Seiko has released two new solar radio chronograph models (references SAGA051 and SAGA053) from the Seiko Brightz series at a suggested retail price of 105,000 yen each (including tax).

The Seiko Brightz Solar radio-controlled chronograph receives standard radio waves that transmit highly accurate time signal with an error of only 1 second per 100,000 years, and maintains precise time. In addition, since it is a solar type that converts light (including sunlight and fluorescent lamp light) into electric energy and drives it, regular battery replacement is not required.

Both SAGA051 and SAGA053 models feature stainless steel cases. The 43.4mm diameter case is enhanced with a beautiful luster by applying “Zaratsu polishing. Both versions have black pinstripe pattern dials featuring three counters (seconds, chronograph 60 minute and 24-H) and a date window at 4.30H.

The movement used in the Brightz Solar Radio Chronograph is Seiko Caliber 8B82. The small sub-dial positioned at 9 o’ clock has a small-hand for displaying multiple functions. Firstly, it displays the second. It also indicates the energy level of the solar cell of the watch with its varying revolution. It moves at one-second interval when the watch has sufficient charge.

Whenever the energy depletion forewarning function is activated, the second hand will move slowly (at two-second or five-second intervals). As soon as the watch switches over to power save function, the hand will stop rotating. This hand also displays radio wave reception level when the manual reception mode is activated.

The chronograph function can be used immediately as it does not require complicated operations like mode switching. If you press the start button at 2 o’clock, the stopwatch will start measuring immediately. The watch has a central chronograph hand for 1/5 second measurement and a sub-counter at 6 o’clock for 60 minutes. It allows a maximum measurement up to 6 hours. The Seiko SAGA051 Brightz Solar Radio Chronograph version has a pink chapter ring on the chronograph 60 minutes register.

For second time-zone function, the watch features a 24-H sub-dial at 3 o’clock. The Brightz Solar Radio Chronograph comes with a “time difference correction function” that allows you to move only the hour-hand to set the local time without stopping the watch.

This timepiece is magnetically resistant (JIS magnetically resistant watch type 1). In addition, in the unlikely event that the hands shift due to an external impact, the automatic hand position correction function rectifies the hands to the correct position every minute for the second hand and every 12 hours for the hour and minute hands.

Technical details

Model: Seiko Brightz Solar Radio Chronograph
References: SAGA051 & SAGA053

Case
Stainless steel (SAGA053 has a hard coating)
Case diameter: 43.4mm
Thickness: 11.0mm
Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Tachymeter bezel
Screw lock type crown
Case back secured with 4 screws
Water resistance: 10 ATM /100 meters
Magnetic resistance: JIS magnetically resistant watch type 1

Dial
SAGA051: Black + purple
SAGA053: Black
Hands and indexes with Lumibright
Date at 4.30H

Crown
Three position crown at 3 o’clock for setting time and date

Buttons
A – Push-button (recessed) at 8 o’clock: Multiple functions like time-zone setting
B – Push-button at 10 o’clock: Multiple functions like activating manual reception of radio signals.
C – Push-button at 2 o’clock: Chronograph start
D – Push-button at 4 o’clock: Chronograph stop/reset

Movement
Seiko Caliber 8B82 Radio-controlled solar quartz movement
Movement diameter: 31.5mm
Thickness: 4.4mm
Radio wave correction function (automatic selection and reception of 2 stations in Japan)
Automatic reception function, forced reception function, reception result display function
Hand position automatic correction function
Solar charging function: Power reserve of about 6 months on full charge. Up to 2 years in power saving mode
Fully automatic calendar function
Stopwatch function (1/5 second measurement, 60 minute total, maximum 6 hour measurement)
24-H hand
Time difference correction function
Time accuracy: Average monthly difference ± 15 seconds (when standard radio waves cannot be received and the product is worn on the wrist at a temperature of 5 ° C to 35 ° C)

Bracelet
Stainless steel

Price
105,000 yen (100,000 yen excluding tax)