• Grand Seiko is adding a new Spring Drive U.F.A. model to its Evolution 9 line. Made from Ever-Brilliant Steel, this watch has a brighter finish and is more durable.
• The watch’s dial draws inspiration from frosty winter mornings in Japan’s Shinshu region.
• It runs on the new Spring Drive Calibre 9RB2, which offers Ultra Fine Accuracy of ±20 seconds per year and a 72-hour power reserve.
• Only 1,300 pieces will be available worldwide, starting in November 2025 at boutiques and select authorized retailers..

The Japanese manufacturer has always let its watches do the talking. While trends have come and gone, Grand Seiko has remained focused on perfecting the details that matter most—precision, craftsmanship, and reliability. That philosophy is best represented by Spring Drive, a movement unlike anything else in modern watchmaking. At its centre is Spring Drive, a groundbreaking technology that combines the beauty of a traditional mechanical movement with accuracy few luxury watches can match. It has become one of the brand’s defining innovations and a key reason collectors admire Grand Seiko.

Powered by a traditional mainspring and controlled by a high-tech electronic system, Spring Drive moves the seconds hand smoothly and continuously while keeping impressive accuracy. This feature has fascinated watch fans since it first appeared and keeps improving. Now, Grand Seiko is pushing the technology further with the launch of its new Ultra Fine Accuracy (U.F.A.) Spring Drive, showing that the quest for precision is still going strong.

• Brand: Grand Seiko
• Model: Evolution 9 Collection
• Reference: SLGB005
• Diameter: 37 mm
• Thickness: 11.4 mm
• Case Material: Ever-Brilliant Steel
• Dial: Violet Dawn
• Calibre: Calibre 9RB2 Automatic
• Power Reserve: 72 Hours
• Water-Resistance: 10 Bar (100 metres, 330 feet)
• Price: USD $11,100 (Limited Edition – 1,300 Pieces)

Following the debut of the updated Spring Drive calibre at Watches & Wonders, Grand Seiko introduced the Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive U.F.A. Limited Edition. Here, “Ultra Fine Accuracy” is more than just a name—it marks a genuine step forward in precision for the brand. As part of the Evolution 9 line, this watch stands out for its refined style. It combines sharp looks with comfort you can enjoy every day.

The watch comes in a 37mm case made from Grand Seiko’s Ever-Brilliant Steel, meaning it will resist corrosion better and looks brighter and cleaner than standard stainless steel. With that difference, it is noticeable in person, especially when you see it next to the dial. The design also pays tribute to the brand’s history, with details inspired by the original 44GS from 1967. These include sharp hands and indexes for easy reading, a screw-down crown, and a sapphire caseback that shows off the movement.

The dial brings the design together. It has a soft violet colour that changes with the light and a textured surface, adding depth without overpowering. Like many Grand Seiko watches, it draws inspiration from nature, specifically the early-morning light over frost-covered forests in the Shinshu region of Japan, where these watches are made. The colour gradually shifts toward the center, suggesting light breaking through a cold landscape and giving the watch more character.

The main highlight is the new Spring Drive U.F.A. calibre, which improves the accuracy Grand Seiko is known for. The second hand still moves smoothly and continuously, but now with greater precision, living up to the Ultra Fine Accuracy name. As a limited edition, it feels like more than just another release. It shows Grand Seiko raising its standards once again.

At the centre of it all is the new Spring Drive Calibre 9RB2, where Grand Seiko really pushes things forward. The brand has always been strong in accuracy, but this movement takes it a step further without changing what works. It still runs on the Spring Drive setup, powered by a mainspring but controlled with greater precision. It stays compact, measuring around 30mm wide and just over 5mm thick, so it fits nicely without making the watch feel bulky.

One of the most impressive features is its accuracy, which is about ±20 seconds per year—something rare for this type of movement. Grand Seiko says this is thanks to improvements like a better oscillator and a redesigned circuit that help keep the movement stable over time. They have also sealed some parts to protect against changes in temperature and humidity, and there is a small adjustment system for servicing if needed. While the technical details are complex, for the wearer, it means the watch runs smoothly and stays reliable over time.

Grand Seiko is making this release very limited, with only 1,300 Evolution 9 Spring Drive U.F.A. watches available worldwide. Priced at USD $11,100, the watch features not only the new mechanism but also the careful craftsmanship and finishing that define every Grand Seiko creation. Deliveries are expected to begin in November 2025, with availability limited to Grand Seiko stores and a select group of authorized sellers. Given the excitement around the new Spring Drive U.F.A. movement, these watches probably won’t stay on display for long.