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Seiko unveils new watches inspired by the morning sky

Seiko Astron lineup gets 2 new GPS solar watches

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Seiko Astron Morning Star GPS Solar watches
Seiko

The latest Seiko watches draw inspiration from the captivating hues of dawn as sunlight gently permeates the lingering darkness. With a distinct purple gradient dial adorned with opulent gold accents, these new Seiko Astron Morning Star watches exude an air of refinement, elevating the Astron line to new heights of reverence.

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Available exclusively as 1,200-piece limited editions, each watch in this exquisite collection boasts a titanium case and bracelet meticulously coated in a sleek black super-hard finish. Paired with sapphire crystals, these timepieces offer stunning aesthetics and robust durability, ensuring longevity and resilience in any setting. Water resistant up to 100 meters, they seamlessly blend aesthetics with functionality, making them suitable companions for both walks through the city to work and dives in the ocean on vacation.

Seiko Astron Solar GPS watch
Seiko

Seiko Astron GPS Solar watch: A new addition to the Astron lineup

Embodying the pinnacle of technological innovation, these watches harness the power of solar energy for battery charging, guaranteeing eco-friendliness and sustainability without compromising on performance. Utilizing GPS signal reception, they effortlessly adjust to different time zones, ensuring unrivaled accuracy in timekeeping. Even in the absence of a signal, these watches maintain impressive precision, boasting an accuracy of ±15 seconds per month.

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In terms of power reserve, these timepieces offer unparalleled autonomy, capable of operating for up to six months on a single charge. Furthermore, with a power-saving mode preserving settings for up to two years when not in use, they’re the definition of convenience and reliability.

Seiko Astron Solar GPS SSJ021
Seiko

Seiko Astron GPS solar watches: The SSH145J and SSJ021

The advanced 5X53 caliber movement powers the Seiko Astron GPS Solar SSH145J. The watch boasts a plethora of features, including a perpetual calendar, world time function, dual-time function, power reserve indicator, and GPS signal reception function, among others. Furthermore, its limited edition status adds an exclusive touch to its allure, making it a coveted piece for collectors and aficionados.

On the other hand, the Seiko Astron GPS Solar SSJ021 model emerges as a distinguished member of the 3X series, boasting the refined 3X62 caliber movement. Unlike its predecessor, the 5X53, this iteration opts for a more streamlined approach, eschewing the complexities of a chronograph for a cleaner, minimalist aesthetic. For those who appreciate a sleek and understated design, the SSJ021 presents an appealing option with its uncluttered dial and absence of excessive sub-dials.

Despite its minimalist facade, the SSJ021 doesn’t compromise on features, still including the perpetual calendar, GPS signal reception, power reserve indicator, and date display. Lumibrite on hands and indices ensures optimal legibility even in low-light conditions, while the three-fold clasp with push-button release ensures a secure and comfortable fit for everyday wear.

Seiko Astron GPS Solar SSH145J
Seiko

The verdict

The allure of purple watches is undeniable in the industry at the moment, captivating the attention of everyday men as well as those who put fashion front and center. The dynamic presence of a Seiko solar watch, when juxtaposed with a sleek black case and opulent gold accents, creates a visual symphony that commands admiration.

Undoubtedly, opinions may vary on the choice of darkened cases; however, it is this very divergence of perspectives that adds intrigue and depth to the discussion. While some may embrace the mysterious allure of the blackened case, others may prefer a more traditional aesthetic. Regardless of personal preferences, these variations offer a refreshing array of choices within the collection of Seiko watches.

What truly sets the Seiko Astron Morning Star series apart is its inspiration drawn from the celestial beauty of the morning sky. Just as the dawn heralds a new beginning, these watches symbolize the birth of a new era in luxury Seiko watches. The ethereal blue gradient dial, reminiscent of the tranquil hues of daybreak, serves as a constant reminder of the infinite possibilities that each new day brings.

The Seiko Astron GPS Solar: How to buy it and what is the price tag?

The Seiko Astron GPS Solar SSH145 is available for $2,700, while the SSJ021 is available for a slightly cheaper $2,300. They can both be bought at authorized Seiko retailers.

Seiko Astron Morning Star SSH145

Seiko Astron Morning Star SSJ021

Sarah Veldman
Sarah Veldman
Former Freelance Writer
Sarah has been a freelance writer for over 7 years now, having started while she was living out of a suitcase and traveling…
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Jaeger-LeCoultre introduces Polaris Chronograph in signature ocean grey lacquer
Lacquer mastery: Jaeger-LeCoultre's polaris chronograph features 35-layer ocean grey dial construction
Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph

Jaeger-LeCoultre adds a new chronograph to its Polaris collection, featuring the brand’s Ocean Grey lacquer dial. This dial is built with impressive complexity: 35 layers of lacquer are applied by hand, with three different finishes giving it depth and character. The 42mm sports watch continues the approach the collection began in 2018, redefining what a modern, sporty, and chic timepiece can be.
The Polaris collection pays tribute to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s diving watches from the 1960s, taking their athletic spirit and translating it into a refined, contemporary design. The Ocean Grey version keeps the line’s signature elements—straight lines, curved lugs, a thin bezel, a glass box crystal, and a mix of brushed and polished surfaces. The large crown and pushers are inspired by the original 1960s model, making them practical and easy to use.
The Ocean Grey dial itself is a showcase of craftsmanship, with a central disc, a middle ring for the hour markers, and an outer ring displaying a tachymeter scale. Sunray brushing on the central disc subtly contrasts with the polished hour ring, while the gradual color shift from light to dark adds visual depth across the dial.
Creating the dial requires meticulous handwork. It starts with a clear varnish base coat, followed by four layers of color and a black layer to create the gradient. Achieving a consistent gradient across the dial’s two main sections is a challenge, and then 30 more transparent lacquer layers are added to create the final sense of depth and richness.
The chronograph’s layout is designed for clarity. A central seconds hand provides precise measurement, with a 30-minute counter at three o’clock and a running seconds subdial at nine o’clock. Circular graining adds visual texture, contrasting with the polished central disc and the textured hour ring. Orange accents highlight key indicators and add a dynamic touch to the overall look.
Inside, the automatic Caliber 761 is Jaeger-LeCoultre’s in-house chronograph movement, combining technical performance with mechanical elegance. Two barrels power the column wheel chronograph with a vertical clutch, offering a 65-hour power reserve. The movement is finely finished, with blued screws, Côtes de Genève decoration, and an open-worked rotor bearing the ‘JL’ logo.
The entire movement is designed, produced, and assembled in Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Manufactory in Switzerland’s Vallée de Joux, making it a true in-house creation. The sapphire crystal case back reveals the movement and maintains 10-bar water resistance, ready for adventure.
The watch offers versatility with two strap options: a blue-grey canvas and a textured black rubber strap. An interchangeable folding buckle system makes it easy to switch straps, allowing the watch to adapt from casual elegance to active sports use.

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Fellows auction spotlights platinum Rolex Daytona among 464 coveted timepieces
Auction spotlight: Fellows presents platinum rolex daytona with ice blue dial
Fellows rolex daytona spotlight

Fellows offers its latest online watch auction at 10 AM BST on Thursday, June 26. The auction features 464 selected timepieces, and a platinum Rolex Daytona with an ice blue dial stands out. This 40mm watch, listed as Lot 194, is estimated at about $74,000–$101,000. It gives collectors a chance to acquire a highly sought-after watch.
The platinum Daytona has small recorder dials at three, six, and nine o'clock, keeping the classic look that has defined the model since it began. It comes with its original box and papers. This example represents Rolex’s best chronograph watches, combining a precious metal case with the brand’s iconic race-inspired design.
Platinum Daytonas are important to collectors because Rolex produces very few of them, and they feature the special ice blue dial. Rolex uses this color combination only for its platinum watches, making it a unique feature. Along with the Daytona’s fame in car racing and popular culture, this often leads to strong auction results worldwide.
The auction includes much more than just the Daytona. There are watches from Omega, Cartier, Breitling, and other Rolex models, covering a range of styles and periods. Lot 198 is a Rolex "Batman" GMT-Master II, estimated at $8,000–$11,000. Lot 210 is a Rolex Day-Date, with an estimate between $27,000–$41,000.
Modern luxury sports watches are also featured. Lot 116 is an IWC Pilot Top Gun, estimated at $6,700–$11,000, showing the strong market demand for aviation-inspired pieces. Lot 110 is a Hublot Big Bang, estimated at $5,400–$8,000, demonstrating the auction’s reach across both classic and contemporary luxury segments.
Fellows’ online format allows collectors from around the world to participate. People can request online viewings, which has become an important part of luxury watch auctions, allowing collectors to take part even if they cannot attend in person. It also ensures the careful inspection needed for high-value watches.
The June 26 sale comes at a good time in the summer auction calendar, as collector activity often increases before the main international sales in autumn. With prices ranging from accessible luxury watches around $5,000 to six-figure special pieces, the auction appeals to a wide range of collectors.
With 464 lots spanning vintage classics to modern luxury, Fellows’ latest auction highlights the ongoing strength of the pre-owned luxury watch market and offers collectors opportunities at many price points and in various collecting areas.

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Blancpain completes Fifty Fathoms collection with versatile 38mm additions
Blancpain's Fifty Fathoms collection spans 38-45mm for every wrist preference
Fifty Fathoms collection 38mm additions

Blancpain finishes the Fifty Fathoms Automatique collection with new 38mm pieces, creating a full three-size line for every wrist. After releasing the mother-of-pearl dégradé models in petal pink and smoky black, the company now offers classic 38mm options in stainless steel, grade 23 titanium, and 18-carat red gold, with blue or black sunburst dials.
The introduction of the 38mm model marks a notable shift for Blancpain’s dive watch, which began in 1953 under CEO Jean-Jacques Fiechter. The first Fifty Fathoms set the standard for professional dive watches—featuring a locking rotating bezel, improved water resistance, a luminous and high-contrast dial, automatic winding, and anti-magnetic protection. These features remain important today.
Blancpain says, “This isn’t simply a scaled-down version,” about the new size. The company carefully designed the 38mm case to achieve balance, harmony, and presence on all wrist sizes, bringing new options while keeping the classic Fifty Fathoms look.
Market response shows the wide appeal of this format, moving beyond old gender limits. Demand is high among women who want sporty, well-made watches for smaller wrists, and the 38mm size also attracts men who prefer smaller, lighter cases. This fits with Blancpain’s idea of making “a line for everyone” instead of products for specific genders.
The Blancpain Manufacture Caliber 1150 demonstrates strong technical skill. It beats at 3Hz and offers a 100-hour power reserve. The movement, which winds automatically, features a silicon balance spring for improved anti-magnetic performance. A sapphire crystal caseback reveals the fine finishing, including an 18-carat gold rotor with NAC coating, inspired by the 1953 watch.
The expanded collection now forms a clear family structure with 38mm, 42mm, and 45mm choices, ensuring the right size for different tastes and wrists. This broader approach reflects today’s market needs for sizing that includes everyone and goes beyond outdated gender ideas.
Blancpain’s Ocean Commitment (BOC) continues to support ocean exploration projects, connecting the brand’s watchmaking history with modern environmental awareness. The Fifty Fathoms story now goes beyond just telling time, extending to ocean conservation.
With three sizes now available, the Fifty Fathoms Automatique achieves Blancpain’s aim of making the collection accessible to all, while also honoring seventy years of dive watch progress. The collection shows how respected designs can evolve with smart sizing without losing technical skill or good looks.
This completion makes the Fifty Fathoms a truly complete dive watch family. Its definition no longer comes from wrist size limits but from its inclusive approach to luxury sports watch ownership.

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