We'll be introducing Grand Seiko's new watches for 2023, focusing on models announced at Watches & Wonders 2023. The highlight is the Evolution 9 Collection Tentagraph SLGC001, Grand Seiko's first mechanical chronograph.
Evolution 9 Collection Tentagraph SLGC001
Grand Seiko has announced its first mechanical chronograph, the Cal. 9SC5 "Tentagraph," and the "Evolution 9 Collection Tentagraph" equipped with it.
Seiko is one of the pioneers that began mass-producing mechanical automatic chronographs in 1969, ahead of the rest of the world, and Grand Seiko has a history of including Spring Drive chronographs in its lineup.
The dial depicts Mount Iwate at night, shimmering with stars, combining a delicate pattern inspired by the mountainside with a transparent blue. Automatic movement (Cal. 9SC5). 60 jewels. 36,000 vph. Power reserve: approximately 72 hours. Bright titanium case (diameter 43.2mm, thickness 15.3mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 1,815,000 yen (tax included). Scheduled for release on June 9th.
However, Grand Seiko has not had a mechanical chronograph in its lineup until now, so the introduction of this model can be called a new step for Grand Seiko.
"Tentagraph" stands for "Ten beats per second, Three days, Automatic chronograph," meaning that this model features a 10-beat automatic chronograph with a power reserve of approximately three days when the chronograph is running. The achievement of these performance features is supported by the highly efficient "Dual Impulse Escapement," which was introduced to the market in 2020 and is equipped with the Cal. 9SA5 movement.
In addition to this, to ensure the "accurate measurement, operability, and durability" befitting a Grand Seiko, misalignment and jumping of the hands are suppressed, and the column wheel and trident hammer enhance the feel of starting/stopping and resetting the measurement.
In addition to the existing "New Grand Seiko Standard" tests, a new accuracy standard for mechanical chronographs was established with the chronograph operating and its accuracy evaluated in three positions.
The design is based on the globally acclaimed "Evolution 9 Style," but has been developed with the pursuit of "instant readability, intuitive operability, and reliable robustness" required of a sports watch.
The case and bracelet are made of bright titanium and are optimized for a low center of gravity, ensuring a comfortable fit.
Masterpiece Collection Hand-Wound Spring Drive Engraved Limited Edition Model SBGZ009
The gray tempered second hand glides across the dial, a signature Spring Drive sweep movement, expressing the quiet passage of time. Manual winding (Cal. 9R02). 39 jewels. Power reserve of approximately 84 hours. Pt case (diameter 38.5mm, thickness 9.8mm). Water resistant to 3 bar. Price: 9,515,000 yen (tax included). Limited to 50 pieces worldwide. Scheduled for release on June 9th.
The limited edition "Masterpiece Collection Hand-Wound Spring Drive Engraved Limited Edition Model SBGZ009" has been announced, featuring a hand-engraved case and die-stamped dial that depicts a majestic birch forest.
This piece features engraving on a platinum case that has been polished to a distortion-free mirror finish using Zaratsu polishing, and the deep, long engraving that extends from the bezel to the lugs expresses the strength of the birch tree, which stands out even in deep snow.
The dial is a metallic color that matches the case, and features an organic stamping that evokes birch, creating a delicate sparkle in the light, like a snowy landscape sparkling in the sunlight.
The hour and minute hands and indexes are made of 14K white gold, and the SD (Special Dial) mark at the 6 o'clock position indicates that solid gold indexes are used, highlighting the special nature of this piece.
The watch is equipped with the Cal. 9R02, a manual-winding Spring Drive movement made by Micro Artist Studio, a luxury watchmaking specialist. At just 4.02mm thick, it is the thinnest Spring Drive movement currently available for Grand Seiko, contributing to the watch's slim and sophisticated styling.
Masterpiece Collection Spring Drive 8-Day Jewelry Watch Limited Edition Model SBGD213
Three blue sapphires are placed at the 12 o'clock position, and slightly wider sapphires are placed at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions to ensure legibility, combining glamour with the practicality that Grand Seiko values. Manual-winding (Cal. 9R01). 56 jewels. Power reserve of approximately 192 hours. Pt case (diameter 44.5mm, thickness 14.4mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. 30.8 million yen (tax included). Limited to eight pieces worldwide. Scheduled for release on June 9th.
The brand has announced the "Masterpiece Collection Spring Drive 8 Days Jewelry Watch Limited Edition Model SBGD213," a jewelry watch featuring the brand's iconic lion made of diamonds and blue sapphires.
This new model inherits the design of "SBGD209," which was released in 2022 and featured a white lion, and incorporates the brand's color, blue, throughout.
The centre of the dial is made of blue mother-of-pearl, with diamonds and blue sapphires set into the minute markers.
The case shape is reminiscent of the 44GS, which established the current Seiko style, and diamonds are set into the lugs of the case, expressing the beautiful shine of the lion's sharpened claws.
The movement is the Caliber 9R01, made by Micro Artist Studio, and its finish has already received high praise. The movement design visible through the case back is also unique, depicting a view of the sacred Mount Fuji from the birthplace of Spring Drive.
