In the ultra-modern world of GPS and solar watches both Seiko and Citizen have some noteworthy models. Both the Seiko Astron and Citizen Satellite Wave are hot GPS contenders in this area, featuring very similar technology, but quite different looks and offerings.
In this review I will take a detailed look at how the technology compares and differs as well as a couple of specific watches. This way, you can figure out exactly which is the right watch for you in the high-tech solar GPS watch category.
Comparison of Seiko vs Citizen Watches
First, let’s do a quick spec vs spec comparison so you can get an overview of what these watches offer. If you want the short version, there is very little difference apart from a ceramic bezel on the Seiko.
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- Astron Solar Japanese Quartz Movement
- Synthetic Sapphire Crystal with Anti-reflective coating
- Case: 43mm Stainless Steel
- Bezel: Pure titanium and ceramics with City codes
- Titanium Band with Clasp
- Waterproof to 100m
- Eco-Drive Solar Japanese Quartz Movement
- Synthetic Sapphire Crystal with Anti-reflective coating
- Case: 45mm Stainless Steel
- Bezel: Metal with City Codes
- Titanium Band with Clasp (some Stainless Steel)
- Waterproof to 100m
Seiko and Citizen offer these watches in a variety of styles and models, so it is kind of hard to compare, the above two models are very similar, but others do vary.
For example some have smaller faces, stainless steel bands (mostly on Citizen) and of course whether you have a chronograph or not depends on the models.
Where they really vary is in the layout and markings on the face, as well as the ceramic bezel on the Seiko. The Anit-reflective coating on the Seiko is also supposed to be better (some say it’s so good you can’t even see the glass). So, in some ways you get what you pay for.
But in the end, it is up to you which model you prefer from a huge range from both Seiko and Citizen.
Comparison of The GPS Solar Technology
When it comes to Solar and GPS technology both Citizen and Seiko have done a great job. What you get is a watch that is charged by light and displays the correct time, and time zone which is given by GPS.
Solar Watches & Recharging
Rather than having to change your battery, a solar watch will help you recharge it by just exposing it to light. The brigher and more natural (ie. sun) your light is exposed to, the quicker it charges.
Both these watches store a lot of charge in a custom battery, but more specifically:
- Seiko: 6 months
- Citizen: 2.5 years
So, although you can recharge these batteries far less often than you would think, they don’t hold charge forever. It pays to keep them charged and to do so (in bright sunlight on the window sill for example) at least once a week.
GPS Time Zones & Time Setting
