Introducing the first Grand Seiko mechanical chronograph, the Tentagraph. Last year, at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2022, Grand Seiko introduced its first mechanical complication and a series of sports watches from the Evolution 9 Collection. Today marks a new milestone as Grand Seiko expands its Evolution 9 sports watch offering with its first mechanical chronograph, the Tentagraph.
Equipped with a generous yet properly sized high-intensity titanium case measuring 43.2 mm in diameter and 15.3 mm in thickness, the new Grand Seiko Tentagraph features a stunning blue dial with Grand Seiko’s signature “Mt. Iwate pattern,” which takes inspiration from the ridged contours of the nearby mountain visible through the windows of the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, where the Tentagraph and all other Grand Seiko mechanical watches are hand-assembled and adjusted.
The Mt. Iwate dial first appeared in 2006, and the pattern has since become deeply associated with Grand Seiko mechanical watchmaking. The majestic peak serves as an enduring inspiration for Grand Seiko, and its choice for the brand’s first mechanical chronograph is both symbolic and fitting. Combined with the gentle blue hue, the dial takes the imagination upwards towards the night sky above Mt. Iwate. The bezel is made of ceramic to protect the watch from scratches and enhance durability.
This blue dial is stunning in the metal and a true chameleon depending on the lighting conditions.
Just like every Grand Seiko creation, the pursuit of precision is at the heart of the new Tentagraph, whose chronograph movement features the revolutionary high-beat Calibre 9SA5 as its base. Like Calibre 9SA5, the new Tentagraph Caliber 9SC5 beats ten times per second, ensuring high accuracy when measuring elapsed time as well as the time of day. And, thanks to its energy-efficient escapement and two barrels, the watch runs for three days even when the chronograph is in operation, making the Tentagraph the 10-beat chronograph with the longest power reserve in the industry today.
Furthermore, the Tentagraph is subjected to a new and longer testing procedure. As with all Grand Seiko mechanical movements, the Tentagraph’s time-of-day accuracy is assessed in six positions and at three temperatures over 17 days but, in addition, there are three more days of testing during which the accuracy is assessed in three positions while the chronograph is in operation. Thus, in total, each Tentagraph movement is tested for 20 days to ensure that it meets the Grand Seiko Standard of +5 to -3 seconds per day.
This new movement features the revolutionary Dual Impulse Escapement, which efficiently transfers energy to the free-sprung balance wheel indirectly through the pallet fork and also directly from the escape wheel. MEMS technology ensures extremely precise, lightweight, and highly durable escapement parts and also endows the escapement with increased energy efficiency to achieve a long power reserve. Hallmarks of a high-quality modern chronograph, a vertical clutch, and a column wheel ensure high accuracy and operability. The vertical clutch eliminates any shuddering or jumping of the hands when the chronograph is engaged and enhances measurement accuracy, while the column wheel delivers precise control of the chronograph operation. The movement incorporates a three-pointed hammer, which ensures that, when the reset pusher is pressed, the hands return to zero instantly and in perfect synchronization.
Fully visible via the display case back, the movement is a real treat for the eyes.
On the wrist, the new Grand Seiko Tentagraph wears true to its size and extremely well. The watch is quite light thanks to its high-intensity titanium case. Without a doubt, an exquisite watch for the most discerning watch collectors.
Sticker Price $13,700 USD. For more info on Grand Seiko click here.
