The new rubber-strapped Grand Seiko SLGC009 brings the Tentagraph to a titanium Tokyo Lion case
Zach Blass- The new Grand Seiko SLGC009 brings the 9SC5 movement into a Tokyo Lion case for the first time.
- It has been outfitted on a rubber strap several times stronger than standard silicone that was tailor-built for the case.
- Its exhibition caseback is curved for heightened ergonomics and the strap’s folding clasp is more curved as well.
Grand Seiko has ramped up its movements over the last five years, introducing more complex calibres with elevated decoration. Putting aside developments on the Spring Drive side of Grand Seiko’s arsenal, on the fully mechanical end, the calibre 9SA5 was the first to usher in this new era in 2020 with its dual-impulse escapement. Then, in 2022, we saw Grand Seiko explore complications with the SLGT003 Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon, its first high complication watch, and in 2023, its first mechanical chronograph with the 9SC5-driven Tentagraph. Though the brand has just introduced a new dial colour for the Tentagraph as we already know it with the SLGC007, this SLGC009 also enters the mix – bringing the Tentagraph into a new case format for the first time for W&W 2025.
For those wishing for a smaller Tentagraph, you will be disappointed, as the “Tokyo Lion” case style has never been one of diminutive proportions. Think of it like the Royal Oak Offshore, but in Grand Seiko terms. Measuring 43mm in diameter and 15.6mm thick, the new Grand Seiko SLGC009 is 200 metres water-resistant and encased in Brilliant Hard Titanium – the first Grand Seiko sports watch to use the material that offers titanium with heightened lustre to convey the richness of its finishes even better. And speaking of finishing, the Tokyo Lion case is a super faceted design, with so many alternating sloped surfaces that need to be polished perfectly flat by Grand Seiko’s master artisans. Taking inspiration from a lion’s mane, the brown dial has been tweaked with waved texture on its surface that emulates the manner in which light reflects off of a lion’s mane. The lion’s paw inspired the case, applied hour indices, and even the shape of the pushers (which must be a pain in the ass to finish to Grand Seiko’s standards). The running seconds is left brown, but the chronograph counters at 6 and 9 are executed in black to distinguish their functionality. All three, however, are deeply scalloped, with a dramatic ramp effect that brings the hands closer to the printed lines of the scales for better legibility.
What really intrigues me about the design of the SLGC009 is its curved caseback and tailor-made, integrated rubber strap. The curved caseback will likely increase comfort and also allow the watch to sit lower on the wrist, hopefully somewhat mitigating its thickness.
“The newly developed rubber strap has a tensile strength of nearly 2.7 times the typical silicone strap used for Grand Seiko,” the brand explains. “It was created for this watch, and its brown colour pairs perfectly with the patterned dial. Not only does the strap have an excellent texture, but the motif on the back was inspired by the lion’s paw, providing a playful design detail even if it is only visible to the wearer. Combined with the slightly curved case back, the new strap ensures comfort and stability on the wrist befitting a Grand Seiko sports watch.”
Grand Seiko has even developed a new folding clasp for this strap with a more curved design to better follow the form and shaping of the rubber strap as it wraps around the wrist, which will likely mitigate any flare the typical clasp may have caused.
Overall, I suspect some will still bemoan the size of the Tokyo Lion Tentagraph and claim it to be too large. Though ever so slightly thicker, I do suspect the lug-to-lug of this SLGC009 will be closer to 50mm than the SLGC001 or SLGC007. And the curved caseback will mitigate how tall it wears on the wrist – at least if worn more snug. Personally, I’m not the biggest fan of brighter brown dials, and I don’t know if I love the non-symmetrical chrono sub-dial colour layout. I do like to see Grand Seiko further exploring the arena of rubber straps, and hope to see more of it in the coming years throughout varying case geometries and ranges. To see Grand Seiko exploring refined elements like a new micro-adjustment clasp, new rubber straps… This is a good thing, trust me.
Grand Seiko Evolution 9 SLGC009 Tokyo Lion Tentagraph pricing and availability
The Grand Seiko SLGC009 will be available for purchase in August 2025. Price: US$16,400
| Brand | Grand Seiko |
| Model | Evolution 9 Tentagraph Tokyo Lion |
| Reference | SLGC009 |
| Case Dimensions | 43mm (D) x 15.6mm (T) |
| Case material | Brilliant Hard Titanium |
| Water Resistance | 200 metres, screw-down crown |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Brown |
| Bracelet and strap | Integrated brown rubber, folding clasp |
| Movement | 9SC5, in-house, automatic, high-beat |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph |
| Availability | August |
| Price | US$16,400 |