The first Astron GPS Solar was introduced back in 2012 when Seiko took electronic watchmaking to another level. The Astron GPS Solar connects to the Global Positioning System (GPS) and can adjust to every timezone (manual operation is required if there are changes within the region/timezone/DST), all the while generating the energy it needs from light.
For 2023, the Seiko Astron GPS Solar collection gets four new models that now come with a dynamic new design. A total of four watches are presented by Seiko, with three of them being part of the main Astron collection whilst the fourth is a limited edition model. The three collection timepieces are presented in varying dial and bezel colours, while the limited edition comes with a different dial design altogether.
All four creations come in a 41.2mm titanium dimensional case with a faceted bezel. The bezel has polished finishing on the sides while the top is hairline finished, which matches with the rest of the case nicely. The angular lines of the bezel flow seamlessly into the case and lugs, with this design then being carried over to the integrated bracelet. The bracelet is designed in a way to neatly taper into the clasp, which completes this new Astron GPS Solar design.
The titanium cases are given a super-hard scratch-resistant coating and along with the lightness of the material makes it sit on the wrist comfortably, perfectly suited for daily wear. All four variants come with the same dial layout, with a date window at 3 o’clock and a sub-dial at 8 o’clock which indicates the receiving process of GPS satellites along with the timepieces charge status, leap second data receipt, and the in-flight mode.
The three models in the main collection come with either a blue or black dial. The dials have a pattern that is symbolic of the quartz crystals used to create the tuning fork-shaped quartz oscillators of the original Astron Quartz that was created by Seiko in 1969. The dials also have applied indexes that match the colour of the bezel on the watch. All of the indexes have lumbrite which not only allows for easy viewing in low-light conditions but also provides a stark contrast for the indices on the blue and black dials.
Seiko has paired the blue dial with the full titanium bezel, case, and bracelet (SSJ013). The grey dial in the main collection gets a rose-gold coloured bezel with a titanium case and bracelet (SSJ014). The third version (SSJ015) comes with a completely different look. While still titanium, it’s now been given a black super-hard coating treatment which makes the case, bezel, and bracelet black. For anyone considering an all-black daily, this is certainly a timepiece to consider.
The fourth timepiece is the limited edition (1500 pieces) grey dial timepiece (SSJ017). It comes with a full titanium case, bezel, and bracelet design, with the exception being the dial pattern is now horizontal stripes in alternating grey.
All four models come with Seiko’s caliber 3X62 GPS Solar movement. The watch is able to connect automatically up to twice a day when the dial detects sunlight. Once detected, the watch connects to the GPS satellite network and automatically adjusts to the correct time. If however, the watch is not under sunlight, the movement remembers the time of its last manual connection and will attempt to receive the GPS signal once again at the same time.
Seiko’s new Astron GPS Solar takes their solar-powered watches to new heights with a new movement and all-new design. Ideally suited for daily wear with a lightweight and scratch-resistant titanium case, the Astron GPS Solar is one electric watch worth owning.
Reference: SSJ013, SSJ014, SSJ015 And Limited Edition SSJ017
Specification
- Case: 41.2mm
- Case Material: Titanium case and bracelet with super-hard coating (SSJ013, SSJ014, SSJ017) and black super-hard coating(SSJ015). Titanium bezel in rose gold-colored super-hard coating (SSJ014)
- Dial: Blue, grey & black
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.
- Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
- Movement: Caliber 3X62
- Power reserve: N/A
- Strap: Titanium bracelet with scratch-resistant super-hard coating.
