When Seiko launched its first quartz model named Astron in 1969, GPS technology was in its infancy and no one would have even imagined that, one day, signals from a network of orbiting satellites could be picked up by a wristwatch. More than 50 years later, the Astron collection is still the most technologically advanced of the brand and the new GPS Solar 3X, represents a further step forward in terms of aesthetics, thanks to a sportier design compared to previous references, dominated by an octagonal bezel that makes the 3X line more aggressive and modern.
There are four new references: natural titanium with a blue dial, natural titanium with a gold IP bezel and a grey dial, blackened titanium with a black dial and natural titanium with a silver-plated dial (the latter in a limited edition of 1,500 pieces).
The case and three-link bracelet have been redesigned and now feature squarer lines, but the most distinctive element is undoubtedly the new octagonal bezel with a mixed, brushed/polished finish and covered, like all the watch's surfaces, with a scratch-resistant coating.
The dial has a decoration of small rectangles, called "Crystal box", inspired by the shape of the quartz crystals used in oscillators and is covered with a very thin transparent layer, on which the facetted hour markers and inscriptions appear to be suspended. For the limited edition version, the decoration is in horizontal stripes. At 8 o'clock is the multifunction indicator for aeroplane mode, power reserve, manual time setting, second time-zone adjustment and second leap-second reception.
This last, little-known element consists of a one-second correction forwards or backwards, made on reference clocks around the world when indicated by the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (most recently in 2016), thus also on the atomic clocks contained in GPS satellites. The correction is necessary to compensate for variations in the speed of the Earth's rotation and thus depends directly on the latter.
Another distinguishing feature is solar winding. With its revamped design, 41.2 mm diameter, water resistance to 10 atmospheres and the functions of the 3X62 calibre, the 3X series is ideal for frequent travellers who need a reliable and highly versatile instrument, suitable for any outfit except, perhaps, a black tie gala.
Prices2,100 to 2,300 euro.
