Seiko releases two new creations in the Astron GPS Solar collection.
We saw the watch recently at the Singapore launch event, but no photographs were allowed then. Here is the press release information with our hands-on commentary in italics.
New: Seiko Astron GPS Solar collection
The Seiko Astron GPS Solar SSJ027 retails for EUR 2,300 and the SSH157 retails at EUR 2,600. Both inclusive of EU taxes. Limited edition of 1,500 each.
Hands-on commentary
A refreshing take on the Astron series. We have previously reviewed the Astron GPS Worldtime, and the Astron GPS DualTime models. Technical, nerdy, but ultimately very useful watches. Travel watches which operate with solar energy, and equipped with GPS ability to sync to any timezone on command. On arrival at a new location, syncing is a simple affair, and rather seamlessly executed. Switching between home and local time is also a simple operation. Both are now equipped with new movements, which Seiko claims to be faster synchronisation with GPS signals as well as retaining the rich features in the earlier iterations.
The two models now have a very beautiful transparent light-blue dial with a textured pattern embossed. This blue part of the dial is shared on both models. Its appearance change depending on the angle of view. The dial construction looks like a transparent coating over a texture of moulded stars. We guess the transparent coating allows sufficient light to charge the solar cells. We find the blue to be very attractive. Bright, cheerful. Seiko says this is to show the beautiful brilliance of the stars twinkling in the sky. We think it is a bit brighter than the night sky, evoking a feel of a bright sky.
Seiko Astron SSJ027
We are particularly attracted to the simpler SSJ027 model, which is very similar to the existing SSJ013J1 with the sapphire blue dial. The movement is also shared with the SSJ013, and shows only the time (perpetual calendar courtesy of the quartz movement) with date and a sub-dial indicating GPS signal, its power reserve, leap-second data, and an in-flight mode to prevent receiving GPS signals during flight. Time is displayed conventionally with large hour and minute hands with a central seconds hand. On this model, as the display is less cluttered, the blue of the dial and the beautiful texture on it is very striking against the black rehaut and sub-dial chapter ring. The 41mm nominal case size wears quite nicely, and the hexagonal bezel gives off AP Royal Oak vibes.
Seiko Astron SSH157
The SSH157 is very similar to the SSH145, with aesthetic differences, but also an upgrade in the movement. The SSH157 carries the new 5X83 movement, while the SHH145 uses the 5X53 movement. The movement offers more functionality than the SSJ027 by adding a chronograph into the movement. The aesthetic of the watch changes completely. The rehaut is larger and the dark edges encroach more into the space available for the blue textured surface. The chronograph also features two sub-dials, both in black. At 12 o’clock, the chronograph counter sub-dial shows elapsed times in increments of 1/20th of a second. A fast and furious jumping, foudroyante like hand. And the other permanently displaying a second timezone. This second timezone and the main one shown by the centrally mounted large H/M/S hands can be switched conveniently and quickly by pressing a button. The SHH157 is rather large 43mm, but still smaller than 44.8mm on the earlier Astrons.
Both watches feel very light, and the hard titanium case feels very solid both on the hand and on the wrist. The SSH157 wears quite large, but the SSJ027 is a nice fit on my flat 7.5″ wrists and can easily slip under the cuffs of a dress shirt.
Release information
Seiko Astron GPS Solar 2024 Limited Edition SSJ027
Movement
Caliber Number: 3X62
Movement Type: GPS solar
Precision: ±15 seconds per month (without receiving a GPS signal and at temperatures between 5°C and 35°C )
Power reserve: Operating for approx. 6 months (when fully charged), power save: approx. 2 years
Jewels: 10
Functions
- Overcharge prevention function
- Power save function
- Perpetual calendar to the February 28, 2100
- Power reserve indicator
- GPS signal reception function (Time zone adjustment, automatic time adjustment, manual time adjustment)
- Satellite acquisition status display function
- Reception result display function
- Function to prevent the GPS signal reception (in-flight mode)
- Automatic hand position alignment function
- Date display
Case/Band
Case MaterialTitanium (super-hard coating)Case SizeThickness:12.0mm
Diameter:41.2mm
Lug-to-lug:48.6mmCrystalSapphire crystalCrystal CoatingSuper-clear coatingLumiBriteLumibrite on hands and index(es)ClaspThree-fold clasp with push button releaseDistance between lugs14mm
Other Details
Water Resistance10 barWeight110.0gFeatures
- LIMITED EDITION on the case back
- Serial number engraved on the case back
- Allergy-safe metal
- Clasp with Smart Adjuster function
- Screw case back
Seiko Astron GPS Solar 2024 Limited Edition SSH157
Movement
Caliber Number 5X83
Movement Type: GPS solar
Precision: ±15 seconds per month (±1 second per day) / Power reserve: Operating for approx. 6 months (when fully charged), power save: approx. 2 years
Jewels: 14
Functions
- Overcharge prevention function
- Power save function
- Chronograph up to 12 hours in 1/20 second increments
- Perpetual calendar to the February 28, 2100
- World time function (38 cities)
- Dual-time function
- Day display
- Power reserve indicator
- Time transfer function (Switching between the main-dial and sub-dial)
- GPS signal reception function (Time zone adjustment, automatic time adjustment, manual time adjustment)
- Satellite acquisition status display function
- Reception result display function
- DST (Daylight Saving Time)
- Function to prevent the GPS signal reception (in-flight mode)
- Automatic hand position alignment function
Case/Band
Case MaterialTitanium (super hard coating) with ceramic bezelCase SizeThickness:13.4mm
Diameter:43.3mm
Lug-to-lug:49.5mmCrystalDual-curved sapphire crystalCrystal CoatingSuper-clear coatingLumiBriteLumibrite on hands and index(es)ClaspThree-fold clasp with push button releaseDistance between lugs14mm
Other Details
Water Resistance10 barMagnetic Resistance4,800 A/mWeight117.0gFeatures
- LIMITED EDITION on the case back
- Serial number engraved on the case back
- Allergy-safe metal
- Clasp with Smart Adjuster function
- Screw case back
