Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Spring Drive U.F.A.: A new era of precision
Watches & Wonders 2025: A watchmaking revolution by Grand Seiko
At Watches & Wonders 2025, Grand Seiko reaffirms its commitment to innovation and precision with the launch of the Spring Drive U.F.A. (Ultra Fine Accuracy) movement. This new milestone in horology pushes the limits of timekeeping accuracy, cementing Grand Seiko's reputation as a leader in watchmaking excellence.
The Evolution of Precision: Introducing the U.F.A. Standard
Since its inception, Grand Seiko has pursued the ultimate in accuracy, with groundbreaking advancements that have redefined the industry. In 1969, the brand introduced V.F.A. (Very Fine Adjusted), achieving an extraordinary monthly deviation of just ±1 minute in mechanical timepieces. This relentless drive led to the development of the Spring Drive movement in the late 1970s, combining the traditional power of a mainspring with cutting-edge technology. By 2004, this innovation culminated in the 9R65 caliber, boasting a 72-hour power reserve and an impressive accuracy of ±15 seconds per month.
Now, Grand Seiko sets a new benchmark with the Spring Drive Caliber 9RB2, the first to bear the U.F.A. designation. This movement delivers an unprecedented annual accuracy of ±20 seconds, making it the most precise mainspring-powered movement ever created (as of April 2025, according to Grand Seiko’s research).
The SLGB001 and SLGB003: A fusion of art and technology
Debuting in the Evolution 9 (E9) Collection, the Spring Drive U.F.A. movement powers two remarkable timepieces: the limited-edition SLGB001 in Platinum 950 and the SLGB003 in high-intensity titanium. With a compact 37mm case diameter, these watches are the smallest ever to house a 9R series movement, offering both refined aesthetics and exceptional comfort.
Inspired by the frost-covered landscapes of the Kirigamine Highlands near the Shinshu Watch Studio, the textured dials of the SLGB001 and SLGB003 capture the serene beauty of winter. The SLGB003 features a silver-toned blue dial, complemented by a tempered blue seconds hand, while the SLGB001 presents a deeper blue hue with a seamlessly gliding silver-colored seconds hand. These elements create a visual tribute to nature’s elegance, a hallmark of Grand Seiko’s design philosophy.
The masterpiece behind the caseback
Le calibre 9RB2 est conçu pour offrir une durabilité et une précision inégalées. Il dispose d’une réserve de marche de 72 heures et fonctionne avec 34 rubis, optimisant ainsi sa stabilité et sa longévité. Ce mouvement introduit également un système de régulation ajustable pour permettre des recalibrations précises lors des révisions, une première dans l’histoire du Spring Drive.
Visible through the sapphire crystal case back, the movement’s fine finishing embodies Grand Seiko’s artisanal craftsmanship. Mirror-polished bevels, delicately textured surfaces, and sparkling jewels evoke the breathtaking natural beauty surrounding the Shinshu Watch Studio.
Follow us live from Watches & Wonders
Our team—Marco, Giuliano, and Gabriele—is currently in Geneva, discovering these horological marvels firsthand. We’re sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes insights from the event, highlights from meetings with brands, and the trends shaping the future of watchmaking.
Don’t miss a moment of our Watches & Wonders 2025 journey! Follow us on social media for exclusive updates and first impressions on the latest watch releases.
