The Seiko Astron GPS Solar debuted in spring 2022 with a comfortable tonneau-shaped case design. The series began with four models equipped with Seiko’s 5X53 dual-time movement, followed by several other models, including one with the chronograph caliber 5X83. Now, three new simplified models have joined the core collection: the dark blue SSJ023 and the dark gray SSJ025 and SSJ026, all with gradient design dials.
The three new models of Seiko Astron GPS Solar have a few things in common. All three models have an ultra-hard coated titanium case that is 42mm in diameter, 12mm thick, and 47.9mm long. They also use the same GPS Solar caliber 3X62. This latest generation movement has a stronger ability to receive solar signals, giving Seiko more freedom to design the rest of the watch. The watch automatically connects to a high-altitude GPS network up to twice a day. When sunlight shines on the dial, the movement connects to the GPS satellite network and automatically adjusts to the correct time. In the dark, the watch remembers the last time it manually connected and attempts to receive a GPS signal again at the same time, because it expects the wearer to be a creature of habit.
Seiko Astron’s new GPS solar model features a planet-themed dial
The new trio have even more in common, including three central hands, a date window, and a subdial at 8 o’clock that displays whether the movement is receiving a GPS signal, the power reserve, leap second data, and an airplane mode that prevents the movement from receiving a GPS signal when on an airplane. They also have a very comfortable six-month power reserve.
SSJ023
All three watches are light and easy to wear, thanks to the moderate size of their titanium cases and tapered titanium bracelets with diagonal links and the Seiko Smart Adjuster, a tool-free, three-position fine adjustment mechanism that can be operated by simply pressing two buttons on the clasp. These sturdy-looking faceted watches are also highly practical, as they’re water resistant to 10 bar (100 meters). In short, these Astrons are the perfect all-around watch for everyday wear.
SSJ026
The bezel has two layers made of materials with different finishes and colors: the lower layer is visible through six notches in the upper layer. Finally, the same dial colors are available: SSJ023 in dark blue, SSJ025 in dark gray, and SSJ026, all with the same price of 2,500 euros.
SSJ025
A planet-like dial surrounded by a futuristic bezel
Now, let’s look at the dial, which is the big difference. The watches share the same theme, with gradients showing off innovative patterns that resemble tiny particles of sand, evoking the surface of a planet. The deep blue SSJ023 was inspired by the view of Earth from a spacecraft orbiting the planet.
The charcoal grey dials of the SSJ025 and SSJ026 are inspired by the moon in colour and structure. All three watches feature newly designed hands with skeletonised centres that rotate around the dial, interacting with the oversized indexes to improve legibility.
“Japaneseness”
In May 2023, Seiko released four Astron GPS solar models powered by the same 3X62 movement. Unlike today’s tonneau-shaped models, they all shared an octagonal case and featured dials with geometric patterns. The more organic-looking dials and cases of these latest 3X62-powered watches give them a completely different look, and dare I say, even more Japanese. The squares and lines of last year’s quartet still seemed to pay homage to some of the most famous and geometrically heavy Swiss watches. While still 100% Japanese in look and feel, these new ones seem more delicate and original. Sure, the SSJ026’s two-tone high-intensity titanium and ceramic bezel is not the most delicate, but it creates the most “Japanese”-feeling watch to date.
My recommendation is the charcoal grey SSJ025. I prefer the grey to black fade over the blue to black fade of the SSJ023. The two-tone colour of the SSJ026 seems a bit too exotic for me. What do you think? Do you agree or do you feel it has a stronger “Japaneseness” to it?
The three new Seiko Astron models will be available for purchase from October 1st, with more information expected to be available on Seiko’s website soon.
