Seiko  Astron  Watches

Seiko Astron: A Traveler’s Best Friend

It’s not a secret that many people love travelling to different countries to see new sites, experience different cultures, and many more. And since most countries have different time zones, travelers must adjust their wrist watches to keep track of time. But this is not a problem for Seiko Astron watches. The GPS Solar technology from Seiko allows these timepieces to automatically adjust to the exact time zone. Furthermore, the watch is also eco-friendly for it gets its energy entirely from the sun. As long as there is light, you will always know your time with the solar-powered Seiko Astron.

Prices at a Glance: The Most Popular Seiko Astron Watches
 

How much is a Seiko Astron watch?

Seiko Astron watches generally cost somewhere between $1,700 USD and $36,000 USD. And in that huge price range, there’s a variety of models for you to choose from. With that said, there are five famous series in this collection. These are Quartz Astron, GPS Solar, GPS Solar Chronograph, GPS Dual-time, and Giugiaro Design.

Prices for the Seiko Astron Quartz Watches

The Seiko Quartz Astron is the collection’s original creation. Also referred to as “Seiko Quartz Astron 35SQ”, this model was released in 1969. It was the first ever quartz watch to be manufactured, and it started the trend of quartz timepieces. On the 50th anniversary of its launch, Seiko introduced a brand-new Seiko Astron 1969 Quartz Astron 50th Anniversary Limited Edition.  Like its predecessor, it boasts a  18K gold case with the same shape and intricate carvings. The dial is shielded by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and the strap is made of crocodile leather. The timepiece also features a date window located on the 3 o’clock position and a 100m water resistance. This limited-edition model costs $36,000 USD. Overall, this regal timepiece lives up to the name of the collection as a traveler’s watch due to its durability.

Prices for the Seiko Astron GPS Solar Watches

The Seiko Astron GPS Solar is one of the most common timepiece series from the collection. Additionally, its creation may have led to formation of other series in the whole lineup. In fact, due to its popularity, this series has a huge variety of models. For example, the 42.8mm Seiko Astron GPS Solar Ref. SSH071J1 sports a titanium case and bracelet with a 200m water resistance. Its deep green dial features a date window located between the 4 and 5 o’clock positions along with other indicators for the current day and Daylight-Saving Time. There’s also an AM/PM indicator located on the lower left of the current day indicator. This timepiece costs $2,699 USD, and it’s a great watch if you’re planning to have a vacation in a tropical country.

Prices for the Seiko Astron GPS Solar Chronographs

The Seiko Astron GPS Solar Chronograph timepieces seem to be updated versions of the GPS Solar. These watches cost approximately between $1,520 USD and $2,170 USD. The GPS Solar Chronograph watches are either made with titanium or stainless-steel case with sapphire case. Additionally, the bracelet can be built of either titanium, or stainless-steel, or leather. Generally, watches under this series feature a GPS controlled time and time zone adjustment. They also have a built-in perpetual calendar and Daylight-Saving Time function. There’s also a date window located on the 4 o’clock position. Furthermore, timepieces under this series like the Seiko Astron GPS Solar Chronograph 8X82 Ref. SSE003J1 also has ceramic bezel, power save function, and 100m water resistance. Overall, this successor series to the original GPS Solar is a great timepiece for travelling.

Prices for the Seiko Astron Dual-Time Models

If you’re an avid global traveler, then the Seiko Astron GPS Dual-Time series is a great option for you. As the name suggests, models under this series have a reliable dual time function. This allows the wearer to keep track of the correct time while not worrying about the difference in time zones. An example model under this series is the Seiko Astron Black 8X Ref. SBXB045. This 45mm timepiece has a titanium case along with a sapphire crystal and a 100m water resistance. Within its dial, there are three sub dials, AM/PM indicator, and date window located on the 4 o’clock position. These three sub dials include a sub-second dial and indicators for the current day and Daylight-Saving Time. Surrounding the dial are embedded IATA airport codes of different countries that help indicate the time difference. This timepiece costs $1,729 USD, and is a great choice for global travel.

Prices for the Seiko Astron Giugiaro Design Models

If you are looking for a chic watch, then the Seiko Astron Giugiaro Design series is the timepiece for style. Inspired from other watches made by Seiko in collaboration with Italian car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, timepieces under this series have a unique, eye-catching appearance. For example, the limited-edition Seiko Astron Giugiaro Design Ref. SBXB121 doesn’t look exactly like the other timepieces in the whole collection. For starters, its dial is not exactly in the center. In fact, it seems to be leaning towards the right. But despite its different appearance, this 45mm timepiece still has functions that are similar to other watches in the Seiko Astron collection. Just like other models, it also has a titanium case, ceramic bezel, and a 100m water resistance. The timepiece also features three sub dials and a date window. The three sub dials include a sub-second dial and indicators for Daylight-Saving Time and elapsed seconds. This unique piece is worth $2,789 USD, and has only 3000 pieces available worldwide.

Investing in a Vintage Seiko Astron: Is it worth it?

Although the timepieces under this collection are already amazing, vintage Seiko Astron watches offer a different vibe. These classic watches show the beginning of the Japanese brand’s innovations in watchmaking. With that said, are they worth the money?

If you happen to be an avid watch collector or enthusiast who adores the best timepieces, then vintage models are worth your money. For example, the aforementioned limited-edition vintage model that Seiko released for their 50th anniversary showcases the collection’s proud beginnings. It also showed how quartz timepieces became famous in 1959. If the Japanese brand did not manufacture the collection and made it famous, then there’s a chance that people won’t be able to wear other quartz wristwatches. 

Another reason why investing in a vintage Seiko Astron watch is worth the money is because of its overall appearance and functionality. Its regal appearance is made possible by gold case and crocodile leather. And in terms of functionality, its built-in GPS network allows it to automatically change its time zone. Also, the watch does  not need any change of batteries since it is fully powered by sunlight.

Seiko Astron's Rich History 

The Seiko Astron’s history actually goes back all the way to the Christmas of 1969. When it was launched, the Seiko Astron made history by being the first wristwatch featuring quartz movement in the world. While other watch brands were reliant on mechanical or automatic movement, Seiko became the first label to release a battery-powered timepiece. 

During the release, only 100 models of quartz wristwatch were available, and each model had a price tag of ¥450,000, about US$1,250 at that time. These models feature yellow gold cases with brown leather straps. However, Seiko’s design of quartz wristwatch is not yet perfect. This led the brand to not release newer Astron models until 1971.

But that’s not the only highlight when Seiko Astron was released. The collection started a trend of creating quartz timepieces among watchmaking brands. This trend was called “Quartz Crisis”, and some watch brands feared that the trend might end the traditional methods of watchmaking which was done for centuries. But fortunately, quartz wristwatches managed to exist side-by side with manual and automatic timepieces. In fact, this motivated traditional watchmaking brands to create newer and better products so they won’t be outdone by their competitors.

And Seiko Astron did not stop as the first quartz wristwatch. In September 2012, the Japanese brand released the first GPS solar timepiece and revived the collection’s name. This became another ground-breaking moment for Seiko. And after the success of their first model, Seiko continued manufacturing solar GPS watches with added modifications and unique appearances.

Reasons to Buy a Seiko Astron Watch

1. Automatic Time Zone Adjustments

If you love to travel to other countries, then you’ll know that adjusting your watch to the appropriate time zone can be a bit of a hassle. However, the Seiko Astron watches can help you avoid that annoying setback. Due to its unique technology, time adjustments are not a big deal anymore. These timepieces allow you to enjoy your trip without worrying about the time difference.

2. High Durability

Most Seiko Astron watches are made with titanium or stainless-steel case along with a scratch resistant sapphire crystal. And due to their incredibly high water resistance, there’s no need to worry if these timepieces get wet. Because of these qualities, the Seiko Astron watches are perfect for both snowy and tropical countries.

3. Appealing and Eye-catching Design

Its unique technology and high resistance are not the only traits it has. Seiko Astron timepieces are also appealing and attractive. These watches feature a bulky appearance which goes well with casual clothing. So, if you want to add some sporty flair to your traveling apparel, Seiko Astron watches are for you.

4. Rich Heritage

And as mentioned in its history, Seiko Astron watches have a rich heritage. If you happen to be an enthusiast for timepieces with an abundant heritage, these watches are perfect for you. The Seiko Astron is a perfect reminder that watches are not just ordinary accessories. They are products of advancement in technology that took years to fully develop.

Seiko Astron: The Traveler’s Timepiece

With its rich heritage, impressive design, high durability, and overall functionality, the Seiko Astron watches are perfect choices for avid travelers. And as a result of many years of innovation in Japanese technology, these watches will surely satisfy Seiko’s clientele. So, feel free to wear a Seiko Astron wristwatch the next time wanderlust kicks in.