A new Spring Drive U.F.A. creation captures the ethereal beauty of
a frost-covered violet dawn.
a frost-covered violet dawn.
The 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.*1
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.
*1 As of September 2025, based on Grand Seiko’s research.
*2 This stainless steel has a PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) value over 40, which is classified
as ‘super stainless steel’ in the steel industry. PREN is a widely accepted standard used to measure corrosion
resistance.
Annual accuracy and a compact profile
“SPRING DRIVE ULTRA FINE ACCURACY."
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.
Ever-Brilliant Steel for unrivaled corrosion resistance
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.
The ephemeral beauty of ice forests at dawn
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.
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
For further information:
https://www.grand-seiko.com/gr-en/collections/slgb005g
Note:
The specifications and price information in this release are as of the published date and are subject to change.
