Seiko Astron GPS Solar

Highlights

• World's first solar watch with GPS functionality
• Astron GPS Solar World Time Novak Djokovic Limited Edition
• Quick charging guaranteed by modern solar technology
• Quartz watches without having to change batteries

Seiko at Its Best: Astron GPS Solar

At Seiko, the name Astron has long stood for groundbreaking innovations and the courage to keep moving forward. The Astron was introduced as the world's first quartz wristwatch in 1969. Since 2012, sporty and modern watches with GPS reception and solar technology have represented the Astron GPS Solar line. The use of sunlight as a source of energy is particularly eco- and user-friendly. Even though solar watches are technically quartz watches, there is no need to change the battery, as it has been replaced with solar cells. When fully charged, these models have a power reserve of up to two years . To reach full capacity, you should treat your watch to plenty of light and not wear it under your sleeve too often. There's no need to worry about getting a sunburn, though, since these luxury models charge using any light source.

Seiko's enthusiasm for the future and for progress is easy to see in this collection: Regal crocodile leather bands are paired with gold-plated titanium cases and sporty chronograph bezels. If you prefer to separate the sporty from the elegant, there are also rubber straps as well as stainless steel and titanium bracelets available. The ceramic bezels of the world time watches feature the city codes for 39 or 40 time zones or a tachymeter scale. This scale helps motorsport fans to determine the speeds of the passing race cars.

How much do models from the Seiko Astron GPS Solar collection cost?

Made In-House: The Seiko Astron GPS Solar

Seiko watches from the Astron GPS Solar collection have an entry price of around 1,200 euros. You can buy the Astron GPS Solar World Time (SSE085J1) with the caliber 8X22 at this price, for example. It contains a perpetual calendar that is accurate until February 2100, a date display at 3 o'clock, and a practical signal reception indicator between 7 and 9 o'clock. The indicator also displays how much power you have left and whether or not it is daylight savings time. This can be turned on or off manually. The three-hand watch has a shimmering black dial, which contrasts beautifully with the bright Lumibrite-coated hands and indices. This titanium watch is water resistant up to 100 m (10 bar) and has a black ceramic bezel. With a diameter of 44.8 mm, it sits well on larger wrists. A watch with the same caliber but a silver-colored dial and black crocodile band is the Astron GPS Solar World Time (SSE093J1). You can obtain one of these watches for 1,400 euros.

With a Second Time Zone: The Seiko Astron GPS Solar Dual Time

In addition to a date display and a multi-indicator for the power reserve and signal reception, the Seiko Astron GPS Solar Dual Time (SSE041J1) with the caliber 8X53 also features a day of the week display and a day-night display. The second time zone is shown on a subdial at 6 o'clock. The titanium bracelet has a central strip made up of black ceramic elements, which complement the black ceramic bezel. Plan to spend around 1,700 euros for this solar watch with a titanium case in mint condition.

Ruler of the Air: The Seiko Astron GPS Solar HondaJet

The caliber 8X53 with a day of the week display and second time zone also ticks inside the Astron GPS Solar HondaJet (SBXB133). This luxury watch had a limited run of only 2,000 pieces and was released in 2017. Its design was heavily influenced by the HondaJet and has its same dark blue color on the bezel and subdial. The 24-hour hand is shaped like a jet, and the dial is reminiscent of the carbon used in the HondaJet. Even the crown looks like an airplane turbine, and the HondaJet logo is engraved on the case back. This version costs around 2,800 euros in mint condition.

The Joy of Being Different: The Astron GPS Solar Chronograph Giugiaro Design

The iconic Astron GPS Solar Chronograph Giugiaro Design watch was launched as the world's first analog quartz chronograph in 1983. As you may have guessed, it was also developed in cooperation with the eponymous design house. In 2017, Seiko unveiled a new, reworked edition (SSE121J1) that was limited to only 3,000 pieces and equipped it with the caliber 8X82. It can measure times of up to 6 hours. This model automatically sets the time zone thanks to its GPS function and also features a world time function. Its unique design makes it a real show stopper. Inspired by the look of high-performance sports cars, the titanium watch feels avant-garde with its asymmetrical shape and looks especially sporty thanks to a dark hard coating and red and green accents. Set aside around 3,000 euros for new models from the 2017 edition.

Shining on the Tennis Court: The Astron GPS Solar World Time Novak Djokovic

To get the best results when developing watches, Seiko works closely with people from various industries, such as professional athletes or famous designers. The Seiko World Time Novak Djokovic (SSE105) is limited to 3,500 pieces and emerged from their collaboration with the famous tennis player Novak Djokovic. This model's titanium case is plated with red gold, which is combined with a shimmering blue mother-of-pearl dial as well as a black crocodile leather strap. You can buy this watch in mint condition for about 1,500 euros.

Clear Skies for Good Reception

You can charge your Seiko Astron GPS Solar with light and at the same time update the time zone all while enjoying the great outdoors. This is the best place for these watches to receive satellite signals. In addition, these models automatically check the current local time at regular intervals, though you can also manually tell it to find the time. This is especially practical after longer flights when you have to put your watch into flight mode, for example. The ring antenna is located under the bezel and is responsible for the reliable reception of GPS signals. The Seiko Astron GPS Solar connects to multiple satellites at once to determine your position as accurately as possible.