Grand Seiko has finally released the Tokyo Lion Tentagraph chronograph watch. It goes without saying that the design is instantly recognizable as something completely different from any previous model. We had the opportunity to speak with the person behind this model. We'll discuss the design concept and meticulous design, as well as the colors.
Photographs & Text by Mutsuyo Ito
[Article published on January 4, 2025]
Design concept as told by the planner
Grand Seiko has finally announced the "Tokyo Lion Tentagraph" chronograph watch. The model, released in April, is said to be inspired by the majestic form of a lion. When asked about the design concept of the "Sports Collection SLGC009," the designer explained that the watch embodies "a spirit of challenge and adventure, like traversing a vast land." The Tentagraph (Cal. 9SC5) movement, the durable and scratch-resistant Brilliant Hard Titanium, and the functionality of a rubber strap with twice the tensile strength of conventional models combine to create a high level of fusion.
External features of SLGC009
Like the current "Tokyo Lion" series, the SLGC009 is designed with a lion-inspired design. The four corners of the case are curved to resemble sharp claws, and the chronograph pushers also resemble claw marks.
Playful designs with a lion's claw motif are scattered throughout the piece, so we'll take a closer look at them later.
And let's not forget the paw pads hidden on the back of the strap. I touched them with a glimmer of hope, but they were not squishy.
The clasp was simple like this.
Let's look at it from the perspective of color. When you add the "lion, the king of beasts" to the design concept of "a spirit of challenge and adventure as if traversing a vast land," many people will probably associate it with safari. When you think of safari, the colors that come to mind are khaki, brown, beige, and orange, which evokes the image of the scorching sun.
Looking at the actual colors, the overall color is a khaki beige. Both the dial and strap are khaki, but the dial has a stronger yellow tint. Also, both the dial and strap have low saturation (vividness), and the hues are similar, so they look well-matched.
The orange used as an accent color on the subdials and chronograph hands is subtle despite being an accent color, and the dark brown surrounding it does not detract from the luxurious feel. Some people may find the color strange when looking at the watch alone, but the moment you put it on your wrist, it blends in beautifully.
I found some interesting details about the colors
Let's delve deeper into the color. The dial and the subdial at 3 o'clock are a yellowish khaki color. The dial, combined with the light reflection from the new pattern, gives off a subtle hint of gold.
This pattern is said to be based on the motif of a lion's mane fluttering in the wind.
The dial ring and the subdials at 6 and 9 o'clock are finished in a dark brown that is close to black, which is a nice accent that tightens the overall look.
If you visit a zoo, take a look at the color of their manes.
Differences in appearance between sunlight and shade
The video above was shot in sunlight at lunchtime in August.
Depending on the angle, the dial appears gold, and the pattern can be seen more clearly.
This was taken in the shade at the same time as the photo in sunlight.
The gold color is subdued and the pattern is not too prominent, giving it a matte finish.
There's a hidden claw motif here too!
It is well known that a claw motif is used on the case, but did you know that there are actually other claw motifs hidden within?
The dial at the 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions feature numbers in an original font that resembles claws. The scale on the subdial (orange part) also has a claw-like design that extends towards the center.
Let's go on an adventure!
This model is reminiscent of a safari. It's perfect for when you feel like traveling or going outdoors, but the reality is that sometimes that's not always possible. On those occasions, why not wear this model on your wrist and let your thoughts wander to the places you want to go? Also, when you want to try something new, the powerful design may give you energy, and the khaki color may soothe you. What kind of adventures and challenges would you like to take on with the "Tokyo Lion Tentagraph"?
Author profile
Mutsuyo Ito
He provides consulting services related to "products, places, and people" at sales sites, such as color supervision and image consultation for watch manufacturers, personal color diagnosis at event venues, and customer service training. He holds numerous qualifications, including a second-class watch repair technician, a J-color certified instructor, and a color therapist. He is the representative director of parakeITO Co., Ltd. Website:https://www.mutsuyo-ito-parakeito.com/
