Home » Baselworld - World Watch and Jewellery Show » Seiko Astron – the World’s First GPS Solar Timepiece Launched at the Baselworld 2012
By using the global network of GPS satellites, new Seiko Astron is the only solar watch in the world able to receive GPS signals and recognize time zone, time and date everywhere on the planet. This technological breakthrough that identifies each of 39 official time zones is possible thanks to the Seiko’s patented, low-energy-consumption GPS receiver and its advanced energy-efficiency technology. The new Seiko Astron will be on the world’s markets this autumn.
Back in 1969, the renowned Japanese watchmaker launched the world’s first quartz timepiece, called Astron. Today, its ancestor, developed under the supervision of Seiko Epson Corporation, sets new standards for the entire watchmaking industry. Famous by a number of “world first” products, the Japanese manufacturer had spent several years, working on this watch and creating around 100 patent applications, until it got the perfect match of GPS and Solar technologies.
How does it work? Well, once a day, the watch gets a time signal automatically. On demand, by a single press on a button, it connects to four or more of the GPS satellites and recognizes the time zone and the local time, adjusting hands automatically with the Atomic Clock accuracy. It is possible thanks to the revolutionary technology which divides the planet into one million ‘squares’ and allocates a time zone to each. It requires around six seconds for self-correcting the time and about 30 seconds for the time zone, whether you are stationary or on the move.
Displayed by the second hand and the indicator at the 10 o’clock position, the status of the GPS signal can be also available by a single click. Indicators will immediately inform you whether a GPS signal has been received, from how many satellites and whether Daylight Saving Time is on. Along with the time perfection, the new Astron will provide the accurate date until February, 2100, via the perpetual calendar. Furthermore, thanks to the brand’s remarkable solar technology, the watch gets the energy from all kinds of light and does not require a battery replacement. Finally, the Caliber 7X52 provides a world-time function.
Seiko Astron GPS Solar timepiece comes in five variations, based on different combination of materials. Each of two models with referent numbers SAST003 and SAST005 features a case made of high-intensity titanium (the material stronger than stainless steel with only 60% of its weight) that incorporates a bracelet in the matching material and a ceramic bezel. The SAST007 model features a case and a bracelet, crafted in beautiful high-intensity titanium with a black hard coating, incorporating a ceramic bezel.
The case of the SAST009 is made of stainless steel, while the steel case of the SAST011 comes with a black hard coating. Both versions feature ceramic bezels and striking, extra-strength silicon bands. New Astron watches are covered with sapphire crystals with super-clear anti-reflective coatings on both sides. A nicely designed dial displays the highest craftsmanship of the Japanese watchmaker. It features highly legible applied hour markers (either white or blue), the date aperture at the 3 o’clock position and the sub-dial at the 6 o’clock position, displaying the second time zone. The recommended price for this revolutionary timepiece will go from $1850 to $2,450.
Seiko isn’t the first. Remember what Citizen launched last year. So, Citizen is the first with GPS solar watch.