Seiko Astron GPS Solar Hideo Kojima Limited Edition Watch Review
Monday - 21 June 2021
As part of their 2021 watch releases, Seiko Astron have partnered up with Kojima Productions, the creative studio behind the popular video game Death Stranding, to celebrate its 5th year anniversary. Boasting the solar-powered Dual-Time 5X53 calibre, a lightweight titanium case and a unique dial design capturing elements of the studio’s mascot, the Seiko Astron GPS Solar Hideo Kojima Limited Edition brings to life both brand’s shared attitudes towards creating new pleasures with cutting-edge technology.
You might not have heard of Kojima Productions, but if you’ve played any videos over the last couple of years, we guarantee you’ll have heard of Death Stranding. Formed in Toyoko, Japan, in December 2015 under the slogan “From Sapiens to Ludens”, Kojima Productions is led by game creator Hideo Kojima who is known by many for creating the world hit “Metal Gear” series. After several years of production, on November 8th, 2019, Death Stranding became the studio’s first ever game, launching first on PlayStation and then later on the PC. The title has received accolades from around the world and won numerous awards since its release including “PC Game of the Year” at the Golden Joystick Awards 2020.
As of December 2020, Kojima Productions marked the start of its 5th anniversary and in celebration, they have teamed up with Japanese watch manufacturer Seiko to launch a limited edition timepiece. The Seiko Astron GPS Solar Hideo Kojima watch beautifully tributes the studio’s journey so far with a unique design inspired by the attire of Ludens, the Kojima Productions company icon and mascot. Ludens wears an "extra-vehicular creative activity (ECA) suit", often carries a flag bearing the Kojima Productions logo and, in several trailers, can be seen walking into the unknown of space. Ludens’ suit is reflected on the interwoven pattern of the Seiko Astron GPS Solar Hideo Kojima watch’s dial through golden accents and interlocking subsidiary dials inspired by the hinges. The texture of his carbon mask is mirrored onto the finish of the dial while the cut-outs in the Lumibrite coated hour and minute hands echo the flag spear design.
Turn the Seiko Astron GPS Solar Hideo Kojima Limited Edition watch over and the tributes continue. Finished in yellow gold plating, the closed case back is printed with the Kojima Productions logo, the very same found on the dial at the 9 o’clock position. The same font also makes up the bezel and the UTC codes. At the side, the bezel features the studio’s signature “From Sapiens to Ludens” at 6 o’clock. Like the bezel, the case is engineered from lightweight titanium treated with a super hard black coating for additional scratch resistance. It’s 42.8mm profile also comprises of dual curved sapphire crystal glass treated with anti-reflective coating, a matching titanium bracelet and folding buckle with smart adjuster function and a screw in crown water resistant to 200 metres.
Like so many Seiko Astron GPS Solar watches before it, the Hideo Kojima Limited Edition watch is home to one of the brand’s incredible dual-time, solar-powered movements. The GPS Solar 5X53 Dual-Time calibre delivers a day display at 3 o’clock, dual-time function, a perpetual calendar to February 28, 2100, a power reserve display, reception result display function, satellite acquisition status display function, time transfer function and a world time function for presenting the time in 39 different time zones. The movement works by connecting up to twice a day to the GPS network to maintain its precision anywhere in the world. It will automatically adjust to Daylight Saving Time, and if you were to cross time zones during the day, you simply press a single button to move the independently driven hour, minute and seconds hand to the correct local time. It can also be powered by natural or artificial light.
On delivery of your Seiko Astron GPS Solar Hideo Kojima Limited Edition, you’ll receive a wonderful special edition box which includes your watch and a card with messages from Hideo Kojima and Yoji Shinkawa, the art director of Kojima Productions. If you’d like to order one of the 1,000 limited edition pieces, head over to the Jura Watches website here or call our team on 01335 453453.
Specifications: Seiko Astron GPS Solar Hideo Kojima Limited Edition Watch (SSH097J1)
- Case Size: 42.8mm
- Case Material: Titanium with super hard black coating
- Bezel: Fixed with UTC scale
- Glass: Dual-curved sapphire crystal with super clear coating
- Crown: Screw in
- Case Back: Screw down with limited edition engraving
- Water Resistance: 200 metres
- Movement: 5X53 GPS Solar
- Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, day, DST, automatic hand position alignment, dual time function, GPS signal reception, overcharge prevention function, perpetual calendar, power reserve display, power save function, reception result display, satellite acquisition status display, time transfer function, world time function in 39 time zones
- Duration: approx. 6 months when fully charged, power save approx. 2 years
- Dial: Black, textured
- Strap: Titanium with super hard black coating
- Limited Edition: 1,000 pieces
- RRP: £3,070
