It's hard to believe that only 4 years ago, Seiko launched it's technological marvel, the Seiko Astron GPS Solar line of timepieces.  Since it's debut, Seiko has taken an evolutionary approach to the Astron lineup.  Each year since its launch, Seiko has taken another step towards perfecting the Astron GPS Solar technology.

Following the initial 7X52 caliber, Seiko introduced the 8X chronograph caliber and dramatically altered the Astron landscape.  Not only did this caliber add more features, it was also dramatically reduced in size while retaining its functionality. The size of the caliber and watches shrunk by 30% creating a much more wearable timepiece.

Today, with the NEW 8X22 Caliber, Seiko has again made these watches slimmer coming in at 12.4mm (compare that to the 13.3mm for the chronograph version). Beyond the slimmer case design, they took a minimalist approach to the dial creating a clear and uncluttered look that is both clean and beautiful.

The lineup for the Seiko Astron GPS Solar World Time collection consists of 6 core models (see below) and 1 limited edition (SSE091 - pictured above).

The limited edition model SSE091 features a dark mother of pearl dial.  It has a titanium case and bracelet with a durable black coating that is scratch-resistant.  It's a beautiful design and will be limited in production to just 3500 piece worldwide.

The core collection includes 6 models, 3 on leather straps and 3 on bracelets. All models of the Astron GPS Solar World time collection use Seiko's proprietary titanium alloy for the case, while the 3 bracelet models employ the same titanium alloy for the bracelet material. The strap versions are all crocodile with a three-fold clasp.

With the launch of these new models, the Seiko Astron GPS Solar family has grown to encompass more than 50 models.  With this diversity of styles and sizes, it's easy to find a model that suits your needs, wants and desires.

As of this publishing, we do not have any pricing yet. However, we are guessing the price will come in somewhere are $1400 to start.  Time will tell.  In the meantime, here are the cold hard facts.

Caliber Specifications:
8X22, GPS Solar World-Time
GPS controlled time and time zone adjustment
Perpetual calendar correct to the year 2100
Signal reception result indication
World time function (40 time zones)
Daylight Saving Time function
Power save function
Accuracy: +/-15 seconds per month (without receiving a time signal and at temperatures between 5℃ and
35℃)

Specifications: SSE091
Titanium case with super-hard black coating
Ceramic bezel
Colored mother-of-pearl dial
Sapphire crystal with super-clear coating
Water resistance: 100 meters
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 44.8mm, Thickness: 12.4mm
Ceramic and titanium bracelet with super-hard black coating, three-fold clasp with push button release
A crocodile strap is included.
Limited edition of 3,500 pcs

Specifications: SSE085, 087, 089, 093, 095, 096
Titanium case with super-hard coating (SSE085, 087, 093, 095)
Titanium case with super-hard black coating (SSE089)
Titanium case with rose gold color coating (SSE096)
Ceramic bezel
Sapphire crystal with super-clear coating
Water resistance: 100 meters
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 44.8mm, Thickness: 12.4mm
Titanium bracelet with super-hard coating (SSE085, 087)
Titanium bracelet with super-hard black coating (SSE089)
Crocodile strap (SSE093, 095, 096)
Three-fold clasp with push button release

Stay tuned to AZ Fine Time for more information. In the meantime, take a closer look at the Seiko Astron GPS Solar timepieces available here.