Seiko Astron watch

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  • Anonymous
    Guest

    MartynSinclair
    Participant

    I have been looking at watches suited for travelling and came across the Seiko Astron:

    http://www.seiko-astron.com/

    Has anybody used this watch?

    I like the idea of a watch adjusting to timezones automatically as well as the accuracy of the watch.


    first_class_please
    Participant

    Martyn, how have you been? Long time now since we met up in Bangkok.

    As it happens, I bought myself one of these watches at Christmas, the SAST017 model.

    Have to say, love the watch, very accurate, easy to amend the time when getting on a plane to move forward / back a number of hours by pushing a couple of buttons and solar powered.

    It will of course also automatically adjust to time zones, but, i`m not sure exactly what time of day it does this itself. Again, press a couple of buttons though and it will do it.

    Certainly recommended. I picked mine up at LHR T5.

    Email me if you want to know anything else.


    IanFromHKG
    Participant

    I use one of these:

    http://www.thepurists.com/jpg/gmt/jlchommagetoaspecialreverso.html

    Has the advantage that only the second face changes, the main face remains on home time, so you can reference both. Plus, it’s a beautiful watch, and I love winding it every day 😉

    I bought mine in Heathrow many years ago. The only problem is it can’t deal with India – only with whole-hour jumps!


    MartynSinclair
    Participant

    @Ian from HKG – I wish you hadn’t shown me the link, I have such a weakness for beautiful watches. Since I had my watch stolen (which has now been replaced), I would prefer to travel with something a little more subtle…. saying that, I have looked at the JLC you wear, and it is indeed a beautiful piece – only available now through auction..

    https://www.collectorsquare.com/luxprice-index-montres/prix-montres-jaeger-lecoultre-reverso-geographique.html

    @fcp, you have actually answered the one question I had. Is the Seiko really worth while when most of the time, like you, I would change the time, when I get on the aircraft, not after I arrive…

    Just got back from BKK last week, The Westin was on top form…

    Thanks both for your advice..


    first_class_please
    Participant

    It is a very nice, smart watch, without looking very expensive, if you know what I mean? I.e it’s a Seiko, don’t rob me?

    The dual time is also very handy that never changes from the home city.

    I like it a lot.


    TravelWise
    Participant

    You also have the option of Citizen? I prefer Citizen when looking at a reasonably priced watch, although these are top of the range for Citizen. It is a similar price to the Seiko and offered in a few styles.

    http://www.citizenwatch.com/en-uk/watches/watch-detail/?model=CC1055-53E#filters=1055-53E

    Otherwise, my personal preference is to spend a little more (I know I shouldn’t but I like it). I love Bell & Ross and although you have to set the second time zone yourself, I am happy doing that whilst on the approach. There is not much else to do anyway. It does not sit as subtly as the others though, thats for sure.

    http://www.bellross.com/be/en/collections/aviation/br_03/#/57/

    Now you have got me watch shopping again. Enjoy!!


    MartynSinclair
    Participant

    I looked at the 2 GMT Bell and Ross watches

    http://www.bellross.com/uk/collections/aviation/br_01/#/18/

    and

    http://www.bellross.com/uk/collections/aviation/br_03/#/121/

    .. but thought they were too chunky…

    The other watch I am considering, but it has only recently (last 2 weeks) been launched is the Protrek 6000. Haven’t seen one in a UK shop just yet, but hope to find one in the States next week.

    http://www.casio-europe.com/euro/watch/protrek/prw-6000y-1er/

    .. which has all the toys.

    Altimeter

    Temp

    World Timer via radio signal

    The choice is huge……


    IanFromHKG
    Participant

    You’re looking at that Casio but you wanted something subtle???!! LOL

    I have to say I also like the look of the Seiko Astron. I have a diving watch which looks very similar, but which also has two dials and ability to switch timezones easily (but not automatically).

    A few of my own thoughts for you to ponder:
    * Given that you need to switch it to flight mode and then switch it back to GPS mode each time you take a flight, is it in fact going to be rather more hassle than just changing the time yourself)? I had wondered if switching to flight mode was going to be necessary, but a brief look at the Quick Start Manual reveals that it is (at least in theory): http://www.seikowatches.com/support/ib/pdf/SEIKO_7X52_QUICK_SM.pdf
    * If you are going to rely on the GPS to switch time for you, how often does it check? After all, if it only pings in a couple of times a day, it could really throw you off. Furthermore, it isn’t going to work as soon as you arrive – GPS signals don’t pass through buildings very well so you will probably have to be outdoors for some time before it switches over – which means you will probably have been on the ground for an hour or more
    * Something that is always important in a travel watch – are the luminous dial and hands bright enough? Remember you may want to check the time in a darkened plane where you can’t see it well because there isn’t enough light to read it normally, but too much background light for the luminosity to stand out – you need really bright dials for that

    Having said all that, it is an attractive watch so if you like it otherwise, don’t let these points stop you!


    first_class_please
    Participant

    I will try and answer / provide info on Ian`s “thoughts to ponder”.

    Selecting flight mode needs two buttons pressing, 3 seconds total. I`m presuming that while the signals may not affect the aircraft itself, it could be more a case of if you board in London heading to say Bangkok and manually adjust the time forward 7 hours, you would not want the watch to adjust the time while you are half way across Russia and not realise it. Maybe.

    The GPS, unless you want the watch to be automatic and update when it wants to, is more useful to ensure you are operating at a very accurate time. You can press one button and it will advise if it has been able to update within the last 5 days.

    The luminous dials are the brightest i have seen on any watch. Very clear.

    It is quite large and looks like it should be heavy, but, being made from titanium it is very light.

    More people have commented to me on what a nice watch it is than when wearing more expensive Rolex!


    LuganoPirate
    Participant

    I’ve a Breiting Emergency which has two (technically three) time zones though they don’t set automatically. It also has a timer, which I use on every flight from take off to landing, a countdown timer, and most importantly an emergency transmitter. If I survive a crash at least there’s a bigger chance of search and rescue finding me!!!


    MartynSinclair
    Participant

    I am now the proud owner of a Seiko Astron (model 33) – 2014 model

    I bought it on line from “Shopping in Japan”

    http://www.shoppinginjapan.net/

    I looked at the models in T5 and around Oxford St, but the new 2014 models are not currently sold in the UK, only last years models.

    As for the price, I paid around £1250 + duty (VAT) of £27.50 + £13.50 Parcel Force handling charge. It took 8 days order to goods being delivered.

    All in all very pleased with the price (cheaper than UK) and that I have the newer 2014 model….

    Still trying to work out the duty / VAT paid…… but shouldn’t complain…. and yes, the outside document showed the full price paid…


    first_class_please
    Participant

    Good buy Martin. Thanks for sharing the web link. I had pondered buying from Japan when I got mine, but was not too sure on it and working out 20% VAT on the purchase price would have priced it at more than what I paid in T5.

    Seems it may not be 20% after all!


    AlanLin
    Participant

    Hi, i have a seiko astron sast017g for sale, brand new. anyone interested ?

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