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Two new quartz-inspired dial colours bring more character to Seiko’s technically impressive Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph collection.

It was only last month that Seiko gave its heavy-duty Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph a refresh, introducing a new case design, updated dial layout and a modified movement. These subtle yet meaningful updates signalled the next generation for one of Seiko’s most prominent collections, taking the Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph forward with a sharper and more modern identity.

Seiko Presents A New Future For The Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph

With a sharper look, a robust movement, and outstanding levels of accuracy and reliability, this new collection shows Seiko continuing to push the Astron forward as one of the most practical and technically impressive travel chronographs on the market.

It was only going to be a matter of time before Seiko decided to expand on this new collection, and now they have done just that, with two new coloured dials making their way into the lineup. As Seiko puts it, “The two models feature a newly developed pressed dial pattern inspired by the sparkling facets of quartz crystal. The HAB006J glows in crystal pink, while the HAB005J shines in crystal green, both offering a fresh, radiant finish.”

Sharper Lines, Sportier Proportions

The case design of the new Seiko Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph HAB005J and HAB006J continues with the sharper and more modern profile that was introduced with the most recent update to the collection. The entirety of the case is crafted in titanium, with the case measuring 43.3mm in diameter and 12.4mm thick, alongside a lug-to-lug distance of 50mm. It certainly has a bold wrist presence, and with its larger profile, it will cater to those who enjoy a sportier and more substantial watch on the wrist.

The case still retains that sporty Astron character, but with the most recent update, it now has sharper detailing, especially with the angular lines on the case and bezel, which continue through to the integrated bracelet design. It was also a great choice to use titanium for the case material. With such a feature-packed timepiece, having a case and bracelet that are both lightweight and durable means the watch remains practical for daily wear.

Seiko is also including an additional black silicone strap with these two editions, giving the timepieces a more casual aesthetic and travel-ready feel. While the three-link titanium bracelet offers a more refined visual and gives the watch a more polished look, the silicone strap adds versatility, making it especially well-suited to Australia’s hot weather climate.

Two New Dial Colours That Add More Character To The Astron Lineup

The first three editions of this new generation of Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronographs came with a darker aesthetic, with the dials featuring either light blue or black with purple colour combinations. For these new editions, Seiko has taken the opposite approach, introducing two brighter dial options: a vivid green dial for the HAB005J and a beautiful crystal pink execution for the HAB006J.

Both colours give the overall collection a bolder personality, while still retaining the technical and sporty character that defines this new Astron line. However, it is not just the colours that make these new Astron editions stand out, as the dials also feature a unique textured pattern. This texture comes in the form of a newly developed pressed pattern inspired by the sparkling facets of quartz crystal. It gives the dial surface a more dynamic character, catching the light differently depending on the angle, while also staying in theme with the sharper, more angular design language of this new generation of Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronographs.

Functionally, the dial remains highly practical, with a dual-time chronograph display that gives the watch its travel-focused identity. The new horizontally positioned sub-counters in the 3-6-9 layout create a more balanced look across the dial, while the applied hour markers and broad hands help maintain strong legibility.

Seiko’s GPS Solar Technology At The Core

Powering both the HAB005J and HAB006J editions is Seiko’s Calibre 5X63, a new-generation GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph movement that sits at the heart of the watch’s technical identity. As the name suggests, this movement is solar-powered, meaning it can be charged by any light source, removing the need for regular battery changes.

The real strength of the 5X63, however, is its accuracy, with the watch able to maintain precision to within ±1 second every 100,000 years when daily automatic time adjustment is active. For a travel-focused chronograph, this makes the Astron incredibly practical, combining dual-time functionality, chronograph capability and GPS-controlled accuracy into one highly capable everyday movement.

Initial Thoughts

The new Seiko Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph HAB005J and HAB006J editions feel like a natural evolution of this new generation within the collection. There is no need to make drastic changes to a collection that is only a few months old, so it makes sense that Seiko has chosen to expand the lineup through new colours instead.

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These two new colours, along with the quartz-inspired textured pattern, add a whole lot of personality to the Astron collection. For those who liked the updated Astron platform but wanted something with a little more character, these two new editions are certainly worth a closer look.

Reference: Seiko Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph – HAB005J

Specifications:

Australian Retail Price: AUD $4,600

Availability: Limited to 1200 models. Now available for pre-order exclusively at Seiko Boutiques and Seiko Online at Seikoboutique.com.au

Reference: Seiko Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph – HAB006J

Specifications:

Australian Retail Price: AUD $4,600

Availability: Limited to 1200 models. Now available for pre-order exclusively at Seiko Boutiques and Seiko Online at Seikoboutique.com.au