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From the moment McLaren revealed the one-of-one 750S Spider ‘Project Viva,’ it was clear this wasn’t just another tailored supercar. It was a story on wheels. Conceived by McLaren Special Operations (MSO) as a tribute to the spectacle and rhythm of Las Vegas, the one-off build blends automotive performance with artistic expression in a way only McLaren could. Revealed at the McLaren Experience Centre at the Wynn ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Project Viva draws inspiration not from neon colourways, but from the city’s energy and architecture, expressed through striking hand-painted design.
Underneath that narrative-driven exterior is the same 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that defines the 750S Spider. It delivers a claimed 750 PS (552 kW) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque without hybrid assistance. Drop the roof and the experience becomes even more immersive, letting the soundtrack and surroundings blend into the story this car is crafted to tell.
What sets Viva apart are the bespoke touches woven throughout its livery and details. MSO’s choice of paints, including the deep, nearly obsidian ‘Vegas Nights’ with microscopic cyan, magenta and green flecks alongside bright Muriwai White accents, gives the bodywork an almost alive quality. It catches light like the Strip after dark. Integrated into the ‘Sketch in Motion’ graphics are nods to iconic Vegas imagery, from reinterpretations of its famous signage to hidden tributes to McLaren’s racing heritage. Even Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri left their mark, hand-applying the team’s tenth Constructors’ World Championship star and personal sketches to the rear bumper.
It wouldn’t feel complete without a subtle tribute to McLaren’s racing achievements woven into its bespoke exterior. Tucked on the rear bumper, you’ll find ten stars: nine in classic white and one in silver leaf, applied by hand by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to mark the team’s tenth Formula 1 Constructors’ World Championship.
When the first images hit, many expected a riot of bright colours to match the city that sparked the idea. Instead, MSO took the more surprising route of a mostly monochrome scheme that feels thoughtful. Rather than layering on blazing hues, the design team leaned into finely detailed hand-painted linework and contrasts, a kind of artistic shorthand that speaks to the rhythm of Vegas, its shapes, architecture and energy after dark. The result feels less like literal mimicry and more like an automotive interpretation of what makes the city tick.
Once you step inside, you’ll notice the same concept continues throughout the cabin. The interior remains restrained, but highlights like the seats and upper dash add touches of McLaren’s signature Papaya orange for taste, along with carbon-fibre surfaces that add texture and weight. Hidden in those trim pieces are personal messages and sketches from Norris and Piastri, who helped shape this project.
For McLaren, Project Viva isn’t just another glossy special edition but rather a statement of what automotive craft looks like when you strip away limits. As Jonathan Simms, Director of McLaren Special Operations, puts it, Viva “captures what McLaren Special Operations is all about – pushing beyond convention to create something truly personal.” For MSO, the process was translating the inspiration into something real and expressive. Simms explained that the goal of every MSO commission is to fuse “vision and skill” in a way that truly reflects the story behind the car, whether that story starts with McLaren’s own heritage or a client’s personal passion.
That philosophy shows in every curve and surface of Project Viva, where craft and narrative come together more like a collaboration than a design brief. MSO’s approach gives space for ideas to grow beyond typical automotive constraints, turning the car into a unique expression of place and character. In this case, the inspiration came from Las Vegas, a city defined by spectacle, flux and personality, and MSO sought ways to embody that energy without resorting to cliché. Simms’ words underscore that MSO exists not just to personalize cars, but to create meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces that speak to something deeper than mere horsepower.
Project Viva will be on display at the McLaren Experience Centre in the Wynn Las Vegas Hotel from 13 to 20 November 2025, coinciding with the lead-up to the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The showcase offers a look at how McLaren’s bespoke division translates abstract concepts into a functional, high-performance supercar.
Elias Albay is the Founder and Director of Many Men Magazine, a Toronto-based digital publication dedicated to promoting modern masculinity through style, culture, and self-improvement. What started as a personal turning point became a purposeful platform. — born from Elias’ desire to create something meaningful after completing his studies and finding no career path that truly matched his ambitions. With a background in Civil Engineering from York University and experience in Commercial Flight Operations at CAE, he applied skills, and resilience from both fields to forge a new path.
Our team of editors and experts thoughtfully chooses each product. If you decide to buy through one of our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more. Want to know how we test products? Click here for more details.
As Watches and Wonders 2025 rolls around, the watchmaking world is bracing for what is sure to be a showstopper from Grand Seiko. Known for its flawless blend of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology, Grand Seiko is set to unveil something special. This year, they are releasing a brand-new calibre that is bound to excite collectors and watch enthusiasts. And if you have ever seen a Grand Seiko in person, you know that when they make a move, it is not just a step—it is a leap.
With this exciting new release, Grand Seiko reinforces its commitment to precision, beauty, and innovation. It’s safe to say this calibre will raise the bar once again. So, whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone just entering the world of luxury timepieces, all eyes should be on Grand Seiko as they redefine what’s possible in horology.
Grand Seiko Calibre 9RB2 | Image: Grand Seiko
Grand Seiko Calibre 9RB2
Brand: Grand Seiko
Model: Calibre 9RB2
Diameter: 30 mm
Thickness: 5.02 mm
Winding Mechanism: Automatic With Manual Winding
Accuracy: ±20 Seconds Per Year (±3 Second Per Month)
Number Of Jewels: 34 Jewels
Power Reserve: 72 Hours
The Calibre 9RB2 was unveiled at Watches & Wonders 2025, and let’s just say—it’s a total game-changer. With an accuracy of ±20 seconds per year, this new movement elevates precision to the next level, thanks to significant advancements in Japanese quartz processing and a smart integrated circuit that keeps everything stable, even when the temperature changes.
It’s part of Grand Seiko’s Evolution 9 Collection, and you can find it in two stunning models: the SLGB001 in Platinum 950 and the SLGB003 in High-Intensity Titanium. Both feature a dial with a cool “Ice Forest” texture, inspired by the peaceful Kirigamine Highlands in Japan.
With a 72-hour power reserve, a regulation switch for accuracy adjustments, and a sleek design, the 9RB2 demonstrates once again why Grand Seiko, renowned for its Japanese craftsmanship, is a leader in the world of luxury timepieces.
Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection Ice Forest – 65th Anniversary Limited Edition | Image: Grand Seiko
The SLGB001 is the first watch to feature the new Spring Drive Caliber 9RB2, introduced in Grand Seiko’s Evolution 9 Collection. This innovative movement offers an accuracy of ±20 seconds per year, setting a new benchmark for precision in mainspring-driven watches. The watch has a 37mm Platinum 950 case, combining elegance with durability. Its dial, inspired by the frost-covered trees of Japan’s Kirigamine Highlands, showcases a unique “Ice Forest” texture.
Crafted from Platinum 950, the SLGB001 case is both luxurious and durable. The Zaratsu-polished surfaces and mirror-finished bevels reflect light beautifully, showcasing Grand Seiko’s attention to detail. The blue crocodile leather strap, combined with a Platinum 950 clasp partly made of 18k white gold, guarantees both comfort and style. With a water resistance of 100 meters and magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m, it is designed for everyday wear.
The SLGB001 is scheduled to launch in June 2025, and with only 80 pieces available worldwide, it’s a rare collector’s item. Each piece is individually numbered, making it an exclusive timepiece. This watch truly represents Grand Seiko’s dedication to both precision and artistry.
Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection SLGB003G | Image: Grand Seiko
Much like the Limited Edition above, the SLGB003 pays homage to the stunning Ice Forests of the Kirigamine Highlands in Japan’s Shinshu region. While the SLGB001’s dial features a more intense blue, the SLGB003 opts for a subtler approach with delicate pale blue accents that capture the essence of the frosty landscape. The dial’s silver-tinged blue hue perfectly mirrors the serene, frosty atmosphere of the Kirigamine Highlands, where the winter air gives the trees their beautiful icy coating.
The SLGB003 replaces the leather strap of the SLGB001 with a high-intensity titanium bracelet that combines durability with lightweight comfort. It also features a new three-step micro-adjustment clasp that doesn’t require tools, allowing for 2mm adjustments to ensure a perfect fit and ultimate comfort throughout the day.
This is also scheduled for release in June 2025 and will be available at Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retailers worldwide. With a price tag of $10,900, it combines the precision of the Spring Drive Calibre 9RB2 with a refined design, making it a standout addition to any collection.
Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Purple Kiri | Image: Grand Seiko
Heritage Collection – Purple Kiri
Brand: Grand Seiko
Model: Heritage Collection
Reference: SBGW323
Diameter: 36.5 mm
Thickness: 11.6 mm
Material: Stainless Steel
Dial Colour: Purple Kiri
Calibre: Calibre 9S64
Power Reserve: 72 Hours
Water Resistance: 10 Bar (100 metres, 330 feet)
Price: USD $5,600
A stunning addition to the Heritage Collection, this timepiece celebrates elegance and nature. The soft lilac dial, inspired by the kiri (paulownia) flower—known as the “empress tree” and “princess tree”—captures the delicate beauty of this feminine bloom, which also serves as Iwate Prefecture’s symbol. Boasting a pressed pattern that represents Mt. Iwate as seen from Shizukuishi, it is a graceful nod to the region’s natural beauty.
Powered by the manual-winding Caliber 9S64, which features a 72-hour power reserve, this watch delivers precision and reliability. The 36.5mm stainless steel case, along with the comfortable bracelet, ensures both style and practicality.
Grand Seiko Tentagraph Snow Blue | Image: Grand Seiko
Tentagraph Snow Blue
Brand: Grand Seiko
Model: Evolution 9 Tentagraph Snow Blue
Reference: SLGC007
Diameter: 43.2 mm
Thickness: 15.3 mm
Material: High-Intensity Titanium
Dial Colour: Snow Blue
Calibre: Calibre 9SC5
Power Reserve: 72 Hours
Water Resistance: 10 Bar (100 metres, 330 feet)
Price: USD $14,100
Set to launch alongside the Purple Kiri model in May 2025, the Evolution 9 Tentagraph SLGC007 is a stunning example of Grand Seiko’s dedication to precision and artistry. Inspired by the snowy landscape of Mt. Iwate during winter, this mechanical chronograph combines the beauty of deep snow with rugged mountain ridges. The dial showcases a striking dual-layered ‘Snow Blue’ hue, featuring an embossed pattern that mirrors the ridge lines of the mountain, providing breathtaking visual depth.
The connection between the watch and Iwate Prefecture is strong, as it is home to Grand Seiko’s GS Studio Shizukuishi, nestled within a tranquil forest. While the harsh winter conditions showcase the region’s tough exterior, the watch’s design conveys a deeper meaning. It serves as a reminder of the spirit of Mt. Iwate, which, despite its challenging nature, teaches that “Even if life is rough, we should live with determination.”
Grand Seiko Tokyo Lion Tentagraph | Image: Grand Seiko
Tokyo Lion Tentagraph
Brand: Grand Seiko
Model: Tokyo Lion Tentagraph
Reference: SLGC009
Diameter: 43 mm
Thickness: 15.6 mm
Material: Brilliant Hard Titanium
Dial Colour: Snow Blue
Calibre: Calibre 9SC5
Power Reserve: 72 Hours
Water Resistance: 20 Bar (200 metres, 660 feet)
Price: USD $16,400
The last of Grand Seiko’s collection at Watches & Wonders 2025 is the Tokyo Lion Tentagraph SLGC009, a bold and adventurous timepiece designed to “invite its owner on an adventurous journey.” This model features the Tentagraph Calibre 9SC5, a high-beat mechanical chronograph movement operating at 36,000 vibrations per hour with a 72-hour power reserve. It also incorporates a vertical clutch and column wheel for precise chronograph operation.
This is the first in the Sport Collection to feature Grand Seiko’s Brilliant Hard Titanium, enhancing both durability and aesthetic appeal. The case design, inspired by a lion’s paw, showcases bold, angular lines and Zaratsu-polished surfaces that reflect the brand’s careful craftsmanship.
One of the most striking features is its new dial pattern, developed around the motif of a sprinting lion with its mane trailing behind. This dynamic design adds to the piece’s adventurous spirit. The dial also features three-dimensional sub-dials at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, designed to maximize legibility while adding depth to the overall appearance.
The chronograph pushers have been redesigned for a satisfying tactile experience, resulting in smoother and more precise operation. Additionally, the watch offers 200 meters of water resistance and magnetic resistance up to 4,800 A/m, making it as durable as it is stylish.
Set to launch in August 2025, the SLGC009 is an exceptional combination of ruggedness and refined design. Whether you’re diving into an adventure or simply appreciating its craftsmanship, this timepiece is ready for whatever comes your way.
Elias Albay is the Founder and Director of Many Men Magazine, a Toronto-based digital publication dedicated to promoting modern masculinity through style, culture, and self-improvement. What started as a personal turning point became a purposeful platform. — born from Elias’ desire to create something meaningful after completing his studies and finding no career path that truly matched his ambitions. With a background in Civil Engineering from York University and experience in Commercial Flight Operations at CAE, he applied skills, and resilience from both fields to forge a new path.
