A historic turning point for the Seiko Astron, inheriting the lineage of the original

Seiko gave the historic name "Astron" to the world's first GPS watch, which was released in 2012. There is no direct connection between the original Astron, which changed the world with its quartz movement, and the latest GPS solar watch. However, their goals and evolutionary process are the same. This is emphasized by the tribute model to the original.

Seiko Quartz Astron 35SQ
The Seiko Quartz Astron was the world's first mass-produced quartz watch, released on December 25, 1969. Its Caliber 35SQ movement was not a CMOS IC, which later became the standard for quartz movements, but a hybrid IC with 76 transistors and 29 capacitors fixed to a ceramic substrate. Frequency: 8192Hz (later 16,384Hz). 8 jewels. 18K White Gold (35mm diameter). Original price: 450,000 yen. Reference product.

1969 Quartz Astron
50th Anniversary Limited Edition 18K Gold
This homage model follows the design of the original Seiko Quartz Astron. Its Cal. 3X22 movement boasts a super smart sensor that automatically adjusts the time, and a high-speed time zone adjustment function that adjusts to local time with the push of a button, all while being significantly smaller. It features a GPS solar quartz movement, 18K yellow gold (40.9mm diameter), 10 bar water resistance, and a limited edition of 50 pieces worldwide. Priced at 380 million yen.

A Historical Turning Point for Seiko Astron

　The Seiko Quartz Astron 35SQ, released on December 25, 1969, was a watch that revolutionized the concept of telling time. It may be an exaggeration to say that it was only after the appearance of the Astron, the first mass-produced wristwatch equipped with a quartz movement, that everyone was able to know the time accurately. The GPS solar watch, Seiko Astron, inherited that illustrious name. This watch also featured the world's first time-correction function using GPS satellites. Like the original Astron, the aim was to achieve overwhelming precision.

On the left is the initial dummy sample without a pattern, and on the right is the final dummy sample with a pattern. Sato explains that they were able to perfectly reproduce the original pattern, but decided to go with a new one.

The Seiko Quartz Astron tribute model has the same case finish as the original. After testing using mock-ups, it was decided that the new model would have a pattern that follows the case instead of the vertical pattern of the original.

The path of the "new" Astron is coincidentally the same as that of the original. It has reduced power consumption, become smaller, and evolved to the point where anyone can use it. The 7X series, released in 2012, had the large case typical of a high-performance watch, but the 8X series, released in 2014, was significantly smaller, and by the time the 5X series, released in 2018, was released, it was no different in size from a regular watch. The 3X series, released in 2019, was even smaller, and there is nothing that makes it seem like a GPS solar watch. Just as quartz watches, once the symbol of high-performance watches, became commonplace, Seiko is trying to make GPS solar watches, which only deviate by one second in 100,000 years, commonplace.

Junichi Kamata, who oversees the design of Astron, said, "Thanks to the miniaturized antennas of the 5X and 3X, we have more freedom in design. So we decided to go beyond a mere specs competition and raise the bar in design. For the 5X-equipped models, we devised a dial shape that reduces the gap between the hands and the dial."

The 1969 Quartz Astron 50th Anniversary Limited Edition, equipped with the caliber 3X22, symbolizes the GPS solar watch's transformation into a "normal" model. The design is inspired by the original Astron from 1969. Junichi Kamata, who oversaw the design, said, "The original Astron is a great watch. So, I thought the latest Astron should return to it." The 5X and 3X models, with their new antenna specifications, no longer require the thick bezel covering the large ring antenna found in previous models, allowing the design to be as close to a conventional watch as possible. This time, Seiko's design team faithfully reproduced the Astron's distinctive features of a thin bezel and cushion case.

Design drawing of the "Tribute Model." Junichi Kamata, who oversaw the design, said, "Just like the original, in order to keep the case back small, the movement is inserted from the dial side."

For the launch of the 5X series, Seiko's design team also created a new typeface for the displays.

　The small Caliber 3X series also made it possible to create a smaller Astron for women. "As a result of the smaller movement, we were able to shorten the lugs. Also, by widening the cushion case horizontally, the outer circumference appears thinner." Apart from the two push buttons, there is nothing that suggests this is a GPS solar watch.

　The Astron equipped with the 5X and 3X models has not only improved in size, but also in texture. The solar-powered Astron has a polycarbonate dial. It has been said that it is difficult to create a textured look, but Kamata says, "We took advantage of the thickness of the polycarbonate dial to create a layered feel." In addition, the 35SQ homage model has gold sprayed on the back of the dial, and some women's Astron models have the dial itself processed to have a three-dimensional look, emphasizing the depth of the dial.

Seiko Astron 3X Series Ladies' Collection STXD002
This women's model is equipped with the latest Cal. 3X22 movement. Further miniaturization of the antenna and other components has resulted in the most compact size in Astron history, but the basic functionality is the same as the 5X. It features a lever-type interchangeable strap that allows users to easily change the strap. The dial is made of mother-of-pearl. GPS solar quartz (Cal. 3X22). Ceramic and stainless steel (diameter 39.8mm, thickness 12.9mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Priced at 24 yen.

Seiko Astron 5X Series Dual Time SBXC021
The latest Astron doesn't even feel like a GPS solar watch. However, it boasts the best performance in Astron history, including a super smart sensor that receives GPS satellite signals twice a day, a time transfer function that instantly switches between two different time zones, and automatic daylight saving time adjustments. It also boasts improved reception speed. GPS solar quartz (Cal. 5X53). Stainless steel (diameter 42.7mm, thickness 13.3mm). 10 bar water resistance. Priced at 210,000 yen.

　One factor that has brought about this dramatic evolution is an improvement in the antenna. The previous 7X and 8X models had a large ring antenna under the bezel, but the 5X has a small patch antenna, and the 3X has the antenna itself integrated into the bridge as a single plate. Shuichi Tamura, who designed the movement, explains, "The new GPS-IC installed in the 5X and 3X has improved reception performance. This means there is no longer a need for a ring antenna with high reception sensitivity. At the same time, the power consumption for GPS reception has been reduced to about half that of the 8X." Reducing power consumption means that the transparency of the dial can be reduced, enhancing the texture.

　Also, by eliminating the ring antenna, the case could be made smaller while the dial could be enlarged. The 8X's dial diameter is 28mm, while the 5X's is 30mm, and even the smaller 3X is 27mm. Furthermore, because the height of the bezel could be reduced, the gap between the crystal and the hands was greatly reduced. "The dial is held in place by a ring around the outer edge of the dial, just like before. However, from the 8X onwards, we narrowed the gap between the two. However, we wanted to maintain the three-dimensional effect, so the indexes on the 5X are set into a beveled dial ring."

　The miniaturization of the antenna has also increased functionality. "As a result of the freed up space, the 5X is equipped with motors dedicated to the seconds, minutes, and hours." As a result, the Astron is able to feature thick and long hands that are hard to believe are from a quartz watch. "The secondary battery used is also original, and in the 3X it is even thinner. It is much smaller than those of other companies. The combination of these factors has made it possible to make the Astron smaller and more multifunctional."

　The ideal that the original Astron aimed for - to bring an accurate timepiece to everyone - has been realized 50 years later with the new Astron, after the quartz revolution. "Despite its high level of functionality, it's a watch that doesn't make you feel it," says Kamata. It's no coincidence that this GPS solar watch was given the name Astron.

Seiko Epson has a jewelry division that mainly produces Credor jewelry watches. Kiyoshi Sato, who works in this division, applies the pattern to the 18K yellow gold case of the "1969 Quartz Astron 50th Anniversary Limited Edition 18K Gold." "I learned the finishing techniques directly from my senior colleagues who were involved in the prototype of the 35SQ reproduction. The pattern is different, but the method itself is the same as it was 50 years ago."