Grand Seiko introduces the Tentagraph high-frequency chronograph movement to its Tokyo Lion collection with a new model in a Brilliant Hard Titanium case.
In 2019 Grand Seiko presented a new sports watch inspired by the lion, symbol of the brand since 1960. The design of this new series has brought a distinctive touch to Grand Seiko sports watches, thanks to the sharp, angular profile of the case design.
Today, Grand Seiko takes the Tokyo Lion sports watch into a new era with a design that is both robust and refined, and with the company's first Tentagraph mechanical chronograph movement. The lion symbol reflected the ambition of the original Grand Seiko team to create the best possible watch in terms of precision, resistance and beauty. Inheriting this symbol, the new Tokyo Lion Tentagraph SLGC009 has been developed and updated according to Grand Seiko's typical technical and aesthetic standards. From the symbolism-rich case design to the rubber strap and the textured dial, numerous aspects have been updated from previous 'lion-themed' models, in the pursuit of the fundamental values for a sports watch such as readability, robustness and comfort.
As far as references to the lion are concerned, evoking claws, the brushed surfaces of the 43 mm case (water resistant to 10 atmospheres) are bolder than in previous models and extend not only to the lugs, but also to the bezel. With this new chronograph, the Grand Seiko's Brilliant Hard Titanium is used for the first time in the Sport Collection. This alloy, brighter than traditional titanium, makes the case surfaces brushed and polished using the Zaratsu technique appear even brighter, enhancing the design. Brilliant Hard Titanium makes the watch not only lightweight, but also highly resistant to corrosion and scratches, with twice the robustness of traditional stainless steel.
Grand Seiko Tokyo Lion Tentagraph: in the sign of the lion
There are several references to the 'King of the Forest', which is also the logo of the Japanese company.
The pump chrono buttons have been redesigned to improve ease of use. The brown dial, protected by an anti-reflective box-type sapphire crystal, features a motif reminiscent of a lion's mane swaying in the wind. Additional counters, located at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock (for continuous seconds, chrono hours and chrono minutes respectively), are integrated into the dial. Between 4 and 5, the date window opens.
The distance between the sub-dial indications and the hands has been reduced, resulting in improved readability. The indexes, evoking the sharp claws of a lion, are diamond-cut and reflect the light. In addition, they have been made higher and shaped to contain a generous dose of LumiBrite, for better legibility in all light conditions. The hands are also luminescent thanks to the use of LumiBrite.
Grand Seiko Tokyo Lion Tentagraph: manufacture calibre
This new chronograph is driven by the IWC-manufactured 9SC5 Tentagraph high-frequency calibre.
Just like every other Grand Seiko watch, the quest for precision is at the heart of the Tentagraph movement. The IWC-manufactured 9SC5 Tentagraph calibre, which is self-winding and visible from the back side, has a balance oscillating at 36,000 vibrations per hour. Thanks to its low-energy double-impulse escapement and two barrels, the watch has a winding autonomy of no less than three days, even when the chronograph is running.
In addition, each Tentagraph calibre is tested for 20 days, three days longer than most Grand Seiko mechanical movements, so as to ensure compliance with the highest standards of accuracy of the House, which is equivalent to a deviation between +5 and -3 seconds per day. The 9SC5 Tentagraph calibre is also equipped with a vertical coupling and column wheel, which guarantee high precision and functionality.
This new Grand Seiko chronograph is combined with a The newly developed rubber strap has a tensile strength of almost 2.7 times that of a classic silicone strap used by the brand. It was created especially for this watch. Its brown colour matches the decorated dial and features a lion's paw-inspired motif on the inside. The triple folding steel buckle with push-button has been specially developed for this strap, with a curvature that follows the inside of the wrist. Combined with the slightly curved back, this new strap guarantees excellent comfort. The new Grand Seiko Sport Collection Tokyo Lion Tentagraph SLGC009 è available exclusively at Grand Seiko boutiques.
Price17,500 euro (boutique exclusive).
