Seiko’s newest Astron GPS Solar 3X62s are the most conventional-looking, easy-to-operate GPS Astrons yet
Jamie WeissThe Seiko Astron name is one of the most influential in watchmaking. The original Seiko Astron, released in 1969, was the world’s first commercial quartz wristwatch – an absolute paradigm shifter that kickstarted the so-called quartz crisis and established, beyond a shadow of a doubt, Seiko’s reputation as one of the world’s most important watch brands. These days, the Astron name is attached to a range of watches that are just as innovative, but perhaps don’t quite get their dues the same way the original Quartz Astron does. Seiko brought back the Astron name in 2012 for a new range of GPS solar watches – indeed, these were the world’s first mass-produced watches with time synchronization by GPS satellite signals. Since then, Seiko’s been refining the GPS Astron formula, with each subsequent generation of Astron models getting smaller and more stylish. That leads us to the topic of today’s piece, the most recent additions to Seiko’s Astron GPS Solar 3X62 range, which might feature the most cohesive Astron designs yet.
The case
To start discussing these watches, we need to begin with the case. Measuring 42mm in diameter and boasting integrated bracelets, they’re crafted from titanium and feature a super clean design with a somewhat blocky case topped by a gear-shaped bezel. Reference-wise, they are the SSJ023, SSJ025 and SSJ026, but these three references are quite different from previous Astrons with SSJ reference numbers with much more refined cases.
This bezel helps these three references appear slimmer on the wrist than previous Astron models, its scalloped, gear-like, shape building into the pure utility of the watch’s GPS movement, the Calibre 3X62, which I will get on to more later. With gilt accents on the SSJ026 adding a touch of glamour to what is otherwise a very tool-looking watch.
The dial
Three different colours are available at launch: an indigo blue, a grey and a graphite model, the last of which is two-tone with gilt hands and indices. All three feature a pop of colour on their bezels to match their dials, which is quite subtle on the indigo and grey models but more pronounced on the two-tone model. While some other solar watches have dials that make it very obvious that they’re solar watches, here the dial looks totally conventional, with a pleasant matte texture and azurage outer ring.
The movement
First released in 2023, the Calibre 3X62 is Seiko’s slimmest and easiest-to-use GPS Solar movement yet. While superficially, it only features the time, date, and a multi-purpose hand which primarily denotes charge status, it’s actually a perpetual calendar, and as you may have guessed by now, it’s both solar-powered and can adjust the time via GPS signal. It’s totally set and forget: when you take it outside into the sun, it will not only charge but sync with a GPS signal and automatically change the time and date for you. That means you can get off a plane, step into the sun, and it will tell the right time without you lifting a finger (you can manually set the time too).
When fully charged, it has a battery life of over 6 months (2 years in power saving mode) and charges that battery through a photovoltaic array under the dial. It also features an overcharging prevention mode, an in-flight mode and an automatic hand position alignment function, and is accurate to an impressive ±15 seconds per month (without receiving a GPS signal and at temperatures between 5°C and 35°C). Of course, in normal use, it’s even more accurate than that, as it’s frequently syncing with GPS.
The bracelet
As mentioned earlier, these new SSJ models have an integrated bracelet, specifically a nifty three-row number with a deployant clasp. Like the case of the watch they’re attached to, they feature a subtle matte finish contrasted by polished edges for a monumental look.
The verdict
You might be thinking: if Seiko’s GPS Astron technology is so great, why isn’t there more enthusiast interest around these watches? It’s a good question, and frankly, one that I’ve been asking myself. It could be a factor of a few things: firstly, many enthusiasts outright dismiss quartz watches, no matter how sophisticated, and are only interested in mechanical watches. I can understand that perspective, but I don’t share it.
There’s also the fact that these Astrons sit in a sort of limbo between traditional watches and smart devices: your phone or smartwatch also tells time using GPS signals, as well as with the help of real-time clock chips and cellular networks. A Seiko Astron offers the wearer more autonomy, as you don’t need to charge them every night or need an internet connection to tell accurate time, but there’s some overlap in their use case.
I think the most important reason why Seiko’s GPS Astrons haven’t quite caught on is that some people may not have liked their bigger and bolder looks – perhaps out of their comfort zone. But these new models are the most conventional-looking, visually agreeable, and easy-to-operate GPS Astrons yet. Firstly, integrated bracelets are absolutely on trend. Secondly, they’re visually the thinnest and smallest-looking of all SSJ models: Seiko has worked hard to not only physically shrink their GPS Solar movements but has also been clever here with the design of the new case. And it’s actually got a less derivative and more conventional and memorable design than previous SSJ models.
Simply put, it’s the most normal sports watch-looking GPS Astron – and that might be enough to finally shift the needle on this underrated, innovative type of watch.
Seiko Astron GPS Solar 3X62 SSJ023, SSJ025 and SSJ026 pricing and availability
These new Seiko Astron GPS Solar 3X62 references are available from October 2024. Price: US$2,400
| Brand | Seiko |
| Model | Astron GPS Solar 3X62 |
| Reference Number | SSJ023 (indigo), SSJ025 (grey), SSJ026 (two-tone) |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm (D) |
| Case Material | Titanium |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Matte-textured photovoltaic array |
| Lug Width | Integrated |
| Strap | Titanium three-row bracelet with deployant clasp |
| Movement | Calibre 3X62, in-house, GPS Solar quartz |
| Power Reserve | 6 months (2 years in power-saving mode) |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, GPS timekeeping, perpetual calendar, power reserve indicator |
| Availability | October 2024 |
| Price | US$2,400 |