Seiko Astron GPS Solar 2023 Models

cazalea · 2023-05-09T15:03:57Z

Explore the 2023 Seiko Astron GPS Solar models with new dynamic design, titanium case, and Caliber 3X62. Discover precision timekeeping and solar power.

cazalea

WPS member · Seiko forum

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Cazalea introduces the 2023 Seiko Astron GPS Solar models, highlighting a new design concept for this advanced electronic watch. These titanium timepieces feature a dynamic, faceted construction and are powered by the new Caliber 3X62. The article explores how these models continue the Astron's legacy of connecting to GPS for precise timekeeping while drawing all necessary energy from light.

A new design concept arrives, marking the future of the Seiko Astron GPS Solar watch

In 2012, Seiko took electronic watchmaking to a new level with the Astron GPS Solar, which connects to the Global Positioning System (GPS) and adjusts to every time zone* while generating all the energy it needs from light alone. Today, the Seiko Astron GPS Solar collection adds four new watches that feature a dynamic and robust design. All are titanium and feature a faceted construction.

Here's a link to my visit to Seiko Epson, and the Astron state of the art 10 years ago. LINK TO ASTRON

This new series includes three watches that will join the main Astron collection, with dials in blue, grey, and black, and a 1500-unit limited-edition watch with a unique, horizontally-striped design. All four watches will be available at the Seiko Boutiques and select retail stores worldwide from July 2023.

All four creations have a diameter of 41.2mm. The grey-dialed version has a rose gold-colored super-hard coating on its bezel for a distinctive two-tone design.

The new series has a dynamic presence thanks to the dimensional case and the faceted bezel with hairline finishing on top, which contrasts with the polished sides. The case lines flow seamlessly through the lugs to an integrated bracelet that has a sharp design that matches the angular case to give the watches a refined appearance. This bracelet tapers neatly toward the clasp, reinforcing its harmonious and graceful look. The titanium case and bracelet have a scratch-resistant super-hard coating, and thanks to the titanium’s light weight and the case’s low center of gravity, the watches sit comfortably on the wrist.

All four watches feature a dial with a simple design with a single sub-dial at 8 o’clock that indicates the receiving process of GPS satellites as well as the watch’s charging status, leap second data receipt, and in-flight mode. Matched to the color of the bezel, the applied indexes and the hour and minute hands, all filled with Lumibrite, enable easy reading in every viewing condition. The blue, grey, and black dials feature a pattern that evokes the quartz crystals used to create the tuning fork-shaped quartz oscillators of the original Quartz Astron introduced by Seiko in 1969. The Astron name, long associated with accuracy, has been carried on by the Astron GPS Solar series since 2012.

The hour and minute hands of all the watches are filled with Lumibrite to enhance legibility in low-light conditions as seen on the creation with a case and bracelet in black.

Each of the new watches is powered by a new GPS Solar movement, Caliber 3X62, whose enhanced reception of solar signals allowed for greater freedom in design. The watch connects automatically up to twice a day** to the GPS network to maintain its precision of one second every 100,000 years. Its improved performance and a reduction in size continues the progress Seiko is making with the GPS watch technology.

**When the dial detects sunlight, the watch connects to the GPS satellite network and adjusts automatically to the correct time. If the watch is hidden from light, it remembers the time of its last successful manual connection and attempts to receive the GPS signal again at that same time.

The Astron GPS Solar Limited Edition

Seiko Astron GPS Solar: SSJ013, SSJ014, SSJ015

Seiko Astron GPS Solar 2023 Limited Edition of 1500: SSJ017 has the same case design but its dial has horizontal stripes in alternating shades of grey.

ASTRON SSJ013, 14, 15, 17

Caliber 3X62

　GPS-controlled time and time zone adjustment

　Perpetual calendar correct to the year 2100

　High Speed Time Zone Adjustment

　Signal reception result indication

　Power save function

　Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month (without receiving a GPS signal and at temperatures between 5°C and 35°C)

Specifications

　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)

　Easy-adjust three-fold clasp with push button release

　Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating

　Diameter: 41.2mm, Thickness: 12.0mm

　Water resistance: 10 bar

　Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m

　Recommended retail prices in Europe: ~ €2,100 (SSJ013, SSJ017), €2,200 (SSJ014), €2,300 (SSJ015)

　Limited edition of 1,500 (SSJ017)

For further information:

Special web page:

www.seikowatches.com

Seiko Astron web page:

www.seikowatches.com

About the Seiko Astron Ref. SSJ027J1

The Seiko Astron SSJ027J1 is part of the Astron GPS Solar collection, known for its ability to adjust to local time anywhere in the world using GPS signals and solar power. This model integrates advanced technology with a refined aesthetic, positioning it as a sophisticated travel companion within Seiko's diverse offerings. It represents the brand's commitment to combining high-tech functionality with user-friendly features.

Equipped with a GPS Solar caliber, the SSJ027J1 features a titanium case and bracelet, offering both durability and lightweight comfort. The watch incorporates a dual-time display, a perpetual calendar, and a power reserve indicator, all powered by light. Its construction ensures precision timekeeping across different time zones without manual adjustment.

For collectors, the SSJ027J1 highlights Seiko's prowess in quartz technology and its continuous innovation in solar-powered GPS timekeeping. It appeals to those who value accuracy, global functionality, and a robust yet elegant design. The model underscores Seiko's ability to produce high-performance watches that cater to the demands of modern international travel.

Specifications

Caliber: 5X53

Case: Titanium

Diameter: 42.7mm

Dial: Black

Water Resist.: 100m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The new Astron models have simplified dials, removing distracting elements like day of week, timezones, GMT, and power indicators, which improves legibility and aesthetic appeal.
The GPS Solar functionality of the Astron is considered more practical and useful than a traditional GMT watch, assuming its advertised features work reliably.
The ability of these watches to automatically adjust to time zones via GPS is a highly impressive and useful feature for owners.

The Discussion

India Whiskey Charlie

May 9, 2023

This is impressive "Perpetual calendar correct to the year 2100"

cazalea

May 9, 2023

and yes, finally they took all the distracting elements off the dial (day of week, timezones, GMT, power)

aWtchslvr

May 9, 2023

most impressive (to see in action)and useful features of this watches (I have one). Cheers. Old photo from a Wristscan

Ronald Held

May 9, 2023

I did not have the original Astron.

India Whiskey Charlie

May 16, 2023

Basically like your smartphone. IMO, a more practical and much more useful than a GMT watch, assuming it works as advertised… 😉 “Equipped with the Seiko 3X22 caliber, the Astron GPS Solar is quite the traveler’s watch. The movement seeks out a GPS signal multiple times per day when the watch senses sunlight to maintain an accuracy of ±1 second every 100,000 years. If, however, the watch cannot receive the signal, the movement is accurate to 15 seconds per month. The movement will automatically u

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About the Seiko Astron Ref. SSJ027J1

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

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