THE HOME OF WATCH CULTURE

INTRODUCING: The Seiko Astron SSH073J Limited Edition offers dressy darkness in ceramic and titanium INTRODUCING: The Seiko Astron SSH073J Limited Edition offers dressy darkness in ceramic and titanium

INTRODUCING: The Seiko Astron SSH073J Limited Edition offers dressy darkness in ceramic and titanium

Thor Svaboe

Seiko’s 2020 arsenal of new watches has yet another devastatingly attractive addition in the Seiko Astron SSH073J. In parallel with the mechanical in-house divers and sports watches we can’t seem to get enough of, we find the ultra-precise Astron series, here shown in the dressy darkness of titanium and ceramic. I apologise in advance for more Star Wars references, but they are too tempting. With this on Mr Vader’s wrist, the Death Star would always be on time, as the Astron accuracy is legendary.

Seiko Astron SSH073J

We sing the praises of Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive and Quartz models with their beguiling mix of craftsmanship and mechanical excellence, but this is something else. The Astron series, with their tough, high-tech focus, does not get the column space they deserve, as they are damn impressive at what they do. This year is the 160th anniversary of Kintaro Hattori, the founder of Seiko, and they have chosen to mark this with a limited edition of their laser-sharp solar-powered GPS watch, the Astron SSH073J. And when we say devastatingly handsome, we mean it. It’s hard to think of a cleaner execution of the Astron, and the colour scheme? A symphony of black and gold in a glittering array of finishings, continuing right around to the case caseback, a constant reminder that you are one of not too many at all. Least not for a Seiko LE (the Street Fighter V models ran to 9,999 each for example).

Seiko Astron SSH073J

The Astron series has the famed Solar calibre 5X53 Dual Time, which up to twice a day connects to a GPS network to maintain its scarcely believable precision. Why this isn’t up on the podium as one of the best travel watches money can buy frankly boggles the mind. Seiko is the in-house of in-house manufacturers, right down to growing and ageing quartz crystals, something that is highly visible throughout the range. And the Astron is their high-tech Solar timekeeping halo model.

Seiko Astron SSH073J

God is in the details, as Mies van der Rohe once said, and there is no need to run through the complete tech repertoire of the Seiko Astron SSH073J, though you will still be mightily impressed. Daylight Saving time is automatically adjusted, when changing time zones — all you do is push one button. The hour, minute and seconds hand move instantaneously and independently, for 39 time zones. Sparked your interest now? I’ll just mention the perpetual calendar in passing, set to February the 28th 2100.

Seiko Astron SSH073J

This limited edition is all about tough stealth, and the lightness of the case being yet another important part of the cutting-edge technology that extends to materiality. The battle-ready black case is made from titanium and ceramic, the tough-looking bracelet from titanium with a triple folding clasp and, for this edition, also a leather strap.

Seiko Astron SSH073J

What sets this apart is the well-known Grammar of Design by Seiko, imbuing what is a large case with superb ergonomics, and the small but significant details. The familiar shaped case holds the facetted bezel of the Astron, looking menacing in black, with the intimidating darkness being offset by sharp, dressy touches of gold. The large ergonomic crown and the classic elongated pushers bling up the proceedings, while the dark dial has a gold chunk of an index at 12, and purposeful golden sword hands. The delicate sub-dial for the second time zone is at 6, ringed in gold with a miniature sword hand set.

Seiko Astron SSH073J

It doesn’t take a long time with this special Astron to appreciate the fact that it is as pure a piece of Japanese craftsmanship as a mechanical Grand Seiko or a popular Prospex diver. If you have even a tiny bit of doubt left, I’m smashing the ball out of the park with the Accuracy. Drum roll, please … +/- 1 second every 100,000 years (with daily automatic time adjustment). Consider my mic hereby dropped.

Seiko Astron SSH073J

Seiko Astron SSH073J price and availability:

The Seiko Astron SSH073J is AUD$5800, and limited to 2500 pieces worldwide. For more details, visit Seiko right here.