Seiko Astron: The World's First GPS Solar Watch

MAHWAH, N.J., March 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- At last, the search for totally precise time, everywhere on the planet, is over. By developing our own, patented, low-energy-consumption GPS receiver, Seiko has been able to create a watch that can receive GPS signals and identify time zone, time and date data using the global network of GPS satellites. It recognizes all 39 time zones on earth. This breakthrough timepiece is called Seiko Astron. Like its celebrated 1969 predecessor which was the world's first quartz watch, the new Seiko Astron ushers in a new age of timekeeping technology. Seiko Astron will be released simultaneously in all markets of the world this fall.

(Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120314/NY70241 )

Accurate Time, Anywhere On Earth.
Once a day, Seiko Astron receives the time signal automatically and, on demand, connects to four or more of the GPS satellites that orbit the earth, thus pinpointing its position and identifying the time zone and the exact time. The hands adjust automatically to the correct local time with Atomic Clock precision.  The new Seiko Astron is solar powered, so never needs a battery change, and it also has a perpetual calendar, so the date will always be as accurate as the time.

A Complete Collection, with Innovation in Every Detail.
Seiko Astron is not just a watch.  It's already a collection.  In commemoration of the launch, a unique piece has been created and is offered in a limited edition of 2,500, with a high-intensity titanium case and ceramic bezel.  The recessed sides of the case ensure that it is as light as it is robust.  The case's high intensity titanium is as strong as steel but has only 60% of its weight.  It is accompanied by an additional extra-strength silicon strap that is four times stronger than any previous strap of this material. 

There are three other models in high-intensity titanium and two in stainless steel.  All have the same functions and high specifications, including a dual time sub-dial, in-flight mode indicator and sapphire crystal with Super-Clear Coating*. 

The elegance and legibility of the dials disguise the richness of the information that can be displayed.  In addition to the traditional date and dual time displays, the status of the GPS signal is indicated by the second hand and indicator at 10 o'clock position when the appropriate button is pressed.  At a glance, you see whether a GPS signal has been received, and from how many satellites and whether Daylight Saving Time is activated.

The Secret is in Energy Management.
Why now and why Seiko? To combine Seiko's solar technology with GPS required years of painstaking and ground-breaking R&D which has resulted in no less than 100 patent applications.  Only Seiko's advanced energy-efficiency technology could invent the miniature GPS receiver that requires so little energy to receive GPS signals from four or more satellites.  Only Seiko's unrivalled skills in micro engineering could package this technology into a watch that is just 47mm in diameter and weighs about 4.76 ounces (with high intensity titanium case and bracelet).  And only Seiko's advanced IC circuitry expertise could make it possible for the watch to divide the world into one million 'squares' and allocate a time zone to each.

Convenient, Simple and Easy to Wear.
Seiko Astron may be intelligent, but to wear it is a simple joy.  If you step off a plane, just press the button and the time zone adjustment is automatic.  It takes just six seconds for the time to self-correct (to one second every million years) and just 30 seconds for the location, and the adjustment takes place whether you are stationary or on the move.  So, if you can see the sky, you will know the time.  The adjustment to or from Daylight Saving Time or Summer Time is also a one-touch operation, and the date is also always exact; Seiko Astron's perpetual calendar is correct until February, 2100.  The ease of use is further enhanced by Seiko's solar technology which ensures that maintenance is never an issue.  The watch takes power from all kinds of light and never needs a battery change.  Never before has time management been so simple.  Wherever you travel, the new Seiko Astron will keep you on time. Effortlessly.

The Seiko Astron will be available this fall, starting at $2,300 USD with a Limited Edition piece available for $3,850 USD.

*sapphire crystal with Super-Clear Coating: Our proprietary newly-developed anti-reflective coating, applied on both the front and back of the glass. It prevents 99% of light reflection and allows the dial to be easily legible, even in bright light.

About Seiko Corporation of America
Seiko Corporation of America is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Seiko Watch Corporation, which is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.  Seiko was founded in 1881, and is the only watch manufacturer with every watchmaking expertise including Mechanical, Quartz, Solar, Kinetic, Spring Drive and now GPS Solar.  For more information on Seiko, visit www.seikousa.com.

SOURCE Seiko Corporation of America