In my book, one of the most useful versions of a quartz watch (beyond the basic timekeeping functions) is to have solar power and some sort of time syncing. While that time sync used to be via atomic clock radio signals, it’s more commonly done via talking to GPS satellites. Seiko started doing that in 2012, and this year, they’re adding four more models (including one limited edition) to the Seiko Astron 3X62 GPS Solar collection.
The story here, of course, are the guts of the watch. With solar and GPS, you’ve got the watch receiving both its power and it’s time synchronization from the skies (pretty cool, in our book). In other words, a watch that’s always powered up (so long as that capacitor stays healthy), and always accurate. Sounds good, right?
Seiko Astron 3X62 GPS Solar models: Wrapping
To enable that long life, then, you need to wrap it in something tough. Here, the 41.2mm case is wrapped in tough – and light – titanium, which is a material that just makes sense for this sort of a watch. Not only that, but the titanium has also been treated with a tough coating as well, helping it last even longer. Looks like all systems go, to us.
While we tend to focus on how steel sports watches can fit well at dressier occasions, as well as your casual events, this new Astron comes at if from a different direction. The titanium is tough and sharp, and that leans it a bit more casual in our books. That said, it could easily swing up to the dress watch leagues if needed, and then be ready to head back out on the trail with you the next day. In other words, a solid option for a “one watch” sort of approach. These new Seiko Astron GPS Solar watches should be available later this summer, with pricing ranging from $2,000 – $2,200. seikowatches.com
Details from Seiko
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 : $2,000 (SSJ013, SSJ017), $2,100 (SSJ014), $2,200 (SSJ015)
- Limited edition of 1,500 (SSJ017)
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