Seiko Debuts the Next Generation Astron GPS Solar with New Titanium Silhouette & Dial Textures

Last year, Seiko celebrated their 10 year anniversary of the Astron GPS Solar collection by totally revamping its dial design with a dual time subdial configuration and constructing the case and integrated bracelet system out of titanium. The idea behind the refresh was to pave the way for a new generation of Astrons with a more fluid approach to how the watch is designed while still maintaining its signature features. To kick off this brand new decade of Astron GPS Solars, Seiko looks to continue its contemporary trend by debuting a series of watches sporting an off-center subdial design and angular case while keeping its bedrock solar GPS movement at its core.

The cornerstone features of the Seiko Astron GPS Solar are its 3X and 5X series movements that are capable of automatically adjusting the time based on your current GPS coordinates. The new Seiko Astron GPS Solar in particular, houses their Caliber 3X62, equipped with 6 months of power reserve on a full charge, an accuracy rating of +/- 15 seconds per month and a host of other timing applications. As long as the dial is exposed to the sun, the Caliber 3X62 automatically connects to a GPS satellite twice a day to provide accurate time based on your current location. If for any reason the has not seen the light of day, a built-in smart application allows the Astron GPS Solar to remember the time of the last manual connection and attempts a following GPS connection.

In ‘Power Save’ mode, which is enabled when the watch isn’t subjected to light for 72 hours straight, the Astron GPS Solar is able to maintain function for up to 2 years. In addition to its clever GPS and long-lasting solar charging capabilities, the Caliber 3X62 also features a perpetual calendar (accurate up to year 2100), an overcharge prevention and reception result display function.

The new Astron GPS Solar comprises three regular production models and one limited edition, all of which present a newly designed angular titanium case. The multi-faceted bezel frames the dial octagonally with a fine vertical brush finish along the bezel face. The sharp and edgy lines continue along the midcase and its broad lugs that transition right into the integrated titanium bracelet. The SSJ013 and the limited edition SSJ017 display the case and bracelet in its natural alloy sheen. The SSJ015 however, comes with a full black coating from case to bracelet, while the SSJ014 adorns a rose gold bezel atop the titanium midcase completing the two-tone look. All four are blanketed with Seiko’s super-hard coating and rated up to 100 meters of water resistance.

The framed date window at three o’clock is accompanied by an off-center subdial at eight. The lone subdial has the responsibility for tracking the watch’s power reserve in real time, as well as GPS connectivity status. The block-like texture seen in the SSJ013, SSJ014 and SSJ015 regular production models draw inspiration from the quartz crystals used to create quartz oscillators for Seiko’s original Astron. Akin to the limited edition 10th anniversary Astron GPS Solar released last year, the SSJ017 utilizes a shutter dial with alternating textures and finishes.

On a surface level, the aesthetics of the entire watch falls in line with the Astron name, but here’s more than meets the eye with the Seiko Astron GPS Solar. It’s a watch that does a heck of a lot without advertising it or using a jumbled display on the dial. Its 41.2mm width x 48.6 lug to lug case proportions might lean towards the broader side of things, but factor in its titanium make-up and the integrated bracelet design, the Astron Solar GPS should wear just fine. There’s an easy-wearing element to a titanium watch, but throw in a movement that automatically keeps you on time as you jump time zones and the no-stress solar component, the Seiko Astron Solar GPS has a lot going for it.

The Seiko Astron Solar GPS SSJ013 and the limited edition SSJ0017 retail for $2,000. The all-black SSJ014 retails for $2,100 and the two-tone SSJ015 retails for $2,200. Look out for this release slated to hit Seiko’s online platform and select retailers later this summer. Seiko