Learn how to use your Seiko Astron and get the most out of it! Explains how to receive GPS signals.

Seiko Astron is a popular solar-powered radio-controlled watch brand that showcases Seiko's technological prowess and design sense. One of its attractions is that once you understand how to use the radio wave reception function, you can easily adjust the time. Master the Astron by learning how to operate it and tips for making the most of it.

Seiko Astron continues to make great strides

Seiko Astron is one of the brands developed by Seiko Watch. It originated from the world's first quartz wristwatch, the Quartz Astron 35SQ, which was released in 1969, and the name was revived in 2012 as the GPS solar watch, Seiko Astron. Since then, it has been positioned as one of Seiko's core brands, and continues to evolve in both functionality and design.

Before learning how to use GPS signal reception, let's first understand the features of the Seiko Astron.

Developing cutting-edge radio-controlled solar watches

While the original Quartz Astron revolutionized the watch industry with its quartz movement, Seiko Astron has significantly improved the convenience of wristwatches by offering solar-powered models with time correction functionality via radio wave reception. While the current lineup also includes solar-powered radio-controlled models that do not use GPS satellite signals, the main models are "GPS solar models" that support solar charging and automatically correct the time by receiving GPS satellite signals.

Seiko Astron GPS solar models are equipped with a unique Seiko function that displays the GPS acquisition status required for time zone adjustment. Also unique to Astron is the "Super Smart Sensor," which automatically receives GPS satellite signals up to twice a day to correct the time.

Astron, which incorporates Seiko's unique cutting-edge technology, can be said to be a watch that truly paves the way for the future.

A lineup of sophisticated designs

Seiko Astron is not only characterized by its technical capabilities, but also by its excellent design, high quality, and wide range of options. The watches feature a futuristic and sophisticated appearance, befitting a highly functional watch incorporating cutting-edge technology. The range of designs is wide, from three-counter chronographs to models with classic leather straps.

The Nexter series, launched in 22, was released as a watch to support the next generation of leaders, and has become popular for its stylish design that combines the keywords "Solidity" and "Harmonic."

How to use the GPS signal reception function on the Seiko Astron

One of the great attractions of the Seiko Astron is the convenience of being able to set the correct time by receiving radio waves. The current Astron lineup includes both GPS solar models and solar radio models, and the features included vary slightly depending on the model.

However, if you choose the current mainstream GPS solar model, you'll want to master how to use the GPS signal reception function to get the most out of it. Let's take a look at the specific steps.

Move to a location where GPS signals can be easily received

To use the Seiko Astron's GPS signal reception function, you must be in a location where GPS signals can be easily received, especially outdoors with an open view and a clear view of the sky.

On the other hand, it is difficult to receive GPS signals in the following locations:

・The sky is completely invisible (or only part of it is visible)
・Something is blocking radio wave reception

There is a high possibility that reception will be impossible in the following locations:

・Station and airport
・Gap between buildings
- Indoors in a building with windows
Near trees

Places where there are obstacles blocking the signal or where the area with a small view of the sky is not suitable for using the GPS signal reception function.

Set the time zone (when the time zone changes)

Seiko Astron's time correction function using GPS signal reception has two types. The first is "time zone correction," which identifies the current time zone and displays the correct time when the time zone changes.

Expose the watch to light to charge it, then perform the following steps in order:

1. Press button B at the 4 o'clock position for 3 seconds.
2. When the second hand moves to the 30-second position (6 o'clock position), release button B.
3. Check that the hour and minute hands have automatically moved to the 6 o'clock position.
4. Face the watch face straight up and wait up to two minutes until GPS signal reception is complete.

Once steps 1 to 4 are complete, the reception result will be displayed for 5 seconds. If the second hand points to the 8-second position (Y), it is a success; if it points to the 52-second position (N), it is a failure. If successful, the date and time will be corrected.

If the reception fails, check again to make sure that the conditions for receiving GPS signals are met. Even after the 5-second display time has passed, you can press the A button at the 2 o'clock position to display the reception results again.

Set the time only (when the time zone does not change)

Seiko Astron watches also have a "forced time adjustment" function that adjusts the time only when the time zone is the same. The procedure is as follows:

1. Press button A at the 2 o'clock position for 3 seconds.
2. When the second hand moves to the 0 seconds position (12 o'clock position), release your finger from Button A.
3. Check that the hour and minute hands have automatically moved to the 12 o'clock position.
4. Face the watch face straight up and wait up to two minutes until GPS signal reception is complete.

The method for displaying the reception result and determining whether it was successful or not is the same as for time zone adjustment. Just remember that the only difference is the buttons used and the position of the hands during operation.

Knowledge for mastering Astron

Once you understand how to use the GPS signal reception function, you can say that you have mastered the basic operation of the Astron. Furthermore, if you also learn about the automatic time correction by the "Super Smart Sensor" and the manual time difference setting, you will be able to use it even more conveniently.

Tips for successfully using the "Super Smart Sensor (automatic time adjustment)"

The Seiko Astron GPS solar model also features an automatic time correction function called the "Super Smart Sensor," which automatically adjusts the time to the correct time when outdoors where GPS signals can be received.

However, even if you are outdoors and have good reception, the automatic time adjustment does not necessarily work. It will work if there is enough light, but if the watch is hidden under your sleeve and there is no light, the time will not be adjusted automatically.

In other words, if you successfully perform a forced time adjustment during times when you are often outdoors and have good reception of GPS signals, the watch will automatically adjust the time even when it is not exposed to light. Even if manually adjusting the time is a hassle, it is a good idea to perform a forced time adjustment at least once.

How to manually set the time difference

If you are traveling to a country where daylight saving time is in effect, or if you are traveling by plane and are unable to set the time zone, you will need to set the time difference manually. Follow the steps below to manually set the time difference on your Astron.

1. Pull the crown out one notch (the second hand moves to the 0 second position)
2. Turn the crown to set the time of your destination in one-hour increments (turn right to advance one hour, turn left to go back one hour).
3. Push the crown back in.

If you are unable to set the time in 1-hour increments using step 2, pull the crown out two notches to set the time in 15-minute increments.

Learn how to use the Seiko Astron to its full potential

Seiko Astron offers GPS solar models with cutting-edge functionality and design. Once you master how to use them, they will make your daily life more convenient and comfortable.

If you are planning to buy a Seiko Astron soon, or if you already own one but haven't been able to make the most of it, we encourage you to try out the various functions using the steps we've introduced.