Seiko Astron GPS Solar

Seiko, the Japanese watch company whose pioneering pieces are loved by watch connoisseurs the world over has introduced an innovation this year too. Seiko has been credited with many “firsts” over the decades – the world's first quartz watch in 1969, first multi-function digital watch in 1975, first TV watch in 1982 and the world's first watch specifically designed for a space walk in 2008. This time, at BaselWorld 2012, Seiko unveiled the Astron GPS Solar, the world's first GPS solar watch. This technical marvel is the latest feather in Seiko's much decorated cap. Given the brand's passion for innovation and technology, we take a look at both the Astron GPS Solar and its famous predecessor, the Seiko Quartz Astron.

Back to the future

On December 25, 1969, after ten long years of research Seiko unveiled the world's first quartz watch called Seiko Quartz Astron. Thus began a revolution in the world of horology. The watch was famed for its accuracy, maintained by the use of a quartz crystal oscillator. But creating the piece was fraught with hurdles, which were overcome by the development of unique solutions by Seiko. For example, the crystal was cut in the shape of a tuning fork and motors to properly operate signals from the oscillator were created. Seiko did not apply for monopolised patents on their technological creations, and developments in the world of quartz watches grew.

Solar specs

The Quartz Astron has now given way to Seiko's grandest BaselWorld launch, the Seiko Astron GPS Solar. This watch has been pegged as one “that understands time zones”.

The Astron GPS Solar contains Seiko's own, patented, low-energy-consumption GPS receiver. With this technology, the watch can receive information through GPS signals from the global network of GPS satellites, thereby adjusting its time, date and time zone data accurately. The best part is that it recognises all 39 time zones on earth. Once a day, the watch receives the time signal automatically and when demanded, at the push of a button, connects to four or more GPS satellites, immediately pinpointing its own position accurately. Under normal conditions, the watch takes six seconds for the time to self-correct and 30 seconds to recognise the location. It may take a little longer under some conditions. With the perpetual calendar correct upto February 2100, the date will always be accurate. All this is achieved using solar power absorbed through the dial, so the technology to pinpoint location may not work if the watch has been stored away in darkness for a long time.

The watch itself is quite sleek in appearance. The case is made with high-intensity titanium that is stronger and lighter than steel. The straps are silicon and the bezel is made with ceramic. When the button is pushed, the status of the GPS is indicated by the second hand and indicator at the 10 o'clock position. All this technology is packed into a watch that weighs just about 135grams and works with a calibre 7X52 movement. The Seiko Astron GPS Solar is also available with a stainless steel case, with or without black hard coating.

So no matter where you are on earth, even if you're on a train or a ship travelling from one time zone to the other, the Seiko Astron GPS Solar can keep you right on track.

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