Seiko Prospex SpeedtimerｘDatsun 240Z
Two brands renowned for their achievements in the same era.

In 1969, Seiko introduced the world's first automatic chronograph equipped with both a vertical clutch and a column wheel. In the same year, Nissan introduced the FairladyZ, which was sold in the U.S. as the Datsun 240Z and took the sports-car market by storm. The collaboration between the two companies, whose iconic models were born in the same year, came to fruition.

In the driver’s seat of the Datsun 240Z, Car Graphic’s Tetsuya Kato reflects on the golden age of Japanese motoring. On his wrist shines one of the collaboration models between Seiko and Nissan — the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical."

Tetsuya Kato　I have organized this discussion because I heard that a collaboration between the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer and the Datsun240Z will be released. It is fascinating that both iconic items were introduced in 1969, making them contemporaries.

Masanori Kawamura　Yes. At the time, Seiko was competing in an international chronograph development competition, and in 1969 succeeded in mass-producing the world's first automatic chronograph. The 240Z, launched in the same year, won the East-African Safari Rally in 1971. The collaboration was inspired by the fact that both products, which are from Japan, made a significant impact on the world around the same time. In the 1960s, our company was also advancing the development of stopwatches and had a connection with Nissan's motorsport activities through timekeeping support.

On the right is Masanori Kawamura from Seiko Watch's Product Design Department, who was in charge of this collaboration. On the left is Hiroshi Tamura, who was in charge of the Nissan FairladyZ and R35 GT-R and is now a brand ambassador promoting the appeal of the company. In the center is Tetsuya Kato, representative of Car Graphic.

Kato　 I would like to ask Mr.Tamura. How did Nissan internally analyze the reasons behind the 240Z's huge success in North America?

Hiroshi Tamura　In fact, Nissan's top two cars, the 240Z and the Skyline 2000 GT-R, were both born in 1969. The GT-R's approach was to put a racing engine in a box sedan, while the 240Z prioritized a long-nose, short-deck, and a flowing shape, and functionality followed. I believe the reason for its success was that it was a stylish, fast, and great-sounding sports car, all at an affordable price.

Joining the roundtable discussion was Hiroshi Tamura, who led the development of the latest generation FairladyZ and now serves as a brand ambassador for Nissan Motor Corporation.

Kato　The shape is important for both a car and a watch. The year 1969 was when Apollo 11 landed on the moon, and car design changed drastically from that point on. This was the so-called space age. Mr. Kawamura, could you please tell us what aspects you were most particular about when developing this collaboration model?

Kawamura　There are three or four different models, and the details are innumerable. For example, we wanted the mechanical chronograph to have excellent legibility to match the world view of the rally model’s specifications. Since the bonnet of the 240Z is black to prevent reflections of sunlight, we used a non-reflective paint called Jet Black on the dials at 6 and 9 o'clock, which are related to the chronograph. The “DATSUN” logo, which has several designs, is also accurately reproduced and reflected in each model. In addition, the numbers on the tachymeter and inner ring use the font used for the 240Z meter, which was thoroughly verified and reproduced.

(Left) Speedtimer Solar Chronograph, (Upper right) Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph, (Lower right) Speedtimer Mechanical

Kato　I think that in a normal collaboration, there is usually only one model. I would like to know why you released some variations.

Kawamura 　We wanted to provide exciting value to fans around the world, allowing them to choose the one that best suits their preferences.

Kato 　Mr. Tamura, I heard that you like chronographs. What are your impressions of this model?

A meeting between designers from Seiko (left) and Nissan (right). The two sides checked the finish of the prototype and refined the details, such as the font and coloring.

Tamura　About a year ago, I was shown a prototype, and now, finally being able to wear the actual product, is deeply moving. If it is simply a good product, we can make it if we pay for it. Then, how to choose the right one is a matter of how much story there is behind it. I was impressed by the design and the smooth operation of the stopwatch, but after hearing about Mr. Kawamura's commitment, I find it even more fascinating.

Kato　Many car enthusiasts also love watches, but what they have in common is that they all appreciate the combination of design, technology, and story.

Kawamura　Another commonality between sports cars and watches is that no one would be inconvenienced if they disappeared from the world. But perhaps it’s precisely because these things aren’t essential that culture is born from them.


Report : Takeshi Sato / Photo : Masahiro Okamura/ Narrator: Masanori Kawamura (Seiko Watch Product Design Department), Hiroshi Tamura (Nissan Motors Brand Ambassador), Tetsuya Kato (Car Graphics Representative)

Reprinted from an article in the September issue of CG.