Sameera Gamage 
The Grand Seiko Tentagraph movement is introduced in the Tokyo Lion design, created for high performance in any sporting situation.
Grand Seiko has long been revered for its precision, craftsmanship and dedication to innovation. The Tentagraph is a testament to the brand’s legacy. We have already seen during Watches & Wonders 2025 Grand Seiko release the Tentagraph Snow Blue, a stunning rendition of the signature timepiece in this year’s theme for the Japanese watchmaker.
For those who may not know, the Tentagraph represented a massive milestone for Grand Seiko. It was the brand’s fully mechanical chronograph, combining the brand’s iconic high-beat movement technology with exceptional durability and precision. Grand Seiko first presented the Tentagraph timepiece during Watches & Wonders 2023 in Geneva. It marked Grand Seiko’s debut into the world of fully mechanical chronographs powered by the high-beat Caliber 9SC5 movement.
Now, for Watches & Wonders 2025, Grand Seiko is introducing a second Tentagraph model, this time with a design inspired by the majestic lion. Grand Seiko first unveiled a lion-inspired design in 2019; however, the lion has been an enduring symbol for the brand since their earliest days in 1960. To say that the case design of these lion-inspired timepieces is unique would be an understatement. Featuring sharp angular surfaces, the case mimics the lion in an eye-catching case design.
“The lion symbol reflected the aim of the original Grand Seiko team to create the very best timepiece they could in terms of accuracy, durability, and beauty. Inheriting the lion symbol, this watch was developed in the relentless pursuit to advance the essence of the Grand Seiko sports watch.”
Grand Seiko on the new Tentagraph Tokyo Lion
Case Design
Let’s just start off by saying that this is a statement piece. Grand Seiko’s lion-inspired models of the past featured claw-like hairline-finished surfaces, which have been emphasized more in the new design for this latest Tentagraph model. This timepiece also marks the first time that Grand Seiko has used its Brilliant Hard Titanium material in the brand’s sport collection.
The Brilliant Hard Titanium alloy is brighter than traditional titanium, which allows the case’s hairline finish and Zaratsu-polished surfaces to appear even more radiant, further enhancing the strong design of the case. Grand Seiko states that “Brilliant Hard Titanium makes the watch not only light but also highly resistant to corrosion and scratches while commanding a surface hardness double that of standard stainless steel.”
Grand Seiko has also updated the chronograph pushers to make them easier to use on the wrist. The new design features deep grooves within the pushers, and as stated by the brand, it was created to achieve a “satisfying feeling when engaging the chronograph”
Dial Design
The dial of the Tentagraph Tokyo Lion features a dial pattern that takes inspiration from the mane of a lion as it waves about in the wind. The brilliant golden brown colour of the dial is stunning, which is complemented further by the dial elements such as the chronograph sub-counters and the large hour indices.
The chronograph counters at 3 ,6 and 9 o’clock are created with a three-dimensional effect, whereby the counters are recessed into the dial. This means that these counters can be sized smaller, reducing the distance between the sub-dial markings and the hands, which increases the readability of these dials.
The large hour indices have been shaped to resemble the sharp claws of the lion. The angular shape of the indices allows more Lumbrite to be placed into the indices, which means even better low-light visibility!
Movement
While the case and dial put up a strong aesthetic front, the movement inside showcases Grand Seiko’s technical mastery, with the pursuit of precision being at the heart of this Tentagraph calibre. Caliber 9SC5 beats 10 times per second, ensuring a high level of accuracy when measuring elapsed time as well as the time of day. The movement features energy-efficient Dual Impulse Escapement while also having two barrels that allow the watch to run for three days even with the continuous operation of the chronograph!
Initial thoughts
The Tentagraph Tokyo Lion embodies everything that makes Grand Seiko exceptional, from precision and innovation to a strong connection to its heritage. With its bold lion-inspired design, advanced materials, and cutting-edge movement, this timepiece is a true testament to the brand’s pursuit of precision and excellence.
The integration of Brilliant Hard Titanium, refined chronograph pushers, and a meticulously crafted dial further elevate the Tentagraph as a statement piece in Grand Seiko’s sports watch collection. The Tentagraph Tokyo Lion marks a new milestone for Grand Seiko as it pioneers the Tokyo Lion sports watch into a new era with a powerful yet refined design and high
performance courtesy of its first mechanical chronograph movement, the Tentagraph!
Specification: Grand Seiko Tentagraph Tokyo Lion (SLGC009)
- Dimensions: 43mm x 15.6mm thick
- Case Material: Brilliant Hard Titanium Case
- Dial: Golden brown dial with lion-inspired pattern
- Movement: Calibre 9SC5
- Movement Frequency: 36,000VpH (5hZ)
- Movement Power reserve: 72 hours
- Water resistance: 200m (20 Bar)
- Crystal: Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner
- surface
- Case back: See-through case back, Screw-down crown
- Bracelet/Strap: Rubber strap with High-Intensity Titanium three-fold clasp with push button release.
