The Grand Seiko Tentagraph movement can now be found in a powerful case design inspired by the Grand Seiko lion emblem. With its bold and aggressive lines, the newest Tentagraph commands an imposing presence heightened by its use of Grand Seiko’s Brilliant Hard Titanium, a first for the Sport Collection.
The choice of Brilliant Hard Titanium causes the Zaratsu-polished surfaces of the new creation to shine with greater intensity. The alloy is not only light and bright but also highly resistant to corrosion and scratches, commanding a surface hardness double that of standard stainless steel. The case shape has also been updated from previous lion-inspired designs. Its claw-like, hairline-finished surfaces shine brighter, spanning not only the lugs but the bezel as well. The updated pushers on the side of the case have been designed to enhance ease of use and provide a satisfying sensation when starting, stopping, and resetting the chronograph.
The new Tokyo Lion design features a dial pattern that evokes a lion’s mane waving in the wind, with three-dimensional sub-dials inlaid onto the dial at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions. As a result of these sub-dials, the distance between their markings and the sub-dial hands has been reduced, aiding in legibility. The lion theme continues to the dial’s diamond-cut indexes, which lend the impression of claws while reflecting light beautifully and holding ample Lumibrite to ensure legibility in dark conditions.
The watch comes on a newly developed rubber strap with 2.7 times the tensile strength of the silicon straps used by Grand Seiko. A playful paw-print motif on the strap’s inner surface adds yet another lion-inspired touch to the design. Combined with the slight curvature of the case back, it ensures that the Tokyo Lion Tentagraph fits securely and comfortably on the wrist, as any good sports watch should. A folding clasp in High-Intensity Titanium has been developed for the strap, which curls inward for a clean appearance.
Two years ago, Grand Seiko presented the Tentagraph Caliber 9SC5, its first mechanical chronograph. Featuring the Dual Impulse Escapement and twin barrels, the Tentagraph provided high-beat precision and a power reserve of 72 hours with the chronograph function running. In creating the Tentagraph, the Grand Seiko Standard had to be further refined, adding three more days of testing to ensure it was met even with the chronograph running.
The Tokyo Lion Tentagraph SLGC009 will be available at Grand Seiko Boutiques in August 2025.