SEIKO | BASELWORLD 2015 Live Report | SEIKO
WATCH & JEWELRY / SIHH&BASEL
April 2, 2015

SEIKO | BASELWORLD 2015 Live Report | SEIKO


SEIKO


Showcasing its Potential to the World


GPS-equipped Seiko Astron Garners Global Attention


From historical reissues to cutting-edge industry technology, Seiko unveiled its potential as a watchmaker with its new collection. The brand presented a revival of a masterpiece from its mechanical watch line, Grand Seiko, while also releasing the new Astron GPS solar watch, which is redefining the very concept of timekeeping. These new offerings showcase Seiko's sincere dedication to craftsmanship.

Photographs by NAGASHIMA TohruText by KAWADA Akinori




A Distinguished Collection Leading the Era Celebrates an Anniversary



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A glance at the history of Seiko, a Japanese watch brand with over a century of heritage, reveals a remarkable journey of technological development and evolution. Now, in the increasingly competitive field of GPS solar watches among Japanese manufacturers, the next generation of Astron models has been announced.

Meanwhile, this year marks the 55th anniversary of Grand Seiko, the pinnacle of Japanese mechanical watches, with the reissue of the first Grand Seiko automatic model released in 1960. Furthermore, it is also the 50th anniversary of Japanese diver's watches, with the release of a 1000m water-resistant model for extreme depths. The collection reflects the profound depth of Seiko's historical legacy.



Seiko Astron 8X Series Dual-Time Model Released


Since 2012, the world's first GPS solar watch, Astron, has revolutionized timekeeping and garnered attention not only in Japan but also internationally. In 2015, this watch has evolved further. The dual-time function, introduced at its debut, has been enhanced, achieving a slimmer and more compact design while incorporating a 12-hour sub-dial and day display to meet the needs of global travelers.

With a single button press, it automatically displays the precise time of your current location. For manual operation, a simple adjustment of the crown allows you to set the hour hand to a city name, displaying the accurate local time. Moreover, the solar charging function has been significantly improved, resulting in a dial so beautiful that the presence of a solar panel is barely perceptible. The enhanced finishing of the case and strap further elevates it as a model worthy of recognition as a luxury timepiece.

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Seiko Astron 8X Series SBXB041
Case: Titanium (Dia-shield) + Ceramic Bezel
Diameter: 45mm
Thickness: 13.3mm
Movement: Quartz (Cal.8X53, Solar-powered)
Functions: GPS satellite radio wave reception (time zone correction), World time function (40 time zones, summer time compliant), Perpetual calendar
Strap: Titanium (Dia-shield) + Ceramic
Water Resistance: 10 bar
Release: To be announced
Price: To be announced



Historical Collection Commemorating the 55th Anniversary of Grand Seiko


Grand Seiko, which has represented Japanese mechanical watches since its debut in 1960 with its high precision surpassing Swiss chronometers, reaches its 55th anniversary in 2015. Fitting for this milestone, a limited edition reissue of Grand Seiko's first automatic model will be released.

The reissued '62GS' embodies the brand's philosophy of 'evolving practicality' and marked the shift from manual-winding to automatic movements after its initial release in 1967. The external reproduction is exceptionally faithful, mirroring the original design with its crown positioned at 4 o'clock and bezel-less case. The movement is equipped with the cutting-edge Caliber 9S65, representing the pinnacle of modern mechanical watchmaking. It is a masterpiece that harmoniously blends history with contemporary technology.

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Grand Seiko Historical Collection
'62GS' Limited Edition (Reissue Design)
SBGR095

Case: Stainless Steel
Diameter: 37.6mm
Movement: Automatic (Cal.9S65)
Functions: Date display
Strap: Crocodile
Water Resistance: 10 bar
Limited Edition: 600 pieces worldwide
Release: Scheduled for April 10
Estimated Price: ¥450,000 (excluding tax)



Saturated Diving Model Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Japanese Diver's Watches


Seiko's diver's watch, first introduced in 1965, was the first Japanese diver's watch, and since then, Seiko's diver's watches have pioneered standards for modern diver's watches, including JIS and ISO.

The limited edition model of the 'Seiko Prospex Marine Master Professional' released this time is not merely a commemorative edition honoring history. It incorporates all of Seiko's diver's watch technology, featuring a case molded integrally with the case back and a proprietary glass gasket that provides exceptional airtightness, preventing helium gas from entering the case during saturation dives conducted by professionals. Furthermore, the Caliber 8L55 movement boasts high precision with a balance frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour, placing it among the highest class of modern diver's watches with remarkable completeness.

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Seiko Prospex
50th Anniversary Limited Edition Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 1000m Saturation Diving Watch

Case: Titanium (Dia-shield)
Diameter: 48.2mm
Thickness: 19.7mm
Movement: Automatic (Cal.8L55)
Functions: Date display
Strap: Titanium (Dia-shield)
Water Resistance: 1000m (for saturation diving)
Limited Edition: 700 pieces worldwide
Release: Scheduled for June 6
Estimated Price: ¥650,000 (excluding tax)



Seiko Watch Customer Service
0120-061-012

http://www.seiko-watch.co.jp/


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