SpotlightThe Light Will Guide You Home: Presenting Seiko’s New Astron GPS Solar

Japanese watchmaker Seiko just expanded their Astron GPS Solar collection with four new 41.2mm models in titanium. These models come on the heels of the limited-edition supernova-inspired models with radial dials, released on the 10th anniversary celebrations of Seiko Aston GPS Solar. The latest Seiko models consist of three regular versions of different hues: the blue dial and titanium body; the grey dial and rose gold; and an all-black version. The fourth model with a striped dial and all-grey titanium body is a limited edition of 1,500 pieces.

The new Astron GPS Solar quartet shares two highlighting features with the first Astron model—the 1969 Quartz Astron, which was also the world’s first production quartz wristwatch ever. One is that it connects to the Global Positioning System (GPS) network and second, it can seamlessly switch time zones. All four models run on a new GPS Solar movement, calibre 3X62, with upgraded receptivity to solar signals, a power reserve of approximately six months, and the capability of prolonging energy via a power-saver mode for approximately two years.

The Astron GPS Solar watches connect to their GPS network twice a day to maintain razor-sharp accuracy of each second every 1,00,000 years. However, minus sun exposure, the watch will try its best to connect to the GPS network and try to maintain accuracy with a maximum deviation of up to ±15 seconds per month, if the wearer is situated in an area where the temperatures are between 5°C and 35°C. A date aperture sitting at six o’clock doubles as a perpetual calendar, and the brand vouches for its accuracy till the year 2100.

Attached to the titanium case is an integrated bracelet rendered extra sturdy, scratch resistant, and water resistant up to 100m

In these models, the sub-dial sitting at eight o’clock takes precedence for its multi-faceted role. It is designed to reveal in-flight mode, leap seconds, and charging status

A combination of hairline finishing on the top surface areas and polished finishing on the sides define the look of the octagonal bezel

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Out of these models, three have dials that are covered in tiny grids that resemble quartz crystals used in the quartz oscillators built into the first Astron model. In these models, the sub-dial sitting at eight o’clock takes precedence for its multi-faceted role. It is designed to reveal in-flight mode, leap seconds, and charging status. Carrying forward the typical Seiko signature are the baton indexes—matching colourwise to the hour and minute hands, plus the bezel—filled with the highly luminescent Lumibrite, known for showing time even in areas that are barely lit. Acting as a protective layer over the dial is the clear and sturdy sapphire crystal glass.

Carrying forward the Seiko signature are the baton indexes—matching colourwise to the hour and minute hands—filled with the highly luminescent Lumibrite, known for showing time even in badly lit areas

Given their 48.6mm lug-to-lug feature and 12mm case thickness, the watches can appear bulky. A combination of hairline finishing on the top surface areas and polished finishing on the sides define the look of the octagonal bezel. Attached to the titanium case, water-resistant to 100m, is an integrated bracelet rendered extra sturdy and scratch resistant. The bracelet tapers to end in three-fold clasps with push button release.