Seiko‘s new Astron watch collection is impressive in every aspect. Innvative from both a technological and design standpoint. The Seiko Astron collection is one definitely worth keeping an eye on as newer, more exciting models hit the market globally.
A Truly Global Watch
The Seiko Astron is set as the first truly global watch. Whereas other watches synchronise themselves to radio signals emitted from atomic clocks on earth, the Seiko Astron uses GPS signals. Within 30 seconds the watch not only finds it’s location worldwide but also updates the time to within an accuracy of one second per 100,000 years. It’s solar powered and as such it will never need it’s battery changed as long as it is exposed to light. For globalists and tech-junkies alike this watch definitely impresses with its intense functionality.
It would appear that the only places that this watch can’t work it’s magic is underground and outer space, and even then the battery should keep accurate time for several months. For standard day to day functionality all this technology is incredibly satisfying to gadget lovers. The simplistic design of the watch compliments this minimalist but functional feel.
Though the Astron doesn’t have quite as much information as other GPS watches do, unless you spend a great deal of time hacking your way through the Amazon rainforest you probably don’t have much cause to be worried.
Seiko Astron Main Features
Undeniably the Astron has many features. Amogst which are a GPS Location System which automatically corrects the time to your current time-zone and a perpetual calendar to February 2100. The subtle solar powered face ensures that you never need a new battery. It’s elegant design highlight the stylish design of the watch. Highly attractive and stylish, the watch compares favourably with similar watches. The solar quartz movement has a calibre 7X52. Another feature which helps the Astron stand out is the super-clear coating on the crystal. It reduces glare by 99% making the watch easy to read even in bright sunlight.
A Striking Face
The design of the watch is extremely stylish. The face is deep and lends a solid and dependable feel to the watch. It’s complemented by the bold hands and applied hour markers. Available in both titanium and steel, the Seiko Astron watch is light enough to allow comfortable wearing but also manages to feel heavy enough to convey it’s worth.
Unlike many similar models, the face is not cluttered but clear cut and simple. The Super-Clear coating is very effective and there’s no trouble reading the watch at a glance even in bright, direct sunlight.
Although the entire current Astron collection is available only in a metallic or black finish you do get a choice of detail colours and all work well with the design of the face. The Astron shows no visual evidence of the fact that it draws power from the sun. It’s evident Seiko have gone for a more minimalist design and it certainly lends a ‘stealthy’ flair to the watch.
With the Astron, Seiko have managed to strike just the right balance between functionality and aesthetics. The watch however does lack a display to indicate the location. A detail which may disappoint aviators or sailors who may rely on such information.
Eyes to the Future
While a great watch in it’s own right, currently the Astron is more of a prototype. The main features of the Astron once again reveal Seiko’s determination to keep pushing the frontiers of watch technology. The Astron reaches a very attractive balance between style and functionality.
If you’re interested in purchasing a Seiko Astron watch, you can do so by following the link here.
