On a Seiko Astron 5X53, press and hold buttons A and B together for one second to transfer the main-dial and sub-dial time zones. To set a new destination zone instead, use the crown at its first click. These are different operations: transferring swaps the two existing dial settings, while zone selection changes a setting. Astron instructions vary by caliber, so check the code engraved on your case back and use the matching Seiko manual before following any button sequence.
First, identify your Astron caliber
“Seiko Astron” covers multiple GPS Solar calibers and dial layouts, so there is no single world-time procedure for every model. Find the caliber code on the case back, then use Seiko’s instruction finder to locate its manual. The 5X53 is a GPS Solar Dual Time watch; the 5X83 is a GPS Solar Dual Time Chronograph; and the 8X22 has a different layout. Do not treat the 8X22’s zone-setting instructions as the two-dial 5X53 procedure.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The steps below give the detailed dual-time directions for the 5X53. Seiko’s 5X83 guide also covers sub-dial adjustment and time transfer, but use that caliber’s own manual for the exact controls and steps.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →What dual time and time transfer do
On a 5X53 dual-time model, the main dial and sub-dial can show times for different zones. If the main dial shows your home time and the sub-dial shows local time, you can transfer the settings so the local time becomes the main-dial time and home time moves to the sub-dial. The transfer also swaps the daylight saving time (DST) conditions attached to the two dial times.
#1 Best Overall
![SEIKO Watch SBXY033 [ASTRON Solar Radio Line Metal Band Men] Shipped from Japan Relased in March 2022](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41yXd-xgoUL._SL160_.jpg)
- Includes individual box, Japanese warranty (1 year), and individual box
- Solar radio wave correction function (receives standard radio waves in Japan, China, USA, Germany, and UK)
- Full auto-calendar function (until December 31, 2099)
- Time difference correction function
- Automatic needle position correction function
Transferring the dials does not select a new zone. If you need to set a dial to a destination zone that is not already represented, use the manual zone-setting procedure instead.
On a 5X53, transfer the main and sub-dial times
- Press and hold buttons A and B together for one second.
- Wait for the hands and date/day display to finish moving before pressing any button. The main-dial hands, sub-dial, date, and day switch in sequence, and the buttons cannot be operated during this movement.
- After the display settles, check which zone appears on each dial and confirm the DST conditions are appropriate.
Seiko’s 5X53 manual documents this time-transfer operation.
Rank #2
- Since its 1987 launch, the Attesa has delivered dependable performance via expert titanium-processing know-how and innovative chronograph technology, and the latest addition to the collection is no different
- Satellite GPS Timekeeping System with Worldwide Reception Area, World's Fastest Timekeeping Signal Reception Speed From GPS Navigation Satellites - As Quick as 3 Seconds, World Time in 27 Cities (40 Time Zones), 1/20 Second Chronograph Measures up to 24 Hours, Dual Time Zone, Alarm / Day Date, Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) Display, Perpetual Calendar, Daylight Savings Time Indicator, Power Reserve Indicator, Light Level Indicator
- Black Super Titanium with DLC Coating 44.6mm Case
- Anti-Reflective Double Domed Sapphire Crystal
- 100M Water Resistant and Limited Warranty
On a 5X53, manually set a destination time zone
Manual zone selection is useful when GPS time-zone adjustment cannot be completed, such as when reception is unavailable. It changes the selected zone rather than swapping the two existing dial settings.
- Pull the crown out to the first click. The seconds hand indicates the currently set time zone.
- Turn the crown until the seconds hand points to the destination time zone. Turning clockwise advances one zone; turning counterclockwise moves back one zone.
- Push the crown back in. The seconds hand returns to time display and the indicator hand returns to charging status.
- Check DST for the destination and set it as needed. After manual zone selection, the 5X53 changes the DST setting from AUTO to either ST (off) or DST (on); it does not automatically return to AUTO.
Use the 5X53 manual’s time-zone list to match a zone to the seconds-hand position; the mapping is caliber-specific. The manual also explains how to check the zone and DST setting for each dial.
Rank #3
- Case Size: 39.00 mm, Band Width: 20, Case Thickness: 9.22 mm
- Solar Quartz movement, 316L stainless steel, Index dial type, Date
- Stainless steel bracelet, Butterfly clasp with push-buttons,INTERCHANGEABLE-QUICK-RELEASE-BRACELET closure
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 m / 330 ft): suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but no diving or snorkeling.
- 2 Year International Warranty
Choose GPS adjustment or manual zone selection
| Method | Use it when | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| GPS time-zone adjustment | GPS reception is available and you want the watch to adjust for the destination zone. | Reception can fail depending on conditions, and GPS reception uses substantial energy. Keep the watch charged and follow the procedure for your caliber. |
| Manual zone selection | GPS adjustment cannot be completed, or the stored zone data may not reflect current local rules. | On a 5X53, use the crown at the first click and check DST afterward. The zone-position mapping depends on the caliber. |
A watch does not necessarily change to the new local time just because you travel. For example, Seiko’s 8X22 guide says to perform time-zone adjustment when GPS signals can be received and otherwise use its manual zone-setting procedure; it also says DST must be set manually. Those 8X22 directions apply to that caliber and are not a substitute for 5X53 dual-time instructions. See the 8X22 manual for its procedure.
Check DST and current time-zone rules
For the 5X53, DST can be set manually. After manually selecting a zone, confirm whether the destination observes DST and choose ST or DST accordingly. Do not assume another Astron caliber handles DST the same way.
Time-zone rules can change through government policy, and Seiko says the zone data stored in a watch is configured as of dates that vary by caliber. If a region changed its official time after the data programmed into your caliber, GPS time-zone adjustment may not show the correct local time. Seiko’s workaround is to select the zone appropriate to the current local time manually, then adjust the time manually. Consult Seiko’s GPS Solar guidance and the manual for your caliber when this applies.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
