The Evolution 9 Style combines the essence of Grand Seiko and Japanese aesthetics at a high level

The Grand Seiko Style defines the design of Grand Seiko. In 2020, the Evolution 9 Style was conceived to further develop that original design philosophy in the pursuit of greater ease of use and beauty. This new design style was envisioned to deepen the underlying artistry and grace of Grand Seiko, a brand that has pursued a continuous path of progress and evolution since its birth in 1960.

In the East, beauty is found in the coexistence of light in shadow, whereas in the West, the two are seen as contrasting entities. Against this backdrop, the Japanese have a keen sensitivity for the expression of light, allowing them to perceive the myriad gradations woven by light and shadow. Within the coexistence of light and shadow is the beauty of the in-between, which projects an inexhaustible stream of elegance. While the Grand Seiko Style defines the beauty of light next to shadow, the Evolution 9 Style strives to elevate the unique perceptions of the Japanese people to the dimension of design, in pursuit of the contrasts between light and shadow and the beauty of the rich gradation existing between the two.

Both light and shadow are treasured, fostering a passion for the beauty that emerges between them. The Evolution 9 Style stresses the importance of this type of Japanese aesthetic beauty. This design philosophy was conceived to deepen and further evolve the beauty at the core of Grand Seiko.

Three design principles for the next era of Grand Seiko

The new design philosophy manifests evolutions in “aesthetics,” “legibility” and “wearing comfort.” The precise, easy-to-read, elegant, and highly durable Japanese wristwatches created on the strength of this formula form the essence of Grand Seiko – namely, a genuinely awe-inspiring next-era presence.

Elegance achieved through the Japanese aesthetics of light and shadow

Focused on achieving a clearer image of Japanese aesthetics, and the view of nature as at the core of the Grand Seiko Style, we set our sights on a further evolution of aesthetics. This pursuit has yielded a form capable of more clearly depicting the beauty between light and shadow and the soft and faint gradation treasured by the Japanese people from ancient times.

Precisely calculated legibility

Modeled on the First-Generation Grand Seiko, the origin of the brand launched in 1960, the hands and indexes have evolved to have a more pronounced shape, enhancing legibility.
While conveying the essence of a watch, as one would expect from Grand Seiko, the dial is totally original in its design.

A new sense of wearability on the wrist

For wristwatches, wearing comfort is a critical performance factor. The Evolution 9 Collection has heightened beauty along with an outstanding level of comfort during extended wear. To achieve it, the center of gravity of the case was lowered and the bracelet widened, producing a truly stable feeling on the wrist.

Nine design elements based on three design principles

The Evolution 9 Style inherits the rules established by the Grand Seiko Style but defines nine design elements based on three design principles. This results in an original shape with prominent ridges, based on a resilient, curved form that allows light to flow.