Best of 2022: The Seiko Astron GPS Solar 5X Watches
Tuesday - 14 March 2023
In 2018, it was revealed that the calibre 5X would power the most advanced Astron GPS Solar watch ever made by Seiko. The Astron watch series was first released back in 2012 and, in a short space of time, impressed thousands of Seiko fans with its unique blend of practical and real-time GPS functions alongside unparalleled precision. The application of the GPS Solar technology to the Astron design proved an irresistible combination that was strengthened further with the introduction of the Calibre 5X. It enabled the Japanese watchmaker to develop the world's thinnest and smallest GPS Solar watch measuring a comfortable 42.5mm and a discreet depth of 12.2mm. Considering the technology inside the watch, it was impressively sized and perfect for travel enthusiasts and explorers.
Every component of Seiko’s GPS Solar technology has been revisited and designed for the Calibre 5X series. It enables Seiko to promise its consumers enhanced speed and quality. To get an idea of how these improvements transfer to the wrist, it takes just three seconds to advance from Tokyo to New York time, proving an indispensable tool for anyone who frequently travels on business, for example. The hour, minute and second hands move independently, whilst an automatic function for adjusting to Daylight Saving Time enables you as the wearer to switch between the local and home time as and when required.
Further expanding this innovative line of GPS watches from Seiko are three core watches released last year. These are the silver model with a titanium case reference SSH117J1, the titanium model with a black dial reference SSH119J1 and a black-coated titanium case with a deep blue dial reference SSH121J1. There’s also a limited edition Seiko Astron “Supernova” GPS Solar 5X SSH123J1 watch. The watch is exclusive to just 1500 pieces worldwide and features an entrancing deep purple dial and a black ceramic and titanium case. Powered by a quartz movement that is housed safely inside this case, the limited edition Seiko Astron “Supernova” GPS Solar watch boasts a sparkling Supernova-effect dial upon which you can legibly read the time from.
Moving back to the three new additions of the Seiko Astron GPS Solar Calibre X5 – all share some key characteristics. The ref, SSH117J1 is named the Astron ‘Sunray Silver Lining’ GPS Solar 5X and, as its name suggests, boasts a silver-coloured dial framed by a ceramic bezel – a material chosen for its hardness and its scratch resistance. The dial is home to baton indexes and a set of central hour and minute hands that have been treated with a generous amount of Lumibrite material to assist with timekeeping in the dark. The right-hand side of the dial shows the days of the week in a ring, along with a 24-hour sub-dial. The rest of the watch’s dial features include a 39 time zone world time function, a power reserve indicator, and a time transfer function enabling you to switch between the main dial and sub-dial.
The Seiko Astron GPS Solar Calibre X5 ref SSH119 is designed in the same way as its two siblings, with a titanium case and a ceramic bezel. Its features also include; an overcharge prevention function, a power save function, a perpetual calendar, a GPS signal reception function (with time zone adjustment, automatic time adjustment, and manual time adjustment), a satellite acquisition status display function, and a reception result display function. It also features the same 43.1mm titanium case with super-hard coating, 100-meter water resistance and a sapphire crystal glass front for superior protection over the dial. Like its silver-dialled sibling, it secures to the wrist with a lightweight titanium bracelet and a three-fold clasp with a push-button mechanism and a Smart Adjuster function.
Lastly, the Seiko SSH121 is a powerful-looking tool that offers all the same functions as its two counterparts but evokes a sleeker and more futuristic style thanks to its black super hard coated titanium case with a matching bracelet. In this design, the dial is a rich blue colour with sub-counters that are filled with black to match the case material. As with the other models, you can switch the main dial from home to local time instantly or vice versa. To make a change between the time zones, a simple push of one button is all it takes with this Astron GPS Calibre 5X watch – a more intuitive tool than ever.
If you’d like more information on these core Seiko Astron GPS Calibre 5X watches, you can check them out in more detail here, or call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team on 01335 453453
