The new Astron is definitely a technological flagship for
Seiko as it features both GPS and solar charging. The Astron’s 7×52
quartz caliber will connect to no less than four GPS satellites and will
both sync the time AND correct the timezone for your current location.
The Astron looks good too, like an upgraded Casio Oceanus and we really like that the styling is relatively reserved and still offers a second timezone display (essential feature on a travelers watch).
With four models offering high intensity titanium or stainless steel, “hard black” coatings (dlc?) and ceramic bezels, Seiko has designed a watch that will be bought and worn.
The Swiss aren’t the only ones launching new watches right now, Japanese super brand Seiko has announced a new GPS enabled watch called The Astron. Seiko devotees will note that the Astron is the same name given by Seiko to the first quartz watch ever made, circa 1969.
Seiko says the Astron knows all 39 of the world’s timezones and can, at the press of a button, sync the time (takes ~6 seconds) and the current timezone based on location data from the Astron’s GPS connection (this takes ~30 seconds). There is no delicate way to put this, the Astron looks freaking amazing – see for yourself:47 x 16.5 mm case
High intensity titanium or stainless steel options
Titanium model weighs only 135g
Solar powered, no battery changes
Perpetual calendar (accurate to February 2100)
Dual time sub-dial
Ceramic bezels (standard on all models)
Sapphire crystal with Seiko’s own AR coating
Non-synced accuracy of +/- 15s per month
Titanium bracelet or silicone strap
100m Water resistant (330 ft, 10 bar)
Priced from ¥152 250 – ¥210 000 (~$1880 – 2600 USD)
