A new creation in the Grand Seiko Sport Collection draws inspiration from the enduring lion symbol and a beautiful Shinshu sunrise reflecting off the Hotaka landscape.
The vast Hotaka mountain range rises in the Shinshu region of central Japan, where all Grand Seiko Spring Drive creations are made. The sun reflecting off this soaring landscape at dawn creates beautiful mountain scenery with ebullient colors transforming from pink to orange as the early morning progresses.
The year 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the first Grand Seiko watch powered by the 9R Spring Drive movement series, which powers all Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches.
Thanks to the new technology, the intricate texture of the dial presents itself more clearly even in combination with warmer color tones. On summer mornings, for just 30 minutes before and after sunrise, the sun illuminates the peaks of the Hotaka mountain range in a particularly special way. The color-changing dial, which represents this momentary light show, is made possible by a patented dial-coating process to be known as “Optical Multilayer Coating.” Instead of traditional techniques to color the dial, the new technology uses a physical vapor deposition process. Several layers of nanoscale film create an effect in which the dial exhibits a different hue depending on the angle of view. Combined with the silent glide motion of the seconds hand, the transitioning dial colors bring a new dimension to the idea of the nature of time.
The dial’s delicate “lion’s mane” pattern, exclusive to this case shape, captures the beauty and strength of the lion. The newest Spring Drive Chronograph GMT features a powerful, angular case design inspired by the lion, a symbol of the brand since the first Grand Seiko watch in 1960. Synonymous with strength and courage, the lion represented the aim of the original Grand Seiko team to create the very best timepiece of which they were capable in terms of accuracy, legibility, durability, and beauty, and these values remain today. The lion’s presence is demonstrated in every detail of the new watch, such as the angularity of the case and the claw-like, hairline-finished lugs, which provide a point of contrast to the Zaratsu-polished surfaces.
Water resistant to 20 bar, the watch is made to ensure the highest level of performance in any sporting situation. The hour and minute hands are designed for heightened legibility, and the wide indexes further enhance the superior legibility for which Grand Seiko is renowned. The case and bracelet are made of high-intensity titanium, which is about 30% lighter than stainless steel and has a brighter color. The bracelet, too, is designed for comfort, with thick, H-shaped links that easily conform to wrists of all sizes. The hour and minute hands, as well as the hour markers, have Lumibrite that glows green, while the GMT hand and the numbers on the bezel glow blue, enhancing the watch’s legibility in dark conditions.
To symbolize this enhanced accuracy, an 18k gold Grand Seiko lion emblem graces the movement’s oscillating weight.
The timepiece is powered by the Spring Drive Chronograph GMT Caliber 9R96, a specially adjusted version of Caliber 9R86. Caliber 9R96 delivers an accuracy of ±10 seconds per month, or ±0.5 seconds per day, compared to the ±15 seconds per month accuracy of the mainstay Spring Drive Chronograph GMT Caliber 9R86.
A limited edition of 700, the new creation will be available at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners worldwide in July 2024.
GRAND SEIKO SPORT GMT 20TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION 44.5 SBGC275
