I have exactly the same model. My 12 year old son said he wanted them. I had to buy another one and I'll put this one away for his 15th birthday. Great watch..... I apologize for my English... I know it's not good
SSH019 owner here. I don't care that some people don't give much regard to Astron, I care little of the opinions of such people. Astron is the brand that first humiliated the Swiss, and it's the brand that continues to lead the way with time-keeping innovation.
I am also very satisfied with this watch and am using it. The size is cute, but the details of the dial are luxurious, and the index is slightly colorful. The waterproof performance seems to be available without a semi-permanent inspection unless you intentionally pull the crown in the water to manipulate it or press the button. I think watches are making so well these days :)
I can understand people preferring purely mechanical watches for their old school charm, since all my watches are Swiss automatics. But I can't understand anyone turning up their nose at these modern marvels. From a horology standpoint, automatic daily time sync from GPS satellites, to provide accuracy between 1 second per 100,000 years to 1 second per 100 million years, is pretty amazing. Especially from a watch which is merely solar powered. Solar powered watches are a dime a dozen and GPS sync watches are nothing new, but solar powered GPS sync requires some amazing efficiency.
This video convinced me, so the SSJ009 has now become my beater watch. A yet unknown fact about the unit are the rate of battery degradation over time. Anyway; I have a couple of atomic clock's in my home and it's kind of amusing to watch the Astron ticking away at the exact same second as those. Every time I check. Takes some time to get used to not needing to set the time...
More notes for anyone interested: The Astron name is the progenitor of all quartz watches, being launched Christmas Day, 1969.(nice) Each hand and the date window are individually driven. The minute hand advances precisely 1/12th of an increment ONLY when the seconds hand hits an index. You will not get this on any traditional quartz or mechanical movement. The full GPS sync function is power intensive and uses several weeks of power reserve to complete. Due to the GPS receiver, there is an Airplane Mode (visible 42 second position) to disable reception of signal.
I believed Astron has been overlooked in the past because of its over sized, and ugly design. I have noticed with the current generation they just look a lot better. I finally bought my first ssh127j model. Really look very nice 👌👍 and has become my daily beater.
Great review and an interesting watch, one thing to note is that to my knowledge although Seiko and Orient are owned by the same parent company they aren't related and operate and manufacture independently.
Been crazy about solar since I got my Seiko Prospex SNE 38mm solar diver, does about 5 secounds between when I set it for winter/summer time, also got a light charging G-shock that recived long wave signals once a day to set itself, high tech watches are really cool in my eyes. Been wearing the solardiver 80-90% of my time the last year, made my mechanical watch collection sit much more in the box. (Untill you get to smartwatches, too much computers invading my time already, lol)
I have the Astron , ' Big Date ' in titanium SSG149J1 and in the 4 years I have had it its not missed a beat , if I had one complaint it's this ,, It makes every watch I own look inaccurate ! even my Grand Seiko SBGN003 GMT Quartz that has gained only 2 seconds in the 10 months I have owned it , the Astron when GPS locked is perfect ,, love this watch . Another thing , when it's taken out of the box when its been packed for a few weeks , watching it come to life and setting its self is impressive ! Thanks for a great review of a watch that flies under the radar .
Great video. I’m a mechanical watch guy but seriously considering the Astron. What do you think about the other Astrons that have dual time functionality?
I think they're great functionality wise, it's just all in how they wear for me. Some are just monsters on the wrist and a bit too much visually but each to their own!
I'm wondering how the black coating holds up after a while, can you comment on your experience with it? Does it chip off or scratch to the bare metal? I like the way Seiko is developing the Astron line, not a fan of large, busy dials and this one is finally something to admire. And BTW I really enjoyed the video, nice shots and observations. Looks like you put a lot of effort into your content, I appreciate it.
Thanks very much for your comment and kind words. The watch is with a friend atm and coating still pristine 👍🏻 I also agree, I’m very much looking forward to seeing how the Astron line develops. Thanks for watching 🙌
You're welcome. I'm glad to hear the coating seems durable as the refinishing might be problematic unlike with raw steel or titanium. I'm more of an automatic watch guy but looking to expand the collection and a GPS solar could be the next step. Time to rationalize the purchase then, I guess 😀
I own the SSH073 which I bought a little more than two years ago for $4500 AUD. What are your thoughts and would you do a review on it? I'm new to your channel and loved your review, thanks.😊
Another great video thanks. I’ve watched this video a few times because the SSJ007 version is probably a future purchase. Trying to find one for a reasonable price, did you buy this here in Australia or from overseas? Thanks
Hey! Yes, I bought mine, very lightly used, from a Japanese dealer through Chrono24 and despite still paying import tax etc, it ended up around $800 cheaper than full retail in Australia. Really quite irritating that we get stung this badly here!
@@EsbjornWristwatchReviews Thanks for the reply. I’ll keep an eye on Chrono24 then:) Very frustrating here in Oz yes, I think I used to pay 20% VAT on imports when I lived in the UK.
I’ve been thinking of a grand seiko quartz and came across the astron, I’ve got a thing for accuracy and the second hand hitting the indices, decisions decicions
Is it possible to stop a seconds hand, like on chronograph? I am asking because i dont like quartz tiking seconds hand, so can i stop it? Thanks is advance.
Thanks for your review. If I were getting an Astron I'd probably go for the SSJ007 which has a silver titanium case and bracelet. I was wondering if the "super-clear coating" is on both sides of the crystal.
Yes they clear one is also rather attractive I think. They do not specify if on both sides (at least I couldn’t find that info). Thanks for the comment 😊👍🏻
It’s a great comparison. At the lower end, Seiko and VW quality are both mediocre. At the highest end, Grand Seiko and Porsche quality are both superb.
I want this watch in a 42mm. All I want is a conservative looking 42mm or 44mm watch with direct GPS reception and skip the Bluetooth. I'm built like a lowland gorilla, what can I say? I'm in the northern hemisphere so multiband works for me but direct GPS reception is the future. They've been threatening to shut down the US atomic clock radio transmitter, for years. BTW, Casio can land the second hand on the markers. Every. Single. Time. I have a solar Casio Wave Cepter and I haven't seen it miss in the 6(?) years I've owned it. I haven't been gentle with it, either.
I manually synchronized the time and it shows me an hour ago, after that I set it to the exact time. the question is if daily synchronization is done automatically, will it always show me one hour behind? Thank you
Hey, it definitely shouldn't but I would google the movement reference and get the pdf manual to investigate further. Sounds like some sort of daylight savings issue
Do they only make one set of hands now? Astron ALL look exactly the same. And I see even the minute hand jolts into place now instead of moving smoothly. What a turd.
I have exactly the same model. My 12 year old son said he wanted them. I had to buy another one and I'll put this one away for his 15th birthday. Great watch..... I apologize for my English... I know it's not good
Thanks for your comment, your English is better than mine 😊
Terrific review. Looking at one atm. Was strong buy before. Stronger now. You covered it all in a short review. Well done!
Thanks very much for your kind words!
SSH019 owner here. I don't care that some people don't give much regard to Astron, I care little of the opinions of such people. Astron is the brand that first humiliated the Swiss, and it's the brand that continues to lead the way with time-keeping innovation.
Truly innovative devices, thanks for watching 👍🏻
Great review. This changed my mind about Astron, and I will definitely keep tabs on this lineup going forward.
Thanks and good to hear, it’s this model that changes my mind also 👍🏻 Thanks for being here 😊
I am also very satisfied with this watch and am using it. The size is cute, but the details of the dial are luxurious, and the index is slightly colorful. The waterproof performance seems to be available without a semi-permanent inspection unless you intentionally pull the crown in the water to manipulate it or press the button. I think watches are making so well these days :)
Really is a great watch and I’m glad you like it! Thanks for watching my video
Just ordered mine and is in transit from Japan. Can’t wait to receive it and start wearing it!
You’ll love it 🙂👍
@@EsbjornWristwatchReviewsReceived and I freaking LOVE IT👍
@@CesarM-gd8ks good to hear!
I can understand people preferring purely mechanical watches for their old school charm, since all my watches are Swiss automatics.
But I can't understand anyone turning up their nose at these modern marvels. From a horology standpoint, automatic daily time sync from GPS satellites, to provide accuracy between 1 second per 100,000 years to 1 second per 100 million years, is pretty amazing. Especially from a watch which is merely solar powered.
Solar powered watches are a dime a dozen and GPS sync watches are nothing new, but solar powered GPS sync requires some amazing efficiency.
100% agree
This video convinced me, so the SSJ009 has now become my beater watch. A yet unknown fact about the unit are the rate of battery degradation over time.
Anyway; I have a couple of atomic clock's in my home and it's kind of amusing to watch the Astron ticking away at the exact same second as those. Every time I check. Takes some time to get used to not needing to set the time...
A really nicce video. I have had my eye on an Astron for some time now, just saving my pennies.
Thank you and keep saving, it's worth it 😉
Great vid mate, keep it up
Thank you, appreciated
More notes for anyone interested:
The Astron name is the progenitor of all quartz watches, being launched Christmas Day, 1969.(nice)
Each hand and the date window are individually driven. The minute hand advances precisely 1/12th of an increment ONLY when the seconds hand hits an index. You will not get this on any traditional quartz or mechanical movement.
The full GPS sync function is power intensive and uses several weeks of power reserve to complete.
Due to the GPS receiver, there is an Airplane Mode (visible 42 second position) to disable reception of signal.
Thanks for sharing 👍
just bought ssh127j1 It fits my wrist perfect, and i was half expecting it not to :P awesome watch series(astron)
Yes so good 👍🏻😊
great color combo 👌
This is one beautiful watch! Now to find the cash to buy one.
Second hand is your friend 😊👍🏻
I believed Astron has been overlooked in the past because of its over sized, and ugly design. I have noticed with the current generation they just look a lot better. I finally bought my first ssh127j model. Really look very nice 👌👍 and has become my daily beater.
Yep, this new breed of compact Astrons are great 👍🏻
Great review and an interesting watch, one thing to note is that to my knowledge although Seiko and Orient are owned by the same parent company they aren't related and operate and manufacture independently.
Good point thanks 👍🏻
Been crazy about solar since I got my Seiko Prospex SNE 38mm solar diver, does about 5 secounds between when I set it for winter/summer time, also got a light charging G-shock that recived long wave signals once a day to set itself, high tech watches are really cool in my eyes.
Been wearing the solardiver 80-90% of my time the last year, made my mechanical watch collection sit much more in the box.
(Untill you get to smartwatches, too much computers invading my time already, lol)
Nice, I agree with you.,..this level of technology is surprisingly addictive
i have a SSH123J1 and im very happy with it
Really great watches, I always felt a little too big but now have options :)
I have the Astron , ' Big Date ' in titanium SSG149J1 and in the 4 years I have had it its not missed a beat , if I had one complaint it's this ,,
It makes every watch I own look inaccurate ! even my Grand Seiko SBGN003 GMT Quartz that has gained only 2 seconds in the 10 months I have owned it , the Astron when GPS locked is perfect ,, love this watch .
Another thing , when it's taken out of the box when its been packed for a few weeks , watching it come to life and setting its self is impressive !
Thanks for a great review of a watch that flies under the radar .
I know exactly what you're saying! It's hard not to just slap it on every day since it is just so reliable and comfortable. Thanks for your comment!
Great video. I’m a mechanical watch guy but seriously considering the Astron. What do you think about the other Astrons that have dual time functionality?
I think they're great functionality wise, it's just all in how they wear for me. Some are just monsters on the wrist and a bit too much visually but each to their own!
I'm wondering how the black coating holds up after a while, can you comment on your experience with it? Does it chip off or scratch to the bare metal? I like the way Seiko is developing the Astron line, not a fan of large, busy dials and this one is finally something to admire.
And BTW I really enjoyed the video, nice shots and observations. Looks like you put a lot of effort into your content, I appreciate it.
Thanks very much for your comment and kind words. The watch is with a friend atm and coating still pristine 👍🏻 I also agree, I’m very much looking forward to seeing how the Astron line develops. Thanks for watching 🙌
You're welcome. I'm glad to hear the coating seems durable as the refinishing might be problematic unlike with raw steel or titanium.
I'm more of an automatic watch guy but looking to expand the collection and a GPS solar could be the next step. Time to rationalize the purchase then, I guess 😀
I own the SSH073 which I bought a little more than two years ago for $4500 AUD. What are your thoughts and would you do a review on it? I'm new to your channel and loved your review, thanks.😊
Thanks for watching and welcome 🙂…..yes would love to if the opportunity was to arise
Another great video thanks. I’ve watched this video a few times because the SSJ007 version is probably a future purchase. Trying to find one for a reasonable price, did you buy this here in Australia or from overseas? Thanks
Hey! Yes, I bought mine, very lightly used, from a Japanese dealer through Chrono24 and despite still paying import tax etc, it ended up around $800 cheaper than full retail in Australia. Really quite irritating that we get stung this badly here!
@@EsbjornWristwatchReviews Thanks for the reply. I’ll keep an eye on Chrono24 then:) Very frustrating here in Oz yes, I think I used to pay 20% VAT on imports when I lived in the UK.
I’ve been thinking of a grand seiko quartz and came across the astron, I’ve got a thing for accuracy and the second hand hitting the indices, decisions decicions
Yes that indices issue is a tough one …still hard to go past the GS
The design is so simple but i dont know why i find it so handsome. I want it so much. Its 1k dollar tho😢
Yeah, it’s well annoying having to pay for these 😆 Thanks for watching!
Is it possible to stop a seconds hand, like on chronograph? I am asking because i dont like quartz tiking seconds hand, so can i stop it? Thanks is advance.
Hi there, no you can not stop seconds. It ticks away continuously. Thanks for watching 🙂
@@EsbjornWristwatchReviews Thank you!
Thanks for your review. If I were getting an Astron I'd probably go for the SSJ007 which has a silver titanium case and bracelet. I was wondering if the "super-clear coating" is on both sides of the crystal.
Yes they clear one is also rather attractive I think. They do not specify if on both sides (at least I couldn’t find that info). Thanks for the comment 😊👍🏻
Seiko and Volkswagen is a terrible comparison. The Japanese build quality puts the people's car to shame.
Debatable but thanks for watching 😊
It’s a great comparison. At the lower end, Seiko and VW quality are both mediocre. At the highest end, Grand Seiko and Porsche quality are both superb.
I want this watch in a 42mm. All I want is a conservative looking 42mm or 44mm watch with direct GPS reception and skip the Bluetooth. I'm built like a lowland gorilla, what can I say? I'm in the northern hemisphere so multiband works for me but direct GPS reception is the future. They've been threatening to shut down the US atomic clock radio transmitter, for years.
BTW, Casio can land the second hand on the markers. Every. Single. Time. I have a solar Casio Wave Cepter and I haven't seen it miss in the 6(?) years I've owned it. I haven't been gentle with it, either.
Agreed, a clean design slightly larger would be a nice option 👍
I manually synchronized the time and it shows me an hour ago, after that I set it to the exact time.
the question is if daily synchronization is done automatically, will it always show me one hour behind?
Thank you
Hey, it definitely shouldn't but I would google the movement reference and get the pdf manual to investigate further. Sounds like some sort of daylight savings issue
It's not maintenanceless you still need to have the rubber ring changed every 2 years or so so you're 100 that it's water resistant
Good point, although I doubt many owners would do this. Thanks for the comment 👍🏻😊
Why doesn’t Grand Seiko put an adjustable clasp on their watches grrr
It’s is really quite odd isn’t it!
Great Review. Can you tell us your wrist size?
In the video :) but it's 19cm/7.5"
@@EsbjornWristwatchReviewsThanks!
LOve it!
Me too 😊
are they going to make a smaller version of this watch?
This is that smaller version I’d say, I can’t see them being able to make a smaller than 39mm with all the tech built in here
Where can I buy this Astron GPS minimal watch ?
Chrono24 or google is your friend
2:47 They don't have Bluetooth
The Gshock models I reference in that section, as in the slightly upmarket ones, do have Bluetooth. Astron does not.
@@EsbjornWristwatchReviewsgot it, I misunderstood you then
Do they only make one set of hands now? Astron ALL look exactly the same. And I see even the minute hand jolts into place now instead of moving smoothly. What a turd.
Not a fan then I take it 😉