Grand Seiko 'Mystic Waterfall' Platinum Spring Drive Ref. SBGZ011
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Grand Seiko Unveils New Diver U.F.A., Ice Forest Gold, and Mystic Waterfall at Watches & Wonders 2026

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Every year, collectors speculate on the direction that Grand Seiko is likely to take next. Will it unveil a new movement, bring back a beloved design, or catch everyone off guard with the unexpected? At the Watches and Wonders event in 2026, the Japanese brand did all three. The collection brilliantly combines advanced technology with the craftsmanship and the nature-inspired designs that have made the brand famous.

In many ways, 2026 is the year of Spring Drive. After debuting its revolutionary Ultra Fine Accuracy (U.F.A.) movement last year, Grand Seiko expanded the technology into new collections, including a new diver’s watch. Alongside its latest technical achievements, the brand embraced precious metals with a series of gold and platinum creations. This culminated in a remarkable hand-engraved masterpiece from the Micro Artist Studio. Here’s every watch Grand Seiko unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2026.

The Biggest Grand Seiko Releases at Watches & Wonders 2026

Though Grand Seiko has created many watches for the new collection, the main concept is to design each watch to be worth wearing. From the new Spring Drive technology to dials inspired by nature’s beauty, this year has given us much to consider. So, before we review all the new watches, let us present the ones we liked most.

Grand Seiko “Ushio” Diver Spring Drive U.F.A. Ref. SLGB023 & SLGB025
Grand Seiko “Ushio” Diver Spring Drive U.F.A. | Image: Grand Seiko

Ushio’ Diver Spring Drive U.F.A.

Leading Grand Seiko’s Watches and Wonders 2026 lineup is the new Spring Drive U.F.A. Ushio 300 Diver, a pair of professional dive watches featuring the all-new Calibre 9RB1. Building on the success of last year’s Calibre 9RB2, the new movement brings Ultra Fine Accuracy (U.F.A.) to Grand Seiko’s Evolution 9 dive watch collection, delivering an astonishing ±20 seconds per year. That makes the Ushio 300 not only the brand’s most accurate Spring Drive diver to date but also one of the most precise mainspring-powered dive watches ever made.

Named ‘Ushio,’ the Japanese word for ‘tide,’ the two new models were inspired by the waters around the Japanese archipelago. One dial features a deep blue with a subtle gradient that captures sunlight filtering into the ocean depths. The other features a rich green tone inspired by the calmer coastal waters near the shore. Both dials feature an intricate, wave-like pattern that reflects the sea’s constant motion, continuing Grand Seiko’s tradition of translating Japan’s natural landscapes into beautifully textured dial designs.

Housed in a 40.8 mm High-Intensity Titanium case, the Ushio 300 is Grand Seiko’s smallest diver’s watch to date, yet remains every bit a professional tool watch. It offers 300 metres of water resistance, a screw-down crown, a unidirectional ceramic bezel, and a newly developed locking extension clasp with 6 mm of tool-free micro-adjustment, plus an additional 18 mm diving extension for use over a wetsuit. Powered by the Spring Drive Calibre 9RB1, the movement delivers a 72-hour power reserve, 33 jewels, and the signature smooth sweep of the Spring Drive seconds hand. Both models will arrive at Grand Seiko boutiques and selected retailers worldwide in June 2026.

Grand Seiko “Ushio” Diver Spring Drive U.F.A. Ref.SLGB023
Grand Seiko “Ushio” Diver Spring Drive U.F.A. Ref.SLGB023 | Image: Grand Seiko
  • Brand: Grand Seiko
  • Model: ‘Ushio’ Diver Spring Drive U.F.A
  • Reference: SLGB023
  • Diameter: 40.8 mm
  • Thickness: 12.9 mm
  • Material: Titanium
  • Dial: Deep Blue
  • Calibre: 9RB1
  • Power Reserve: 72 Hours
  • Water-Resistance: 30 Bar (300 metres, 1000 feet)
  • Price: USD $12,400
Grand Seiko “Ushio” Diver Spring Drive U.F.A. Ref.SLGB025
Grand Seiko “Ushio” Diver Spring Drive U.F.A. Ref.SLGB025 | Image: Grand Seiko
  • Brand: Grand Seiko
  • Model: ‘Ushio’ Diver Spring Drive U.F.A
  • Reference: SLGB023
  • Diameter: 40.8 mm
  • Thickness: 12.9 mm
  • Material: Titanium
  • Dial: Deep Green
  • Calibre: 9RB1
  • Power Reserve: 72 Hours
  • Water-Resistance: 30 Bar (300 metres, 1000 feet)
  • Price: USD $12,400
Grand Seiko 'Ice Forest at Dawn' 18CT Gold Spring Drive U.F.A.Ref. SLGB006
Grand Seiko ‘Ice Forest at Dawn’ 18K Gold Spring Drive U.F.A. | Image: Grand Seiko

‘Ice Forest at Dawn’ 18CT Gold Spring Drive U.F.A.

Its inspiration comes from the frozen forests surrounding Shinshu at daybreak. Grand Seiko has unveiled a more refined interpretation of the Spring Drive U.F.A. in the form of the SLGB006 “Ice Forest at Dawn.” Designed as an elegant dress watch, the boutique-exclusive model is limited to 80 pieces and crafted from 18ct yellow gold. Measuring 37 mm across, it retains the balanced proportions of the Evolution 9 Collection while housing the remarkable Spring Drive Calibre 9RB2, which delivers a 72-hour power reserve and the signature smooth sweep of the Spring Drive seconds hand.

The deep black dial is sprinkled with delicate gold-coloured specks, recreating the rare sun pillar phenomenon that appears when the first rays of sunlight reflect off suspended ice crystals on a winter morning. Paired with a black crocodile leather strap and an 18ct yellow gold folding clasp, this model blends Grand Seiko’s appreciation for Japan’s natural beauty with one of the most accurate mainspring-powered movements ever created, making it an elegant dress watch.

Grand Seiko 'Ice Forest at Dawn' 18K Gold Spring Drive U.F.A. Ref. SLGB006
Grand Seiko ‘Ice Forest at Dawn’ 18K Gold Spring Drive U.F.A. Ref. SLGB006 | Image: Grand Seiko
  • Brand: Grand Seiko
  • Model: ‘Ice Forest at Dawn’ 18K Gold Spring Drive U.F.A
  • Reference: SLGB006
  • Diameter: 37 mm
  • Thickness: 11.4 mm
  • Material: 18 CT Yellow Gold
  • Dial: Deep Green
  • Calibre: 9RB2
  • Power Reserve: 72 Hours
  • Water-Resistance: 10 Bar (100 metres, 330 feet)
  • Price: USD $43,600 (Limited Edition – 80 Pieces)
Grand Seiko ‘Sakura-Wakaba’ 18K Gold Hi-Beat | Image: Grand Seiko

‘Sakura-Wakaba’ 18K Gold Hi-Beat

For collectors who appreciate the warmth of a gold case but prefer the charm of a purely mechanical movement, Grand Seiko introduced the ‘Sakura-Wakaba.’ Housed in a refined 38 mm 18ct yellow gold case, the elegant dress watch is powered by the Hi-Beat Calibre 9S85, operating at 36,000 vibrations per hour (10 beats per second). As one of Grand Seiko’s signature high-beat movements, it delivers the precise performance and smooth operation the brand has become renowned for, while offering a more traditional alternative to the Spring Drive models unveiled this year.

The real highlight, however, is the beautifully textured ‘Sakura-Wakaba’ dial, which takes inspiration from the fleeting moments when Japan’s beloved cherry blossoms begin to give way to newly grown green foliage. As the silvery-green hue of the dial glows in different lighting, it provides an elegantly subtle dial that is unmistakably Grand Seiko. The latest U.F.A. line might well showcase what Grand Seiko can do in terms of technology, but it is worth noting that this is not the only thing the company excels at. Grand Seiko watches are always about capturing the beauty of Japan’s changing seasons and creating truly great watches inspired by them.

Grand Seiko 'Sakura-Wakaba' 18ct Gold Hi-Beat Ref. SBGH376
Grand Seiko ‘Sakura-Wakaba’ 18K Gold Hi-Beat Ref. SBGH376 | Image: Grand Seiko
  • Brand: Grand Seiko
  • Model: ‘Sakura-Wakaba’ 18K Gold Hi-Beat
  • Reference: SBGH376
  • Diameter: 38 mm
  • Thickness: 12.8 mm
  • Material: 18 CT Yellow Gold
  • Dial: Light Green
  • Calibre: 9S85
  • Power Reserve: 55 Hours
  • Water-Resistance: 10 Bar (100 metres, 330 feet)
  • Price: USD $32,800
Grand Seiko 'Iwao Blue' Manual-Winding Spring Drive Ref. SBGY043
Grand Seiko ‘Iwao Blue’ Manual-Winding Spring Drive | Image: Grand Seiko

‘Iwao Blue’ Manual-Winding Spring Drive 

Grand Seiko also introduced the ‘Iwao Blue,’ a dress watch inspired by the rugged rock formations of the Hotaka Mountains in Japan’s Shinshu region. Its deep blue textured dial reflects the layers and contours of the surrounding landscape, changing character as the light moves across its surface. Compared to some of this year’s bolder releases, the Iwao Blue takes a quieter approach, letting the dial do all the talking.

Powering the watch is the manually wound Spring Drive Calibre 9R31, offering a 72-hour power reserve through its Dual Spring Barrel construction. The movement sits inside a slim 38.5 mm stainless steel case measuring just 10.2 mm thick, making it a natural fit as an everyday watch. Grand Seiko finishes the case with its renowned Zaratsu polishing, a dual-curved sapphire crystal and splash resistance.

Grand Seiko 'Iwao Blue' Manual-Winding Spring Drive Ref. SBGY043
Grand Seiko ‘Iwao Blue’ Manual-Winding Spring Drive Ref. SBGY043 | Image: Grand Seiko
  • Brand: Grand Seiko
  • Model: ‘Iwao Blue’ Manual-Winding Spring Drive
  • Reference: SBGY043
  • Diameter: 38.5 mm
  • Thickness: 10.2 mm
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Dial: indigo textured dial
  • Calibre: 9R31
  • Power Reserve: 72 Hours
  • Water-Resistance: Splash Resistant
  • Price: USD $9,800
Grand Seiko 'Mystic Waterfall' Platinum Spring Drive Ref. SBGZ011
Grand Seiko ‘Mystic Waterfall’ Platinum Spring Drive | Image: Grand Seiko

‘Mystic Waterfall’ Platinum Spring Drive

Saving the most extraordinary release for last, Grand Seiko revealed the “Mystic Waterfall” Platinum Spring Drive, a stunning creation made by the famous Micro Artist Studio. Inspired by the flowing waters of Tateshina Waterfall in Shinshu, the watch turns one of Japan’s most beautiful natural sites into wearable art. Every dial is hand-engraved, with many fine lines moving in different directions before converging to show the steady flow of spring water from the earth. This level of skill is achieved by only a few artisans worldwide, making this one of the most impressive luxury watch releases at Watches and Wonders 2026.

The artistry goes beyond the dial. Grand Seiko’s craftsmen have applied the same hand-engraved design across the 40 mm Platinum 950 44GS case, allowing the flowing lines to continue smoothly over the bezel, lugs, and sides. As light moves over the Zaratsu-polished and brushed surfaces, the watch seems to change, creating the look of water flowing over polished stone. The watch comes with two straps you can switch between: a classic black crocodile leather strap and a handmade KYOTO Leather strap with shiny details inspired by the sparkling spray of a waterfall.

Inside the SBGZ011 is the manually wound Spring Drive Calibre 9R02, carefully put together and finished at the Micro Artist Studio. At just 4.0 mm thick, it is Grand Seiko’s thinnest Spring Drive movement and offers an impressive 84-hour power reserve thanks to its Dual Spring Barrel and Torque Return System. Flip the watch over, and you will see beautifully hand-finished parts, an 18k gold “Micro Artist” plaque that can be personalized for the owner, and a barrel engraved with the bellflower, the official symbol of Shiojiri, where the movement is made.

With only 50 pieces available worldwide and sold exclusively at Grand Seiko Boutiques starting in July 2026, the Mystic Waterfall is much more than a luxury wristwatch. Its significance lies in the three elements valued by Grand Seiko: exceptional craftsmanship, technical excellence, and a firm connection to the beauty of Japan’s natural environment. If there was one Grand Seiko that caught our attention this year, it is this one. Mystic Waterfall blends the best of the brand, with remarkable finishing, understated luxury, and outstanding craftsmanship.

Grand Seiko 'Mystic Waterfall' Platinum Spring Drive Ref. SBGZ011
Grand Seiko ‘Mystic Waterfall’ Platinum Spring Drive Ref. SBGZ011 | Image: Grand Seiko
  • Brand: Grand Seiko
  • Model: ‘Mystic Waterfall’ Platinum Spring Drive
  • Reference: SBGZ011
  • Diameter: 40 mm
  • Thickness: 9.6 mm
  • Material: Platinum
  • Dial: Silver-white textured dial
  • Calibre: 9R02
  • Power Reserve: 84 Hours
  • Water-Resistance: 10 Bar (100 metres, 330 feet)
  • Price: USD $84,000 (Limited Edition – 50 Pieces)

What Do We Think About Grand Seiko’s 2026 Releases?

With each release this year, Grand Seiko really mastered the art of watchmaking. Watches and Wonders 2026 presented a lineup that seemed every bit sculpted from Japan’s imposing and breathtaking nature; this seemed to be Grand Seiko’s goal at the event – to showcase the exquisite natural beauty inherent to this remarkable nation through timepieces. If we had to pick favourites, the ‘Mystic Waterfall’ Platinum Spring Drive would be first for its amazing hand-engraved details. The ‘Ice Forest at Dawn’ 18ct Gold Spring Drive U.F.A. is one of the most stylish dress watches Grand Seiko has made in years. Still, it’s hard to choose just one winner, since this is a rare collection where every watch deserves notice. Grand Seiko has carried its strong performance from last year into 2026. If this is where the brand is going, collectors have a lot to look forward to.

Watches & WondersGrand Seiko
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Frederique Constant Makes a World of Difference With Its New & Improved Classic Worldtimer

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Our team of editors and experts thoughtfully chooses each product. If you decide to buy through one of our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more. Want to know how we test products? Click here for more details.

Frederique Constant has taken one of the most detailed watches in its collection and given it more room to stand out. The redesigned Classic Worldtimer Manufacture, revealed at Watches and Wonders 2026, shrinks the case from 42mm to a more comfortable 40mm and removes the date sub-dial that previously broke up the world-time display, resulting in a cleaner design that preserves the watch’s global character.

The collection arrives in three blue-toned interpretations, beginning with a navy version featuring grey relief continents and a new five-link stainless-steel bracelet. A second model pairs fumé blue oceans with taupe continents, a white city disc and a navy alligator strap, while the most extravagant edition receives a pale-blue dial, 70 diamonds around the bezel and 12 diamond hour markers, with production limited to only 88 pieces.

The improvements continue beneath the dial, where the new Manufacture Calibre FC-719 increases the power reserve from 38 to 72 hours while retaining the convenience of controlling every function through a single crown. With slimmer proportions, a less crowded display, and nearly twice the running time, the Classic Worldtimer Manufacture has undergone far more than a simple colour update.

That said, let’s take a closer look at everything Frederique Constant has changed for 2026.

Frederique Constant Manufacture Classic Worldtimer Calibre FC-719 | Image: Frederique Constant
Frederique Constant Manufacture Classic Worldtimer | Image: Frederique Constant
Frederique Constant Manufacture Classic Worldtimer | Image: Frederique Constant

A Smaller World With More Time to Spare

When Frederique Constant introduced the Classic Worldtimer Manufacture in 2012, it quickly became one of the Maison’s signature watches and a great example of its approach to making high-quality watches more affordable. Its mix of a world map, 24-hour ring, and city disc lets travellers keep track of every major time zone from their wrist, while the whole display could be controlled using just one crown without adding extra buttons to the case.

For 2026, Frederique Constant has updated that familiar design by making the polished stainless-steel case smaller, from 42mm to a more comfortable 40mm. The watch is 12.53mm thick and still water-resistant up to 50 metres, while a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating protects the layered display and keeps it easy to read in different lighting.

The biggest change is removing the date counter that used to be at the bottom of the dial. Without it, the raised world map and two-tone day-and-night ring have more space, and the city disc around them can be seen clearly across all 24 time zones.

No matter the dial, markers, or strap chosen, all three versions have the same redesigned stainless-steel case, simple date-free display, and single-crown control. Each also has a sapphire crystal and a system that lets you easily change the bracelet or strap, with different colours, materials, and decorations giving each version its own style.

Frederique Constant Manufacture Classic Worldtimer | Image: Frederique Constant
Frederique Constant Manufacture Classic Worldtimer | Image: Frederique Constant

Keeping the World Turning With Calibre FC-719

The redesigned Classic Worldtimer is powered by the new automatic Manufacture Calibre FC-719, the 35th movement developed in-house by Frederique Constant since the company was founded in 1988. It replaces the long-serving FC-718 that powered earlier versions of the Worldtimer and continues to control the hours, minutes, seconds and 24-time-zone display through the crown alone.

The biggest improvement is the power reserve, which has increased from 38 hours in the FC-718 to a far more practical 72 hours. Despite offering almost twice the autonomy, the FC-719 maintains the familiar frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and uses the same 26-jewel count, while the removal of the date function supports the cleaner display introduced across the new collection.

The movement remains visible through the transparent sapphire caseback, where its decorative finishing becomes part of the appeal. Perlage, circular Côtes de Genève and a satin-finished oscillating weight give the FC-719 the presentation expected of an in-house movement, while its three-day power reserve makes the Worldtimer considerably easier to live with between journeys.

Frederique Constant Manufacture Classic Worldtimer | Image: Frederique Constant

Your Ticket to the New Classic Worldtimer

The gradient-blue Classic Worldtimer Manufacture on an alligator strap is priced at USD $6,195, while the navy edition fitted with its five-link stainless-steel bracelet carries a retail price of USD $6,295. Those looking for the more extravagant diamond-set version will need USD $9,995, reflecting its 70-diamond bezel, 12 diamond hour markers and pair of interchangeable alligator straps.

All three variations are available through Frederique Constant boutiques, the brand’s official online store and authorized retailers, although stock will depend on the individual market. The two regular models join the continuing collection, whereas the diamond-set edition is limited and individually numbered to only 88 pieces, making it the most exclusive expression of the redesigned Worldtimer.

Frederique Constant Manufacture  Classic Worldtimer Ref FC-719NN3H6B
Frederique Constant Manufacture Classic Worldtimer Ref. FC-719NN3H6B | Image: Frederique Constant

Manufacture Classic Worldtimer — Navy Blue Steel-Bracelet

  • Brand: Frederique Constant
  • Model: Manufacture Classic Worldtimer
  • Reference: FC-719NN3H6B
  • Diameter: 40 mm
  • Thickness: 12.53 mm
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Dial: Blue
  • Calibre: FC-719
  • Power Reserve: 72 Hours
  • Water-Resistance: 5 Bar (50 metres, 165 feet)
  • Price: USD $14,200
Frederique Constant Manufacture Classic Worldtimer Ref. FC-719LBWD3DH6
Frederique Constant Manufacture Classic Worldtimer Ref. FC-719LBWD3DH6 | Image: Frederique Constant

Classic Worldtimer Manufacture — Light Blue Diamond-Set Limited Edition

  • Brand: Frederique Constant
  • Model: Manufacture Classic Worldtimer
  • Reference: FC-719BLW3H6
  • Diameter: 40 mm
  • Thickness: 12.53 mm
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Dial: Light Blue
  • Calibre: FC-719
  • Power Reserve: 72 Hours
  • Water-Resistance: 5 Bar (50 metres, 165 feet)
  • Price: USD $9,995 (Limited Edition – 88 Pieces)
Frederique Constant Manufacture Classic Worldtimer Ref. FC-719BLW3H6
Frederique Constant Manufacture Classic Worldtimer Ref. FC-719BLW3H6 | Image: Frederique Constant

Classic Worldtimer Manufacture — Gradient Blue Alligator-Strap

  • Brand: Frederique Constant
  • Model: Manufacture Classic Worldtimer
  • Reference: FC-719BLW3H6
  • Diameter: 40 mm
  • Thickness: 12.53 mm
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Dial: Blue
  • Calibre: FC-719
  • Power Reserve: 72 Hours
  • Water-Resistance: 5 Bar (50 metres, 165 feet)
  • Price: USD $6,195

Watches & WondersFrederique Constant
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