Seiko Astron SSJ023, SSJ025 and SSJ026 Solar GPS Watch

The Seiko Astron GPS Solar with its easy-to-wear tonneau case design debuted in spring 2022. The series began with four models housing Seiko’s 5X53 dual-time movement, followed by several models, including some featuring the 5X83 chronograph caliber. Now, three new, simpler references are making their way into the main collection. The dark blue SSJ023 and the dark gray SSJ025 and SSJ026 all feature gradient dial designs.

The three new Seiko Astron GPS Solar have a few things in common. All three references feature an ultra-hard coated titanium case measuring 42 mm in diameter, 12 mm thick and 47.9 mm long. They also use the same GPS Solar caliber 3X62. This latest-generation movement offers strong reception of solar signals, giving Seiko more freedom in the design of the rest of the watch. The watch automatically connects to the GPS network at altitude up to twice a day. When sunlight shines through the dial, the movement connects to the GPS satellite network and automatically adjusts to the correct time. In the dark, the watch remembers the time of its last manual connection and attempts to receive the GPS signal again at the same time, banking on the wearer’s habit.

New Seiko Astron GPS Solar models with planet-inspired dials

The new trio shares much more in common: three central hands, a date window, and a subdial at 8 o’clock. This subdial indicates whether the movement is receiving a GPS signal, its power reserve, leap second data, and a flight mode to avoid receiving GPS signals while flying. There’s also a very comfortable six-month power reserve.

All three watches are lightweight and easy to wear thanks to the moderate proportions of the titanium case and the tapered titanium bracelet, which features beveled links and the Seiko Smart Adjuster. This is a three-position tool-free micro-adjustment mechanism that you can operate by pressing two buttons on the clasp. It’s also good to know that these rugged-looking, faceted watches are water-resistant to 10 bar (100 meters). In other words, these Astrons are great all-around watches for everyday wear.

The bezels have a two-layer construction made of materials with different finishes or colors. The lower layer is visible through six notches in the upper layer. Finally, the SSJ023 dark blue, SSJ025 dark gray, and SSJ026 models with the same dial color all have the same price 2,500 €.

Planet-like dials surrounded by futuristic bezels

Now let’s focus on the major differences: the dials. The watches share the same theme, with a gradient featuring a unique pattern resembling tiny grains of sand, reminiscent of the surface of a planet. The deep blue SSJ023 is inspired by a view of Earth as seen from a spaceship orbiting our planet.

The anthracite grey dial of the SSJ025 and SSJ026 models features a colour and structure inspired by the Moon. On all three watches, hands with a redesigned design and a skeletonised centre turn the dial. The interaction with the oversized indexes provides easy readability.

“Japaneseness”

In May 2023, Seiko released four Astron GPS Solar models powered by the same 3X62 movement. Unlike the current tonneau-shaped models, they all shared an octagonal case and had geometrically patterned dials. The more organic dials and case of these new 3X62-powered watches give them a completely different look—even more Japanese, I dare say. The squares and lines of last year’s quartet still seemed to pay homage to some of the most famous and geometrically heavy Swiss watches. While they look and feel 100% Japanese, these new watches feel more subtle and original. Granted, the SSJ026’s two-tone titanium and high-intensity ceramic bezel isn’t the most subtle thing, but it creates a watch with by far the biggest dose of “Japonism.”

My choice was the SSJ025 in charcoal grey. I prefer a grey-black gradient to the blue-black gradient of the SSJ023. The two-tone look of the SSJ026 is a bit too exotic for my taste. What about you? Do you agree or are you ready to accept a strong dose of “Japonism”?

Sales of the three new Seiko Astron models will begin on October 1. More information is expected to be available on Seiko’s website soon.