Horological Meandering

Perhaps most of the PuristS do not care much about this watch - this is quartz and digital.  But in my mind, Seiko is one of the most advanced watch manufacturer and this EPD (Electrophoretic Display) + radio wave automatic adjusting watch is noteworthy.  I couldn't resist the urge to get one and here is the brief review (not into technical, but just from users stand point).  FYI, this was released on Friday, December 3 in Japan and this particular color model got immediately sold out everywhere but the second batch fortunately made it to the largest retailer outlet (Bic Camera) by Christmas

Start from the profile:

There are 5 "Styles" of the display.  Here is #1 - my personal favorite.

#2. - a bit hard to see.

#3 - inverse of #1

#4 - inverse of #2, better legibility than #2

And #5 - this is showing 1:18 am.

Pushing the lower left button lets you see the second - automatically back to the regular "style" in 30 sec or so.

Menu screen

World Time - I set it to New York.  Home and World time can be swapped easily - very nice for business trip.

Now, the tricky part - trying to capture the radio wave to adjust the time automatically.

Nah...  the watch MUST be placed near the window and kept still for SEVERAL MINUTES.  Programed to automatically sync with the radio wave at 2 am and 4 am everyday, but if the watch is not close to the window, it won't work.

But you can always do it manually (placed on the terrace)

After several minute, sync is complete.

Now, how good this EPD is?

Wow...

Woooow!

Well, that's it.  Just a user review.  As mentioned, although it is programed to sync automatically everyday, it doesn't work so well.  But the incredible legibility of the screen and it CAN sync to US, UK, and Europe radio wave when you travel, and that is why I decided to give it a shot.  I hope the sync process get a bit easier in the future and can receive the Asian time radio wave as well.  But for now, this is good enough and this will be my business trip watch from now on.

Now, this is my current Seiko family - from handwind mechanical GS, Spring Drive Credor, Quartz Astron, and now Active Matrix Radio Wave Digital.

Thank you for reading!

Ken

This message has been edited by KIH on 2010-12-25 09:26:50

I rad about it's release some time ago, and asked a fellow Purists to purchase for me when he was holidaying in Japan two months back, but was told it's not out yet. Are they still available @Bic Camera?

Congrats btw....fantastic choice. Who cares if the extremist cares not for this watch...the watch itself is a statement, like driving a hybrid car, may not work the best, but INTENT and MESSAGE is heard loud and clear. And a excellent seiko family.

Best,

Horo

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Are there variants to this?...think the one I saw is slightly different. I cannot remember for sure.

I really love the features it has to offer, would buy one myself without hesitation.

Thanks for the excellent photos, and the Seiko collection you now have is absolutely fantastic!

Enjoy them all!

Filip

I believe the value of this one is very high (cost/performance-wise), depending, of course, on one's life style

Ken

Does the power solely rely on battery and is the colour on the back different from the front of the watch?

I would like to check it out if they have them here.

Thanks for the review and a very cool collection.

Best

fernando

... yes, this is solely solar power and once fully charged, it lasts for NINE MONTHS.
NO NEED TO CHANGE BATTERY! 
Solar panel is just around the display (very thin area as thin as the width or the texts printed - you can see from the first and second photos) and the case color differs by the model including the back.

Thank you for asking a very important question

Ken

and that IS impressive!  I get plenty of sun around here & use solar panels for some of my energy needs in the house.This will fit in nicely with my energy efficient theme.

Thanks

fernando

But, the battery can be charged by the normal fluorescent lights and the charge time is so short (in the range of 15 hours or so, if my memory serves me right).  My example was already fully charged when it was opened.  So efficient.  So, people in the Far North or South people can benefit equally

Ken

I had never known of this model and its recent release.  in effect, your watch enjoys 5 different dials!  a very attractive watch--and, I must say, capable of holding its own among your formidable collection of Seiko watches!

congrats and wear in good health,
J

Seiko makes some great watches and also offers interesting high-tech advanced ones.  Sometimes too much, but sometimes just right "gadgetry" for practical purposes like this.

Ken

I love the display!  It's very crisp, bright and legible -- all things I really value in a watch.  You have a great collection of Seikos, from the more dressy to more whimsical.  I like where you're headed with your Seikos!  I have a soft spot for the brand, because the first watch I loved was a Seiko 5.

Cheers,
Daos

Seiko 5 was really fun affordable watches, I remember.  I am looking forward to what they will come up with next year Basel!

Ken

Time for me to pick up one when I am back in TYO.

- SJX

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Ken,

I love seiko and think this watch is awesome... I'm trying to find one in Hong Kong!!! As you can see from my posts, I'm more focused on independents but Grand Seikos and the Quartz astron, etc... are wickedly cool. I love the technology built into them. Congratulations and wear in good health.

OpC

thanks for sharing the detail Ken

I thought that the cost was too much  and the display refresh rate does not support showing continuous seconds(AFAIR)

Well, sometimes you might get frustrated, but it doesn't bother me as long as I see the time, and sometimes check the second by pushing a button.
The cost is subjective and I have no comment.  I got pretty good discount from the AD.

Ken

I would buy one.

As soon as this watch was announced, I sent off the description to a US friend who really wants a "good" digital watch - our efforts to steer him to a mechanical watch have been futile.  He is ready to buy, even at the high list price, and I had to explain to him that it might never reach a US AD.     Nice to see that it has at last come to market..

Ginger

... there is always G-shock by Casio   It doesn't have to be this and pay that much, for sure. 

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for the great review  ! Its on my list as well, and a must acquire on my next business trip to Tokyo.

I travel to US, UK and Jpn mostly for work, that will suit just FINE.

Unfortunately, multi-band function does not work back in Singapore.

Nevertheless a MUST have !!

 

Btw, what the model number of the credor in you last photo ? (now u are tempting me )

The Credor is long discontinued, but the model number is GCLH999 (SS model).  WG model (which looks exactly the same as SS model) is GBLH999.

Next time you come to Tokyo, DO feel free to contact me - depending on the schedule, we may meet up!

Ken

for the very kind offer. Always a pleasure to meet like minded afficiandos

I am always putting up in the Tokyo Dome hotel (not very good are for watch shopping)

Maybe I should move to Ikebukuro the next time ...

 

I am not familiar with Ikebukuro area...  Tokyo Dome is closer to Ginza area where lots of boutiques are located.  Used shops are here and there - a big one is at Nakano and another is at Tabata....  Your wish is my command and I will check out beforehand.

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