Sponsored Post written by AZ Fine Time’s Joseph Kirk

AZFineTime.com wants to invite anyone who will be in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area this Friday, Oct. 26th 2012 to a very special party from 2-8pm.  This party will be the launch of the new Seiko Astron GPS Solar, which is the world’s 1st analog solar watch to receive signals from GPS Satellites (about 12,000 miles away) and actually update the watches accuracy, date, and adjust to whatever timezone you are in.  This will be a great opportunity to chat with Seiko about this new impressive timepiece.

The technology Seiko has developed to make this watch work is pretty incredible.  It took over 10 years and 100 patents for this piece to be possible.  The watch uses a million piece grid of the world to identify all 39 timezones.  By pushing and holding the upper right button for 6 seconds with clear view of the sky, the watch will automatically adjust to whatever timezone in the world you are standing in.

As a highlight, here are some of the challenges and solutions Seiko had to overcome in developing this watch…

-Energy consumption is massive to receive signal.  Seiko developed a new GPS receiver, 1/5th the power consumption of a standard receiver.

-Signal would be difficult to receive through a metal case using a standard antenna chip.  Seiko developed a new High-Sensitivity Antenna Ring, which sits under a ceramic bezel to receive easy reception.

-Because it is solar powered, the rechargeable lithium ion battery may lose its power reserve due to constant charging.  Seiko developed a new integrated circuit along with a smaller back up battery to ensure a stable energy supply, while still being low power.  This prevents any issues with the rechargeable battery.

-Should you not receive signal manually, Seiko wanted the watch to recognize (on its own) when would be best time to attempt to receive signal.  With a new smart sensor, the watch will recognize bright light, and will think it has a clear view of the sky.  If you have not received signal recently, it will take this opportunity to receive on its own.

These incredible developments alone prove the worth of this timepiece.  In addition, the watch has an “In-Flight Mode” (which turns off GPS reception), manual setting for when without signal, daylight savings control, and a secondary timezone that is independently controlled at the 6 o’clock sub-dial.  It also has a power reserve indicator as well as a sleep mode, which if undisturbed, can go up to 3 years in the dark before needing to be recharged.

It has everything for the avid watch collector or the tech guy (which I think, most of the time end up one in the same).  The overall build is very impressive too.  The different variations come in either Seiko’s in-house High-Intensity Titanium on bracelets, or stainless steel with a silicone strap and deployment clasp.  Seiko has a newly developed silicone strap that is 4 times the strength of regular silicone, and is virtually tear proof.  They utilize this on the steel to help eliminate weight.  Due to all the technology inside, the watches are large at 47mm wide and 16.5mm thick, so being lightweight is very helpful.

The look of the dial is very 3 dimensional and deep.  The indexes are raised far up above the solar panel dial, which almost looks like you’re staring at a cliff from a distance.  With so much depth and cool little details, it’s hard not to stare at these things.  So you can see it clearly, Seiko uses their proprietary high definition sapphire crystal with super clear (anti-reflective) coating that has no blue glare.  All the cases have a brushed bracelet and high polished case sides.  The black treated models (SAST001 and 007) are done very well too.  The black finish is mostly brushed, but the case sides also have a high polish look, which matches perfectly to the black ceramic bezel.  The Limited Edition SAST001 also has collapsed case sides, giving it a more unique look than the rest of the series and also comes with an additional silicone strap with matching black and rose gold deployment clasp.  Feel free to check out all the variations HERE.  Prices range from $2,300-$3,850.

For the launch of this incredible watch, we are hosting a truly unique event.  AZ Fine Time has pulled out all the stops and we are going to be providing complimentary food and drinks catered by Capital Grille.  AZ Fine Time is also known as Cigar King, and will be hosting an event to launch a new Ashton cigar, the La Aroma De Cuba Mi Amor Reserva.  Everyone who attends will have the option for a complimentary cigar.

On top of all that, you will get to see the Seiko Astron GPS Solar in person and discuss its intricate details with Seiko representatives themselves!  Seiko will also be providing autographs to purchases made during the event.  If you’re not in town, we can arrange for this to happen by phone.  Again, if you are in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area this Friday, it’s an event you won’t want to miss.  I’ve listed our details below…

AZ Fine Time
7830 E Gelding Dr
Suite 100
Scottsdale AZ 85260 1-800-486-3996

Seiko Astron GPS Solar Release Party
Friday, October 26th 2012
from 2-8pm
No Invite or RSVP Necessary

Also, if you would like to partake in the event and cannot be here to attend, we will have a live feed for the whole event as well as live Q & A with Seiko (from 4-5pm PST).  You can either email your questions to us directly at [email protected], or comment on Facebook.  We will try and answer as many questions as possible in the allotted time.  Please see HERE for the link.

I hope you enjoyed the read and please feel free to contact us with any questions.  Be on the look out for when AZ Fine Time hosts our 3rd Grand Seiko Roadshow on December 7th 2012.