Grand Seiko seem to move to the beat of their own drum. They don’t care about the Swiss Made label or the all important mechanical factor of their movements. Instead, they would create something unique, like the impressive Spring Drive movement, a charming synthesis of quartz and mechanical technology. That doesn’t mean that Grand Seiko don’t make mechanical movements like the 9S, it’s just that when they do, they want to get them right.
The Tentagraph is the brand’s first mechanical chronograph movement powered by their own Calibre 9SC5, which uses the Calibre 9SA5 as a base. With a 72-hour power reserve, the Tentagraph is the “longest-running 10-beat chronograph on the market today,” according to their website. You can see the movement through the exhibition caseback.
Being part of the Evolution 9 Collection, every aspect of the dial has been thoroughly considered to achieve maximum legibility from the placement of hands relative to the indices to the recessed sub-dials sitting below the main display, all done in an effort to enhance depth and legibility.
The 43.2mm case is crafted from high-intensity titanium that is roughly 30 per cent lighter and more scratch resistant than stainless steel, while the bezel is made from scratch-resistant ceramic. The same material can be found on the bracelet.
In true Grand Seiko fashion, the dial is inspired by nature. This time the dial pattern is designed to evoke Mt. Iwate, a mountain visible from the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi.
In comparison to Grand Seiko’s other chronographs in the Evolution 9 Collection, the SLGC001 stands above both SBGC’s in terms of design. The pushers have more detail, the dial is less busy, and the colourway is a far more interesting shade of blue. The only thing you lose is the GMT function, but it’s a head scratcher as to why that was even included on the SBGCs in the first place.
Precision and quality come at a price and this will set you back $20,500 AUD.
