Grand Seiko unveiled its inaugural mechanical complication and a collection of sports watches from the Evolution 9 Collection at Watches and Wonders Geneva last year. Today, the brand marks a significant milestone by introducing its first mechanical chronograph, the Tentagraph, expanding its Evolution 9 sports watch range.
As with every Grand Seiko creation, precision is paramount in the Tentagraph, which boasts a chronograph movement based on the groundbreaking high-beat Caliber 9SA5. Similar to Caliber 9SA5, the new Tentagraph Caliber 9SC5 ticks ten times per second, ensuring exceptional accuracy when measuring elapsed time and the time of day. Additionally, the watch runs for three days, even with the chronograph active, thanks to its energy-efficient escapement and two barrels. The Tentagraph boasts the longest power reserve of any 10-beat chronograph in the industry.*
Moreover, the Tentagraph undergoes a more rigorous testing procedure. Like all Grand Seiko mechanical movements, the Tentagraph’s accuracy is assessed in six positions and at three temperatures over 17 days. Additionally, there are three more days of testing during which the accuracy is evaluated in three positions while the chronograph is in operation. Therefore, each Tentagraph movement is tested for a total of 20 days, ensuring that it satisfies the Grand Seiko Standard of +5 to -3 seconds per day.
With the introduction of the Tentagraph, Grand Seiko not only expands its range of sports watches but also sets a new benchmark for chronographs, adding another chapter to its history.
The new movement in the Tentagraph boasts the innovative Dual Impulse Escapement, which transfers energy to the free-sprung balance wheel both indirectly through the pallet fork and directly from the escape wheel. The use of MEMS technology in the escapement parts ensures outstanding precision, durability, and lightness while increasing the energy efficiency of the escapement to achieve an extended power reserve.
The Tentagraph embodies the hallmarks of a high-quality modern chronograph, with a vertical clutch and column wheel contributing to its precision and ease of use. The vertical clutch eradicates any hand shuddering or jumping when the chronograph is activated, enhancing measurement accuracy. The column wheel ensures precise control of the chronograph operation. The movement also features a three-pointed hammer, guaranteeing that when the reset pusher is pressed, the hands return to zero instantly and in perfect synchronization.
The Grand Seiko sports watch ideals are evident in the design of this new chronograph. The Evolution 9 Style features powerful hands and distinct, grooved indexes for exceptional legibility. The chronograph seconds hand gently curves down towards the dial, positioning the tip of the hand as close as possible to the markers on the dial’s edge. The minute hand also features a gentle curve for improved legibility of the time of day.
The case and bracelet are crafted from high-intensity titanium, which offers superior durability as it is approximately 30% lighter and more scratch-resistant than stainless steel. The two convex pushers deliver the operational precision required for measuring elapsed time at the highest level.
The dial of the Tentagraph features Grand Seiko’s iconic “Mt. Iwate pattern,” which draws inspiration from the contours of the nearby mountain visible from the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi. This is where all Grand Seiko mechanical watches, including the Tentagraph, are hand-assembled and adjusted. The Mt. Iwate pattern first appeared in 2006 and has since become closely associated with Grand Seiko’s mechanical watchmaking. The mountain continues to inspire Grand Seiko, making it a fitting choice for the brand’s first mechanical chronograph. The addition of a serene blue hue further evokes the night sky above Mt. Iwate.
The Grand Seiko Tentagraph is a new addition to the Evolution 9 Collection and will be available at Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners from June 2023.
