A new era in the history of Grand Seiko begins with Spring Drive U.F.A
01 April 2025 – Grand Seiko introduces two exceptional new timepieces the SLGB003 and SLGB001 that heralds a new era in the history of Grand Seiko with a 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 to date. 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.
The dial of these two new timepieces take inspiration from the frost-covered trees located at the east of the Shinshu Watch Studio lie the Kirigamine Highlands, 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-coloured seconds hand.
Both watches 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 alternate with a refined hairline finish for a harmonious glow. Designed for exceptional comfort, the 37mm-diameter case has a low centre 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.
These two timepieces will be available exclusively at the Grand Seiko boutiques and selected authorised retailers in June while the SLGB001 with a limited edition of 80 pieces will be only available to the Grand Seiko boutiques .
