Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Mechanical Chronograph Tentagraph SLGC007G - A Masterpiece of Precision and Natural Beauty, A Review (plus Video)

In 2023, Grand Seiko introduced its first mechanical chronograph, the Evolution 9 Tentagraph, the
SLGC001G. The name Tentagraph  was an amalgamation of its several properties: ten beats per second, three-day power reserve, and automatic chronograph.

The model is not a limited edition timepiece but it may as well have been one as units allocated to Malaysia were very limited. I suspect the reason was more because of its high price point. At RM60,600 per piece, Grand Seiko has decided to priced it at a level never seen before. I suppose, distributors may have been nervous to commit as the demand for such watches at these new prices was unknown then.

Now, after two years, for 2025 we see the first expansions of the Tentagraph lineup with two new models. The first, the Evolution 9 SLGC007G Tentagraph, is pretty straightforward. Similar to the first Tentagraph, but with a light blue main dial with the brand's iconic Iwate texture and black sub-dials The second chronograph is from the Sports Collection and has the aggressive "Tokyo Lion" design language, the Tokyo Lion Tentagraph SLGC009G.

At the moment, only the SLGC007G is available. After a quick inspection I decided to get it.

THE IMAGE BELOW IS THE LINK TO MY AFFILIATE STORE

The Tentagraph Models 

 

The Tentagraph series, launched in 2023 with its pioneering original model, has since grown into a versatile lineup comprising two distinct iterations. The flagship Tentagraph of 2023 set the foundation with its groundbreaking mechanical movement, which quickly established it as a benchmark in its category. Building on this legacy, the series expanded to include two models under the Evolution 9 sub-line. The third model, meanwhile, belongs to the Sports Collection, a sleek yet rugged iteration .While all three share the Tentagraph name, the strategic division into Evolution 9 and the Sports Collection reflects a deliberate segmentation: the former targets formal wear while the latter appeals to casual wearers.

 

These models are listed below:

Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Mechanical Chronograph Tentagraph SLGC001G
Launched 2023
MSRP: RM60,600

 

Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Mechanical Chronograph Tentagraph SLGC007G
Launched 2025
MSRP: RM59,600

Grand Seiko Sport Collection Mechanical Chronograph Tentagraph SLGC009G
Expected launched date: August 2025
MSRP: TBC

 

I find the Tokyo Lion design in the Sports Collection to be the most desirable. However, the SLGC007G has a number of things that make it the first choice for the collection. The first is the sub-series. 

 

The SLGC007G comes from the Evolution 9 design styling philosophy. The design fuses the classic spirit of Grand Seiko perfected over the decades with the subtle flow woven by light and shadow and the breathtaking beauty in between, to convey the essence of Japanese aesthetics. There are nine design elements with three design principles at the heart of the Evolution 9 design styling philosophy. The nine design elements are:

1. 12:00 index - Double or greater width index at 12:00;
2. Diamond cut index - Indexes have deep middle grooves;
3. Wide hour hand - Minute hand extends right up to minute track & hour hand distinct in shape;
4. Flat dial;
5. Wider bracelet - bracelet width is at least half of the case diameter;
6. Curved case profile;
7. Thickness - stable bracelet with just the right thickness;
8. Multifaceted case -  hairline finished top with distortion free mirror polished sides;
9. Low center of gravity. 
   

All these design elements are based on the three design principles utilised by Grand Seiko i.e:

1. Evolution in aesthetics;
2. Evolution in legibility; and 
3. Evolution in wearing comfort. 

The second is the whole high intensity titanium construction for the case and bracelet. As the Sport Collection model uses rubber-like straps, it scores lower in my view. 

 

Hence, I decided to get the SLGC007G as the first Evolution 9 as well as Tentagraph to be part of the collection.

 

 

The Watch

 

The SLGC007G Tentagraph is a member of the Evolution 9 collection. The design is rooted in Grand Seiko's horology philosophy (see the explanation on the Evolution 9 concept in the previous section) which results in a 43.2 mm high-intensity titanium case with a 15.3 mm thickness that weighs only 154 grams even with a bracelet.

 

The substantial yet angular SLGC007G has impressive detailing and level of finishing such as brushed surfaces mixed with Zaratsu-polished bevels for extra visual impact - as you would expect from a Grand Seiko timepiece made at Studio Shizukuishi, Iwate Prefecture. This facility is where all the Grand Seiko 9S mechanical movements and watches are produced.  

 

The SLGC007G has a 'panda' feel to it although not strictly black on white. Instead, this frost-blue dial shows a shade and pattern that evokes Mt. Iwate, the snow-capped volcano overlooking the Iwate Prefecture. The chapter ring is black to match the sub-dials, visually shrinking the dial size. The dial layout remains balanced and traditional, with a 3-6-9 sub-dial arrangement for the small seconds, 30-minute, and 12-hour counters in contrasting black. A colour-matched date window at 4:30 blends into the design, keeping the aesthetic reasonably clean. Classic to the Evolution 9 collection, the hands and markers are treated with LumiBrite for better readability.

 

There are only four lines of logo and texts on the dial. The upper quadrant consists of the applied logo and the words "Grand Seiko" and "TENTAGRAPH" painted in black paint while a series of manufacturing codes are found in small font at the bottom edge of the dial, also painted in black. Meanwhile, protecting the dial is a box shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface.

 

As highlighted early, despite it measuring 15.3 mm in height, it is more comfortable to wear thanks to its refined curvature and shorter lug-to-lug length. The tachymeter bezel in black ceramic combines polished and brushed surfaces, while the well-proportioned sterile pushers on the right side of the casing ensure ease of use. It has a screw-down signed crown with the "GS" logo, protected by a pair of faceted crown guards. Note that this watch have pass-through drilled lugs to facilitate strap replacement. With a lug width of 23.0 mm, the bracelet provide more visual cues that makes the watch appears even larger.

The watch comes with a transparent screw-down case-back and a sapphire crystal display window. Through this window, you can see the Caliber 9SC5 Tentagraph automatice hi-beat chronograph movement. The particular movement operates at 36,000 BPH (10 beats per second or 5 Hertz). Twin mainspring barrels provide up to 72 hours of automatically wound power reserve. A column wheel and vertical clutch control the chronograph operation, while the movement’s dual dual-impulse escapement and free-spring balance wheel sit under a balance bridge. All of this is visible through the display window.

 

Key innovations used in the Caliber 9SC5 include:

• Dual Impulse Escapement: Enhances efficiency by delivering energy directly to the balance wheel.

• Vertical Clutch & Column Wheel: Ensures smooth chronograph operation without disrupting timekeeping accuracy.

• MEMS Technology: Produces ultra-precise, lightweight components for durability. With an accuracy of +5 to -3 seconds per day, it surpasses COSC standards, cementing Grand Seiko’s reputation for precision.

 Each Tentagraph movement is tested for 20 days to ensure that it meets the Grand Seiko Standard of +5 to -3 seconds per day. The specs are, in fact, where the model name comes from. “TEN beats per second”, “Three days of power reserve”, “Automatic,” and “chronoGRAPH". 

  

The whole casing has been water rated to 100 meters.

 

The SLGC007G comes standard with a titanium bracelet, matching the case material and finishes. It is closed by a signed folding clasp with a push-button release and features four sets of micro-adjustment holes. The links on the bracelet uses a pin-and-collar system to link them together.

Below is a photo of the watch in the dark. As you can see, the LumiBrite paint used is very effective in the dark and last long into the night.

  

 

The Wearing Experience

 

The Grand Seiko SLGC007G transcends its function as a mere chronograph, embodying a narrative of artistry and natural inspiration. This timepiece is a testament to the brand’s legacy, merging horological precision with poetic design, making it a beacon for collectors and aesthetes alike. Grand Seiko’s renowned craftsmanship is epitomized here through techniques like Zaratsu polishing. The meticulous assembly of its movement, ensuring accuracy and a smooth chronograph operation. Each component reflects a dedication to excellence, a hallmark of Grand Seiko’s watchmaking philosophy.

 

The SLGC007G’s ice-blue dial evokes a serene winter landscape, perhaps textured to mimic frost or gently undulating like snowdrifts. This motif extends to subtle design choices: the titanium case’s lightweight hue mirrors the cool tones of icy terrain, while the hands and indices, sharp as icicles, catch light with diamond-cut precision. Such elements echo Grand Seiko’s tradition of drawing from Japan’s seasons, as seen in models like the "Snowflake" or "Shunbun."

The case may challenge those accustomed to modest sizes, prioritizing wrist presence over universality. Nonetheless, for collectors, the SLGC007G offers a rare synergy of heritage and modernity. While its size and date placement may divide, its technical mastery and evocative design justify its place in a discerning collection. It appeals to those who value watches as narrative objects; embodying Grand Seiko’s ethos of "The Nature of Time", where every detail resonates with purpose.

The SLGC007G is more than a chronograph; it is a winter’s tale rendered in titanium and ice-blue. It challenges conventions, celebrates craftsmanship, and invites wearers to partake in Grand Seiko’s ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation. For those who seek a timepiece with soul as much as precision, this watch is a frost-kissed ode to nature’s quiet majesty.
 

The Packaging

The last Grand Seiko I got was in early 2022. It was the Grand Seiko Sport Collection Automatic GMT SBGM247G. Back then, warranty for an automatic movement Grand Seiko was already five years. However, there is two major differences when compared to the latest packaging for the Tentagraph.

The first is the operational manual. For the latest packaging, Grand Seiko provided a card with a link to the online operational manual. There is no longer a thick printed operational manual included in the package. To be honest, I prefer it this way. Easier to refer to a manual online instead of searching for it physically when you really need it for referencing. 

 

The second is the travelling watch-pouch which comes as part of the packaging. This is a very useful design afterthought as it allows one to keep the watch in a more manageable sized box instead of the original watch-box itself.

I really like this design feature of the watch-box. Now, I can keep my watch in the travelling pouch without needing to find another space to keep it.

Specifications

Brand Series: Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Tentagraph Collection 

Reference: SLGC007G

Dial: A two-layer dial with snow blue tone

Case: High intensity titanium with Zaratsu polishing

Bracelet: High intensity titanium with Zaratsu polishing & three-fold clasp with push button release

Bezel: Ceramic 

Diameter: 43.2 mm

Thickness: 15.3 mm

Lug Width: 23.0 mm

Lug-to-Lug Length: 51.5 mm

Weight: 154 gm
Crystal: Box shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on inner surface

Case Back: Titanium screw-down case-back with see-through sapphire window

Luminous Paint: Lumibrite paint on hands and index(es)

Movement: Mechanical Hi-Beat Chronograph Caliber 9SC5 automatic with manual winding

Jewels: 60 

Frequency: 36,000 BPH (or 10 Hertz)

Power Reserve: 72 hours

Accuracy: +8 to -1 seconds per day 

Water Resistance: 100 meter (10 Bar)

Magnetic Resistance: 4,800 A/m
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, 30-minute chronograph, 12-hours chronograph, central chronograph seconds
Features: Chronograph, dual impulse escapement, twin barrels

MSRP: RM59,600

Vendor: Seiko Boutique, Mid Valley Megamall

Purchase Date: 8 May 2025

Purchase Price: RM47,000

Warranty: Five (5) years

Serial Number: 4D0050

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