Thursday, April 11, 2024

Astron - The radiance of the early morning sky

 

Today we are introducing two newly arrived Seiko Astron. Both watches are limited edition (1,200 pieces worldwide) and are black titanium, fitted on a bracelet. Although they share the same concept—a purple star dial with gold hands and indices—they are essentially two different watches.

The first one, SSH145J, is made for a nerd. A buyer who wants to squeeze the last feature out of the 5X53 calibre movement. And the list of features is simply astonishing: Overcharge prevention function, power save function, perpetual calendar to February 28, 2100, world time function (39 time zones), dual-time function, day display, power reserve indicator, time transfer function (switching between the main-dial and sub-dial), GPS signal reception function (time zone adjustment, automatic time adjustment, manual time adjustment), satellite acquisition status display function, reception result display function, DST (Daylight Saving Time), function to prevent the GPS signal reception (in-flight mode), automatic hand position alignment function.

On the other hand, SSJ021J is a Japanese businessman’s watch. Austerity, simplicity, and elegance. A minimalist dial that focuses the wearer’s attention on the most important reason why a watch is worn, the time itself.

Having the two sitting on my bench next to each other, I am hard-pressed to make a final call. Would I want an Astron with all the bells and whistles that only an Astron can offer? Or an Astron that simply tells the time within 1 second over 100,000 years?
 
42.7mm Limited Edition Astron SSH145J

Boutique price: $4,250
41.2mm Limited Edition Astron SSJ021J

Boutique price: $3,450

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