Watches & Wonders 2023: Grand Seiko Updates Evolution 9 with Automated Chronograph

From JustLuxe content material accomplice iW Journal

A 12 months after Grand Seiko launched difficult and sporty fashions to its  Evolution 9 Assortment, the watchmaker provides its first computerized chronograph to the gathering.

The brand new Grand Seiko Tentagraph.

The brand new mannequin, the Tentagraph, options Grand Seiko’s high-beat (36,000 mph) motion, Caliber 9SA5, which is enriched with two barrels and an ultra-efficient Twin Impulse Escapement. The prevailing GMT chronograph inside Evolution 9 is powered with Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive know-how (Caliber 9R96). 

With these technical enhancements, Grand Seiko says the Tentagraph will retain its energy reserve in chronograph working mode for seventy-two hours, which the watchmaker calls the “longest energy reserve within the business at this time.”

Grand Seiko checks its Tentagraph motion for twenty days with a strict precision purpose of +5 to -3 seconds per day.

The brand new 43.2mm by 15.3mm titanium-cased watch retains the eye-catching Evolution 9 textured dial end, right here coloured blue. The dial’s massive indexes and recessed sub-dials ship a fast learn for the wearer.

Grand Seiko additionally gently curves the chronograph seconds downward in order that the tip of the hand is as shut as doable to the dial’s markers, once more enhancing legibility.

The chronograph incorporates a operating seconds sub-dial on the three o’clock place, a 30-minute chronograph counter at 9, and a 12-hour chronograph counter at six o’clock.

Grand Seiko’s personal proprietary Twin Impulse Escapement effectively transfers power to the free-sprung steadiness wheel not directly by the pallet fork and likewise straight from the escape wheel, enhancing the motion’s effectivity.

As well as, Grand Seiko builds a vertical clutch and a column wheel into the motion, each of which improve accuracy and chronograph management.

On the dial, Grand Seiko locations its signature Mt. Iwate sample, named for the close by mountain seen by the home windows of the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi.

The Tentagraph’s bezel is product of ceramic.

The Grand Seiko will make the Tentagraph obtainable on the Grand Seiko Boutiques and choose retail companions beginning in June. Value: $13,700.  

Specs: Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Assortment Tentagraph

(Ref. SLGC001) 

Motion: Caliber 9SC5Driving system: AutomaticFrequency: 36,000 vibrations per hour (10 beats per second)Accuracy (imply each day fee): +5 to -3 seconds per dayPower reserve: 72 hoursChronograph with a 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock and a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock

Dial: Blue ‘Mt. Iwate’ sample end.  

Case: 43.2mm by 15.3mm high-intensity titanium, box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, ceramic bezel, see-through screw-on case again, screw-down crown, water resistance to 100 meters and magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m. 

Bracelet: Three-fold titanium clasp with push button launch.

Value: $13,700.

New Masterpiece

At Watches and Wonders 2023 Grand Seiko additionally debuted a hand-engraved, manual-wind platinum mannequin in its Grand Seiko Masterpiece Assortment.

Its dial consists of the now acquainted Shinshu white birch sample, although right here Grand Seiko artisans have added a barely completely different tone and a extra metallic texture.

Inside Grand Seiko suits its Spring Drive Caliber 9R02 (first seen in 2019). The caliber’s very good eighty-four-hour energy reserve is the results of a twin spring barrel wherein each mainsprings are set in parallel inside the single barrel. 

Grand Seiko has set an 18-karat gold plaque on the 38.5mm watch’s decrease bridge engraved with the phrases “Micro Artist.” Nonetheless, the proprietor can as a substitute customise it. Value: $79,000 (restricted version of fifty).

Lastly, Grand Seiko introduces a Spring Drive jewellery watch impressed by the Model’s emblematic white lion. The watch’s case and dial gleam with 5.62 carats of diamonds and 1.25 carats of blue sapphires, all set by hand.

The sapphire crystal case again reveals a fantastically completed Caliber 9R01 motion’s one-piece bridge, designed within the picture of Mt. Fuji. Value: $260,000.