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Seiko Astron GPS Solar Watch Hands-On

admin — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 07:08:54 +0000

Forget that it is 2012 and pretend like it is the early 1990's. The time when electronic wrist gadgets were super cool, and the next neat Casio was sure to excite you. This watch coming out back then would have been a no brainer super star. Today however, it must compete with mechanical watches given the over $2,000 price of this limited edition GPS controlled Seiko. Which is ironically strange given the pretty intense level of functionality you get here.

Seiko did not invent the GPS controlled watch. Actually last year its rival Citizen came out with the Citizen Eco-Drive Satellite Wave watch which also used GPS signals to control the time - but in a different way. These are two very different looking watches and have distinct features. Though they are both high-tech Japanese watches priced similarly, the Seiko is probably a more apt everyday wear. I'd have to do a long-term review to fully find that out. Seiko also claims that the Astron is able to track multiple satellites to determine the location of the watch. This is unlike the Citizen which apparently only takes the time from GPS signals after you indicate where you are located. This is at least how I understand it and according to Seiko the Astron is a "watch with satellite controlled time and date with GPS time zone adjustment on demand."

Let's discuss (again) why all this is a big deal to begin with. Most watches have self-contained timing systems. Meaning that the watches themselves measure the time and you are bound by the accuracy of that system. Then came atomic clock controlled watches which added the ability to sync with local atomic clocks using radio signals. Basically, the internal quartz movement of those watches has the ability to receive radio signals emitted by one of the six or so atomic clocks around the world. Each day, the movements would momentarily be in "receiving mode" to update the time. Those only work if you are within range of the atomic clock radio signals. Many of these watches (most are produced by the Japanese or Germans) would also have special solar panel dials enabling internal batteries to be charged with light.

The most recent development in wrist watch time synchronization technology is the ability for watches to intercept time and calendar (as well as location) data from global positioning satellites. This extends the range of synchronization capability to the entire globe - versus only areas where you can receive atomic clock radio signals. The only limitation of course is the need to be outside or close to a window to get signals from space. Watches like the Citizen Satellite Wave and the Seiko Astron GPS Solar watch are the first to not only receive GPS signals, but they also receive power from light. Theoretically, this should make them always accurate and always powered given simple environmental compliance (basically being outdoors once in a while).

As a gadget lover this all sounds pretty awesome. And the funny part is that as a watch lover I have to meld my mind around the idea of wearing a non-mechanical watch. For the Astron GPS Solar I would heartily make the exception. Get this puppy on my wrist pronto Seiko! Astron is the historic name of the world's first quartz movement-based wrist watch, released by Seiko in 1969. The brand brought the name back for a limited edition 40th anniversary piece, and now again for this very modern watch. Does this signal the return to the Astron name? Maybe a bit.

So how does the Astron GPS caliber 7X52 quartz movement work? Like atomic signal controlled watches, the Astron GPS automatically (or manually) goes into receiving mode once a day to connect with global positioning satellite signals. It actually connects with up to four or more satellites at once. This is to ensure proper triangulation so that the watch knows where you are. This is important to determine the time zone and calendar data. There are 39 timezones on the planet, and the Astron GPS Solar will be accurate in any of them. This is all done via a special low power consumption Seiko quartz movement - which is a complex feat given that it needs to sip power to communicate with satellites. According to Seiko it takes six seconds to update the time, and 30 seconds if you need to update your location.

Functionally speaking, the watch has the time, second timezone in 24 hour format, perpetual calendar, signal strength indicator, and other data related to the GPS signal connection and location data. The dial is deep with large applied hour markers and bold hands. You can't tell that the dial is made for light to pass through it and all the indicators are quite legible despite the busy dial. I also like that the second time zone is very easy to read (being its own separate dial). While the watch is a perpetual calendar (you don't need to adjust the date), it only displays the date on the dial and not the month or leap year.

The Astron GPS Solar is not a small watch - but it is relatively light (but not cheaply so). The case is 47mm wide in a very high quality titanium or steel. It is also 16.5mm thick. The polish is quite good and Seiko was smart to include a highly scratch resistant ceramic bezel in black on all models. Some of the pieces are in IP black as well. In total, there are four different limited edition models for 2012. Two in titanium and two in steel. As you can see, the dial colors vary from being accented with white, gold, or blue.

While there is no steel bracelet option, the titanium version does come with a nice, simple bracelet. There is also a rubber strap option. Overall, the Seiko Astron GPS Solar is a high-end quartz watch with a very special type of functionality that will appeal to a lot of guys out there. It isn't cheap, but this limited edition of 2,500 pieces collection is just the start. I fully anticipate that in the near future, Seiko will release additional GPS controlled watches at lower prices. Though, these high-end models will be the nicest. If you like (or need) anytime world-wide accuracy in a watch you don't need to worry about, then you probably consider this watch to be the next best thing. Prices are between $2,300 and $3,850 depending on the case material and model.

Tech specs from Seiko:

Seiko Astron GPS Solar

Caliber 7X52 quartz movement
GPS controlled time and time zone adjustment
Hour, minute and second hands
Date calendar
Perpetual calendar correct to February 2100
Signal reception result indication
World time function (39 Time Zones)
Daylight Saving Time function
Power saving function

Accuracy: +/-15 seconds per month (without receiving a time signal and in temperatures between 5℃ and 35℃)

Case: High-intensity titanium with black hard coating with ceramic bezel (SAST007) High-intensity titanium with ceramic bezel (SAST003/005) Stainless Steel with ceramic bezel (SAST009) Stainless Steel with black hard coating with ceramic bezel (SAST011)

Case diameter: 47.0 mm, thickness: 16.5 mm

Band: High-intensity titanium with black hard coating with three-fold clasp with push button release (ref. SAST007). High-intensity titanium with three-fold clasp with push button release (ref. SAST003/005). Extra-strength silicon with three-fold clasp with push button release (ref. SAST009/011).

Glass: Sapphire crystal with Super-Clear Coating

Water resistance: 10 bar

Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m

USD Retail Price: Ranges from $2,300 - $3,850 USD

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Seiko Power Design Chronograph SBPP003/SBPP001 Watch

admin — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 08:35:56 +0000

Each year Seiko holds a contest called the Power Design Project. I don't know all the details, but I believe it involves a contest among Seiko designers (and maybe other designers as well) in Japan to design cool new concept watches. Often times, many of the designs are very sober and classic - less wildly futuristic. Seiko actually produces some of the winning designs each year. Most of these pieces are limited in production and only sold in Japan, but you can get them online.

One of my favorite Power Design Project watch models from the last few years that was actually produced is this Ref. SBPP003 (white dial) or SBP001 (black dial). It looks like a combo between a sport Seiko, Tag Heuer Carrera, and an Omega Speedmaster. It is quite thin at about 10mm thick, and 40mm wide (in steel).

The dial comes in black or white - each matched to a black bezel. The piece is handsome and easy to like. Nothing wild here, save for a nicely polished design with both modern and vintage looking accents. I really do like the bracelet. Seiko is known to have the competence to make fantastic bracelets for relatively low priced watches.

Inside the SBPP001/3 watch is a Seiko 7T62 quartz movement. Basic, but highly effective and used in a healthy number of watches. The movement has the time, date, 60 minute chronograph, and an alarm. The lower subsidiary seconds dial is where you set the alarm. Though it is all includes in a nicely organized fashion. The hands and applied hour markers have lume. Little touches like the polished rings around the subdials help this watch be a winner. Don't forget to always look out for Seiko Power Design Project watches for interesting, good-looking watches at relatively reasonable prices. The SBPP003 and SBPP001 watches are gonna cost about $450 at the current yen/dollar conversion rate.

These images are mostly from Keiya Japan, where I think you can actually get the watches.

Seiko Spirit SBPG001 Power Design Project Solar Atomic Multiband Digital Watch
$319.00
Time Remaining: 5h 1m
Buy It Now for only: $319.00
Buy It Now

Seiko Spirit SBPG003 Power Design Project Solar Atomic Multiband Digital Watch
$367.30
Time Remaining: 5h 1m
Buy It Now for only: $367.30
Buy It Now

Seiko Spirit SBPP001 Power Design Project Multi Dial Analog Watch
$508.30
Time Remaining: 5h 1m
Buy It Now for only: $508.30
Buy It Now

Seiko Spirit SBPP003 Power Design Project Multi Dial Analog Watch
$508.30
Time Remaining: 5h 2m
Buy It Now for only: $508.30
Buy It Now

SEIKO SPIRIT POWER DESIGN PROJECT WATCH SBPG003 Rem City Japan
$379.00
Time Remaining: 11d 15h 25m
Buy It Now for only: $379.00
Buy It Now

SEIKO SPIRIT POWER DESIGN PROJECT WATCH SBPP003 Rem City Japan
$593.00
Time Remaining: 16d 16h 51m
Buy It Now for only: $593.00
Buy It Now

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

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Seiko Sportura Kinetic Diver Watch Winner Follow-Up

admin — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:15:48 +0000

Winner of the Seiko Sportura Kinetic Diver watch shares his thoughts and some pictures of himself enjoying the watch. Thanks Jason and enjoy!

Words from the winner on this Seiko:

"There is a lot to love in this watch, considering the retail price of $595: sapphire crystal, ratcheting clasp on the bracelet, a blackened-steel bezel, solid end-link bracelet, and a set it and forget it kinetic movement.
The fit and feel of the case, bezel and bracelet are what you would expect from Seiko - solid.
The design is a big plus - not a Submariner or Seamaster clone, but a unique design.
The watch is big - bigger than I usually wear on my 6.5" wrist (see the comparison shot with my Rolex GMTIIC); however, because of the downward angle of the lugs, I can still just barely pull it off without having the watch hang over the edges of my wrist.
I had been looking for a nice, rugged, quartz diver to wear on weekends - something I didn't have to set every Saturday morning, and I think this Seiko fits the bill - the sapphire crystal will make it impervious to scratches, the kinetic movement means I won't have to worry about changing the battery, and the 200m water resistance means I won't have to worry about taking it for a swim.
Overall, there is a lot to love with this watch, and really no real drawbacks (except the size, which is really only a drawback for the small-wristed) - I really like it!

Again, thanks so much for the watch giveaway - I continue to enjoy reading aBlogtoRead.com, and I love that you give back to your loyal readers!"

LAST CHANCE: Seiko Sportura Kinetic Diver Watch Giveaway

admin — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:41:52 +0000

Just a few more days until a winner is chosen to receive the new for 2011 Seiko Sportura Kinetic Diver watch here on aBlogtoRead.com Enter for a chance to win this great timepiece here.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Fine Time With Seiko Watches In Arizona

admin — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 07:04:55 +0000

A potentially unlikely spot for die-hard high-end Seiko fans is a unique shop located off the main drag in Scottsdale (area of Phoenix) Arizona. Arizona Fine Time is the watch selling arm of Cigar King, the very well-known mostly online cigar retailer. For close to a decade now they have been growing their retail and e-commerce sales of some of the more interesting watch brands in the mostly under $10,000 segment that they carry. They are also the best performing high-end Seiko watch retailer in the entire US.

What is AZ Fine Time's secret? In addition to running a watch store unlike most watch retailers, the guys at AZ Fine Time just love Seiko (and watches). While most of their business is online, it would be a shame to miss out on a visit watch store itself. Well, the part watch store, part cigar humidor, part lounge, and all-around guy hang-out.

Seiko recently threw another "Grand Seiko Roadshow" event at Arizona Fine Time where a few hundred watch and cigar fans came together to meet with some select Seiko staff and check out watches. In here you'd think that Seiko was the top-dog brand as educated watch connoisseurs discussed everything from rare models to intricate details of their favorite Seiko watches. Some of their biggest fans are the guys who work at Arizona Fine Time.

The cigar lounge, a major reason patrons visit the store

Cigar King owner Mitchel Hirsh reportedly started selling watches several years ago due to his own passion for collecting timepieces. This was to be a supplement to his already thriving cigar business. Though business has gotten good enough that plans for a dedicated watch store are in the works. Hirsh does not employ commission-based sales guys pressured to push timepieces. Instead, the store has some highly dedicated watch lovers who are more in charge of the watch sales department and work with customers to educate them on the timepieces they carry. The difference between consumer education and pushing a sale is very real.

I didn't see a lot of actual traditional sales going on while spending time at the store. The customers saw what they like and simply asked for what they wanted. This comfortable store environment that feels more like a club-house lends itself well to a low-pressure sales environment where customers feel it is appropriate to be casual and themselves. It is a big change compared to the typical stuffy environment of most watch retails that feel highly unwelcoming and sterile. In America, this is how luxury is bought and sold at its best. Come in and Mitch will pour you a class of whiskey and you can talk watches, cigars, or anything else on your mind.

Arizona Fine Time prides itself on carrying unique brands. They have a growing brand list made up of both popular and niche watch makers. All three major Japanese watch brands are prominently displayed, as well as others such as Fortis, Tutima, Glycine, Mido, Union Glashutte, and Luminox. More are added each year as Hirsh likes to mix it up with new styles and brands that regularly offer novel designs. One thing common to all of the brand he carries is that they tend to have a good value proposition given their price and features. Of course that includes Grand Seiko and Seiko Ananta watches that are highly cherished among many of the most educated watch lovers.

Seiko was there with their usual bevy of educational materials. Charts, trays, and a live watch maker from Japan to show everything from how cases are polished to what it looks like when assembling a Spring Drive movement. A key treat for Seiko lovers was the personal autograph received by the watch maker himself on new watches they bought (most people wanted him to sign the box, not the watch).

High-end Seiko watches are still "officially" new to America. For years the most dedicated enthusiasts could import pieces like ones in Seiko's Grand Seiko line directly from Japan on an individual basis. Though a few years ago Seiko decided that Grand Seiko and its higher-end Ananta collection would be officially sold through distribution channels in the US. A risky move for Seiko, places like Arizona Fine Time prove that it was a good idea as the watches fly out of the store on a regular basis. Either you've been loving Grand Seiko for a while and are happy that they are here, or the passion from those that have been waiting for them to hit our shores easily rubs off on you.

Halfway through assembling a Spring Drive movement

Mostly priced under $10,000 (with a few notable exceptions) high-end Seiko watches deliver all the quality refinement of a Swiss watch, but made in Japan. Not only that, Grand Seiko and Ananta watches have features and technologies that you simply can't get elsewhere. Coming to mind first of course is their highly innovative Spring Drive movements - that are a combination of both quartz and mechanical timekeeping technology. So good are the movements that according to Arizona Fine Time, not a single piece has ever come back for service. And that is saying a lot from the guys who sell the most of them in the USA. It is true that among other qualities, Seiko is known for making a very reliable product.

While popular in the US, Seiko is still very much a Japanese brand in design and spirit. Lots of models never make it to the US, and the brand's marketing and engineering philosophy is highly conservative. In Japan for example watch lovers are keenly interesting in technology and quality. While also true in the US, most European watch brands have focused their marketing on luxury and lifestyle, versus treating watches like precision instruments. For Seiko, a watch will always be a precision instrument. You never get the feeling from them that they are selling a lifestyle product.

Why yes, this is an amusing typo

An interesting model for 2011 is the Grand Seiko 130th Anniversary model. It's design is an almost exact copy of one of the first Grand Seiko models from the 1960s. It comes with a manually wound movement in a steel, gold, or platinum case. Even here in the US where Grand Seiko doesn't have a history dating back that long this retro homage watch has done well. More contemporary Grand Seiko watches showcase the real nature of the Seiko sub-brand. To offer the same utilitarian values as the more mainstream Seiko watches but with increased quality and technology. These are watches that don't feel pretentious, which rubs off on the way people perceive them.

Small enclaves of high-end Seiko fans exist all over the US. It could take decades (or longer) for more people to become aware that Seiko sells watches valued at more than a few hundred bucks. Though those who discover and decide to purchase these watches tend to be universally happy.

I recommend that you check out Arizona Fine Time if you are in the Phoenix area for a unique watch buying experience. If the odor of cigar smoke bothers you then check them out online.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Giveaway: Seiko Sportura Kinetic Diver Watch Giveaway

admin — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 07:11:12 +0000

I am excited to offer a fantastic new Seiko watch as the giveaway item this month on aBlogtoRead.com This piece has a number of desirable features and a great modern style to it. As part of the Seiko Sportura collection, this is known as the Kinetic Diver ref. SKA511P1 (aka SKA511). This model in steel is 44mm wide and a black colored bezel and steel metal bracelet. It is accompanied by sibling variants the Seiko SKA509P1 as well as the SKA511P2.

The Sportura Kinetic Diver is water resistant to 200 meters and has an AR coated sapphire crystal. I've had the pleasure of handling these and they are just great. One very important feature that you should known about is the special ratcheting diver's extension clasp. This offers the ability to micro-adjust the bracelet on the fly for loosening or tightening it up - a great feature! Inside the watch is the Seiko Kinetic Quartz caliber 5M62 (rotor in the watch automatically recharges the battery inside). Retail price is $595 and you can enter for a change to win one below.

To Enter You Must:

1. Comment on this post below (on aBlogtoRead.com, not Facebook or elsewhere you might see this article) before the giveaway is over with your valid e-mail address where required. In the body of your comment mention whether you would prefer a Seiko Kinetic watch powered by movement or a Seiko Solar watch powered by light.

2. Be a pal. If possible, Facebook friend/fan all or any of the following:

Want aBlogtoRead.com articles automatically sent to you via e-mail? Sign up here:

3. Wait until the giveaway is over on October 31st, 2011 for the winner to be chosen at random.

A couple of basic rules. You can only enter once. You must comment with a valid e-mail address where you can be reached. Your comment must be confirmed and approved. You must complete the objectives to be considered. You are responsible for providing your contact shipping information if you are chosen. Shipping restrictions to non US entrants may apply based on sponsor's policies. Giveaway watch selection based on sponsor's inventory and watch availability. All comments made after the end of the giveaway period will not be considered. For the full terms and conditions, please click here.

Good luck, and thanks to Seiko the sponsor of this Sportura Kinetic Diver watch giveaway here at aBlogtoRead.com!

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Come On Down! Grand Seiko Roadshow In Phoenix Arizona October 14th

admin — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 18:05:33 +0000

Did y'all know Seiko is 130 years old? Yes sir! And this year their US roadshow event featuring Grand Seiko watches will be celebrating that fact with some fun events. Yours truly will be at the Phoenix, Arizona event on October 14th 2011 held at Seiko's number 1 Grand Seiko dealer; Arizona Fine Time in Scottsdale. Come for the watches - stay for the food/drinks/cigars (these are also the CigarKing.com people).

Release:

Grand Seiko Roadshow at Arizona Fine Time

Seiko will be bringing out a master watchmaker from their factory to assemble a Grand Seiko here in our store. This master watchmaker is one of 6 skilled enough to work on the 9R series of movements. This will be a very rare opportunity to see the magic that goes into Grand Seiko, not only in the movement, but the assembly of the entire timepiece.

There will also be many of Seiko's staff in attendance for the event. This will give you a great opportunity to ask questions and hear answers direct from the source. There are many variations of Grand Seiko that have a "story" behind them. This will also be a great opportunity to hear those stories.

Seiko will also bring many watches, dial samples, parts and more to present a traveling "mini" Seiko museum. There, they explain the history and elements that go in to the production of Grand Seiko and Seiko Ananta.

Last year we had a tremendous amount of customers receive autographs from the master watchmaker with their purchase of a Grand Seiko or Seiko Ananta watch. This is an incredibly rare opportunity and will coincide perfectly with the highly collectible 130th Anniversary Limited Edition pieces. Not only can you be privileged enough to own one of their very special limited editions, you will be one of very few to own an autographed box. Don't miss out on this opportunity. If you won't be able to attend the event, you can call in during to purchase over the phone and still receive the autograph.

We will be providing a wide variety of drinks, food, and even cigars that are all complimentary. We want our customers to feel at home in our retail location and once you make it there, you will understand the atmosphere. Please feel free to contact us if there is any help we can be in making your arrangements for the visit.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Seiko Ananta NS_CONCEPT Limited Edition Watch Hands-ON

admin — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 07:07:06 +0000

This is likely to be unlike any other Seiko Ananta watch you've ever seen before (or will ever see). For 2011 Seiko worked with a Japanese "conceptor" to create this limited edition watch called the Ananta NS_Concept (ref. SPB023J). The watch uses an existing Seiko in-house made movement but offers a new modern design that I think works.

If you had to describe this timepiece on paper I don't think I would like it, but in person I do. Really it is all about the interesting dial. Basically it is a re-imagined use of the in-house made Seiko caliber 6R21A automatic movement in a case that is much larger than the caliber. The design leaves the movement sort of floating in the back with the dial connect to the case via a few spokes. Sandwiched between two sapphire crystals, you can see right through the watch. Like I said, cool in execution but you really need to show the final product to people for them to get it.

The "NS" part of the name has do to with Naoki Sakai, the well-know designer that worked with Seiko on this watch. Sakai as worked with Seiko (in 1989-1990 in the Seiko Asterisk) before as well as a series of other major brands. What fascinates me about the dial is the mixture of modern and classic elements, as well as symmetry and asymmetry. For example., look at the font used for the minutes - very classic. The design of the case, very modern. The hour indicators and hands are almost Omega Speedmaster Professional era classic, while the different looking sections of the dial is a modern though. You have complete symmetrical scales, but you have asymmetrical dials and design. See what I mean? Sakai makes it work, and I am not sure how he did it. The gunmetal color mixed with white and that bluish gray is also interesting. The only thing I would change about the dial is the hands - they are too short.

For a Seiko the case is large at 46mm wide and it is in steel. The steel is gray colored and according to Seiko uses a type of PVD process for the coating. Such a gray color is often the look of DLC coatings, but I don't think that is the case here.

The caliber 6R21A has the time with central seconds, power reserve indicator, date dial, and day of the week dial. It is essentially a complex looking day/date watch with a power reserve indicator. It is currently used in other Ananta collection pieces. You can really see the movement well in the NS_Concept watch. The neat looking Ananta katana rotor is still used in this piece. Through the back of the watch you can see some red from the retention ring that looks pretty sweet.

Seiko will make 1000 pieces of this limited edition watch - and I believe it is confirmed that some of them will make it into the US. Price will be 262,500 Yen. Over the last year or so Seiko has been getting much better about releasing some of their more unique timepieces here in the US, that traditionally would have never made it (officially) out of Japan and perhaps Hong Kong. Though I am still waiting for the Seiko Izul to come to the US.

A few of these pieces will come to the US and will be exclusively available at Arizona Fine Time.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Grand Seiko Hi-Beat SBGH005 Watch Review

admin — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 07:01:42 +0000

The word "Grand Seiko" either means a lot to you or nothing at all. Seiko's high-end brand built entirely in Japan by their most skilled watch makers is a meme unto itself. More so, to the Japanese it means one thing, while it means something totally different to the rest of the world.

Grand Seiko as a line started in the mid 20th century (specifically in 1960), available only in Japan. For decades Grand Seiko was available exclusively in its homeland, as well as some select zones outside of Japan. If you heard about Grand Seiko and wanted one you had to contact a dealer in Japan that was willing to ship it overseas to you. As of last year, Seiko has started to ship Grand Seiko watches (not all of them) to the world. Watch lovers couldn't be happier.

In Japan Grand Seiko is source of national pride. Watch making is a valued art form, and Japan's ability to make good watches is a reflection on national engineering and artistic ability. A Japanese person who wears a Grand Seiko watch is a person who takes pride in what Japan produces. Outside of Japan the Grand Seiko collection is popular for a different reason - and it has to do with the reputation Japan has for quality and reliability. I recall growing up wanting everything I bought to be made in Japan. For the most part this included electronics and toys, but they made the best electronics and toys I could find. If it was made in Japan, I felt as though a better mind than mine own imagined it, designed it, and manufactured it. Japan was synonymous with quality. For my parent's this was a strange thing as just a generation earlier Japan was synonymous with crap - just as much of what comes out of China is known for today. Therefore, if Grand Seiko sat as one of the most meticulously designed and made high-end items in Japan, I wanted it. I didn't even need to understand or see the product... I just trusted what I knew about Japanese products such as this, and wanted it. Then years later I finally started to get my hands on them.

Switzerland for the most part hates or merely tolerates Seiko. Why? Because in many ways Seiko plays the game much better than they do. Don't get me wrong, the Swiss and Germans do a lot of things Seiko doesn't do, but that doesn't mean Seiko couldn't do it if they really wanted to (which seems to be the predominant agreement in the industry - not everyone wants to be good at all the games). Seiko exists as a foreign invader... opting to copy, optimize, or innovate Swiss things where they see fit. Seiko also has released an incredible number of innovations compared to European watch making that has remained more or less the same for generations (aside from some materials and manufacturing changes). In addition, Seiko is mostly responsible for the quartz crisis (revolution) that wounded the Swiss ego and economy in a big way in the 1980s. Last, Seiko offers a large amount of products that meet the "in-house made" criteria for prices at fractions of what the Swiss charge. This damages the value proposition of luxury watches across the board. Seiko is a true innovator, disruptor, and force to be reckoned with. They are also super traditionalists and engineers at heart. Something the Grand Seiko collection is all about.

In the late 1960s, Seiko started to experiment with so called "high beat" (also referred to as "Hi-Beat") movement. The first Hi-Beat movement was released in 1968 with the caliber 61GS. These ran at 36,000 beats per hour (bph) just like the Zenith El Primero. The key element here was accuracy. A fast operating movement could be more precise and accurate at the same time. If you know anything about Seiko history you know that they are obsessed with accurate watches (hi-beat, quartz, atomic clock control, Spring Drive).

What made hi beat movements difficult to master was reliability. The fast moving escapements and anchors needed to be specially engineered to prevent excessive wear. This is one of the main reasons that you don't see more high frequency mechanical movements on the market. We will see how Tag Heuer industrializes some of their ultra high frequency mechanical movements. Seiko mastered the hi beat movement like 50 years ago, and today keeps the tradition alive in this caliber 9S85 automatic movement. Seiko performs in-house movement tests that are actually more stringent than Swiss COSC Chronometer certification. Grand Seiko watches come with movement test certificates (in English and Japanese) that show you the performance of the specific movement. What I also love is a little guide called "Mechanical Watch Movements Handbook" that Seiko also includes. Done in English and Japanese, this charming little book describes with text and images (also cartoons) how your movement works, how to care for it, as well as how to live with it properly. The guide is interesting, thorough, and quite useful. I love Seiko for this stuff.

Having said all that the 37 jewel Seiko caliber 9S85 automatic movement is accurate to +5 / - 3 seconds a day. I found it to be very accurate. Power reserve is 55 hours - impressive given that it takes up more energy than slower movements. The movement is visible through a sapphire caseback and is decorated in a Japanese style by Seiko. On the dial the movement displays the time with central seconds and the date. As the movement beats quickly, the seconds hand sweeps very smoothly, almost like the glide hand on a Seiko Spring Drive watch.

The design of this Grand Seiko Hi-Beat Automatic Ref SBGH005 watch overall is classy and tasteful. It is the archetype nice steel watch on metal bracelet. The design of the case is somewhat classic Rolex inspired if you know what you are looking at. It is 40mm wide and 13mm thick (water resistant to 100 meters). Detailing and polish are immaculate - part of what you pay for with Grand Seiko. You'll appreciate the skilled polishing and the crisp attention to detail all around.

At 40mm wide this traditional design and size is a bit small for me, but I still wear it happily. Many people prefer this size, so I would say it is just right for what Seiko is going for. The larger lugs and middle section allow for the piece to feel a bit larger than you'd think on the wrist. The watch is effortlessly comfortable and demure on your arm. Little details like the inset crown (when it is screwed in), and the integration of the bracelet are very welcome.

The dial is a testament to Seiko's heritage. This is a design that Seiko has been using and perfecting for maybe 50-60 years. The applied hands and hour indicators are diamond polished, and proportions are perfect. The sword-like dauphine hands are gorgeous. I like the large-seeming date window with the black disc (amazingly clear but it does not stick out like a sore thumb on the dial), and dual "GS" (Grand Seiko) and Seiko branding on the dial. For the face Seiko uses a black plate that when seen in the right light reveals a stunning sunray texture (the watch also comes in a white dialed version with the Ref. SBGH001). The only drawback of the dial is the lack of lume for darkness viewing. Again, this dial is "classic" 20th century formal quasi-minimalist watch dial... incarnate.

You don't wear a watch like this in the US to get noticed. Only a select assortment of watch nerds get it. As I mentioned, those that do love these pieces. Grand Seiko has a very loyal following from some of the most discriminating watch nerds around. These watches don't embody the showy sexiness of many European designers, but are rather an exercise is purpose and poise. Function mingling with reserved form with timelessness in mind.

Aside from Spring Drive movements, these Hi-Beats are at the apex of Seiko's mechanical watch making from a mass produced perspective. There are more complex movements reserved for some high-end Seiko Credor pieces, but those watches have different personalities (and prices). Retailing for $7,200 this ref. SBGH005 is not a cheap watch. In contrast, a similar Grand Seiko watch with a more traditional automatic movement (not Hi Beat) retails for just $4,400. That model (I was referencing the ref. SBGR051 with the caliber 9S65) is smaller at 37mm wide... but you get the idea. Is the Hi-Beat worth the premium? I think it is.

For me, there are two reasons to get a Grand Seiko watch, the Hi-Beat movement which is a specialty of Seiko, as well as the Spring Drive movement. The special movement, case, and heritage complete the Japanese package for me. Emotionally it just wouldn't be the same with the more typical (though still in-house made) automatic movement or the quartz model. Yes, you get a lot of movement options in Grand Seiko range, but those are my choice picks. Grand Seiko will always have special meaning to me, one that I keep realizing each time I get more excited about a watch like this than I do a new $200,000 Swiss tourbillon based timepiece. Look for these where Grand Seiko watches are sold.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Seiko Sportura Alarm Chronograph Watch Hands-On

admin — Tue, 24 May 2011 07:31:51 +0000

One of Seiko's new "nicer" mainstream watches for 2011 is this really attractive Sportura Alarm Chronograph watches. The Sportura range has always captured my attention pleasantly - for offering attractive designs, logical functions, easy to read dials, as well as competitive pricing. This model is really a treat, coming in a few versions that borrow design cues from the higher-end Ananta collection.

The Ananta design features that are modified for the Sportura theme are the case, pushers, and hour indicators. Look for examples in these Ananta Spring Drive watches to see how these design elements have been modified for this the Sportura theme. Also, it is unfair to totally attribute the parent design to Ananta as these looks have been in the Seiko family in various watches for a while. For the Sportura Alarm Chronograph the case is more slim but the sharp looking lugs remain. While the case is relatively thin, it does have an impressive stance on the wrist. Seiko actually doesn't publish the width (not sure why), but I would guess in the 42-44mm in size. Depending on the version, the case is done in polished and brushed steel, or IP black coated steel. The finishes are quite nice for a watch in this price range.

Seiko designed the dial to be a handsome mixture of style and legibility - and with red or yellow accents it certainly looks it. The dial includes applied Arabic hour markers as well as indicators. I am not sure whether the markers are diamond polished, but they do have that nice high-polish sharply cut look as other Seiko diamond cut hands and markers. Lowered chronograph subdials really add to a nice deep, 3D look for the dial.

The three versions of the Sportura Alarm Chronograph include the SNAE69 (red accents on metal bracelet), SNAE65 (red accents on leather strap), and SNAE67 (black case will yellow accents on leather strap). All have a really nice look and will be signature sport models Seiko this year. For under $500 you get a lot with these watches. In addition to the complex and crisp design - you get 100 meters water resistant case and AR coated sapphire crystal.

Yellow or red accents are found in the chronograph hands as well as the stitching in the leather straps. The straps are porthole style, but don't got all the way through to protect the strap. It comes across as being a welcome style addition to the overall look of the design.

Inside the watches is Seiko's existing quartz 7T62 movement with the time, date, chronograph, and alarm. I am amazed at the long lifespan Seiko has been able to give this movement. The combo of the 60 minute chronograph and alarm make it really useful. As integrated into the Sportura Alarm Chronograph, it feels natural as the sporty theme is built around its complications. Prices for this Sportura Alarm Chronograph collection range from $475 - $495 retail. A solid price for a well-made and good looking timepieces. Look for these in stores starting September 2011.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.