WatchProSite|Market|Digest

Seiko

Interesting release!

 

The base movement is an exceptional one, so really the 9SC5 is quite a bit further along compared the Audemars Piguet Cal 3124/3841 that powered the circa 2010 Royal Oak Offshores.


The top end of the market is asking for integrated chronographs, because we enjoy seeing a black-polished column wheel actuate the chronograph switching. There are other reasons (compactness, repairability), which I always felt justify the aesthetic and emotional reasons. 

An integrated chronograph movement will do its best work inside a smaller watch. This is a large watch with a light case. The resurgence of smaller (and perhaps dressier) chronographs is still few years off. We can see there is interest building though. There's plenty of time for Seiko to continue developing a dedicated chronograph movement and continue moving the brand upmarket. 

How much can Seiko charge and still move a substantial number of units? An integrated chronograph with a dual impulse escapement will not be cheap, as it would surpass Blancpain's F385. 13,700 USD is a lot of money already and I'd expect Seiko would need to sell the new movement in watches costing over 20,000 USD and sell a ton of Grand Seiko chronographs over the next few decades. An ambitious chronograph movement to match an ambitious growth target, but a large risk too.

Back to the watch. The Tentagraph looks like it will impress in the metal with its beautiful dial, a fantastically finished case / bracelet, and a substantial volume. If the size appeals to you, I suspect the rest of the watch will meet expectations.

  login to reply
💰1482 Marketplace Listings for Audemars Piguet