In 2019, Grand Seiko announced a limited edition sports watch design inspired by the lion, the enduring emblem of Grand Seiko since its inception in 1960. The lion reflected the ambition of the Grand Seiko team to make a watch that was as precise, durable, and beautiful as could be; in other words, their goal was to make the ‘king of watches’. With SBGC253, Grand Seiko reintroduces the lion design in the Sport Collection, now with a new dial and as a regular production model in the Sport Collection.
The strong and angular 44.5 mm case has claw-like, hairline-finished lugs that stand out from the Zaratsu-polished elements. The case is made of Grand Seiko’s High-Intensity Titanium, which is approximately 30% lighter than stainless steel and brighter in color. Thanks to its curved lugs and low center of gravity, coupled with the reduced weight of titanium, the case ensures a comfortable fit on the wrist. The concave, textured chronograph buttons ensure that the finger does not slip when activating the chronograph.
Powering the Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph SBGC253 is the in-house calibre 9R86, a Spring Drive chronograph GMT that delivers an accuracy of ±15 seconds per month and measures elapsed time up to 12 hours. The power reserve is 72 hours when fully wound and is shown on the indicator next to the eight o’clock marker. The beauty of the movement’s finishing is visible through the display case back.
The dial’s delicate ‘lion’s mane’ pattern, exclusive for this case shape, captures the beauty and strength of the lion. With its ivory-white textured pattern, the dial has an invitingly warm feel and yet creates an instantly powerful impact as it reflects the light from every angle with the quiet brilliance that is the distinctive attribute of this dial. The hour and minute hands are designed for heightened legibility, and the wide indexes further enhance one’s ability to read the time immediately. The dark red accents on the dial allow the wearer to read the time at a glance.
The hour and minute hands, as well as the hour markers, have green Lumibrite, while the bezel and GMT hand have blue, achieving enhanced legibility in dark conditions.
The 200 meter water resistance ensures the highest level of performance in any sporting situation. The bracelet is also made of high-intensity titanium, which is about 30% lighter than stainless steel and brighter in color. The bracelet, too, is designed for comfort, with thick H-shaped links that wrap easily around any wrist size and equipped with a three-fold clasp with push-button release, secure lock, and extender.
The Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph SBGC253 will be available in March 2023 at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners worldwide.
Sticker Price $12,000 USD. For more info on Grand Seiko click here.
