Advanced digital watches haven’t deterred leading Japanese brands from continuing to earnestly develop high-accuracy quartz watches in analog formats. Chief among them is Seiko, which has just unveiled two new limited editions of its satellite-linked Astron GPS Solar.

While the SSJ037 appears to be a simple time-only watch and the SSH185 looks like a straightforward dual-time chronograph, each watch is solar-powered and includes an electronic perpetual calendar.

Limited to 1,500 pieces for the SSJ037 and 1,200 pieces for the SSH185, the new collection is sci-fi inspired, featuring colours and textures common to fictional depictions of space stations.

Initial thoughts

There are a couple different approaches to making high-accuracy quartz watches. The first is pretty obvious, and involves developing ever-more precise quartz oscillators. Seiko has long been a champion of this school of thought, although Citizen has inched ahead in recent years.

The other approach is to make a reasonably precise quartz movement that automatically syncs with an external signal, which might be a radio signal broadcast from any of the atomic reference clocks positioned around the world, a bluetooth signal from the user’s phone, or, in the case of the Astron, a satellite signal.

Since the brand debuted this technology in 2012, Seiko has refined things making the watches sleeker and the interface more intuitive. As a result, the time-only SSJ037 is an ordinary 42 mm in diameter and 12 mm thick; not small, but still impressive considering the electronics packed within. The SSH185 chronograph is likewise a manageable 43.4 mm and just 13.4 mm thick.

Both watches are made primarily of titanium with Seiko’s proprietary super-hard coating, but the SSJ037 features and aluminium bezel and the black-coated SSH185 features a bezel and bracelet center links in high-contrast white ceramic.

Both watches are powered by light, but can store enough energy to run for up to six months in the dark. The signature capability is of course the time zone detection that automatically adjusts to the local time when the user disembarks from their journey.

This advanced functionality means the watches need to be set to airplane mode while flying, but the time does not need to be manually updated upon arrival. Naturally, both movements provide a perpetual calendar, which is handy and not that difficult in the context of an electronic watch.

At US$2,400 and US$3,100 for the SSJ037 and SSH185, respectively, the Astrons are priced well for what they are, but may present momentary sticker shock for those used to ordinary quartz watches or devices like the Apple Watch.

But unlike an Apple Watch, the solar-powered Astron never needs to be charged, and its traditional analog interface will never become obsolete. And compared to most simple mechanical watches at this price point, the Astron provides a more differentiated ownership experience and will doubtless provide years, if not decades, of faithful service.

High-contrast chronograph

While the time-only SSJ037 is my personal favourite contemporary Astron, the boldly black-and-white SSH185 chronograph is striking. At first glance the look appears somewhat dated, but it has grown on me and now makes me feel nostalgic for a time, not so long ago, when brands (and collectors) were a little more adventurous.

In terms of practicality, the scratch-resistance of the white ceramic bezel and bracelet center links, which are raised slightly, should keep the watch looking sharp almost indefinitely.

Key facts and price

Seiko Astron GPS Solar 2025 Limited Edition
Ref. SSH185

Diameter: 43.4 mm
Height: 13.4 mm
Material: Titanium
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: Cal. 5X83
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, day, date, chronograph, perpetual calendar, and world-time.
Winding: GPS Solar
Power reserve: 6 months

Strap: Matching titanium bracelet

Limited edition: 1,200 pieces
Availability: Available at Seiko boutiques and retailers starting October 2025.
Price: US$3,100 excluding taxes

Seiko Astron GPS Solar 2025 Limited Edition
Ref. SSJ037

Diameter: 42 mm
Height: 12 mm
Material: Titanium
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: Cal. 3X62
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph, and perpetual calendar.
Winding: GPS Solar
Power reserve: 6 months

Strap: Matching titanium bracelet

Limited edition: 1,500 pieces
Availability: Available at Seiko boutiques and retailers starting October 2025.
Price: US$2,400 excluding taxes

For more, visit seikowatches.com.