From year to year, Seiko pleases its fans with the release of new watch series dedicated to one or another significant topic for the brand. Each of these lines has a unique design, and each is a response to the high demand from all comers. This summer was no exception: the company presents a whole scattering of new products from the Astron, Prospex and Presage collections.
In 1969, Seiko released the world's first quartz watch, the Quartz Astron. Since 2012, Astron has become the most advanced collection of Seiko watches thanks to the innovative GPS Solar technology. Anywhere in the world, Astron GPS Solar watches are connected to the GPS network up to twice a day, adjusting the time readings and, if necessary (at the request of the owner), adjusting the time zone. And the source of energy for them is light, which eliminates the need for periodic battery replacement.
Today, Astron GPS Solar features a wide range of styles, designs and calibers to ensure the precision of an atomic clock and exceptional usability. In 2019, to commemorate the half-century anniversary of the "astronomers", the company introduced the 5X53 line, whose design goes back to the historic 1969 original - an ergonomically curved case, wide lugs, a thin bezel - and at the same time is equipped with the thinnest and most (at the moment) the perfect caliber of Seiko GPS Solar - 5X53 Dual-Time.
In 2020, the series was replenished with several new models with cases and bracelets made of titanium, and not a standard gray shade, but a special one - white, which makes it outwardly indistinguishable from steel. According to its characteristics, titanium is known to be lighter and stronger, moreover, it is hypoallergenic. The watch, made in a diameter of 42,8 mm, is water- and magnetic-resistant up to 200 m and 4800 A / m, respectively, the dial is protected by a sapphire crystal with a super-transparent anti-reflective coating. Among the functions - world time (39 time zones), two time zones with day / night indication, a perpetual calendar that does not require corrections until February 2100.
The accuracy of the clock, thanks to synchronization with satellites, can be called almost absolute: a deviation of 1 (one) second can accumulate over 100 (one hundred thousand) years. Particularly interesting is the version with a sophisticated green dial and ceramic bezel. Its release is limited to 000 copies.
No less remarkable is the model, made in a steel case of the same 42,8 mm diameter (but with a slightly lower water resistance - 100 m) and on a spectacular and reliable steel bracelet. It should be noted the magnificent color scheme of the dial - blue and gold. As for the functionality, it is exactly the same here, and this is natural: after all, the heart of these watches is also the in-house caliber 5X53.
Seiko has traditionally supported projects to preserve the marine environment with the release and completion of the special Save the Ocean watch series. All models in this line are water resistant to 200 meters, comply with the international ISO 6425 standard and are ideal for recreational diving.
In 2020, Seiko is introducing redesigned versions of two of the most popular Prospex models, known to fans of the brand as the "turtle" and "samurai". The novelties are equipped with anti-reflective sapphire crystals, hands and markers are covered with Lumibrite phosphor, a magnifier on the glass increases the size of calendar indicators. The motive for the new design of the dial was the manta ray (aka the giant sea devil). The dials are also given a subtle texture that makes this nautical picture three-dimensional.
Both models are “packed” in steel cases, water-resistant up to 200 m. The diameter of the King Samurai (SRPE33) watch case is 43,8 mm, the King Turtle watch (SRPE39) - 45 mm. The unidirectional rotating bezel is equipped with a ceramic insert, which, in addition to being highly scratch resistant, gives it a special shine. The bracelets are also made of stainless steel.
The King Samurai (SRPE33) is powered by caliber 4R35 (three hands and a date), while the King Turtle (SRPE39) is powered by caliber 4R36 (three hands, date, day of the week). Both movements operate at 21 vibrations per hour and have a 600-hour power reserve.
Seiko's “cocktail” collection, first presented in 2017, has proven to be extremely successful, and the company does not stop creating new models. 2020 is the turn of the exquisite cocktails Negroni (SRPE41) and Old Clock (SRPE43), in orange-red and dark blue colors, respectively. The main distinguishing feature of the new products is the reduced diameter of the steel case (38,5 mm versus the usual 40,5 mm).
Many design features have remained unchanged - mirror polish, classic lugs, transparent case back, but there are also innovations: the intricate texture of the dial has acquired a slightly different look, the hour markers have changed - now they are not applied and are accompanied by Arabic numerals. It is also worth noting that the second hand is made in the form of a stick for stirring cocktails, and the font of Arabic numerals resembles the inscriptions on vintage bottles.
