Grand Seiko’s Lion Case Shape: A Modern Icon in Sports Watches
In just a few years since its 2019 debut, the Lion case shape has firmly established itself as a central design in Grand Seiko’s sports watch collection. Taking cues from Grand Seiko’s iconic lion emblem, which graced the back of the brand’s inaugural timepiece, this distinct case seamlessly merges the contrasting finishes of Zaratsu polishing and brushed lines.
Initially, the Lion design was reserved for limited edition pieces. However, Grand Seiko introduced a regular production chronograph GMT with this shape earlier this year. Now, during Watches & Wonders Geneva, a new time, date, and power reserve model has been unveiled, reinforcing the message that this “king of the jungle” design is here for the long haul.
Highlighting the Grand Seiko Spring Drive Tokyo Lion Watch with an Ivory Dial:
The SBGA481 is a perfect embodiment of Grand Seiko’s vision for a sports watch. Crafted from high-intensity titanium, boasting a 200-meter water resistance, and encased in a commanding 44.5mm frame, this watch is built for adventure and designed to be noticed.
Features such as the dual curve sapphire crystal, bold indexes, and pronounced hands prioritize readability, ensuring that this watch remains functional in any setting.
The dial, coloured in opaline, draws inspiration from the cascading mane of the regal lion. Powering this masterpiece is the automatic Spring Drive Caliber 9R65, celebrated for its resistance to impacts and its remarkable accuracy of 1 second per day or ±15 seconds monthly.
The SBGA481, fondly named the “Tokyo Lion”, will be available from August, retailing at $10,400. It can be found at Grand Seiko boutiques and selected retailers.
SBGE295 Spring Drive GMT Inspired by Hotaka Mountains
Nestled in the Nagano prefecture, the majestic Hotaka mountain range paints a breathtaking backdrop for the Shinshu Watch Studio, where Grand Seiko’s iconic Spring Drive watches come to life. This grandeur of nature not only offers a daily view to the artisans but also fuels the creative spirit behind the Ref. SBGE295, the latest addition to Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive GMT Sport Collection.
Highlighting the Grand Seiko SBGE295 Spring Drive GMT with a Green Dial:
The fleeting summer of the Hotaka highlands lends its vibrant greens and intricate textures to the dial of SBGE295, mirroring the lush vegetation that adorns the mountain tops. Grand Seiko aficionados might recognize this texture, previously showcased in models like the SBGA413, SBGA415, and 2022’s SBGE277—all of which were inspired by the same mountain range.
Housed in a stainless steel case, the SBGE295 dimensions stand at 44mm in diameter, 14.7mm thick, and 50.8mm in length. Grand Seiko’s signature Zaratsu polish lends a pristine finish, with the case boasting both mirror-polished and brushed surfaces. Thanks to the downturned lugs and an offset crown at four o’clock, the watch appears more compact than its size implies, ensuring wearability and comfort.
The watch features a bi-directional rotating bezel topped with a hardy synthetic sapphire overlay. This overlay encases Grand Seiko’s Lumibrite compound, illuminating all the white sections on the bezel in dim lighting. With a hardness ranking of 2,500-3,000HV, synthetic sapphire offers robust resistance against scratches.
Its lively green dial boasts prominent indexes and hands, also treated with Lumibrite. A 24-hour chapter ring encircles the dial, and in conjunction with the GMT hand and the 24-hour bezel track, users can track up to three separate time zones. The watch offers a water resistance of 20 bar and can resist magnetism up to 4,800 A/m.
Powering the SBGE295 is the Grand Seiko Spring Drive Caliber 9R66. This movement promises a 72-hour power reserve when fully charged. A visible power reserve gauge is situated adjacent to the eight o’clock index. As a genuine GMT, the hour hand can be adjusted independently, keeping the GMT hand synchronized with home time.
Come July 2023, watch enthusiasts can find the SBGE295 at Grand Seiko Boutiques and select dealers, priced at $6,200.
