Written by: Grand Seiko
15 Sep 2025
Grand Seiko unveils two new timepieces in the Evolution 9 Collection, each inspired by the ever-changing landscapes of Japan and a reflection of the brand’s philosophy of The Nature of Time.
A mechanical chronograph that imparts the spirit of Mt. Iwate reflecting the morning sunrise.
This mechanical chronograph, which has been created in the Evolution 9 Style, takes the fusion of Grand Seiko’s spirit with the aesthetic sensibilities of Japan to a high level. The dial pattern is reminiscent of Mt. Iwate, the peak visible from Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, where Grand Seiko’s mechanical watches are manufactured. Its copper-pink color exudes a dignified presence as if bathed in morning sunlight.
Powered by the Caliber 9SC5, a chronograph movement vibrating at 10 beats per second, this creation operates continuously for up to about 72 hours (about 3 days) when fully wounded.
Credit: Grand Seiko
Mt. Iwate is thought to have been formed around 700,000 years ago and has been one of the most active volcanoes in all of Japan, a country with more than 100 active volcanoes. One can sense the history of this soaring peak from its rough surface, etched by the traces of lava flows that extend along the north side. The striking radial dial pattern is inspired by a bird’s-eye view of Mt. Iwate’s ridge line.
The space between the hands and the dial and indexes has been reduced as much as possible, allowing the wearer to see the time at a glance, even on a chronograph that displays a wealth of information. The date display, placed between the four and five o’clock positions, allows all twelve indexes to be placed in a way that ensures maximum legibility of the sub-dials.
A textured blue dial evokes a moonlit birch tree in this manual-winding, 10-beat mechanical timepiece.
This 10-beat, manual-winding mechanical watch is based on the “Evolution 9 Style,” a unique design grammar that takes the fusion of Grand Seiko’s spirit with the aesthetic sensibilities of Japan to a higher level. Its textured, navy-colored dial evokes the bark of a white birch tree illuminated by the moon. Featuring a slender stainless-steel case that is a mere 9.95mm thick, the creation has an appearance worthy of a Grand Seiko dress watch. The bezel is refined, with a narrow profile that complements the lugs, whose clean lines are echoed on the dial by the indexes. The manual-winding movement is the Caliber 9SA4, which features a high number of vibrations, 10 per second, to maintain a stable level of accuracy, as well as a generous power reserve of up to 80 hours.
Credit: Grand Seiko
Upon the Hiraniwa Plateau in Iwate Prefecture, the same prefecture that is the home of the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, where Grand Seiko’s mechanical watches are manufactured, an impressive forest of white birch trees extends across a large area of roughly 1,000 acres. The dress watch’s dial is fashioned in a finely detailed design that expresses the beauty of the irregular patterns of tree bark. The color of the dial is navy, with a slight hint of fading, evoking the bark of a white birch bathed in moonlight.
The strap features a beautiful, soft texture with small bumps and a color that blends with the dial to reinforce the image of a white birch illuminated by the moon.
Discover other Grand Seiko collections at our boutiques, or online. Contact a sales representative today to learn more.