Seiko Astron GPS Solar 3X62

jamie weiss

The Seiko Astron name is one of the most influential in watchmaking. The original Seiko Astron, released in 1969, was the world’s first commercially available quartz wristwatch. It was an absolute paradigm shift that sparked the so-called quartz crisis, and established Seiko’s reputation as one of the most important watch brands in the world, without a doubt. . These days, the Astron name is attached to a range of similarly innovative watches, although they may not receive as much recognition as the original quartz Astron. Seiko brought back the Astron name on a new series of GPS solar watches in 2012. In fact, they were the world’s first mass-produced watches with time synchronization via GPS satellite signals. Since then, Seiko has refined the GPS Astron formula, and subsequent generations of Astron models have become smaller and more stylish. Which brings us to the topic of today’s article, the latest addition to Seiko’s Astron GPS Solar 3X62 series. This may feature the most consistent Astron design to date.

case

To begin discussing these watches, we need to start with the case. Boasting a 42 mm diameter integrated bracelet, this model is made from titanium and features a very clean design with a cog-shaped bezel at the top of the slightly blocky case. Reference-wise, they are SSJ023, SSJ025, and SSJ026, but these three references are very different from the previous Astron, which had the SSJ reference number, which had a fancier case.

Thanks to this bezel, these three references look slimmer on the wrist than previous Astron models. Its scalloped gear-like shape is built into the pure practicality of the watch’s GPS movement, caliber 3X62. More on this later. The SSJ026 has gold accents that add a touch of panache to a very tool-looking watch.

dial

Initially, three colors were available: indigo blue, gray, and graphite model, and the last model has a two-tone color with gold hands and indexes. All three feature a pop of color on the bezel to match the dial, very subtle on the indigo and gray models, but more pronounced on the two-tone models. While other solar watches have dials that are immediately recognizable as solar watches, this watch’s dial is completely conventional, with a pleasant matte texture and an azurage outer ring.

movement

First released in 2023, Caliber 3X62 is Seiko’s slimmest and easiest-to-use GPS solar movement to date. On the surface, it only has a multi-purpose hand to show time, date, and primarily charging status, but it’s actually a perpetual calendar, and as you might have guessed, it’s both solar-powered and GPS-based. is possible. signal. Set it perfectly and never forget it. When you take it outside in the sun, it not only charges but also syncs with your GPS signal and automatically changes the time and date. This means that when you step out of the plane and step into the sun, it will tell you the exact time without lifting a finger (you can even set the time manually).

When fully charged, the battery life is over 6 months (2 years in power saving mode), and the battery is charged through a solar array located under the dial. Equipped with overcharge prevention mode, in-flight mode, and automatic needle position correction functions, the accuracy is ±15 seconds per month (no GPS reception, temperature 5°C to 35°C). . Of course, in normal use it’s even more accurate than that, as it frequently syncs with GPS.

bracelet

As mentioned above, these new SSJ models come with integrated bracelets, especially the nifty three-row numbers with deployant clasps. Like the watch case it is mounted on, it features a delicate matte finish contrasting with polished edges, giving it a monumental look.

judgment

If Seiko’s GPS Astron technology is so good, you might wonder why these watches aren’t getting more attention from enthusiasts. That’s a good question, and frankly, one that I’ve been asking myself. This may be due to several factors. First, many enthusiasts completely ignore quartz watches, no matter how sophisticated, and are only interested in mechanical watches. I understand the idea, but I can’t share it.

There’s also the fact that these Astrons sit on a kind of border between traditional watches and smart devices. Mobile phones and smartwatches also use GPS signals to tell the time, with the help of real-time clock chips and cellular networks. The Seiko Astron does not require nightly charging or an internet connection to know the exact time, giving the wearer more autonomy, but there is some overlap in use cases.

I think the most important reason why Seiko’s GPS Astron isn’t more popular is that some people may not like its big, bold look, and it’s probably out of their comfort zone. But these new models are the most conventional-looking GPS Astrons to date, making them aesthetically pleasing and easy to operate. First, integrated bracelets are definitely on trend. Second, it looks the thinnest and smallest of all SSJ models. Seiko has not only worked hard to physically reduce the size of its GPS solar movement, but has also put some effort into its new case design. And it’s actually a less derivative, more traditional and memorable design than previous SSJ models.

Simply put, this is the GPS Astron, which looks like the most ordinary sports watch. That might be enough to set the clock on this underrated, innovative type.