Seiko unveils two new tech-packed Astron limited editions with galaxy-inspired dials
Tom Austin- Seiko announces two new, astronomically-inspired limited editions, featuring dials that depict a spiralling galaxy.
- Both in the Astron collection, the watches feature black, super-hard-coated titanium cases and bracelets.
- The dark turquoise textured dials give both Astrons a unique look, and there’s only 1,500 available of each worldwide.
We see and talk about so many brands all the time, it’s easy to forget how important and influential Seiko is. The Astron, in particular, is a name that dates back to 1969 and helped set a benchmark for functional and technical quartz watches going forward. Sometimes overlooked by collectors outside of the Seiko hardcore, the modern Astron range pushes technical innovations just as hard as it did in the ‘60s, which today is no mean feat.
One way to attract a wider audience is to offer something that not everyone can have, so for Seiko’s latest Astron release, they’ve chosen the limited-edition route. There are two watches, both limited to 1,500 pieces each, featuring distinctive styles that set them apart from the rest of the range, thanks to the addition of Seiko’s secret weapon: dial finishing.
In typical Seiko style, there are no fancy names for this collection, just reference numbers – which, admittedly, does make things a bit awkward if you head into a Seiko boutique asking for one. The two watches in question are the SSH187J and the SSJ039J, but since those names aren’t exactly that catchy, for now we’ll call them the SSH and the SSJ. Let’s take a look at the SSJ 3-hander first.
Astron SSJ039J 3 Hands Calendar
The Astron SSJ is easily one of Seiko’s most cohesive and straightforward Astron designs, with a 42mm integrated case design that sits nicely alongside others in the integrated bracelet arena. It’s crafted from titanium, so it’s super lightweight, and finished in a black, super-hard coating, which is Seiko’s proprietary technology, rather than the usual DLC or PVD. The slightly curved, octagonal bezel pairs well with the subtle angles of the case, giving a contemporary look without veering into the futuristic, and despite being 42mm, the watch sits well on the wrist.
As with any Seiko, functionality is key, so the SSJ arrives with a 100-meter water resistance rating, an anti-reflective “super clear” sapphire crystal up front, and a laser-engraved screw-down case back. The brushed angles on the case give the watch a refined look, but the stealthy black coating leans things much more towards a tool-like aesthetic.
Centre-stage on the SSJ is the new dial, which features a dark turquoise, textured finish that swirls radially from the centre. Infused with metallic flakes, it’s inspired by a swirling galaxy, and against the black of the case, it appears to emerge from darkness with a kind of subtle luxuriousness. The polished applied hour markers and hands contrast well, and the dial’s intense finish doesn’t detract from the watch’s overall legibility.
One of the coolest features about the SSJ is the movement, which, unlike most quartz watches, is truly set-and-forget. The Calibre 3X62 has been around for a couple of years now, but its functionality sets it far apart from regular quartz movements. First of all, the SSJ is a calendar, not just because it displays the date, but because it’s a perpetual calendar, adjusting for short months and leap years until February 2100.
Then, there’s the solar GPS functionality: the moment it hits sunlight in another timezone, not only does it charge the watch, it synchronises with the local timezone without having to do anything.
That charge is provided by a photovoltaic array under the galaxy dial, which gives the watch an impressive 6 months of power reserve at a full charge. But what’s even more remarkable is that Seiko claims an accuracy of +/-1 second every 100,000 years, which is pretty insane when you think about it. Finishing off the SSJ is an integrated full-titanium 3-link bracelet that features the same brushed and polished surfaces as the case and, of course, the super-hard black coating.
Seiko Astron SSJ039J pricing & availability
The Seiko Astron SSJ039J is now available for preorder exclusively at Seiko Online and Seiko Boutiques, with a limited run of 1,500 pieces. Price: US$3,700
| Brand | Seiko |
| Model | Astron 3 Hands Calendar |
| Reference | SSJ039J |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm (D) x 12mm (T) x 47.9mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Titanium with black super-hard coating |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front |
| Dial | Dark textured turquoise |
| Lug Width | Integrated |
| Bracelet | Titanium three-link bracelet with deployant clasp |
| Movement | Calibre 3X62, in-house, GPS Solar quartz |
| Battery life | 6 months (2 years in power-saving mode) |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, GPS timekeeping, perpetual calendar, power reserve indicator |
| Availability | Limited to 1,500 pieces |
| Price | US$3,700 |
Astron SSH 1878J Dual Time Chronograph
As with most watches of this style, the SSH Chronograph is slightly larger than its 3-handed sibling, measuring 43.3mm in diameter and 13.4mm thick. The case is in the same integrated bracelet style, with soft angles and light brushing, but this model features a more traditional round bezel with 5-minute markers. That bezel also features a striking blue ring around its edge, framing the watch and contrasting the dark titanium with some sporty intent.
The dial carries over the same luxurious galaxy motif and dark turquoise spiral embossing; however, there’s a lot more going on, so the effect is slightly different. The Chronograph is a much more technical watch than the 3-hander, so it makes sense; however, legibility is an issue, as it can be with several chronographs.
There are date and day indicators, power-reserve indicators, chronograph subdials, a perpetual calendar, and a dual time zone, which all make for an incredibly functional timepiece, but it is complex, and the dial finish makes it a complicated viewing experience.
The SSH is powered by the Calibre 5X83, another GPS solar-powered quartz movement with similar functionality to the 3-handed SSJ. It’s powered by any light source and has the same GPS-synchronising technology for multi-location time setting, too. Even Daylight Savings Time is automatically set, so much like the SSJ, it’s a true set-and-forget quartz movement.
Accuracy is the same, to within +/-1 second every 100,000 years, and the power reserve is around 6 months when fully charged, or up to 2 years in power-saving mode. Lastly, the SSH is equipped with the same black-coated titanium 3-link bracelet with a folding clasp, which is integrated into the case.
Seiko Astron SSH187J Dual Time Chronograph pricing & availability
The Seiko Astron SSH187J is now available for preorder exclusively at Seiko Online and Seiko Boutiques, with a limited run of 1,500 pieces. Price: $4,500USD
| Brand | Seiko |
| Model | Astron Dual Time Chronograph |
| Reference | SSH187J |
| Case Dimensions | 43mm (D) x 13.4mm (T) x 49.5mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Titanium with black super-hard coating |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front |
| Dial | Dark textured turquoise |
| Lug Width | 14mm |
| Bracelet | Titanium with deployant clasp |
| Movement | Calibre 5X83, in-house, GPS Solar quartz |
| Battery life | 6 months (2 years in power-saving mode) |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, GPS timekeeping, perpetual calendar, power reserve indicator, chronograph, dual time |
| Availability | Limited to 1,500 pieces |
| Price | US$4,500 |