Grand Seiko: A Tale of Two Tentagraph Novelties

Made by Grand Seiko, the remarkable Caliber 9SC5 Tentagraph movement stands as an object lesson of the watchmaker’s unflagging pursuit of ultimate precision in the mechanical chronograph arena. Beating at a rate of 10 times per second, the Caliber 9SC5 not only has a level of accuracy that benefits the measuring of time chronographically, but it also keeps exceptional time.

Moreover, an energy-efficient Dual Impulse Escapement combines the power of two synchronized barrels to provide a robust three days of operation, even with the chronograph engaged. Propriety testing backs this up: Every watch is subjected to 20 days of thorough internal testing to ensure the brand’s standard parameters of +5/-3 seconds a day are met on every Tentagraph produced.

Now, based on this year’s Watches and Wonders novelties, Grand Seiko fans have two very different, but equally evocative and artful, options to sport this accurate technical marvel on their wrists: the Tokyo Lion Tentagraph SLGC009 and the Evolution 9 SLGC007 Tentagraph.

Grand Seiko has been using the Tokyo Lion as a jumping off point since its beginnings in the 1960s. Then, in 2019, the brand’s design team interpreted the Tokyo Lion design as a decidedly aggressive, angular, statement-making sport watch option.

Now, the new Tokyo Lion Tentagraph is the first “lion” to sport a mechanical chronograph movement. It is also the first timepiece within Grand Seiko’s Sport Collection to incorporate the brand’s proprietary Brilliant Hard Titanium alloy.
 

The edgy alloy presents as brighter than traditionally matte titanium, enhancing the watchmaker’s tell-tale hairline finishing and gleaming Zaratsu-polished surfaces. One look at the abundant angular 43mm case construction, and you will spot the shimmering difference from standard titanium.

Meanwhile, a dial pattern inspired by the tawny mane of the apex predator, along with claw-shaped, diamond-cut, lumed indices for the hours, lends a “king of the jungle” vibe to the expected three-register layout of this growling chronograph.
 

A new color-matched tawny rubber strap continues the wildlife color way, but flip the strap over and you will see that even this detail has been “lionized.” Strap under-padding, inspired by the big cat’s paw pads, builds on this piece’s metaphorical motif and, along with the slightly curved exhibition caseback, enhances the overall comfort and wrist security of this burly sports chronograph.
 

Updated chrono-pushers, 20 bars of water resistance, and a 4,800 A/m (amperes to meter) of magnetic resistance round out the appeal of this beast.