Tag Archives: Seiko Astron GPS

BASELWORLD 2016 – A NEW SEIKO ASTRON GPS SOLAR CALIBER – 8X22

BASELWORLD 2016 – A NEW SEIKO ASTRON GPS SOLAR CALIBER – 8X22

SEIKO ASTRON GPS SOLAR CALIBER - 8X22

It’s hard to believe that only 4 years ago, Seiko launched it’s technological marvel, the Seiko Astron GPS Solar line of timepieces. Since it’s debut, Seiko has taken an evolutionary approach to the Astron lineup. Each year since its launch, Seiko has taken another step towards perfecting the Astron GPS Solar technology.

Following the initial 7X52 caliber, Seiko introduced the 8X chronograph caliber and dramatically altered the Astron landscape. Not only did this caliber add more features, it was also dramatically reduced in size while retaining its functionality. The size of the caliber and watches shrunk by 30% creating a much more wearable timepiece.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Seiko Astron GPS Solar SAST005 & SAST011

For the final post of AZ Fine Time‘s week of Astron, we bring 2 models, that unfortunately were very limited to the US market and are already completely sold out (there will be another small allotment delivering to us in early 2013).  In fact, these models are to be Japanese Domestic Market only, but we were fortunate enough to get a couple.  These are the Seiko Astron GPS Solar SAST005 and SAST011.

Seiko Astron GPS Solar SAST005

Seiko Astron GPS Solar SAST005

Seiko Astron GPS Solar SAST011

Seiko Astron GPS Solar SAST011

With these models being so limited in the US market, you had to put your orders in early to get your hands on them.  This article is not meant to tease, but to share images of some rare variations that you won’t be able to see in the flesh.  There are many items Seiko only sells in Japan, which is unfortunate, but true.  Luckily, AZ Fine Time occasionally get’s their hands on some of these precious JDM models, only because of our long, strong relationship with Seiko.

Seiko Astron GPS Solar SAST005

Seiko Astron GPS Solar SAST005

Seiko Astron GPS Solar SAST011

Seiko Astron GPS Solar SAST011

The Astron GPS SAST005 is Seiko’s High-Intensity Titanium, very similar to SAST003, but has yellow gold hands and indexes.  The watch is nice looking for those into the dual tone combination.  The specs are all the same as the SAST003, aside from the hand/index colors.  This is a very classy looking piece, with the popular color combo used on the Grand Seiko SBGC005.

Seiko Astron GPS Solar SAST005

Seiko Astron GPS Solar SAST005

Seiko Astron GPS Solar SAST011

Seiko Astron GPS Solar SAST011

The SAST011 is essentially the same as SAST009, but with black hard coating on the stainless steel, and only white indexes.  Very sharp and stealth like the SAST007, but with Seiko’s new proprietary silicone strap that is 4 times stronger than other silicone straps used on the market today.  The elegantly constructed 3 fold clasp also has Seiko’s black hard coating matching the rest of the watch.

Seiko Astron GPS Solar SAST005

Seiko Astron GPS Solar SAST005

Seiko Astron GPS Solar SAST011

Seiko Astron GPS Solar SAST011

While there are only 4 models still available on the US market, they are all spectacular looking and have some incredible technology inside of them.  The models still available are the SAST001 (Limited Edition), SAST003, SAST007 and SAST009.

Seiko Astron GPS Solar SAST005

Seiko Astron GPS Solar SAST005

As I mentioned throughout my previous posts, Seiko has developed some amazing technology strictly to make the Seiko Astron GPS Solar possible.  Here is a list of some of the the impressive things Seiko has developed over the last 10 years, that have all been put into these amazing timepieces.  Some of these were developed specifically for Astron, and some are items Seiko has developed as of recent, are used in Astron, as well as other timepieces from Seiko.  All of these items have been developed in house, by Seiko.
-A new GPS receiver that only takes 1/5th the power to receive GPS signal compared to other GPS devices.

-A new High-Sensitivity Antenna Ring, that sits under the ceramic bezel to allow easier reception.

-A new integrated circuit with back-up lithium ion battery that ensures stable energy and low power

-A new “smart sensor” that allows the watch to recognize opportunities for clear reception automatically

-High-Intensity Titanium which is 60% the weight of steel, and 1.5 times the hardness of pure titanium

-A new silicone strap, 4 times stronger than others

-Sapphire crystal with Super Clear Coating, which is anti-reflective, but shows no blue glare

-A sleep mode which allows the watch to last up to 3 years in the dark before needing light to charge

As  you can see, Seiko is a company with great innovation.  The Astron GPS is yet another indication of this.  For this very memorable timepiece, AZ Fine Time will be hosting the Seiko Astron Release Party on October 26th from 2-8pm, here at our store in Scottsdale.  Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-486-3996.  We will be sharing pictures and video from our event through our blog, so be sure to follow us for the latest information.

Seiko Astron GPS Solar SAST011

Seiko Astron GPS Solar SAST011

As a sneak peak, our next Seiko post will be on the NEW Grand Seiko Diver Limited Edition SBGA071, which is only 150 pieces made for the world.  This model will be coming in soon.  Stay tuned for more!

Grand Seiko Diver Limited Edition SBGA071

Grand Seiko Diver Limited Edition SBGA071

As always, thanks for reading!

See more pictures below…