When the original Grand Seiko team was assembled to create the first Grand Seiko watch in 1960, a lion emblem was selected to grace the timepiece’s case back. The choice was rich with meaning, reflecting the team’s ambition to make the very best watch their abilities would allow. In the years since, the Lion has remained a stalwart symbol of Grand Seiko. With its sharp angles, high-precision movement, and elaborate diamond and garnet settings, the Spring Drive Limited Edition SBGD228 “Red Lion” manifests the passion of this regal animal as it was depicted on that first watch.
A limited edition of eight, the SBGD228 is set with over 250 diamonds between its 18k rose gold case and its dial, where garnets were selected to mark the hours. The meticulous care taken in the gem-setting is underlined by the fact that the stones on the dial function as the very interface – no small feat for a watch brand steeped in the pursuit of legibility. The stones’ shape, quality, colour, and perfect alignment with one another reflect high-jewellery mastery as much as fine watchmaking. The centre of the dial is formed from a piece of wine-red mother-of-pearl.
The Spring Drive 8 Days Calibre 9R01 is the first movement that the esteemed Micro Artist Studio, located within Seiko Epson’s Shiojiri facility, created exclusively for Grand Seiko. Coming from the Micro Artist Studio, it adopts an uncompromising approach to hand finishing. The contrasting brushed surfaces of the large bridge and mirror-polished edges highlight the interplay of light and shadow. Inside, three barrels provide enough energy to maintain precise timekeeping for 8 days, with an accuracy of ±10 seconds per month.
Calibre 9R01 features a creative design inspired by the local topography and scenery of Shinshu as viewed from the Micro Artist Studio. The large plate, visible through the sapphire crystal case back, forms the shape of Mt. Fuji. To its right, the glide wheel appears as if it is the sun on the horizon. The red rubies arrayed in the centre recall the lights of Suwa City, and to their right, the power-reserve indicator takes up a position to represent Lake Suwa. The functional design, configured to form a regional map of sorts, serves as a constant reminder of the place and the people responsible for making this remarkable Spring Drive creation.
The watch is offered with two straps; one is crocodile with a wine-red glaze, and the other is KYOTO leather with metallic accents that evoke a lion’s mane.
The SBGD228 will be available as a limited edition of eight through Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners beginning in October 2026.
