Grand Seiko - Tentagraph SLGC001

0 0 Tuesday, 28 March 2023 Edit this post

Grand Seiko released the Tentagraph, its first mechanical chronograph.

Based on the high-beat Caliber 9SA5 and part of the Evolution 9 Collection, the Tentagraph aims to set a new standard in elapsed time measurement.

Its new Caliber 9SC5 beats at the high frequency of 5 Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour or ten times per second) while, at the same time, offering a remarkable autonomy of 3 days, even when the chronograph is in operation.

This performance sets a new industry standard as the 10-beat chronograph with the longest power reserve. This feat is achieved through the use of two barrels and the Dual Impulse Escapement, which efficiently transfers energy to the free-sprung balance wheel both indirectly, via the pallet fork, and directly, from the escape wheel.

Each movement is tested for 20 days to ensure that it meets the Grand Seiko Standard of +5 to -3 seconds per day.

The TENTAGRAPH’s name describes its high-beat rate (TEN beats per seconds), its long power reserve (Three days), and its function (Automatic chronoGRAPH).

The movement’s architecture and its beautiful finishes can be observed through the exhibition case back.

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 also incorporates a three-pointed hammer, which ensures that, when the reset pusher is pressed, the hands return to zero instantly and in perfect synchronization.

The Tentagraph is housed in a 43.2 mm x 15.3 mm case made of high-intensity titanium, which is also used for the three-link bracelet. The alternating finishes of Zaratsu polishing, which produces a distortion-free mirror finish, and satin brushing create a striking visual contrast. The black ceramic bezel is equipped with a tachymeter scale, completing the watch's bold design.

Water resistance is guaranteed up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 metres / 330 feet), also thanks to a screw-down crown.

Protected by a box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, the blue dial features 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.

At 3, 6 and 9 o'clock, we find running seconds, 12-hour chronograph counter and 30-minute chronograph counter, respectively.

Legibility is excellent thanks to large hand and grooved indexes, all filled with Lumibrite. The chronograph seconds hand is gently curved down towards the dial so that the tip of the hand is as close as possible to the dial's markers and extends to the markings at the very edge of the dial.

The new Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection Tentagraph ref. SLGC001 will be available at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners starting in June 2023 at the recommended price of Euro 14,300 / US$ 13,700. grand-seiko.com