In 1969, Seiko introduced the first quartz watch, and now they are introducing the world’s first solar GPS watch. Using their own, patented, low-energy-consumption GPS receiver, the Astron is able to recognize all 39 time zones around the world to identify time zone and set the time and date data using the global network of GPS satellites. The Astron receives the time signal once a day, and it can connect to at least four GPS satellites on command to determine the time zone and the exact time. There are five models in the Astron line: three in “high-intensity titanium, which is stronger than stainless steel but has only 60% of its weight, and two in stainless steel. All have ceramic bezels, the same functions and high specifications, including a dual time sub-dial, in-flight mode indicator and sapphire crystal with Super-Clear Coating.” All have ceramic faces and all have the same functions, and they’re solar-powered so you don’t need to worry with batteries. The Astron will be available in Autumn 2012; no price information is available yet. Read the full press release at the Astron link above.
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I believe that the Citizen Satellite Eco-Drive is actually first. At the very leadt, it was announced back in March last year http://www.ablogtoread.com/citizen-satellite-eco-drive-watch-gets-time-from-space/
Citizen Satellite was the first one. http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/10/16/atomic-time-is-so-yesterday/
There are other GPS watches out there but you might need to read the title. It say’s “The World’s First SOLAR GPS Watch” It looks like a nice watch but way out of my price range ($2500)
The term Eco-Drive is Citizen’s talk for solar. So that would make the Citizen Satellite Eco-Drive the first solar GPS watch.
Agree with Christophe.
I have one of Citizen’s Eco-Drive watch (regular one) and totally love it! Just expose it to any type of light and it charges. Got it back in 2003 and still ticking! And very light too since I got it in titanium.
Christophe you are totally right!! i work for citizen and yes we have the 1st solar gps watch!
Unlike the Citizen GPS watch, the SEIKO GPS is the only watch that is accurate in all 39 time zones on earth. The hands automatically adjust to the correct local time with Atomic clock precision & retains an accuracy of less than 1/10 of a seconded a day.
SEIKO’S R&D combined our advanced IC (integrated circuitry) could allow the watch to divide the world into a million squares & allocate a time zone to each.
This has led to over 100 patents exclusive to SEIKO.
Ummm…. My Casio G-Shock has been doing this for years. It’s solar power and has atomic time keeping. My G-Shock always has a signal, updates 6 times a day, or when ever I want with a push of a button, and unlike satalite watches, my G-Shock works indoors!
And did I mention it does all this for 200 bucks? Not 3 grand!
Yeah, but Leeroy, your g-shock looks like a g-shock. A analogue, titanium cased, ceramic bezeled watch is a little classier than a plastic g-shock. And your g-shock does not use gps, it uses terrestrial signals that are only available in certain locations. But i’ll agree that 2500 is stretching it a bit.
Alan: what you said could be or is true about the Seiko GPS, but still it was not the 1st to come out in the market/world. Citizen Satellite Wave did come earlier and it’s a facts, no need argue about others function or patents. The claim here is about Solar = Eco Drive and GPS = Satellite… simple as that… cheers…^^
Technology forges ahead , and yet mechanical watches sell for more with less accuracy, i.e. rolex omega breitling. What is the answer? Seiko and Citizen must look to the appearence and construction of their watches. More solid, better looking faces, and no special editions [ a profitering joke in all watch manufacturing]
Seiko pieces are my favorite choice.Their craftsmanship is so admirable, Seiko is among the few brands that can offer a high-quality watch at an affordable price. This watch is so eye-catching, simple but beautiful