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Solar flair: Which Seiko Astron is right for you? Solar flair: Which Seiko Astron is right for you?

Solar flair: Which Seiko Astron is right for you?

James Robinson

Seiko Astron

Never has a watch encapsulated the phrase “one watch to do it all” more than the Seiko Astron series. Here is a timepiece with an accuracy rating of ±15 seconds per month and a power reserve of no less than 6 months, that can also do the following:

  • Automatically adjust the handset position alignment
  • Host a day display and a day-date display with daylight saving time
  • Dual-time function
  • An “in-flight” function that pauses the watch’s GPS signal reception
  • An overcharge prevention function
  • A perpetual calendar complication that is accurate to February 28, 2100
  • Power reserve complication
  • A power-saving function
  • A satellite acquisition status display function
  • The ability for time zone adjustment by receiving GPS signals from satellites
  • An automatic time-adjustment function
  • And finally, a world-time function that is good for 40 different time zones

Seiko Astron

All this technical prowess is possible thanks to the Astron series being solar powered by Seiko’s innovative and powerful Calibre 8X53 movement.

Seiko Astron

The extreme bandwidth of the watch continues when you take into account the 200 metres (20 bar) of water resistance and an incredibly comfortable and versatile silicone band that features a tri-folding, push-button deployant clasp.

Seiko Astron

Perhaps the only thing that lets the Seiko Astron range down slightly is its size … it is not for the faint of wrist. In fact, the cases of these watches measure in at a substantial 46.7mm across and 14.5mm thick. However, because the cases are all hewn from hardwearing and lightweight titanium, they never feel overly clunky or cumbersome on the wrist.

Seiko Astron

And thanks to the Astron being available in three different iterations, there’s sure to be a model that will suit almost anyone’s tastes, as all three offer uniquely distinctive aesthetics.

Seiko Astron

The Seiko Astron SSE167J1 is a great option if you’re a fan of the colour blue, and if you’re looking for a rugged and utilitarian watch that can still be worn with more formal clothing, thanks to the slick blue ceramic bezel and mother-of-pearl sub-dial, located at six o’clock. $4200 AUD

Seiko Astron

Seiko Astron

Seiko Astron

Those keen on something perhaps a bit more subdued and “under the radar” will really enjoy the Seiko Astron SSE169J1, replete with its brushed titanium case and uniform black ceramic bezel and dial, with just a hint of striking red that can be found on the second hand and power reserve indicator. $4100 AUD

Seiko Astron

Seiko Astron

Seiko Astron

The pick for “weekend warrior” surely has to be the Seiko Astron SSE170J1, which looks very lackadaisical, not least because of the titanium case being finished in a particularly flexy shade of rose. $4300 AUD

Seiko Astron

Seiko Astron