[sdiver68]

Seiko Astron is better than any Citizen except Chronomaster. Casio Oceanus is comparable. In my personal ranking, Astron and Oceanus both beat any non-The Citizen. I'm talking about the watches overall.

This particular model OP has purchased is made at the Grand Seiko factory. It's honestly a Grand Seiko level case and dial with a higher end Seiko bracelet. The solar GPS movement every bit as accurate as any Eco-Drive with roughly the same expected lifespan and ability to service.

In terms of heritage, Astron was the first quartz watch and first GPS solar watch. It's a premium label for Seiko. Citizen the first titanium watch, a leader in quartz solar and adoption of scratch resistant coatings.

Here are my owned quartz examples of each

 

[sdiver68]

Nice!! Curious... how has the GPS calibration been for you? It only needs one satellite signal correct? Does it receive signals indoors?

GPS is less reliable sync vs Atomic for me. It really needs to be outside, and occasionally I've needed to "force" a sync. My atomic always sync indoors. These observations are from 2 locations in the US, St. Louis area and Phoenix/Scottsdale area, YMMV based on location.

 

[sdiver68]

Great watches you have !! Would you say the Oceanus is worth so much more than the Astron ? I wish the Oceanus didn't have the blue on so was more universal.

Thank you.

No I would not say that. I will say Oceanus at under $400 is a better deal than Astron at 2-3x the price. But Astron is overall finished at a higher level.

Just as a point of opinion, I think Oceanus 3 handers are 1 of the great overall bargains in all of watchmaking. It's ~90% of GS quartz/Astron/Chronomaster at far lower prices with a very tough and storied movement from the G-shock range.

 

[sdiver68]

That watch looks beautiful but my only hangup is that for a $1500 quartz it still has the quartz backlash effect. I hate that. Their tunas dont exhibit that with the high torque quartz movements. This Astron should do better IMO

3x22 has automatic marker correction, and perpetual calendar in the world's smallest solar GPS movement which enables it to fit smaller watches. If it's missing a feature my guess is they decided it wasn't worth the space as an engineering decision.

Personally I don't notice backlash examing side by side with my GS9f but fair point if you do.