Hey there.
I don't speak Russian, but I loved this topic. The information for the various versions of Astrodea was priceless and I must thank that user for sharing it.

I was also looking for an Astrodea, but after seeing the prices and finding no blue northern hemisphere I was about to quit. No new edition since 2009 as well.

You guys mentioned here, but I think it was the old version. Check out the new Accurist Celestial.

Yeah, I believe the thread is a most detailed internet investigation of "Astrodea problem". :) Thanks to all participants.

/Ага, полагаю, эта тема - самое детальное интернет-исследование "проблемы Astrodea". :) Спасибо всем участникам.

Unfortunately, unfortunately... I guess I was lucky to get it at the end of sales while price wasn't huge.

/К сожалению, к сожалению... Предполагаю, мне повезло успеть получить часы в конце продаж, но пока цена ещё не была огромной.

True, seems like the Astrodea line was stopped. Since the watch is competitor to the gorgeous Campanola line that could be reasonable management decision. Time will show!
As for Accurist - as far as I know they issued under Citizen license. Just my opinion - they look not as balanced as originals.

/Верно, похоже выпуск астродейной "линейки" был остановлен. Поскольку часы эти являются в некотором роде конкурентами шикарным "кампанолам", то это было бы разумным управленческим решением. Время покажет!
Касательно "аккуристов" - насколько знаю, они выпаскаются по лицензии Citizen. Лишь моё мнение - дизайн их не столь сбалансирован, как у исходной модели.

Can I ask which version did you get and for what price? :)



Campanola Cosmo sign looks great. The new model looks the best in my view. But it's just a small astrodea dial version in a larger watch. Looks super, but you are right, for the price it simply has nothing over astrodea. The calibre does the same as the 4P97 (with moon age).
Compared to most watches out there it's a great buy, but compared to accurist and astrodea... one has to think.


I don't usually write reviews on these things but I will explain.
The movement was licensed from Citizen to Accurist for this special commemorative edition.

Here is the 42 mm blue dial northern hemisphere Astrodea:
http://forums.watchuseek.com/attachm...-citizen-l.jpg

Here is the same, Accurist:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...BL._SS500_.jpg

Movement is the 4P92 (42 mm blue dial northern hemisphere, same as Astrodea). It is set at 50º (much better for Russia, for me 35º would maybe be best).

The only flaws compared to astrodea are:
1 - Accurist written on front (barely visible when it's in your hand, but still there)
2 - The grid on the dial is more visible, making stuff underneath less visible (but read ahead, that might now be bad)
3 - No moon age in the center, but that was also not in any 42 mm Astrodea (I have no idea why, but honestly the smaller astrodea is not as pretty or useful.. but they equipped it with this small information dial. Pitty it did not make it to the 42 mm).


But what Accurist got right compared to Astrodea:

1 - The metal bracelet version is much more elegant than Astrodea, looks like a more expensive watch. Question of taste, but I don't like the leather version of this new Accurist. But the steel version is simply better looking than the Astrodea.

2 - Casing! The Astrodea came in a very plain blue card box. Look at accurist: black card box, then a wood beautiful box, completly upscale. For some versions of Astrodea there was similar box to Accurist, smaller and in blue, without magnifying glass. But most were like this one below:

http://www.shifteast.com/asia-trends...07-edition.jpg
http://img2.mlstatic.com/accurist-ce...050_042012.jpg


3 - The dial is the exact same as Astrodea. Yet, the grid is more visible. You loose a little bit of visibility, but gain in style. Astrodea has a blue opaque grid (that still gets in the way of seeing the dial). This one is silver, when in the sun or bright light it gives a really nice tone to the watch. This was my main concern when I got the Accurist, I was afraid it was too visible. Now I see they upscaled this, looks less like a toy. You loose a bit of visibility, but you can't have both.

4 - The pointers are actually a bit better looking, since they allow to be easily viewed for the time, and they do not get in the way of looking at the dial. Astrodea ones are thinner but have white larger ends, which are not that as classy in my opinion.

5 - The backside of the watch is a bit better looking and is numbered! Only 500 of each of the 4 versions (golden metal and leather, silver metal and leather) were released.

6 - Instructions in english, 3 year warranty from London (not Japan).

7 - This one was made in Japan (Astrodea had japanese movement, but made in China) - this is irrelevant to me, but not to other people.

8 - Price: it's the same as when Astrodea was released. Astrodea was around 400€ at the time of the release, on ebay new ones costed 500-650€. So the price of Accurist and Astrodea is the exact same, unless you get the leather strap versions, which are cheaper due to that very same reason.


In view of all this, if I had in front me of Astrodea or Accurist I would not know what to pick. I would probably pick Accurist due to better design and box, but they are almost the same watch.
Or simply buy both! :P

AST97-1001 (2008 version, blue sky, Northern Hemisphere, stars and moonphases, 38 mm), USD 700-750, almost two years ago. At least that is not 1000+ as at the end of sales but not 500 as at the beginning. Reported here and here.

As you see, that's a trend of the forum to replace bracelet with blue strap. :)

/AST97-1001 (версия 2008, синие, Северное полушарие, звёзды и фазы луны, 38 мм), USD 700-750, почти два года назад. По крайней мере, не 1000+ как в конце продаж, но и, конечно, не 500, как в начале. Докладывал здесь и тут.

Как видите, тренд этого форума - пересаживать с браслета на синий ремень. :)

Thank you for so detailed analysis AstroVSAccurist. :) As for me personally, I don't like the label on glass (the same with any watches), as well as some non-evident features which makes the watch simplified (say, make it "chaper-like"). Just my feelings, I didn't see Accurist in reality, so may be completely wrong, especially after your review. To be honest, Astrodea isn't Campanolla, so it's a big question what is simplicity.

/Спасибо за столь детальное сравнение AstroVSAccurist. :) Как по мне, не нравится надпись на стекле (так же, как с любыми другими часами), а также есть некоторые неочевидные детали, которые будто упрощают часы (будто делают выглядящими дешевле). Всего лишь мои догадки, Accurist не видил живьём, так что могы быть совсем неправ, особенно после Вашего обзора. Справедливости ради, Astrodea тоже не Campanolla, ещё вопрос, что есть простота.

***********************************
Just the information on forum rules: unfortunately the forum allows Russian only to let everyone understand the topic. So please use automatic translator (despite that is horrible) to not be "punished" by forum administration. ;))

/Чуть информации по правилам форума: к сожалению, на форуме позволяется писать лишь на русском, чтобы все могли понимать о чём речь. Поэтому просьба использовать автоматический переводчик, как бы это ни было ужасно, чтобы не быть "наказанным" администрацией. ;))

Indeed I had seen them before. I think it looks great with that blue strap! Good match! Like the new Cosmosign style.
AST97-1001 was the latest version with moon age, but in 42 mm nothing came out. :\


Действительно, я видел их раньше. Я думаю, что это выглядит здорово, что с синим ремешком! Хороший матч! Нравится новый стиль Cosmosign.
AST97-1001 была последняя версия с луной возрасте, но в 42 мм ничего не вышло. : \

What do you mean with non-evident features? I did not understand.
I think both Astrodea and Accurist are very close. It is basically the same watch.

Что вы имеете в виду с неочевидных возможностей? Я не понял.
Я думаю, что обе Astrodea и Accurist очень близки. Это в основном те же часы.

Does anybody know if they will produce Astrodea in the future or if it finishes? Or if a new Cosmosign Camapnola will be released?


Кто-нибудь знает, если они будут производить Astrodea в будущем, или если он заканчивается? Или, если новый Cosmosign Camapnola выйдет?

Do not take it too serious. Just my personal impression, nothing more. ;) Astrodea looks better to me.
/Не нужно воспринимать это слишком всерьёз. Всего лишь личное впечатление, ничего более. ;) Astrodea как-то больше нравится.

Очень заинтересовался этими часами,жаль,что не успел их приобрести....
Что скажете:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ASTRO-Conste...item46191de76d

?

Очень заинтересовался этими часами,жаль,что не успел их приобрести....
Что скажете:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ASTRO-Conste...item46191de76d

?

Эти часы отличается от Accurist / Astrodea:
- Планисфера не включается сам по себе. Вы должны сделать это вручную
- Карта звездного неба не так точны
- Менее качество в материалах (без сапфир, и т.д. и т.п.)

That watch is different from Accurist/Astrodea:
- the planisphere does NOT turn by itself. You have to do it manually
- star chart is not so accurate
- less quality in the materials (no saphire, etc etc)

Т.е. разницы м/у аккуристом и астродеей практически нет?(Именно между этими моделями,не беря в рассчет мою ссылку)

I did not understand the translation. They are very different!

......еще пару слов....
- Секундная стрелка отсутствует...
- грубая отрисовка по стеклу...
- короны расхлябаны...(при чем правая корона - вращает карту звездного неба что в принципе и логично, но только для тех, кто носит часы не как президент)
http://forum.watch.ru/attachment.php...1&d=1392905625

Это не смотрит ничто как Accurist / Astrodea на близко. Разные цвета, меньше деталей, более грубой чернил, недостатки ... не хорошо.
Но дело в том, что не вращается убивает его для меня.

It looks nothing like the Accurist/Astrodea on close. Different colors, less details, more coarse ink, flaws... not good.
But the fact it does not rotate kills it for me.

Эх... Давно я не заглядывал на форум... :rolleyes:

Alex1969
Я правильно понимаю, что Вы владеете этими часами?

thunderdome
You know, I hate to admit that but... Astrodea are simply the best Celestial watches out there. That's why you cannot buy them anymore, $500 price tag was kind of underestimation and timepieces got out of stock shortly -- I was really lucky buying one of the latest.

Some thoughts on what can be realistically found on the market:

• - Campanola Cosmosign is worth considering only in JDM versions -- US/International has a bold metal frame that covers the star map
• - Accurist Celestial has ugly labels on the glass, shape of besel/crown/lugs on the downside too -- I wonder whether it is possible to re-pack them with the clean and shiny sapphire and better body
• - Other imitations are just coarse copies, their listings within last few pages are rather anti-examples of what Celestial watches should be...

JDM Cosmosign is my choice. Even $3,500 looks somewhat fair to me -- can you recall any other Celestial watches that would match their highest notch, huh? :cool:

------- ДОБАВЛЕНО ЧЕРЕЗ 10 МИН --------

Hey, thunderdome! In his post Turok was wondering whether there is a difference between Astrodea and Accurist. I know, you've found them being quite similar but to me similarities end-up with the movement and the face -- the rest is ugly coating for the magic interior, IMHO.

Few more words about Cosmosign versions.

• - US/International http://forum.watch.ru/showpost.php?p...2&postcount=96
• - JDM http://forum.watch.ru/showthread.php?t=208418

Feel the difference

Thanks for the english reply. This forum is great, it's rare to be able to discuss these kind of specific watches elsewhere. :)
This is going to be a long post, sorry.

Actually Astrodea is not even the original watch but a remake. The original are the Cosmosign series from Citizen (afterwards came the Campanola luxury sub-brand). These watches exist since the 80s!


Let's start with Accurist vs Astrodea.

http://forum.watch.ru/showpost.php?p...&postcount=203

Here you can see the comparison between both. Accurist is known to assemble very good mechanisms (Citizen usually) into good packing (sometimes better than original). The price is usually adequate, making a great quality/price ratio (this is how the brand is actually known). Example: they have 3500€ perpetual calendar + repeaters that use the exact same mechanism as the Campanolas for <500€ (and gold plated!). Amazing but true. They are not handmade, but still very impressive.

There are 2 Accurist Celestial versions. The first one is actually from the same time as the Astrodea series and is EXACTLY like the Astrodea!
This version you see for sale is the second, recently released, more refined version.
The only flaw is the accurist logo in the glass, but the dial is too busy for you to see it (Campanola has a larger white logo on the glass!). On your wrist, the watch looks expensive, the astrodea looks like a round planisphere with a strap in every picture I see. And you can't even compare the metal bracelet on both, totally different leagues.
Astrodea has the kind of bracelets you find on low end watches, quite thin. When I saw in the official Accurist pictures I had the same reaction as you, but when I saw the watch and specially put it on my wrist all changed.
It's a matter of taste actually, since their price is the same when they were both released. And they are both limited (but only the Accurist is actually numbered).

It's important to notice that Astrodea did not have 50º Latitude. Accurist has this.
And that the dial, mechanism (4P92) is absolutely the same, casing on both is stainless steel and saphire. Only the shape of the watch changed. With a leather strap maybe I would prefer Astrodea, with a metal strap by far the Accurist. (Why not have both? :D)

But you read correcly: 4P92 mechanism. I LOVE the Cosmosign. But the merchanism is the same. I actually had to email Citizen Japan for this. It took them quite some time and effort, due to the rarity of this mechanism, but it's confirmed. The mechanism in Astrodea and Accurist are the SAME. The first edition of Cosmosign (with the metal on the dial) also is the SAME mechanism, smaller dial an pointers. The latest Cosmosign as the SAME mechanism as the 38 mm Astrodea (with moon central indicator). You can actually see that very well, the dial is not 42 mm, but 38 mm planisphere with numbers around it.


So, actually, you only have ONE mechanism for quartz planisphere watches: Citizen.

You actually are choosing between:
- Cosmosign: hand made, better craftmanship, 3 versions - square with metal on the dial, round with metal on the dial and the recent larger dial one (I prefer the more recent one)
- Astrodea: low-cost version of Cosmosign, many versions. Blue/yellow, 38 vs 42 mm, southern vs northern hemisphere. Only 1 version is 42 mm northern hemisphere.
- Accurist Celestial: UK edition, different design (2nd edition) and 2 latitudes. The packaging is superior, some Astrodeas came in cardboxes instead of wood boxes. Warranty is also better, technical support too if you live in Europe.
- The rest are cheap imitations that do NOT have the planishphere movement.
- Or then you have mechanical: the Pateks, Van der Klaauw, IWC... but add many zeros on the price tag. ;)

In the end it's just a matter of personal preference.

Honestly I would gladly buy the Cosmosign besides the Accurist. But... I won't even get a different mechanism, eco drive or anything. Just a better casing (but not gold) and croc strap, for a >2000€ price difference. :( Is it worth it?

PS: Those pictures of the 2nd edition Campanola are watch porn! :D But the more you look, the more you see it's just the casing that changes. I can make pics of the Accurist so you can check closely every detail.

http://s13.postimg.org/iz6hadvj9/indsssex.jpg
You see here the 1st edition Accurist. Not my picture, sorry for the low quality.

No doubts -- it's all Citizen, itself or sub-brands. See the attached scheme and follow the link to see Citizen LHP46-0226 dated back to 1989 https://picasaweb.google.com/1181803...2NDLHP46022602 or Citizen Lamer LML43-9416 circa 1987 http://citizen.jp/discovery/model/1980/lml43-9416.html or even original Citizen Cosmosign http://citizen.jp/discovery/model/19...cosmosign.html BTW, I've seen them on the bid some time ago http://forum.watch.ru/showpost.php?p...&postcount=148

------- ДОБАВЛЕНО ЧЕРЕЗ 16 МИН --------

On Campanola pics... While its kind of porn at the level of naked details, it is completely not at the end -- I'm falling in love with those images, its bigger than just elementary eye-catcher. You know that ;)

On Accurist pics... Yes, please make them! I cannot remember any detailed photo-reviews of those timepieces. Appreciate your readiness to be the first. BTW, have you own them or its just from the corner shop next block? Just kidding :rolleyes:

That diagram is very known, but does not include the recent models.
Indeed I have seen the old Cosmosigns for sale many times.




I understand, but remember once you have one mechanism (and know how to calibrate it) you will realize the difference is just the casing.
Of course I have them. LOL
I will make the pics and upload today.

Решил поделиться фотками своей прелести. Тем более, что я уже год как посадил таки Дэю на постоянный ремешок, который не такой сочно-синий, как предыдущий.

New pics of my Precious. Occasionally, I've found the strap a year ago but then didn't share it with the crowd. This strap is not that deep-blue than the previous one but still it perfectly matches the color and not distracts attention anymore.

Немного макроснимков / Few macro shots

Accurist Celestial Photos
 

As promised, here are the pictures of the 2 versions of the Accurist Celestial: 35º North and 50º North (and also one in metal and other in leather bracelet). Also included the box and magnifying glass.
Enjoy. :)

Re: Accurist photos
 

Nice comparison. I actually got the Accurist GMT317UK (i.e. the 50 deg version) with metal bracelet and leather strap. Is the version for 35 degs still available somewhere?

I got the very last all silver 35 N.
But for most Russia 50 N is the correct.
I see a lot of people got the Accurist.

I got the very last all-silver version 35º N.
But for most Russia, 50º N is the correct.
I see a lot of people got the Accurist. Who else got one?

Well I don't really use the watch for looking up the current sky - I'm a passionate amateur astronomer and as such I know what the sky will look like for a given time.
So these kind of watches are mostly about fascination and esthetics to me. Judging by the ads I was under the impression that the 35 deg version is a bit easier on the eyes and more "readable" since the coordinate grid seems to be a little bit wider.

Yes it is. But you miss the sunrise and sunset times and the accurate time stars will "rise" on the horizon. ;)

...

Пытаюсь прочитать, ничего не пойму. Наверно языками не владею.

Прошу прощения, уважаемые! Я правильно понял, что Астродею уже не выпускают и не планируют??? Запали в душу честное, слово. И да, подойдут к моему телескопу начального уровня :)

И где лучше всего их приобрести???

Эти часы имеют лупу в комплекте - и предназначены как раз для тех, у кого нет телескопов начального уровня.:)

Alexxx, а вы разве не считаете, что эти часы просто "созданы" для людей, любящих космос? Нет, ну правда! В таких часах испытываешь непреодолимое удовольствие от изучения звездного неба (и неважно, что у тебя - телескоп или лупа :)). Мне космос очень импонирует во многих его проявлениях, но вот например компаноловский дизайн не пришелся по вкусу. Просто пришла в голову мысль: а почему бы не сделать схематично нашу галактику :cool:на циферблате и слегка его увеличить(44-46 мм) Раз уж вы отписались в этой теме, может ответите новичку (каким вам угодно способом, конечно если не затруднит) на его скромные вопросы, изложенные выше???

Ну и я про то. Телескоп-то круче, по любому.

Если честно, мне тоже. Вернее Кампанола нравится очень, но в других дизайнах. Но кампанола - это уже телескоп не начального уровня.

Да уж, не думал, создавая эту тему и привнося находку на форум, что данная тема будет популярна более 6 лет...:)

К сожалению, не слежу за местами, где они могут сейчас продаваться, хотя вселенная бесконечна, и, наверняка, такие места в ней есть. Желаю Вам удачи в поисках и скорейшего пополнения данной темы фотографиями часов на Вашей руке!!:)

Я "За" обеими руками ;)

Вы ошибаетесь Alexxx - 6 лет - это не срок! Мне кажется для подобных часов дизайн, как бы вне времени. Они выпускаются с 1984, то есть 30 лет прошло! И дизайн до сих пор выглядит очень современно и футуристично :) Что-то мне подсказывает, что и через 30-40-50 лет эта модель будет актуальна и внешне при этом не измениться (ну все-таки хотелось галактику, а не только млечный путь :D). Таких "долгоиграющих" часов, как Астродея - по пальцам пересчитать!

Собратья по любви к творению небесных часовщиков, такая штука, может кто подскажет - насмотрела в подарок Accurist Celestial и внезапно выяснила, что оные существуют в двух вариантах - 35º North and 50º North. Просветите неразумную, а в чем собственно соль и разница? Я предполагала, что есть различные версии для северного, и для южного полушарий, а оказывается, не все так просто.
Подскажите, какой вариант для какого местоположения подходит? http://forum.watch.ru/attachment.php...8&d=1396148586

Город Тюмень расположен на 57° с.ш. Вам более подойдёт вариант «50º North».

правильно ли я понимаю: часы более не производятся и аналогичных по совокупности качеств "космических" часов больше на рынке нет?(((

Товарищи, это же они?
https://www.amazon.com/ASTRO-Constel...words=astrodea

up!

Думаю-это точно не они.
https://image.prntscr.com/image/Te4W...S2BpWBX1nQ.png