Get ready to be blown away by Seiko's latest creation, a true masterpiece inspired by the vastness of outer space!
Seiko's Astron: A Watchmaking Revolution
The original Seiko Astron, released on Christmas Day 1969, was a game-changer. It marked the dawn of the quartz era, forever altering the watchmaking landscape. Today, the Astron name continues to shine as Seiko's most technologically advanced line, boasting the world's first GPS solar watches.
The New Astron GPS Solar Collection: A Celestial Journey
Seiko has taken its latest Astron GPS Solar models to new heights, quite literally, by drawing inspiration from the heavens. The result? A stunning pair of super watches with dials that mimic the beauty of spiral galaxies.
Starry Sky: A Galaxy on Your Wrist
Seiko's new Astron GPS Solar watches, aptly named 'Starry Sky,' feature a unique dial pattern inspired by spiral galaxies. The intricate design, with its embossed, swirling waves and a glitter-infused dark turquoise background, represents the sparkling stars of the night sky. It's a bold and captivating look, perfectly complementing the satellite technology within.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some may argue that the dial pattern is too busy, especially on the SSH187 model. However, the SSJ039's cleaner dial design showcases the beautiful celestial theme to its fullest potential, making it a standout piece in the collection.
Technical Marvels: More Than Meets the Eye
Both watches are technical masterpieces. The SSH187, a 43.3mm x 13.4mm chronograph, features a ceramic and aluminum external bezel and three subdials. The 9:00 subdial is particularly complex, offering various modes to display the day of the week, power reserve, and satellite communication information for atomic timekeeping. It even includes an airplane mode to disable the function during flights.
The SSJ039, with its 41.2mm x 12mm case and angular design, has a more streamlined dial. Despite not being a chronograph, it still boasts a perpetual calendar and a similar subdial at 8:00, offering power reserve and satellite information, along with an airplane mode switch.
Design and Finishing: A Space-Age Look
The watches' cases and bracelets are crafted from titanium with a super-hard coating, giving them a sleek jet-black finish. The angular designs and integrated bracelets further enhance their sci-fi aesthetic.
Pricing and Availability: A Limited Celestial Experience
The SSJ039, with its stunning dial and sleek design, is a top choice. However, you'll need to act fast, as both models are limited to just 1,500 pieces each. The SSJ039 is priced at $2,400, while the SSH187 chronograph retails for $2,900.
So, which Seiko Astron GPS Solar model speaks to your inner space explorer? And do you think the busy dial pattern enhances or detracts from the overall design? Let's spark a discussion in the comments!