Zach Brass
I know I’m being charged as Mr Grand Seiko, but I’m not going to lie… I have mixed feelings about this. But its polarized nature is precisely that the new Grand Seiko SLGC009 Tokyo Lion Tentograph has become one of the most interesting Grand Seiko launches of this year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0do0ykbows
My complicated feelings surround one element of design, which is very subjective. However, as we dig into this SLGC009, I think there are more interesting and promising elements of this watch that could become an attractive proposition for this watch. All of this depends on the sizing of the watch, the taste of the aesthetic, and of course the budget parameters.
case
Perhaps the first possible criticism is that the case is too big. This is a point of feedback I usually enjoy, but the design of this watch is intended to grow and grow bigger. There is nothing dainable for lions. Let’s clarify what’s actually bigger here. This is a 43mm case, .2mm less than the standard tentograph. It is 15.6mm thick, 0.3mm thick than the standard nthograph, but it is a 50mm lagtoo lug, which is actually 1.5mm shorter than the standard ticraft. Currently, the diameter of 43mm with a 50mm lug-to-lug is actually very wearable on most wrists. It’s really thick, and this too 3mm higher, which could bring a point of hesitation to my eyes.
Folding cases, although complex in themselves, are of course possible to be perceived as a more general shape. However, Grand Seiko’s “Lion Case” is not traditional. It is a highly faceted case form, like an octagon set within a diamond. There are so many facets that need to be fully finished with Grand Seiko standards. I think Grand Seico case finishers were caused by cold sweat when I first learned that this case design was in production.
This Tokyo Lion Tentagraph case is found on Grand Seico’s new Brilliant Hard Titanium Alloy. This is titanium that is brighter and brighter than the brand’s high-strength titanium. Additionally, it is water resistant to 200 meters and is rated twice as deep as the standard Tiah. See more details about the pusher adjacent to the under-screw crown. These deep serrations make them look very intentional.
An important design feature that Tokyo Lion brings to the table is the curved caseback – Grand Seiko’s first camber – therefore, the case sits very well on the wrist, creating the illusion that the watch sits thinner than it actually is…
So, I think the dimensions of hatred are more tolerant in this context, with its more structural shape, twice as much water resistant and unconventional sporty design. I understand that because of its appearance, the folds stack up on a set of competitions that could have tamer dimensions. However, the late Tokyo Lion’s body has far fewer similarities depicted. It’s a very clear form and you can probably drum offshore comparisons, but with such comparisons drawn, it merely justifies that this is a design intended to have a greater presence.
Dial
Turning to the dial, I have a very personal, subjective criticism here. I like the through-line of the lion mane found in the color and texture of the dial. But I’m not the biggest fan of having a chronograph counter that dominates two colors and a third small second counter that blends into the dial. But there is a reason to understand this. This layout discussion shows that, from a readability perspective, two counters can be linked to the chronograph function of the watch and the non-existent function. But like me, it’s a bit offensive. But I recognize that for many, this lack of uniformity causes little problem.
As an epic Seiko Sports Watch, the wide and well-finished evolution is filled with Lumibrite for visibility in the dark, along with a phone of nine hours, minutes, and small seconds, along with faceted applied indexes. At 4:30, there is the complexity of a potential non-dial blend date between the two hour indexes.
strap
Perhaps the most subtle but most important development introduced in the Tokyo Lion Tentagraph is its strap. This is the first ever, undoubtedly integrated but undoubtedly equipped rubber strap. Hopefully, this is an area Grand Seiko explores further. All the evolution 9 designs are white birches, standard titographs, dive watch-like staples, and I think you can benefit from your own rubber straps.
For those critical of the epic Seiko bracelet, such a rubber option also offers a configuration that will satisfy the people in its camp and will naturally lower prices, as the bracelet increases the price of the regular watch. The straps run with a brown matching dial and have a lion’s foot-inspired texture on the back, not only bringing up a themed bond, but also enhancing comfort.
Movement
Because it is Tokyo Lion’s foldable, of course it uses the same 9SC5 movement found in the original SLGC001 tick graph, which was released along with this SLGC009 earlier this year, and the new SLGC007. This is a high-beat automatic chronograph movement built on top of the pioneering Grand Seico 9SA5, particularly introducing the new dual impulse escapement and the brand’s first overcoil hair spring. The impressive movement is billed for a 72-hour power reserve despite the caliber of a high-beat chronograph. However, that 72-hour citation involves the continuous execution of the chronograph. If the chronograph is not running, it lasts for 80 hours, like the 9SA5.
As a modular movement, the view from the exhibition’s caseback will be familiar to anyone who has seen Grand Seico’s 9SA5-powered watches, and will see the very handsome decoration and architecture inspired by the Shizusi River, near where the watch is made.
verdict
I think Grand Seiko has no illusion that SLGC009 will defeat snowflakes and white-white r as a bestseller. This is an exercise in creating a bold and unique sports watch design that is impossible, creative, and very artistic. That being said, these lion cases tend to win cult followings with the long sold-out Grand Seiko SBGA405 Godzilla 65th Anniversary Limited Edition and the highly sought after by everyone who still missed out.
Grand Seiko is by no means comparable to catalog references. If you want something small and slim, I highly recommend checking out the SLGB003 “Ice Forest” review. This is a thin 37mm watch that debuted Grand Seiko’s first micro-adjustable bracelet and first UFA Spring Drive movement within 20 seconds a year.
Last note: Driven by the use of brilliant hard titanium for its complicated case shape and one of Grand Seiko’s most premium moves, the SLGC009 will be placed at the Grand Seiko catalog limit for USD 16,900, or USD 24,500, before hitting the Masterpiece Tier.
Grand Seiko SLGC009 Tokyo Lion Foldable Prices and Availability
Grand Seiko Tokyo Lion Ttentagraph SLGC009 is currently available for purchase. Price: US$16,900, US$24,500
Brand Grand Seico Model Evolution 9 Tetagraph Tokyo Lion Reference SLGC009 Case Dimensions 43mm (D) x 15.6mm (T) x 50mm (LTL) Case Material Brilliant Hard Titanium Water Resistance 200 Meters, Small Volume, Date, Chronograph Availability Priced at US$16,900
$24,500
