These two new pieces from Grand Seiko boast some impressive features with the Tokyo Lion featuring a chronograph plus GMT function and a new addition to the Elegance GMT collection. 

Tokyo Lion Spring Drive Chronograph GMT SBGC253

The Tokyo Lion takes its inspiration from the Grand Seiko logo itself with the texture of the dial evoking the animal’s fur. The Spring Drive Chronograph was originally released in 2019 as a limited-edition release, but no more. This one is for everyone. 

The dial is very busy, with eight hands, a framed date window, three sub-dials, and a power reserve indicator, but the large 44.5mm case helps avoid it feeling cluttered. The ivory white dial has random texturing thanks to broad brushstrokes offset by the grained and sunburst sub-dials. 

There is a downside to all the complications – it’s a chunky lion with a thickness of 16.8mm, but that’s to be expected with a watch this complicated. The lion motif extends past the dial with the flat, angled lugs designed to resemble claws. You might think that this is a heavy bastard, and you’re probably right, but Grand Seiko have combatted the weight with their use of High-Intensity Titanium which reduces the weight by 30% when compared to stainless-steel, according to Grand Seiko. 

There’s a few quality-of-life improvements here like the differing lume colours used for the GMT function and home time. The H-link bracelet features a complex clasp mechanism that allows for on-the-fly adjustment. 

The Spring Drive calibre 9R86 is a powerhouse that you can see with the exhibition caseback. It has an accuracy of +/- 15 seconds per month and a 72-hour power reserve. It’s easy to be impressed by the Spring Drive, a genius bit of creation. 

These are available from March for $17,950 AUD ($12,000 USD). 

At a Glance

Reference: SBGC253

Diameter: 43.5mm

Thickness: 16.8mm

Case: High-Density Titanium

Water Resistance: 200m

Strap: High-Intensity Titanium bracelet with toolless quick-adjust deployant buckle

Movement: In-house 9R86 calibre, Spring Drive

Power Reserve: 72 hours

Price: $17,950 AUD ($12,000 USD)

Yukigesho Hi-Beat GMT SBGJ271

The Yukigesho Hi-Beat GMT is the newest addition to the Elegance collection and while it doesn’t take inspiration from a lion, it does still take its inspiration from nature. The vertical slats on the dial with alternate finishing are designed to evoke the forest in winter, the slats being frozen trunks powdered white by the snow. The black printing also adds to this almost acting like the bits of dark bark peeking through the snow. 

The case takes its cue from Grand Seiko’s first case but has been upsized to a 39.5mm diameter with a thickness of 13.9mm. It’s noticeably chunky but that seems to be intentional as the caseback bulges past the midcase. The whole thing is done in stainless-steel with Zaratsu polishing across it which extends to the three-link bracelet. 

Powering this is the 9S86 calibre, good for an accuracy of -3/+5 seconds per day with a 55-hour power reserve beating at 5Hz. 

The screw-on caseback unfortunately only provides 30m of water resistance. 

These will be available in March at retail for $10,700 AUD ($7,100 USD). 

At a Glance

Reference: SBGJ271

Diameter: 39.5mm

Thickness: 13.9mm 

Case: Stainless-steel

Water Resistance: 30m

Strap: Stainless-steel bracelet with folding clasp

Movement: In-house 9S86 calibre

Power Reserve: 55 hours

Price: $10,600 AUD ($7,100 USD)