’re still getting a sapphire crystal — which is rare for Seiko at this price, 100m of water resistance, Lumibrite on the hands and at the cardinal indices and the Cal. V192 solar-powered quartz chronograph movement, which has a 6-month power reserve when charged up and a stated accuracy of ± 15 seconds per month.

Seiko

Pricing and availability

The Seiko Prospex Speedtimer ‘Motoring’ ref. SSC959P1 is arguably the most desirable Solar Speedtimer yet, especially if you’re after a more vintage-inspired look. But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There is a downside here, at least if you’re reading this as an American.

The watch — which is limited to 2,700 examples — is exclusive to the European market, so while you can still probably get one, you’ll have to pay more than you would if it were sold stateside. The ‘Motoring’ has separate prices for Europe and the UK of €860 and £730, respectively, with British pounds currently converting to a cheaper price for Americans at $984. That’s still affordable, but it’s a big jump from the SSC813’s $725 price tag.

Seiko

Seiko Prospex Speedtimer ‘Motoring’

Specs

Case Size	39mm
Movement	Seiko Cal. V192 solar quartz chronograph
Water Resistance	100m

• $984 at Seiko

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