Seiko Astron redefines precise time

World's first GPS solar watch available at Al Futtaim Watches & Jewellery

Dubai, December 8, 2013: Seiko, a brand with Al-Futtaim Watches & Jewellery, has presented Astron, a range of watches that can receive GPS signals across all time zones in the world using the global network of GPS satellites.

The Astron is based on Seiko's patented low-energy-consumption GPS receiver and identifies all the 39 currently recognized time zones on earth. The watch inherits its name from its predecessor, also called Astron, which was the world's first quartz watch bringing ‘seconds per year' precision within reach of every user. The new Astron takes the heritage forward by offering the accuracy of one second every 100,000 years and time zone adjustment.

Harumitsu Akashi, General Manager – Middle East and Latin America, Seiko Watch Corporation said: “The Seiko Astron is an icon of precision and excellence. It is a testimony to our commitment to continue spearheading innovation and pushing industry standards. Given the UAE's taste for the very best in the world, we are confident that the Astron will be well received by our customers here.”

Thomas Dotzek, Senior General Manager of Al-Futtaim Watches and Jewellery said: “As Seiko celebrates the 100th anniversary of its very first wrist watch, Al-Futtaim Group is honoured to exclusively offer a unique, limited edition Astron watch in our stores. The watch carries the name of Seiko's founder Kintaro Hattori, his vision and the very first symbol mark for Seiko. The high-intensity black titanium case boasts a crown tipped with onyx and is offered with a crocodile strap and an additional titanium bracelet. Our partnership with Seiko has been extremely successful so far and we are happy to take it a step further with offering our customers exclusive products such as this.”

When fully charged, once a day, the Seiko Astron receives time signals automatically and on demand, connects to four or more of the GPS satellites that orbit the earth. This allows the watch to pinpoint its exact location with precision, identifying the local time zone and time. The watch also comes with a perpetual calendar (offering accurate dates up to February 2100) and daylight saving time features.

Adding to the multitude of functional features, the range of Seiko Astron watches are also strikingly attractive. Inspired by the lightweight structure of a GPS satellite, the case, with recessed sides, and the bracelet are both made from high-intensity titanium, a metal that is only 60% the weight of stainless steel and yet stronger.

The watches are also self-sustaining and do not ever need a change of battery. They take all necessary power from light, making it perfect for those environmentally conscious.

Seiko Astron is available across all Al-Futtaim Watches and Jewellery stores across the UAE. In Dubai, it is available at The Watch House in Dubai Mall, The Watch House at Mall of The Emirates, and Al-Futtaim Watches & Jewellery in Deira City Center & Dubai Festival City, in The Watch House in Abu Dhabi at Abu Dhabi Mall and Marina Mall.