Seiko Celebrates 145th Anniversary with New Dual-Time Chronograph from <Seiko Astron> in Limited and Regular Models

Seiko Watch Corporation (President, Chairman & CEO & CCO: Shinji Hattori, Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo) will release one limited edition model and three regular models from the <Seiko Astron> Nexter series, commemorating Seiko's 145th anniversary. The limited edition model is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, June 10th, and the regular models on Friday, June 5th, with suggested retail prices ranging from 297,000 to 330,000 yen (tax included).

Seiko's founder, Kintaro Hattori, established "Hattori Watch Shop (now Seiko Group Corporation)" in 1881. Under the creed of "Always a step ahead of the times," he completed Japan's first wristwatch in 1913, and since then, has significantly contributed to the development of Japan's watch industry.

In the 1960s, Seiko successively announced world-firsts and Japan-firsts. In 1964, it released Japan's first mechanical chronograph, followed by Japan's first diver's watch in 1965. Furthermore, in 1969, it launched the world's first quartz wristwatch, and around that time, it made a full-scale entry into overseas markets, continuing various "innovations and challenges," which became the foundation of today's Seiko.

The limited edition models commemorating Seiko's 145th anniversary, including this timepiece, adopt blue, inspired by "Seiko Blue" which was established in the 1960s and refined over time to the present, as an accent color.

<Seiko Astron> is a brand that symbolizes Seiko's advanced nature, inheriting its name from the world's first quartz watch, <Quartz Astron>, which Seiko launched ahead of the world in 1969. As a business watch that combines sophisticated styling with unique functionality that never stops evolving, it supports people's lifestyles worldwide with high time accuracy. In addition to the world's first GPS solar watch born in September 2012, solar radio-controlled models have also been added to the lineup, offering a wide range of variations.

The Nexter series, based on the concept of "Solidity & Harmonic," supports "next-generation leaders" who possess strong will and a spirit of harmony with advanced technology and refined design.

And now, a new GPS solar dual-time chronograph equipped with a newly developed movement "Caliber 5X63" and a "Smart Switch®" mechanism for easy band changes with simple button operations is born.

≪Product Features≫

**New Dial Design with New Movement**

The Seiko 145th Anniversary commemorative limited edition model features a beautiful contrast with a white-silver dial accented by blue sub-dials. The coloring inspired by "Seiko Blue" brings a sophisticated impression to the wrist.

With the new movement "Caliber 5X63," sub-dials are placed at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions. Additionally, the dual-time display and accumulator, which were conventionally 12-hour, are now 24-hour.

The dial emits a precise sparkle with a geometric pattern composed of triangles. Symmetrically arranged sub-dials against a shimmering dial pattern present a dignified and stable presence.

**Bold Shaping with Sharp Edges and Comfortable Wearability**

The case design inherits the three-dimensional and powerful design code composed of straight lines of the current model. The sharply angled, polygonal titanium bezel adopts a two-piece structure, a first for Astron, combining two titanium parts. This structure ensures comfortable wearability with a low center of gravity design that fits the wrist well, while achieving a dynamic design that sharply shines the ridgelines and emphasizes the texture of the metal.

**Newly Developed "Smart Switch®" Mechanism**

This model is equipped with the newly developed unique "Smart Switch®" mechanism. It allows for easy strap changes with simple button operations to match your mood or occasion.

The limited edition model comes with a special silicon strap featuring a blue x white combination color matching the dial design, creating a clean and light styling.

**Regular Models with Calm Dial Colors that Highlight the Case Design**

In addition to the limited edition model, three types of regular models will be released: a bracelet model with an intelligent and elegant blue-gray or a sharp and cool black, and a silicon strap model in black with gold accents to create a light and glamorous look on the wrist.

Furthermore, silicon straps compatible with all Smart Switch equipped models are also available separately. The material used is reinforced silicon, which is comfortable on the wrist and highly durable.