he pursuit of high accuracy has been the cornerstone of Grand Seiko’s values since its first watch was created in 1960. In the late 1970s, the development of Spring Drive began with the aim of harmoniously blending the traditional energy of a mainspring with state-of-the-art electronic watchmaking advancements. Inheriting this legacy of accuracy in watchmaking, Grand Seiko unveiled the Spring Drive Caliber 9RB2 at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025. This groundbreaking movement receives the U.F.A. designation, which stands for “Ultra Fine Accuracy,” and boasts an astounding annual rate of ±20 seconds, making it the most accurate wristwatch movement powered by a mainspring today.

Now, Grand Seiko introduces a new Spring Drive U.F.A. creation in Ever-Brilliant Steel,*2 a stainless-steel alloy renowned for its exceptional corrosion resistance and bright hue. It features a captivating new dial that expresses the breathtaking moment when dawn breaks over the frost-covered forests of the Shinshu region of central Japan, where all Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches are meticulously crafted.

With a diameter of 30mm and a thickness of just 5.02mm, the Spring Drive Caliber 9RB2 achieves ±20-seconds-per-year accuracy thanks to enhanced manufacturing and processing methods for the three-month-aged quartz oscillator and a newly designed IC. 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, the 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.

Visible through the sapphire crystal case back, the movement’s finish is inspired by the frost that winter brings to the trees of Shinshu. The jewels echo the glittering stars that sparkle above the mountainous region during the early days of winter.

The case and bracelet are made from Ever-Brilliant Steel, which boasts greater corrosion resistance than the steel used in even the most prestigious watches today, ensuring this creation’s lasting beauty. It has a brighter color compared to standard stainless steel and enhances the effect of Grand Seiko’s signature Zaratsu polishing method, resulting in a distortion-free mirror finish that alternates with a refined brushed finish for a harmonious glow.

This creation will join the Evolution 9 collection, which represents a continuation of the Grand Seiko Style, a design philosophy that was first expressed in the iconic 44GS of 1967. The hands and prominent, grooved indexes of the Evolution 9 Style ensure supreme legibility. Designed for exceptional comfort, the 37mm-diameter case has a low center of gravity. The bracelet, crafted with ample thickness and a width exceeding half the diameter of the case, ensures a balanced and secure fit on the wrist.

To the east of the Shinshu Watch Studio lie the Kirigamine Highlands, where frost-covered trees can be observed during harsh winter months. As dawn breaks over the forests, frost catches the first light of the day, awakening in an ethereal violet glow. The intricately textured dial captures the delicate, crystalline beauty of the ice forests thanks to refined finishing techniques. The deep violet hue gradually lightens toward the center and reveals the texture underneath, evoking the forests slowly emerging in the morning light. The dial offers a refined backdrop for the seamless glide motion of the silver-toned Spring Drive seconds hand, echoing the quiet, gradual unfolding of time itself.

This new creation will be available as a limited edition of 1,300 at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners worldwide beginning in November 2025.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection

Spring Drive U.F.A. Limited Edition: SLGB005

Caliber 9RB2

• Driving system: Automatic
• Power reserve: 72 hours
• Accuracy: ±20 seconds per year (approximately ±3 seconds per month)
• Number of jewels: 34

Specifications

• Ever-Brilliant Steel case and bracelet
• Three-fold clasp in Ever-Brilliant Steel (partly titanium and 18k rose gold) with push button release
• Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface
• See-through screw case back

Water resistance: 10 bar

Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m

Diameter: 37.0mm, Thickness: 11.4mm

Recommended retail price: €11,000

Limited edition of 1,300