In 2019, to mark the 20th anniversary of Spring Drive, Grand Seiko presented the new design of its sports collection. Inspirational motif the lion, symbol of the brand since the 1960s, evoked in certain stylistic details. Such as the angular case with horns resembling claws or the mane motif decorating the dial. Hitherto used on limited edition models, this bold and distinctive design is now also offered in the standard Sport collection.
In the Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph GMT, too, there are many references to the feline. As in previous editions, the case is generous in size, with its 44.5 mm diameter and 16.8 mm thickness. The sharp-edged edges and facets are highlighted by alternating polished surfaces, produced using the Zaratsu technique, and brushed surfaces.
This new version is made of titanium, a metal about 30% lighter than steel, and features a fixed bezel with a blue 24-hour scale. Like any self-respecting sportsman, it boasts water-resistance to 200 metres thanks to a screw-down crown and back.
The dial with its 'lion's mane' texture comes in a warm ivory-white shade. Brightening it up in the dark is the green Lumibrite of the indices and hands, offering maximum legibility to the numerous indications on offer (hours/minutes, 24-hour time zone, chronograph with central seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour counters, continuous seconds, date and power reserve).
The case back reveals the Spring Drive calibre 9R86, a column-wheel chronograph with a 72-hour power reserve and an accuracy of ±1 second per day. Recall that Spring Drive technology introduced mechanical movements regulated by a quartz oscillator. Its only source of energy is a spring, which drives a series of gears. A rotor, attached to the end of these gears, generates a small electrical charge that activates an electronic circuit and the quartz oscillator. The result is a watch that has the precision of quartz and the inexhaustible autonomy of an automatic, without requiring a battery change.
The titanium bracelet is equipped with a slide adjuster to allow it to fit perfectly on the wrist.
Price13,400 euro.
