KIH
[Purist]
12044
Mini Review of Seiko Active Matrix EPD Digital Watch SDGA003
Perhaps most of the PuristS do not care much about this watch - this is quartz and digital. But in my mind, Seiko is one of the most advanced watch manufacturer and this EPD (Electrophoretic Display) + radio wave automatic adjusting watch is noteworthy. I couldn't resist the urge to get one and here is the brief review (not into technical, but just from users stand point). FYI, this was released on Friday, December 3 in Japan and this particular color model got immediately sold out everywhere but the second batch fortunately made it to the largest retailer outlet (Bic Camera) by Christmas 
Start from the profile:
There are 5 "Styles" of the display. Here is #1 - my personal favorite.
#2. - a bit hard to see.
#3 - inverse of #1
#4 - inverse of #2, better legibility than #2
And #5 - this is showing 1:18 am.
Pushing the lower left button lets you see the second - automatically back to the regular "style" in 30 sec or so.
Menu screen
World Time - I set it to New York. Home and World time can be swapped easily - very nice for business trip.
Now, the tricky part - trying to capture the radio wave to adjust the time automatically.
Nah... the watch MUST be placed near the window and kept still for SEVERAL MINUTES. Programed to automatically sync with the radio wave at 2 am and 4 am everyday, but if the watch is not close to the window, it won't work.
But you can always do it manually (placed on the terrace)
After several minute, sync is complete.
Now, how good this EPD is?
Wow...
Woooow!
Well, that's it. Just a user review. As mentioned, although it is programed to sync automatically everyday, it doesn't work so well. But the incredible legibility of the screen and it CAN sync to US, UK, and Europe radio wave when you travel, and that is why I decided to give it a shot. I hope the sync process get a bit easier in the future and can receive the Asian time radio wave as well. But for now, this is good enough and this will be my business trip watch from now on.
Now, this is my current Seiko family - from handwind mechanical GS, Spring Drive Credor, Quartz Astron, and now Active Matrix Radio Wave Digital.
Thank you for reading!
Ken
This message has been edited by KIH on 2010-12-25 09:26:50
Mini Review of Seiko Active Matrix EPD Digital Watch SDGA003
Perhaps most of the PuristS do not care much about this watch - this is quartz and digital. But in my mind, Seiko is one of the most advanced watch manufacturer and this EPD (Electrophoretic Display) + radio wave automatic adjusting watch is noteworthy. I...
Hey...I love this watch
I rad about it's release some time ago, and asked a fellow Purists to purchase for me when he was holidaying in Japan two months back, but was told it's not out yet. Are they still available @Bic Camera? Congrats btw....fantastic choice. Who cares if the ...
Great watch,
I really love the features it has to offer, would buy one myself without hesitation. Thanks for the excellent photos, and the Seiko collection you now have is absolutely fantastic! Enjoy them all! Filip
Interesting gadget Ken..
Does the power solely rely on battery and is the colour on the back different from the front of the watch? I would like to check it out if they have them here. Thanks for the review and a very cool collection. Best fernando
Good point, I forgot to mention...
... yes, this is solely solar power and once fully charged, it lasts for NINE MONTHS. NO NEED TO CHANGE BATTERY! Solar panel is just around the display (very thin area as thin as the width or the texts printed - you can see from the first and second photo...
I see it..
and that IS impressive! I get plenty of sun around here & use solar panels for some of my energy needs in the house.This will fit in nicely with my energy efficient theme. Thanks fernando
thank you for your review
I had never known of this model and its recent release. in effect, your watch enjoys 5 different dials! a very attractive watch--and, I must say, capable of holding its own among your formidable collection of Seiko watches! congrats and wear in good healt...
Ken, this is awesome!
I love the display! It's very crisp, bright and legible -- all things I really value in a watch. You have a great collection of Seikos, from the more dressy to more whimsical. I like where you're headed with your Seikos! I have a soft spot for the brand, ...
Good review. I thoght about buying one, but...
I thought that the cost was too much and the display refresh rate does not support showing continuous seconds(AFAIR)
The display is slow, but not that slow.
Well, sometimes you might get frustrated, but it doesn't bother me as long as I see the time, and sometimes check the second by pushing a button. The cost is subjective and I have no comment. I got pretty good discount from the AD. Ken
Thanks for the update
As soon as this watch was announced, I sent off the description to a US friend who really wants a "good" digital watch - our efforts to steer him to a mechanical watch have been futile. He is ready to buy, even at the high list price, and I had to explain...
Well, if his interest is for digital....
... there is always G-shock by Casio It doesn't have to be this and pay that much, for sure.
Thanks Ken
for the great review ! Its on my list as well, and a must acquire on my next business trip to Tokyo. I travel to US, UK and Jpn mostly for work, that will suit just FINE. Unfortunately, multi-band function does not work back in Singapore. Nevertheless a M...
Hello flamenco!
The Credor is long discontinued, but the model number is GCLH999 (SS model). WG model (which looks exactly the same as SS model) is GBLH999. Next time you come to Tokyo, DO feel free to contact me - depending on the schedule, we may meet up! Ken
Thank you
for the very kind offer. Always a pleasure to meet like minded afficiandos I am always putting up in the Tokyo Dome hotel (not very good are for watch shopping) Maybe I should move to Ikebukuro the next time ...
Cool and Eco friendly piece. 9 months on a single charge is just amazing.
Is it in full PVD as I thought the back was in steel color? Thanks and congrats. PAt
Great review.....
....on a very useful modern toolwatch. But you need a window How's the battery life? Best Hans
Forgot to mention in the first post...
...and answer is here: home.watchprosite.com No need to change the battery forever. Solely solar power. Once fully charged, it lasts for 9 months. Ultimate "eco" watch, isn't it? Ken
Solely solar power? No secondary battery? Are you sure?
All Citizen and Casio solar watches have secondary batteries that are recharged by the solar cells. I would expect that this Seiko watch has the same kind of design, given that there is a 9 month power reserve. Casio has only one solar watch with no recha...
I don't understand why you read my post that way
I mentioned a few times like "when fully CHARGED" and that implies there is a rechargeable battery inside. I DID mention "no need to CHANGE the battery" - "CHANGE (=replace)", not "CHARGE". "Solely solar power" was used in the context of the source of the...
This is why...
Thank you for the welcome, Ken. Your review of the Seiko SDGA003 attracted me here. My response was based on your statements from the earlier message titled "Forgot to mention in the first post..": "No need to change the battery forever. Solely solar powe...
Is it MADE IN CHINA?
I am extremely interested to acquire one. However, it is only for domestic Japan and not available in HK. However, it would be amusing if it is MADE IN CHINA and shipped to Japan. Now Seiko in HK doesn't offer one! I actually quite like the Gold tone, it'...
Yes, it IS made in CHINA.
Black and Champagne are the same price while SS is a bit cheaper and looks cheaper.... About the availability, I just fount that "Breitz" line is offered in Taiwan and a few countries, but not in many other parts of the world. It is interesting.... SEIKO ...
Ironic as it maybe, HKSAR is part of CHINA
The watch is MADE IN CHINA and yet ironically not available here locally, sadly speaking. Amazon.co.jp would not ship to HK. BTW, not that it matters. I use an iphone4 and it is MADE IN CHINA but for SEIKO, with history and legacy and the title of the old...
Huh?
This is not the Top of the Line of SEIKO. Grand Seiko is made in Japan. Most of higher-end Credor is made in Japan. Shizukuishi Watch Studio and Shiojiri factory are not in China. Come on, this is LCD DIGITAL - the consumer line. Lexus is made in Japan. H...
It is made by SEIKO, location is unimportant
Certainly, Seiko has some watches made in China, or some parts made there used for watches that are mostly made in Japan. It all depends upon the product managers and budgetary constraints. I have not seen the case back of the watch, so I don't know if it...
tks, just received watch, it's amazing in real sheet metal
you have to see the display in real life. Photos don't accurately reflect how avant garde and clear the display is. Everyone at work is amazed! Clarity similar and better than ip 4's Retina Display to me.
SEIKO SDGA003 Solar Wave Radio Control Watch.
Hello Ken. I just read your detailed review of the Seiko SDGA003 watch and in that review you state that that watch's ability to receive the time signal automatically is not so good. I must disagree because I recently purchased a pre-owned Seiko SDGA003 w...
