The Seiko Astron HAB007J and HAB008J introduce grey ceramic to the collection alongside titanium cases and GPS Solar Calibre 5X83.
Seiko has introduced two new variations of its GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph, giving the models a contemporary design through the collection’s first use of grey ceramic. Seiko introduced the modern Astron in 2012 as the world’s first GPS Solar watch. It allowed the wearer to identify their location and automatically adjust to the correct time zone using satellite signals.
Over the years, Seiko has continued to develop the Astron collection, with its latest redesign arriving only a few short months ago. This introduced subtle yet meaningful updates to the case proportions and overall construction, creating a new design generation rather than simply changing the dial colours. Interestingly, however, these two latest models return to the larger case architecture used by the earlier GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronographs.
These latest additions are the Seiko Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph HAB007J and HAB008J. What is new about these models is Seiko’s “Advance Gray” theme, which combines lightweight titanium with the first grey ceramic components used within the Astron collection. This gives the familiar sporty architecture a more contemporary aesthetic and refined personality.
Astron Enters Its “Advance Gray” Era
Both models feature the previous-generation Astron case, measuring 43.3mm in diameter, 13.4mm thick and 49.5mm from lug to lug. Despite this large profile, the extensive use of titanium throughout the case keeps the overall weight of the watch to approximately 123 grams. The case design also offers 100 metres of water resistance, along with magnetic resistance to support the everyday wearability of the timepiece.
The biggest design change to these latest editions is the integration of grey ceramic throughout the timepiece. The material has been developed specifically for the bezel, bracelet centre links and crown cap. While titanium has a more robust and industrial-like aesthetic, the ceramic adds character to the watch through its glossy surface, creating a noticeable contrast against the titanium finishing. The added benefit of using ceramic is its strong scratch resistance across areas that are likely to receive regular contact during daily wear, particularly the bracelet and bezel.
The two models differ visually through the finishing of the titanium material. The first model has a more restrained configuration, combining a silver-toned titanium case with grey ceramic and white-silver metallic accents. The titanium used throughout the watch receives Seiko’s Diamond Shield coating, providing greater resistance against scratches while preserving its lighter metallic appearance. The dial is also finished in grey with vertical stripes, matching the ceramic bezel and centre links of the bracelet nicely.
The second edition, reference HAB008J, however, takes a darker approach, as Seiko has given it an all-black titanium case and bracelet treated with the brand’s Super Black Diamond Shield coating. As expected, the grey ceramic components and metallic blue details contrast far more directly against the black construction, giving the watch a sportier overall personality.
GPS Solar Technology Built for Travel
Powering both of these new editions is Seiko’s previous-generation Calibre 5X83, which draws its energy from light and requires no conventional battery replacements. The movement can also automatically connect to the GPS network up to twice per day when sufficient light is detected, allowing the timepiece to maintain the correct local time regardless of its location. What is impressive about the movement is that it can also manually identify the wearer’s location using signals from four or more GPS satellites before adjusting to the corresponding time zone.
As mentioned earlier, these two new models use Seiko’s previous Astron layout, which, through the Calibre 5X83, combines a dual-time display with a chronograph capable of measuring elapsed time to 1/20th of a second for up to 12 hours. The counter at 6 o’clock also has a dual display, which means it normally shows a second time zone. However, when the chronograph is engaged, it transforms into a 12-hour counter.
In addition to this, the movement offers world time across 38 time zones, automatic DST adjustment, a perpetual calendar accurate until February 2100 and up to two years of autonomy in power-saving mode.
Initial Thoughts
Seiko’s latest Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronographs come with two very different personalities, all while featuring new grey ceramic details that give both editions a refined character. The HAB007J appears to be the more versatile option, with its silver titanium surfaces and grey ceramic components creating a more understated finish. I also particularly like the subtle contrast between the two materials, which adds to the contemporary aesthetic of this watch.
The HAB008J edition, however, has the stronger visual identity, using its black coating and metallic blue accents to emphasise the Astron’s futuristic and technical character. The models also feature a large case size, measuring 43.2mm in diameter and 13.4mm thick, which will naturally suit wearers who enjoy a stronger wrist presence.
However, in saying that, the 123-gram titanium construction, along with the lightweight ceramic components, makes these timepieces considerably easier to wear than their dimensions might initially suggest. With advanced GPS functionality, dual-time capability, chronograph timing and solar charging, both models present practical travel watches with a more polished and contemporary design.
Seiko Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph
Reference & Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Reference | HAB007J (Silver) and HAB008J (Black) |
| Dimensions | 43.3mm diameter x 13.4mm thick; 49.5mm lug-to-lug; approximately 123g |
| Case | Lightweight titanium case with a grey ceramic and aluminium bezel. HAB007J features Seiko’s Diamond Shield coating, while HAB008J receives a black Diamond Shield coating. |
| Dial | Striped grey dial with metallic accents. HAB007J features silver-toned details, while HAB008J combines its darker appearance with metallic blue accents. Lumibrite is applied to the hands and hour markers. |
| Crystal | Dual-curved sapphire crystal with Seiko’s Super-Clear anti-reflective coating |
| Caseback | Screw-down titanium caseback |
| Movement | Seiko GPS Solar Calibre 5X83 with dual-time display, 12-hour chronograph accurate to 1/20th of a second, world time across 38 time zones, perpetual calendar, day display, power-reserve indicator and automatic GPS time adjustment |
| Power Reserve | Approximately six months when fully charged or approximately two years in power-saving mode |
| Accuracy | ±15 seconds per month without GPS reception |
| Water Resistance | 100m / 10bar |
| Strap/Bracelet | Titanium bracelet with grey ceramic centre links and a three-fold clasp featuring Seiko’s Smart Adjuster system |