Novak Djokovic won the US Open 2015 final and his 10th grand slam title! We see him here with his Seiko Astron GPS Solar Dual Time Novak Djokovic Limited Edition timepiece and the US Open Trophy.
Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, holds up the championship trophy after defeating Roger Federer, of Switzerland, in the men’s championship match of the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, in New York. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Novak Djokovic played 20 tournaments in 20 cities in 12 countries over the last 12 months. Quite a bit of travelling. The Seiko sponsored tennis player is able to keep track of local and home times automatically with his watch. The Seiko Astron GPS Solar Dual Time uses GPS technology to automatically update local time where ever he is. With just a touch of a button.
The watch was introduced in 2015. The Novak Djokovic Limited Edition of 3000 pieces is part of the Astron GPS Solar edition of watches. And is available from November 2015 in a stainless steel case with rose gold coating and a ceramic bezel.
A selection of three Seiko Astron GPS Solar Dual Time watches photographed at the Seiko booth in BaselWorld 2015.
Commentary on the Seiko Astron GPS Solar Dual Time
Although we generally prefer mechanical watches, we feel quartz watches do serve a special segment. The need for fuss free operations, and to be able to deliver many functions in a robust package are among the special reasons to choose a quartz watch over a mechanical. The Seiko Astron GPS Solar Dual Time delivers in this aspect. It is almost totally immune to shocks and meets the official anti-magnetic standards (ISO 764), which require resistance to a field strength of 4,800 A/m (amperes per meter, the International Unit for magnetic field strength). We do note that recent mechanical watches specifically designed for amagnetic use now offer over 80,000 A/m of resistance. Examples of these are the Rolex Milgauss, IWC Ingenieur Automatic Mission Earth and Sinn 756 Diapal.
The Seiko Astron GPS Solar Dual Time operates fuss free, changing timezones with just a touch of a button, automatically and seamlessly accounting for Daylight Savings when needed. The GPS function also allows synchronization and near perfect accuracy when the signal is sufficient to log on. And being a quartz regulator, still keeps a respectable +/-15 seconds per month if it is not able to synchronize with GPS satelites.
Other versions are available in either titanium cases with crocodile straps, or stainless steel with bracelets with ceramic inserts or full stainless steel.
The dial design and layout is clear and legible.
Despite the multi functions, the dial remains clear and legible. Both home and local time is displayed, as well as a perpetual calendar and world time for 40 timezones including Daylight Saving Time Function. The watch is uses the Seiko Caliber 8X53, which is solar powered and uses GPS to control and synchronize the time and time zone functions.
The limited edition Seiko Astron GPS SolarDual Time Novak Djokovic Edition. The stainless steel case with rose gold coating and ceramic bezel. (stock photo)
Seiko Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Novak Djokovic Limited Edition, SSE060
Technical information:
Caliber 8X53, GPS Solar Dual-Time
GPS controlled time and time zone adjustment
Dual time display in 12-hour format with a separate AM/PM indicator
Perpetual calendar correct to the year 2100
Signal reception result indication
World time function (40 time zones)
Daylight Saving Time function
Power save function
Accuracy: +/-15 seconds per month (without receiving a time signal and at temperatures between 5℃ and 35℃)
Case
Stainless steel with rose-gold color coating with ceramic bezel
Sapphire crystal with super-clear coating
Water resistance 10 Bar
Magnetic resistance 4,800 A/m
Diameter 44.6mm, Thickness 13.3mm
Band
Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release
Approximate recommended retail prices in Europe: Euro 1,950
Limited edition of 3,000
2 Comments
Thanks for this excellent review. The most recent issue of Watchtime has featured the Citizen Eco-Drive Satellite Wave GPS watches, very similar to the Seiko featured in this article. I too prefer mechanical watches as they represent a pure form of ‘Poetry’, but these Seiko / Citizen represent awesome technology at a very affordable price point and have the ability to complement any fine mechanical watch collection. I definitely want one – either the Seiko or Citizen.