Introducing the Seiko Astron GPS Solar Kintaro Hattori 160th Anniversary Limited Edition timepiece which is now unfortunately sold out. However, we have a range of other Seiko Astron watches.
The special edition watch marks the 160th birth anniversary of Seiko founder Kintaro Hattori.
It celebrates the life, career and achievements of Hattori, and fulfils his vision of Seiko always being one step ahead of the rest.
Let's take a look in a little more detail.
Who Is Kintaro Hattori?
Hattori was born in Uneme-cho, Kyobashi, Tokyo in 1860 with a vision to make a mark on the watch industry, and he did just that.
His journey to the top started at age 13 when he became an apprentice clockmaker. Just four years later, he put up a signboard on his house that read, ''Hattori Clock Repairer'' and the rest is history.
At the age of 21, Hattori established his own company that specialised in the repair, importation and sale of clocks and watches.
Under his leadership, the company grew into one of the best timepiece businesses in Japan, and he became known as the "King of Timepieces in the East."
20 years later, Hattori's watch company was the largest in Japan and it oversaw incredible innovations like the introduction of the nation's first wristwatch, the Laurel.
In 1924, the company launched the Seiko brand we know and love today.
Seiko Astron Hattori Features
The SSH073J Kintaro Hattori 160th Anniversary LE Astron watch uses Seiko's world-leading GPS solar technology to set it apart.
It works by connecting to a GPS network and then adjusting at the touch of a button to every time zone on earth.
Did we mention it is completely solar-powered? Yep, that's right. It takes all the energy it needs from light and never needs a battery change.
It doesn't matter where you are in the world, the watch will pick up your time zone and adjust itself accordingly. It truly is the perfect watch for the international traveller.
It is powered by Calibre 5X53, which has three independent motors for the hour, minute and seconds hands.
There is an AM/ PM indication for the dual time function, daylight saving time (DST), a world time function (39 time zones), automatic adjustments and 'high speed' time zone adjustments.
There is also a 'time transfer function' which allows for the quick transfer between home and local time, GPS signal indication, power saving, in-flight mode, and a perpetual calendar.
Of course, for a watch of this quality you want some water resistance as well and the Seiko Astron GPS Solar Kintaro Hattori 160th Anniversary Limited Edition piece delivers.
It has a water resistance of 200m and magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m. This means you can enjoy all your swimming, boating and shallow diving adventures without having to worry about your watch!
The Astron Design
The special edition Astron GPS Solar watch comes in a 42.8mm sized all-black case with gold accents and a high gloss bezel. The case and bracelet are made from titanium with a scratch-resistant hard coating to stop any accidents.
The high gloss bezel is made from zirconia ceramic and is complimented with 16 facets to signify the decades passed since Hattori's birth.
The case back carries Hattori's name and three reminders of his legacy, whilst the trademark ''S'' that he registered in 1900 occupies the centre of the case back. His motto ''one step ahead of the rest'' also features on the case back along with the Seiko name.
The watch is housed in a commemorative presentation box with an S watch badge and an alternative crocodile band. It also features a letter from Hattori's great-grandson, Seiko's CEO and chairman.
Now you might be wondering what the Astron Solar has to do with Kintaro Hattori and that is a very good question. The Astron Solar embodies Hattori's ethos of constant advancement and development so it was the obvious choice for the collaboration.
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