Here at Worn & Wound, it?s no secret that we like watches that represent a great value. And we mainly focus on watches that are well within the means of most enthusiasts, either on a whim, or after some time spent diligently saving. But every so often, something comes across the transom from a brand we love that is absolutely not in the Worn & Wound wheelhouse, but still 100% worth talking about, for a variety of reasons. Today is one such occasion, as Seiko, often discussed here as an entry-level gateway down the watch hobbyist rabbit hole, has announced their solid gold Astron 50th Anniversary piece. Suggested retail price" $36,000.
Seiko Quartz Astron 50th Anniversary Limited Edition 

Case Material: Yellow gold  
Dial: Gold with vertical hairline pattern   Dimensions: 40 x 12.8mm
Crystal: Sapphire  
Water Resistance: 10 bar 
Crown: Push/pull  
Movement: Caliber 3X22
Strap/bracelet: Crocodile leather  
Price: $36,000
Reference Number: SBXD002
Expected Release: December

Before we get into the finer points of the new, super limited, solid gold Astron, it?s worth rehashing just a bit of Seiko history. In addition to everything else that happened in 1969 (the moon landing, Woodstock, the premiere of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid) it was very notably the year that Seiko unveiled the first commercially available quartz watch. The Quartz Astron of 1969 would signal difficult times ahead for many Swiss watchmakers, as the prevalence of...