Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive U.F.A.: SLGB001, SLGB003

The pursuit of high accuracy has been the cornerstone of Grand Seiko’s values since its first watch was created in 1960. Less than 10 years after its birth, Grand Seiko introduced the mechanical V.F.A., standing for “Very Fine Adjusted.” First used in 1969, this designation defined a Grand Seiko watch that was adjusted so skillfully that it achieved an astonishing monthly rate of ±1 minute. In the late 1970s, the development of Spring Drive began with an aim to harmoniously blend the traditional energy of a mainspring with state-of-the-art electronic watchmaking advancements. In 2004, Grand Seiko introduced the Spring Drive Caliber 9R65, which paired automatic winding and 72 hours of power reserve with a movement technology capable of a monthly rate of ±15 seconds, setting a new standard among movements powered by a mainspring.

Today, this legacy of accuracy in watchmaking reaches new heights with the announcement of the Spring Drive Caliber 9RB2, which receives the new U.F.A. designation, standing for “Ultra Fine Accuracy.” The groundbreaking movement boasts a level of precision defined not by accuracy in seconds per day, week, or month, but by its accuracy over one year. The automatic U.F.A. movement has an astounding annual rate of ±20 seconds, making it the most accurate wristwatch movement powered by a mainspring today.* Thanks to the movement’s compact design, the new watches have a case diameter of just 37mm, making them the smallest models powered by the 9R series to date and ideal for smaller wrists.

*As of April 2025, based on Grand Seiko’s research.

The next-generation Caliber 9RB2

The new movement achieves its ±20-seconds-per-year accuracy thanks to new and enhanced manufacturing and processing methods for the three-month-aged quartz oscillator and a newly designed IC. And, as with the 9RA series of Spring Drive movements, the frequency of each individual quartz oscillator is measured at several different temperatures, with the resulting data necessary for thermo-compensation programmed into the low power IC. Both the oscillator and sensor are vacuum-sealed to minimize temperature differences and protect against external factors such as humidity, static electricity, and light, ensuring precise temperature adjustments and the stable performance of the quartz oscillator. In addition, for the first time in Spring Drive, the new movement features a regulation switch that can be used during after-sales service to correct any divergences in accuracy that may occur over long periods of use.

The movement's beauty is revealed through the sapphire crystal case back, with mirror-polished, beveled edges adding brilliance. Its design, inspired by the natural surroundings of the Shinshu Watch Studio where it is made, reflects a uniquely Japanese aesthetic characterized by understated charm and elegance. The jewels echo the glittering stars that sparkle during the early days of winter above the surrounding mountains, and the delicate texture of the movement’s surfaces reflects the frost that winter brings to the trees of Shinshu, where all Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches are made.

Capturing the beauty of ice forests in Shinshu

To the east of the Shinshu Watch Studio lie the Kirigamine Highlands, where frost-covered trees can be observed during harsh winter months. The intricately textured dials of both creations capture the beauty of these ice forests thanks to finishing techniques that create pale blue tones that are subtle yet striking in their presence. The dial of the titanium version has a silver-tinged blue hue, evoking the ice forests seen through crisp, clear air, and is beautifully accented by a tempered blue seconds hand. In contrast, the platinum version features a slightly deeper blue dial, offering a refined backdrop to the seamless glide motion of a silver-colored seconds hand.

Both watches will join the Evolution 9 Collection, whose design represents a continuation of the Grand Seiko Style that reaches back to the iconic 44GS of 1967. The hands and prominent, grooved indexes of the Evolution 9 Style ensure supreme legibility. The case highlights Grand Seiko's signature Zaratsu polishing, resulting in a distortion-free, mirror finish that alternates with a refined hairline finish for a harmonious glow. Designed for exceptional comfort, the 37mm-diameter case has a low center of gravity, while the bracelet – crafted with ample thickness and a width exceeding half the size of the case – ensures a balanced and secure fit on the wrist. Furthermore, while the Platinum 950 version is offered on a crocodile strap, the titanium version’s bracelet features a newly developed three-step micro-adjustment clasp that operates without a tool, allowing precise adjustments in 2mm increments for enhanced comfort.

Both watches will be available beginning in June 2025, with the Platinum 950 version as a limited edition of 80 exclusive to the Grand Seiko Boutiques. The High-Intensity Titanium version will be available at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners worldwide.

Technical specifications

Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive U.F.A.

Reference: SLGB001

Limited edition of 80 pieces

Case

• Material: Platinum 950
• Diameter: 37.0mm
• Thickness: 11.4mm
• Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface
• See-through screw case back
• Water-resistant to 100 meters
• Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m

Dial and hands

• Blueish dial with a snow pattern

Movement

• Caliber 9RB2
• Automatic movement
• Diameter: 30.0 mm
• Thickness: 5.02 mm
• Number of jewels: 34
• Accuracy: ±20 seconds per year (approximately ±3 seconds per month)
• Power reserve of 72 hours

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes, seconds, date
• Power reserve indicator on the back

Strap and buckle

• Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp in Platinum 950 (partly 18k white gold) with push button release

MSRP: EUR 42'000

Technical specifications

Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive U.F.A.

Reference: SLGB003

Case

• Material: High-Intensity Titanium
• Diameter: 37.0mm
• Thickness: 11.4mm
• Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface
• See-through screw case back
• Water-resistant to 100 meters
• Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m

Dial and hands

• Silver dial with a snow pattern
• Blued seconds hand

Movement

• Caliber 9RB2
• Automatic movement
• Diameter: 30.0 mm
• Thickness: 5.02 mm
• Number of jewels: 34
• Accuracy: ±20 seconds per year (approximately ±3 seconds per month)
• Power reserve of 72 hours

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes, seconds, date
• Power reserve indicator on the back

Strap and buckle

• High-Intensity Titanium bracelet, and three-fold clasp with push button release and micro-adjustment feature

MSRP: EUR 12'000

For more information, please visit grand-seiko.com