GPS Solar Watch That Understands Time Zones

At last, the search for totally precise time, everywhere on the planet, is over, declares Seiko. By developing a 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, claims the company. It says this breakthrough timepiece is called Seiko Astron. Like its 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.

How it works? 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.

Now, 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, according to the company.

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

Seiko Corporation of America is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Seiko Watch Corporation, which is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.