Swiss Watch Corporation presents new Chronograph models from its Astron GPS Solar collection.
Introduced in 2012, the Seiko Astron GPS Solar watch has become a best seller in the international market. The brand now expands this family by introducing new watches with chronograph function. Inside the Astron GPS Solar chronographs beat calibre 8X82, new second-generation GPS Solar movement that offers new functionality and new design possibilities.
Seiko GPS Solar calibre 8X82 shares all the core characteristics of the hugely successful calibre 7X52. Using just the power of light, it connects to the GPS network and tells time with atomic clock precision, adjusting at the touch of a button to every time zone on earth.
In addition, the new watch comes with new features that have been developed in response to ideas suggested by retail partners and customers worldwide. Firstly, the new 8X82 calibre offers a 6 hour chronograph.
Secondly, the new case size is 30% smaller, and the watches’ dimensions (44.6mm × 13.3mm) are now the same as most mainstream multi-function watches. This new size has been achieved by a new advance in Astron’s energy-saving technology which allows the watch to connect to the GPS network with a smaller antenna.
Moreover, the simple ‘one-touch’ operation of the GPS function has not changed; just press one button for six seconds and Astron’s GPS function is activated. However, the secondary functions (manual time zone selection etc) have been made more accessible and more intuitive thanks to the new electronic setting function of the crown.
Finally, the classic Astron black dial is available in the new design, but new colour dials are now possible, thanks to a new dial with extremely high light penetration capacity. For 2014, blue and white dial versions are available.
The Astron GPS Solar chronograph will be available in eight regular production models: four in steel and four in titanium with super-hard coating. All the new models feature ceramic bezels.
The references SSE003J1, SSE005J1, SSE007J1 come with super-hard coated titanium (also known as Bright titanium) cases. SSE009J1 features a black hard coated titanium case. All these models are provided with titanium bracelets.
The references SSE011J1 and SSE013J1 feature super-hard coated stainless steel case and bracelet. In comparison, SBXB015 and SBXB017 come with black hard coated stainless steel case and matching silicone strap.
In addition, a flagship Astron GPS Solar Chronograph Limited Edition (reference SSE001J1) was presented at Baselworld 2014. This watch has a titanium case with super-hard coating, white dial and faceted ceramic bezel. It is offered with titanium with super-hard coating black ceramic bracelet or black crocodile strap. Just 7,000 pieces will be made in this limited edition, each with its own serial number engraved on the case back.
Technical details
Movement
Caliber 8X82, GPS Solar Chronograph
GPS controlled time and time zone adjustment
Chronograph up to 6 hours in 1/5 second increments
Perpetual calendar correct to the year 2100, Signal reception result indication
World time function (40 Time Zones), Daylight Saving Time function, Power save function
Accuracy: +/-15 seconds per month (without receiving a time signal and at temperatures between 5℃and 35℃)
Autonomy: Autonomy of about 6 months (when fully charged); w. 2 years in Energy Saving mode
Rubies: 12
Functions
Overload prevention
Energy saving
Chronograph up to 6 hours in 1/5 second increments
Perpetual calendar programmed up to February 28, 2100
World time (40 time zones)
Power reserve indicator
Time zone adjustment by receiving signals from GPS satellites, automatic time adjustment
GPS satellite detection status display
Reception result display
Daylight Saving Time (DST, Daylight Saving Time)
Blocking reception of GPS signals (flight mode)
Automatic alignment of the hands position
Date indicator
Model: SEIKO Astron GPS Solar Chronograph Limited Edition, Reference SSE001J1
JDM reference number: SBXB001
Case
Diameter: 45.0mm
Thickness: 13.3mm
Titanium with super-hard coating with ceramic bezel
Water resistance: 10 Bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Sapphire crystal with super-clear coating
Band
Both a crocodile strap and a titanium bracelet are attached
Titanium with super-hard coating with black ceramic bracelet with three-fold clasp with push button release
Price
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: Euro 3,300
Edition
Limited edition of 7,000 pieces
Available from
September 2014
SEIKO Astron GPS Solar Chronograph Titanium
References
SSE003J1, SSE005J1, SSE007J1 and SSE009J1
JDM reference numbers: SBXB003, SBXB005, SBXB007 and SBXB009
Case
Diameter: 44.6mm
Thickness: 13.3mm
Distance between lugs: 22mm
Titanium with super-hard coating with ceramic bezel (SSE003, SSE005 and SSE007)
Titanium with black hard coating with ceramic bezel (SSE009)
Glass: Sapphire crystal with super-clear coating
Water resistance: 10 Bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Band
Titanium bracelet with super-hard coating with three-fold clasp with push button release (SSE003, SSE005 and SSE007)
Titanium bracelet with black hard coating with three-fold clasp with push button release (SSE009)
Price
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: Euro 2,400
Available from
September 2014
SEIKO Astron GPS Solar Chronograph Stainless Steel
References
SSE011J1, SSE013J1, SSE015J1 and SSE017J1
JDM reference numbers: SBXB011, SBXB013, SBXB015 and SBXB017
Case
Diameter 44.6mm, Thickness 13.3mm
Stainless steel with super-hard coating with ceramic bezel (SSE011 and SSE015)
Stainless steel with black hard coating with ceramic bezel (SSE013 and SSE017)
Glass: Sapphire crystal with super-clear coating
Water resistance 10 Bar, Magnetic resistance 4,800 A/m
Band
Stainless steel with super-hard coating with three-fold clasp with push button release (SSE011)
Stainless steel with black hard coating with three-fold clasp with push button release (SSE013)
Extra-strength silicone with three-fold clasp with push button release (SSE015 and SSE017)
Price
Approximate recommended retail prices in Europe: Euro 1,900 (SSE011 and SSE013) and Euro 1,800 (SSE015 and SSE 017)
Available from
September 2014
