Seiko’s solar-powered Astron adjusts itself according to GPS-determined location
By JACKY KHOR JIN KIT
[email protected] Photo by Brian Moh
SEIKO unveiled the Astron, the world’s first solar powered GPS watch, in Malaysia at the 2012 Seiko Roadshow in Kuala Lumpur recently that was held in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of America Watch, Seiko’s long-time retail partner.
The Astron is able to receive GPS signals at any point on earth and identify the time and date in the appropriate time zone using the global network of GPS satellites, adjusting itself to the local time.
It is also a revolution in solar power generation, which enables it to function entirely without the need for external charging.
Covering time zones: The Astron range requires no batteries since it is solar powered.
In addition, it has an easy-to-adjust Daylight Saving Time feature and a perpetual calendar, so the date will always be accurate — irrespective of leap years — up to February 2100.
At the launch, Seiko Watch Corporation Japan sales and marketing general manager Teruyo Ishimaru promised that the Astron would not be Seiko’s last milestone in watchmaking.
“We will continue to create exciting, innovative and value-added products for all,” she said.
Seiko says its craftsmanship and excellence in technology has indeed charted many revolutions; among them are the world’s first quartz watch, the world’s first computerised diver’s watch, the world’s first spring-drive chronograph and the world’s first watch designed for space walks.
Since then, the brand has gravitated from space to the sports arena and now associates itself with the mighty FC Barcelona football team.
“On the international front, Seiko continues to be the official watch partner of FC Barcelona,” said Michael Lim, general manager of Thong Sia Sdn Bhd, the distributor of Seiko watches in Malaysia.
Nearer to home, Seiko is making its presence felt among youths by engaging Asian superstars Wang Leehom and Sammi Cheng as brand ambassadors.
“Wang and Cheng will continue to support and promote the brand as spokesmen for Greater China and Asian countries,” added Lim.
The 2012 roadshow also showcased the latest Seiko collections, including the ingenious and ergonomic designs from Grand Seiko, Sportura-FC Barcelona, Premier as well as the Seiko Criteria’s Spring/Summer designs.
