Grand Seiko’s flagship mechanical chronograph has been reimagined as the Sports Collection Tokyo Lion Tentagraph SLGC009. Executed in the brand’s proprietary “Brilliant Hard Titanium”, the oversized, facetted case is inspired by the paw of a lion, the historical emblem of Grand Seiko.

This is the first time the Tentagraph movement is being combined with the Tokyo Lion case, setting it apart from the original model that was in the classic Grand Seiko Evolution 9 design.

Initial thoughts

While the original Tentagraph was conventional in style, the Tokyo Lion edition is big and bold. The watch has presence on the wrist. The case is large at 43 mm wide and almost 16 mm high, with its many facetted surfaces catching the light nicely. While the concept of a lion-inspired case might sound gimmicky, the new Tentagraph has its own appeal.

The size and style makes this less of a low-key everyday watch than the first Tentagraph, but definitely more striking and original. Even though the Tokyo Lion case is arguably an acquired taste, I like this more than the original.

At US$16,400, the Tokyo Lion Tentagraph is one of Grand Seiko’s priciest models in non-precious metal. But it is a flagship watch with a latest-generation movement, the cal. 9SC5, which incorporates the proprietary Dual Impulse Escapement and a free-sprung balance. The only shortcoming of the watch is the modular construction of the movement.

Ten beats per second

While the Tokyo Lion case design has been employed before, the Tentagraph edition takes the styling even further. The case seems to have more facets and edges than prior Tokyo Lion models; even the pushers are modelled on a lion’s claws. It’s entirely in Brilliant Hard Titanium, one of Grand Seiko’s own alloys that is harder than conventional titanium, allowing it to take on a brighter finish, especially on its polished surfaces.

Like the case, the dial is inspired by a lion, with its texture supposed to bring to mind a lion’s mane. Interestingly, the registers are all bowl-shaped, which gives the dial a greater sense of depth.

And in a first for Grand Seiko that typically relies either on a bracelet or leather strap, the new Tentagraph is fitted to a moulded rubber strap – with an embossed lion’s paw motif on its underside – and an angular titanium folding clasp that echoes the case design.

Visible through the open back is the Tentagraph cal. 9SC5, which layers a chronograph module over the cal. 9SA5 base movement. Operating at 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz), the movement counts ten beats per second, hence the Tentagraph moniker. Like other latest-generation Grand Seiko movements, the cal. 9SC5 is dressed up with striping, bevelled edges, and chamfered countersinks.

Key facts and price

Grand Seiko Sports Collection Tokyo Lion Tentagraph
Ref. SLGC009

Diameter: 43 mm
Height: 15.6 mm
Material: Brilliant Hard Titanium
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 200 m

Movement: Cal. 9SC5
Functions: Hours, minutes, running seconds, chronograph, and date
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 36,000 beats per hour (5 Hz)
Power reserve: 72 hours

Strap: Brown rubber strap

Limited edition: No
Availability: At Grand Seiko boutiques and select retailers starting August 2025
Price: US$16,400

For more, visit grand-seiko.com.