New: Grand Seiko SBGA481 “Tokyo Lion”

The Grand Seiko Sport Collection Spring Drive SBGA481 “Tokyo Lion” is a watch that evinces the strength of Grand Seiko’s enduring emblem, the lion. Until recently, the Lion form was exclusively found in limited editions. But earlier this year, Grand Seiko debuted a new chronograph GMT version that marked a debut for the shape as a standard production watch.

Press Release with Commentary in Italics.

New: Grand Seiko SBGA481 “Tokyo Lion”

The new Grand Seiko SBGA481 “Tokyo Lion” is powered by a Spring Drive movement with a large sporty presence. Its bold case design conveys the fierceness of a lion as it takes its place on the wrist, and yet its short lugs design makes it more wearable despite its size. The watch boasts the features that matter most in a sports model. Legibility in all conditions comes via a Lumibrite coating for the indexes and hands and, a water resistance of 20 bar for desk and depth diving. The new SBGA481 is powered by the tried-and-true Caliber 9R65 Spring Drive movement, delivering an average precision of ±15 seconds per month (±1 second per day). Reflecting the natural flow of time itself, the seconds hand glides smoothly and silently with no stopping or shuddering .

The SBGA481 “Tokyo Lion” will be available at Grand Seiko boutiques and select retail partners starting in August for a retail price of $10,400.

Press Release

In a relatively short period of time, the Lion case shape, which debuted in 2019, has become a fixture of Grand Seiko’s sports watches. Inspired by the enduring symbol of the brand, the emblematic lion that appeared on the back of the first Grand Seiko watch, this angular case has provided a perfect canvas on which to apply the complementary contrasts of Zaratsu polishing and hairline finishing. 

Until recently, the Lion form was exclusively found in limited editions. But earlier this year, Grand Seiko debuted a new chronograph GMT version that marked a debut for the shape as a standard production watch. Now, at Watches & Wonders Geneva, a time and date (and power reserve) version has also made its appearance, sending out a powerful roar: The “king of the jungle” is here to stay. 

The SBGA481 is in every way an expression of the ideals of a Grand Seiko sports watch. From its high-intensity titanium construction to its 200-meter water resistance and 44.5mm case, this bold watch can not only go just about anywhere, but it is also made to stand out from the pack. 

A dual curve sapphire crystal, prominent indexes, and large hands designed for legibility ensure that this watch is easy to read at a glance, as a sports watch should be. 

The opaline-colored dial features a pattern inspired by the flowing mane of the majestic feline. Beneath that dial is the automatic Spring Drive Caliber 9R65, which is highly resistant to shocks and accurate to 1 second per day / ±15 seconds per month on average.