Grand Seiko Steps Into The Future With New Spring Drive U.F.A. SLGB001 And SLGB003
Seiko founded Grand Seiko to pursue watchmaking excellence. Most commonly, this mission translated into creating the most accurate watches possible. Later on, aesthetics also played an increasingly important part thanks to the Grammar of Design. Grand Seiko was Seiko’s answer to the Swiss domination of the industry, and the line offered watches that could compete with the traditional brands from the long-established home of horology. Decades later, thanks to Spring Drive technology, Grand Seiko watches combined the magic of traditional mechanical watchmaking with the technological accuracy of quartz watches. Now, with the new Grand Seiko Spring Drive U.F.A. SLGB001 and SLGB003, the brand takes the next step in Spring Drive history but with a brilliant nod to the past.
When the first Grand Seiko watch debuted in 1960, it was the result of Seiko’s pursuit of high accuracy. In the years after, the company took major steps in refining the craft and creating increasingly more accurate watches. The epitome of these efforts came in the form of the Grand Seiko V.F.A. (Very Fine Adjusted) series. These watches were part of the catalog from 1969 until 1975 and are famous among Grand Seiko enthusiasts. Driven by the intra-company “rivalry” between the Suwa and Daini Seikosha factories, the V.F.A. models were a great display of outstanding craftsmanship.
The story of Grand Seiko’s quest for accuracy
As I explained in the Buying Guide article discussing the best King Seiko and Grand Seiko watches from the 1970s, 11 different Grand Seiko V.F.A. models came out between 1969 and 1972. The watches remained in the promo materials until 1975, the year when the Grand Seiko line ceased to exist. During the production of the V.F.A. series, both the Suwa and Daini factories contributed with movements regulated to an incredible ±2 seconds per day. Thus, the words “Very Fine Adjusted” were quite appropriate at the time.
When Seiko updated its late-’90s Spring Drive technology and released it under the Grand Seiko name in 2004, watch fans were in awe. The Spring Drive 9R65 movement combined automatic winding and a 72-hour power reserve with an accuracy of ±15 seconds per month. Both the innovative technical approach and the impressive accuracy have gained massive respect from watch fans worldwide in the two decades since then.
Caliber 9RB2 — The next step for Grand Seiko Spring Drive
Fast-forward to 2025, and Grand Seiko introduces the next superlative degree in watchmaking accuracy under the name U.F.A., meaning “Ultra Fine Accuracy.” With the introduction of its Spring Drive caliber 9RB2, the brand presents a groundbreaking new movement boasting an impressive accuracy of ±20 seconds per year. As a result, it is the most accurate wristwatch caliber powered by a mainspring today. On top of that, it retains the typical 72-hour power reserve, but the new 30mm diameter and 5.02mm thickness open the door to smaller Spring Drive watches.
Grand Seiko improved the accuracy of the new caliber by developing a three-month-aged quartz oscillator and a newly designed integrated circuit. Additionally, the brand measures the frequency of each quartz oscillator at several different temperatures. To protect the oscillator and sensor from external factors and minimize temperature differences, Grand Seiko vacuum seals both. This ensures precise temperature adjustments and the stable performance of the quartz oscillator. Lastly, the new caliber features a regulation switch for correcting the accuracy when the watch is in for service.
The new Grand Seiko SLGB001 and SLGB003 models
The first two Grand Seiko models powered by the new U.F.A. Spring Drive calibers are the SLGB001 and SLGB003. These two new watches will be part of the brand’s Evolution 9 collection, which represents the modern evolution of the 44GS design from 1967. Both watches feature 37mm cases and house the new caliber 9RB2. The cases are combined with beautifully textured dials.
As you will have guessed, the inspiration for these dials comes from Japanese nature —more specifically, the Kirigamine Highlands. This unique area east of the Shinshu Watch Studio turns into a picturesque white wonderland in winter. The frost-covered trees there inspired the Grand Seiko designers to create two wonderful light blue dials that differ slightly. At first glance, I immediately loved the lighter dial of the titanium SLGB003.
The new SLGB003 is a big step forward for Grand Seiko
Now let’s zoom in on both models to see what all the differences are. We’ll begin with the SLGB003 because that is the one that will undoubtedly gain the most traction. It has a High-Intensity Titanium case with a pleasing 37mm diameter and an 11.4mm thickness. This is another beautiful Evolution 9 case design that perfectly combines the charm of Grand Seiko’s past with angular modern shapes.
Within the case lies a beautifully textured silver-blue dial. Its color perfectly walks the line between the two colors, evoking the icy forests that inspired it. Depending on how the light hits the dial, it can give off bluer tones or have a silvery presence.
The dial features a set of applied faceted hour markers and a date window at 3 o’clock. The razor-sharp hands match the indexes nicely, and the tempered blue seconds hand adds a nice touch of color.
The minute track sits neatly on the rehaut to maximize the impact of the dial. Additionally, Grand Seiko kept the dial text to a minimum. The upper half features the Grand Seiko logo and wordmark, while the lower half has “Spring Drive” and “UFA.” All this resulted in a beautiful, clean dial that truly impressed us.
A new clasp with a toolless micro-adjustment system
But there is even more to the story of the SLGB003. This watch’s bracelet features a new clasp. Grand Seiko has listened to the fans by creating a toolless micro-adjustment system. This clasp is slightly bigger than the old nonadjustable ones, but it’s still nicely sized and elegantly slim. The three-step micro-adjustment system allows precise adjustments in 2mm increments to help the watch fit your wrist perfectly. I was impressed by the design and practicality of this new clasp that we undoubtedly will see soon on more releases.
Overall, this new Grand Seiko SLGB003 is nothing short of impressive. It combines a new, smaller Evolution 9 case with a new movement and a bracelet with a toolless micro-adjustment system.
As a result, it offers several firsts from Grand Seiko in one watch that will go on sale in June for €12,000. I loved seeing the new SLGB003 up close. It’s a nicely designed and executed watch that offers all you could want from a modern daily wearer, including an impressive movement. It’s a home run if you ask me!
The platinum SLGB001 limited edition
The second model is the SLGB001, which will be available in a limited run of 80 pieces. The watch has the same case as the SLGB003 but, this time, in 950 platinum. Topping that case, just like the SLGB003, is a box-type crystal that protects the dial. As mentioned, the dial of this LE is slightly more vibrant.
It is a beautiful icy blue that’s slightly richer than the blue in the titanium model. The dial has the same style of hour markers as the titanium model. The handset is slightly different, though, because all three hands are silver. As a result, they contrast the blue shade of the dial nicely.
Grand Seiko paired the beautifully finished platinum case of the SLGB001 with a dark blue crocodile strap. This comes equipped with a push-button folding clasp in platinum with some parts executed in 18K white gold.
The strap nicely complements the blue color of the dial, creating a beautiful, more classic overall feel. As you would expect, the effects of Grand Seiko’s Zaratsu polishing make the luxurious platinum case sparkle. Surely, it will bring a smile to the faces of the 80 people who will buy this watch for €42,000.
Final thoughts on the new Grand Seiko Spring Drive SLGB001 and SLGB003
Overall, these two watches and the new movement inside represent a huge step into the future of Spring Drive technology. The improved accuracy and the relatively small size should allow Grand Seiko many great opportunities going forward. I’d like to extend huge compliments to the brand for introducing these models. They represent much more than just beautiful new additions to the catalog.
In particular, the new titanium SLGB003 excited us. The watch is an impressive full package. It looks stunning and wears like a charm with its new 37mm case and evolved bracelet.
The fact that Grand Seiko has taken the time to develop a new clasp displays its attention to detail. Finally, we get a clasp with a toolless micro-adjustment system that works super smoothly and looks nice to boot.
Kudos to Grand Seiko for this new SLGB003 because it will certainly resonate with many watch lovers. The SLGB series is also a stylish celebration of the new case and movement for the die-hard fans.
With these two releases, then, Grand Seiko offers something for everyone. Most importantly, though, this is the start of a new chapter for the brand. Let us know what you think of these developments in the comments below!
