Seiko Watch Corporation will release a limited-edition model of the world's first GPS solar watch, Seiko Astron, to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the birth of Seiko's founder, Kintaro Hattori, in Japan and overseas starting on October 9th, Kintaro's birthday (according to the lunar calendar). The suggested retail price is 440,000 yen (tax included) (400,000 yen excluding tax).
This year, 2020, marks the 160th anniversary of the birth of our founder, Kintaro. Seiko has created many innovative products based on Kintaro's philosophy of "always being one step ahead of the times." Among them is the world's first GPS solar watch, Seiko Astron, which has the ultimate practical function of receiving radio waves from GPS satellites anywhere on the planet and quickly displaying the accurate time for that location without having to worry about batteries, making it a watch that can be considered the second revolution following the Quartz Astron 35SQ, which Seiko pioneered in the world and released in 1969. Presenting a new style of wristwatch with cutting-edge technology, Seiko Astron is truly the brand that best embodies Kintaro's philosophy.
A majestic design that emanates a profound presence
This model features a black and gold theme, evoking a dignified and stately appearance befitting a model commemorating the company's founder. The bezel is made of hard, scratch-resistant zirconia ceramic, and features 16 facets in commemoration of the 160th anniversary. The special finish allows for a rich, three-dimensional expression of light and a lustrous shine that can be enjoyed forever, highlighting the three-dimensional black dial.
A special edition featuring the "Rounded S Mark," a trademark registered in 1900, on the case back.
In the center of the case back, the "Rounded S Mark," a trademark registered by Kintaro in 1900 (Meiji 33), is forged and finished in gold. Surrounding it are the English translations of Kintaro's philosophy of "always one step ahead of the times," "ONE STEP AHEAD OF THE REST" and "KINTARO HATTORI."
A special box containing a special "Rounded S Mark" pin badge, a message card, and a replacement strap.
This limited edition package comes in a special box with a special golden pin badge featuring the same "Rounded S Mark" as the case back, a message card from Kintaro's great-grandfather, Shinji Hattori, current Chairman and CEO of Seiko Watch, and a replacement crocodile strap.
Biography of Kintaro Hattori
1860 Born in Ginza.
1881 Founded Hattori Watch Shop (now Seiko Holdings).
1892 Founded Seikosha and began manufacturing wall clocks.
1901: Appointed president of the Tokyo Clock and Watch Commerce and Industry Association.
1902: Around this time, he began to be known as the Clock King.
1913: Manufactured and sold the first domestically produced wristwatch.
1923: After the Great Kanto Earthquake, repaid all of the watches that had been damaged in the fire and that had been entrusted for repair with new ones.
1924: Started using the SEIKO name on watches.
1930: Established the Hattori Hokokai Foundation, an incorporated foundation with the aim of supporting and encouraging academic research, using his own personal wealth.
1934: Passed away.
Product Number: SBXC073
Suggested Retail Price: 440,000 yen (tax included) (400,000 yen excluding tax)
Case: Titanium (Super Black Diamond Shield (※1))
Band: Titanium (Super Black Diamond Shield)
Comes with an interchangeable crocodile strap
Water Resistance: Enhanced water resistance for everyday use (20 bar)
Case Size: [Outer Diameter] 42.8 mm (excluding crown and protrusions) [Thickness] 15.6 mm
Sales Quantity: Limited to 2,500 units worldwide
Release Date: Friday, October 9th
Comfotex (※2)
[Other specifications]
https://www.seikowatches.com/jp-ja/products/astron/sbxc073
[Movement specifications]
GPS solar movement caliber 5X53
Time accuracy: Average monthly rate of ±15 seconds (when worn on the wrist at an temperature of 5°C to 35°C and reception is not possible)
Reception function: Time zone correction function using GPS satellite radio wave reception (※3)
Super smart sensor (automatic time correction function) (※4)
Forced time correction function
*With the "5X series," if time zone adjustment (excluding manual) is successful, the time displayed will reflect the implementation information of DST (Daylight Saving Time) for the region.
(※1) Super Black DiaShield
It boasts practical hardness (hardness including the coating and base material) that is approximately 1.5 times that of conventional hard coatings and approximately 1.2 times that of Seiko's proprietary surface processing technology, DiaShield, making it highly scratch-resistant. It is also resistant to peeling and achieves a jet-black shine without color unevenness.
(※2) (Comfortex)
This is Seiko's proprietary comfort technology that combines Super Clear Coating (※5), which makes the glass virtually invisible, with DiaShield, which protects the watch from scratches, to provide the comfort (easy to read, scratch-resistant) required of a wristwatch.
(※3) Please check our website (www.seikowatches.com) for the time zone and DST (Daylight Saving Time) data built into the listed products. This will not be reflected if the time zone or DST (Daylight Saving Time) implementation information changes. Manual time zone selection and manual DST (Daylight Saving Time) setting are required.
(※4) Super Smart Sensor
Seiko's proprietary technology automatically receives time information up to twice a day. When sunlight hits the dial, such as while you're out, the sensor automatically adjusts the reception timing and begins GPS satellite signal reception. The sensor also remembers the time of the last successful manual reception and automatically adjusts the time at the same time. (Reception will not occur if the watch is insufficiently charged. Time zone adjustment is required when changing time zones.)
(※5) Super Clear Coating
Seiko's proprietary anti-reflective coating, which applies a transparent film to both the front and back of the crystal that reduces light reflection by more than 99%. The glass is invisible, even in bright sunlight or bright lighting. The anti-fouling coating on the surface makes it easy to wipe away dirt.
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