Hands-On With The Seiko Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronographs SSH159, SSH161, SSH163, And Limited SSH158
It’s been only a few months since Seiko introduced the first Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronographs with the new caliber 5X83. Today, the Japanese brand unveils a quartet of chronographs powered by the same movement. The line is expanding with the standard-production SSH159, SSH161, and SSH163. Additionally, we get a titanium and ceramic limited edition, the SSH158. The watches are slightly smaller than the previously released models and introduce new dials. The 1,200-piece limited edition presents a blacked-out aesthetic with rose gold elements. It’s time to find out more about these new Seiko Astron chronographs.
When Seiko introduced the first four references in this series in March, it was big news for the Astron line. The watches were the first Astron models to combine the Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time technology with a chronograph. As Thomas explained in the introduction article, this was possible thanks to the new 5X83 movement. Today’s releases follow the overall style of the initial series but are also quite different. Let’s go over some details to find out more.
The standard-production Astron SSH159, SSH161, and SSH163
The SSH159, SSH161, and SSH163 are the regular models in full titanium. The watches feature a 42mm case with a 12.4mm thickness and a 49.5mm lug-to-lug. These dimensions make the SSH159, SSH161, and SSH163 1.3mm smaller and 1mm thinner than the previously introduced models. The case has a similarly sharp and angular design, giving it a modern look. The main visual difference is the bezel design. While three of the first four models had a black ceramic 60-minute chronograph bezel, these new ones have a heavily sloping titanium bezel. The three watches come fitted with a titanium H-link bracelet that, just like the case, is treated with a super-hard coating to prevent scratching.
The case features a predominantly brushed finish. As you would expect from Seiko, exactly the right parts are polished. The bezel, chamfers, and chronograph pushers all stand out thanks to their light-catching sheen. They provide a nice visual contrast and also show the detail Seiko puts into creating these premium models. If you have ever worn or held a Seiko Astron, you will know that they are truly a step up from the regular Prospex and Presage watches.
New dials with a vertical pattern
Zooming in on the dial, you will see a vertically brushed pattern. I love these new dials because they add an organic feel to the watches. Usually, the Astron dials are pretty futuristic, but these steer away from that theme somewhat. Seiko offers a choice of three go-to colors. The SSH159 has a white dial, while the SSH161’s dial is dark blue, and the SSH163 features a black dial. At first glance, I prefer the white version. It is an intricate dial with transparent sub-dials with silver borders, a snowy white flange that holds the minute track and the stainless steel hour markers, and a white rehaut with the UTC scale.
The blue-dial version combines a lovely and rich dark blue with black, white, and silver elements. It looks very classy, especially with the darker hue of the titanium. The black-dial model is a little more straightforward because it combines the base color with white and silver elements. All three variants feature lume-filled hour and minute hands, and the hour markers have small lume dots as well.
While the black version might be the most conventional, I prefer the blue and white ones because they bring something extra. The white-dial version looks especially layered and intricate, and I love that.
The familiar 5X83 dial layout
These new watches, just like the ones from March, feature sub-dials at 6, 9, and 12 o’clock. As some of you will know, the 5X83 movement displays the main time centrally and the additional time zone in the sub-dial at 6 o’clock. A practical feature is that the wearer can swap them by holding down the two pushers for three seconds. As soon as one activates the chronograph, though, the same sub-dial becomes the totalizer for elapsed hours and minutes. Next to that sub-dial is the AM/PM indicator, and you will find the date window integrated between indices at 4 and 5 o’clock.
The sub-dial at 9 o’clock is also multifunctional as it displays the day of the week, the chronograph engagement, the charging status, and the in-flight mode. Lastly, the sub-dial at 12 o’clock displays the chronograph’s elapsed time in 1/20th of a second. All three sub-dials feature concentric graining to contrast nicely with the vertical brushing of the base dial. This latter component also serves as the solar panel to charge the watch.
A watch full of modern technology
The tech continues with a string of different functions. As the wearer travels through different time zones, the time automatically adjusts. If the watch loses the signal to adjust the time automatically, it will show that on the dial. Furthermore, the movement is accurate to ±15 seconds per month if it doesn’t have a signal.
Besides the dual-time and chronograph complications, the 5X83 movement also offers a perpetual calendar that runs accurately until the year 2100. This makes these new Astron models fantastic multifunctional tool watches that also look good.
These watches combine great materials and finish with the latest in tech. But once on the wrist, they do not feel like technological wonders. The lightweight watches feel very traditional in the way they look and fit. I mean that in the best way possible. There is a lot to love about the design, dimensions, and overall wearability. The bracelets feature a relatively humble folding clasp with a Smart Adjuster function for precise sizing.
Wearing the SSH159, SSH161, and SSH163
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked these three new models. I am usually not the biggest fan of the Astron designs because they often look too futuristic and techy for my taste. However, these three new watches tone down those technological influences in the design. They give off the vibes of more modern mechanical watches, and I love that. Then again, the Seiko and Astron logos will always remind you what kind of watch you are wearing. That is not a bad reminder, though, as these three models look great, fit comfortably, and show Seiko’s dedication to making its more technological watches more aesthetically pleasing.
At €2,600 each, these lightweight (106g) new Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronographs are great additions to the Seiko lineup. If you are a fan of Seiko’s Astron line, you will love these. But if you haven’t been a fan, try these watches if you can. I think they feel the least techy of all the Astron models, which is a huge plus. Add the dials with their hairline finish, and these are almost undercover Astons in the most positive sense.
The limited-edition Astron SSH158
But that’s not where the story ends. The new SSH158 is a 1,200-piece limited edition that celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Seiko name appearing on the company’s watches. This black and rose-tone watch has a slightly different design. Just like the limited-edition SSH156 that came out in March, this watch has a black-coated titanium case measuring 43.4mm wide and 49.5mm lug-to-lug. Topping that is a glossy black ceramic and sapphire crystal, bringing the watch to 14.1mm thick. However, while the SSH156 had yellow-gold-colored accents, the SSH158 uses rose-gold-tone ones. These include the bezel’s decorative dodecagonal titanium rim, the crown, and the pushers.
The SSH158 has a black bracelet and a black dial to create a fairly stealthy piece, but the gold details liven up the aesthetic somewhat to commemorate the 100th anniversary. The bracelet features a combination of brushed black titanium outer links and polished ceramic center links for a nice visual mix of finishes and materials.
The dial design of the SSH158
The black dial of the SSH158 features a striped radial pattern. It’s quite a bit more futuristic than the dials of the other models. To contrast with the dark backdrop, the dial also features rose-tone accents in line with the bezel and pushers. The hour markers and hands are filled with Seiko’s Lumibrite. Not only does it ensure that you can read the time in the dark, but the white Lumibrite also adds a lighter color.
The dial layout follows the design of the other three models since the same 5X83 movement powers the SSH158. Though the numerals and other markings on the dial are white, they’re not too bright, ensuring the rose-tone elements and white lume really pop. If you turn the watch around, you will be greeted by a three-dimensional mark in the shape of the earth on the back. Additionally, you will find the LE number engraved and text marking the special occasion this watch was created for.
As mentioned, the SSH158 is limited to 1,200 units worldwide. It will be available on October 1st, 2024, for €3,200. The three other models are regular additions to the collection and will be available on November 1st, 2024, for €2,600. All will be available through the Seiko website, Seiko boutiques, and select Seiko dealers. Let us know which of these four is your favorite in the comments!
