To mark the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Seiko has released a special edition of its Prospex Speedtimer – the SSC955.

As Official Timekeeper of the event, Seiko continues its proud tradition of precision timing, this time with a watch that’s as much a tribute to heritage as it is a technical achievement.

The Championships will take place from 13–21 September 2025, and this watch captures the spirit of the occasion through both form and function.

A Dial Steeped in Tradition

The standout feature is the dial, finished in Edo-Murasaki – a soft purple hue that pays homage to Tokyo’s historic name, Edo. This official colour of the championships is rooted in Japanese tradition, originally derived from purple grass native to the Musashino area. It’s a colour once reserved for nobility, now brought to life in a thoroughly modern chronograph.

Contrasting beautifully with the dial are the faceted black indexes, black logo, and minute and second markers. The cardinal indexes differ slightly in size and are coated with Lumibrite for night-time visibility. Complementing the layout are matte black sword-style hands filled with white Lumibrite. Three sub-dials – with a subtle eggplant tint and crisp white hands – sit neatly at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. These hold the solar cells beneath transparent discs, providing clean visuals while harnessing light for power.

Built for Performance

Flip the watch over and you’ll find the official Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships logo engraved on the caseback, along with the limited edition number – a detail that collectors will appreciate.

The SSC955 is powered by Seiko’s in-house V192 solar movement, accurate to within ±15 seconds per month. Fully charged, it runs for up to six months. The chronograph measures elapsed time precisely, while the sub-dial at 6 o’clock doubles as a power reserve indicator, showing “E” for empty and “F” for full.

Water resistant to 100 metres, this Speedtimer combines style with robust reliability. It’s not just a commemorative piece – it’s a high-performance tool designed to meet the needs of professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Final Thoughts

This limited edition Speedtimer isn’t just a nod to Seiko’s timekeeping legacy or Tokyo’s cultural past – it’s a wearable celebration of both. The subtle yet striking purple dial makes a statement without shouting, and the engineering underneath ensures it performs to the highest standards. Whether you're a collector, an athletics fan, or just someone who appreciates purposeful design, the SSC955 is worth a closer look.