If you’ve had your eye on the new Seiko Datsun timpieces, well the good news is they’re now in Malaysia. In a celebration of Japanese engineering, design heritage, and motorsport spirit, the Japanese watch brand has unveiled a new Prospex Speedtimer collection created in collaboration with the legacy of the Datsun 240Z.

More than just commemorative timepieces, these watches pay tribute to a defining cultural partnership. It highlights an era where both brands helped showcase Japan’s rising global presence in precision watchmaking and high-performance automotive design during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The Era Of Innovation

The late ’60s were transformative years for Japan, as homegrown brands began to establish themselves on the world stage. Seiko and Datsun were at the front of that movement. Seiko spent much of the decade refining its ability to measure time with extreme precision, supporting international sporting events and developing technology that could capture time to one-hundredth of a second.

This expertise culminated in the 1969 Speedtimer, the first automatic chronograph to combine a vertical clutch and column wheel—a technological milestone that set new standards in watchmaking.

That same year, Datsun introduced the 240Z, a sleek, affordable sports car that challenged Western counterparts and ultimately became a worldwide hit. It wasn’t just a commercial success; it became a cultural symbol of Japan’s growing design and engineering confidence.

Shared Spirit and Craftsmanship

Seiko and Datsun naturally gravitated toward each other. Both brands valued precision, performance, and pushing boundaries, undoubtedly principles that connected watchmaking to motorsport more closely than one might expect.

In the early ’70s, this relationship extended into rally racing. Seiko supported the Datsun 240Z as it tackled some of the toughest competitions in the world, including the notorious East African Safari Rally. In 1971, the Seiko-backed No. 11 Datsun 240Z achieved a historic victory, conquering 6,200 km of rough terrain and extreme weather to secure overall first place. This win elevated both brands globally and stands as one of Japan’s proudest motorsport achievements.

The new Speedtimer collection reflects the deep respect Seiko holds for that chapter of history.

Limited-Edition Models Celebrating The 240Z

The collaboration includes three models—SPB517, SRQ057, and SSC957—each inspired by the styling, colours, and branding of the original Datsun 240Z. Details such as vintage Datsun logos, red-and-black dial accents, and rally-inspired functions connect the watches directly with the car’s spirit.

In terms of tech specs, the SPB517 uses Caliber 6R55 and features a countdown timer reminiscent of classic rally preparation. The SRQ057, powered by the Caliber 8R48 automatic chronograph, includes a period-correct tachymeter modeled after the 1969 Speedtimer whilst the SSC957 features a solar chronograph movement and a unique case-back engraving of the 240Z.

Each model is crafted with modern materials and sustainability in mind, including straps sourced from Leather Working Group–certified tanneries.

How Much And Where To Buy It

Collectors in Malaysia can now experience the Seiko Datsun legacy firsthand. The collaboration models are available at Seiko boutiques and selected retail partners nationwide. However, they’re offered in strictly limited quantities:

SPB517 – 2,500 pieces worldwide (MYR6,000).

SRQ057 – 500 pieces worldwide (MYR4,700).

SSC957 – 4,000 pieces worldwide (RM4,700).