The pinnacle of Spring Drive. The Spring Drive U.F.A. challenges precision.
WATCH & JEWELRY / WATCH NEWS
June 25, 2025

The pinnacle of Spring Drive. The Spring Drive U.F.A. challenges precision.

GRAND SEIKO | Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive U.F.A.

Seiko Watch introduces a new model to the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection, powered by the Spring Drive movement Caliber 9RB2, boasting an impressive accuracy of ±20 seconds per year. Two versions will be available: a limited edition and a regular model.

Text by Kosaku Waseda

The Pinnacle of Japanese Watchmaking: Understated Beauty and Precision

The new Caliber 9RB2 movement is the culmination of Grand Seiko's accumulated expertise. Dubbed "Spring Drive U.F.A. (Ultra Fine Accuracy)," it transcends conventional notions of daily or monthly accuracy, achieving a world-leading annual deviation of ±20 seconds for a mainspring-driven timepiece.
*As of April 2025, according to Seiko's research.
The "U.F.A." embodies Grand Seiko's long-standing pursuit of "ultimate precision."
In 1969, Grand Seiko unveiled the "Grand Seiko V.F.A. (Very Fine Adjusted)," a watch of exceptional accuracy for its time, boasting a monthly deviation within ±1 minute, marking the beginning of its precision challenge. In the late 1970s, research began on Spring Drive, aiming for the high accuracy of quartz watches in a mainspring-driven mechanism. By 2004, the Grand Seiko-exclusive Caliber 9R65, with a 72-hour power reserve, was completed, and Spring Drive has steadily evolved ever since.
Nearly two decades after its inception, in 2025, Grand Seiko once again challenged the boundaries of "dimensional accuracy." At its core are a precisely aged quartz crystal oscillator and a newly designed IC circuit to control it. Encased in a vacuum, these components are shielded from environmental influences such as temperature, humidity, static electricity, and light. Furthermore, the IC circuit employs a real-time temperature compensation mechanism based on the characteristics of the quartz oscillator measured under multiple temperature conditions.
Notably, for the first time in Spring Drive history, a regulator switch has been integrated into the movement. This allows for adjustments to minute deviations that may occur over years of use during after-sales service, ensuring long-term high accuracy.
The movement's design also reflects the natural beauty of Japan. Inspired by the Northern Alps visible from the "Shinshu Time Sonata Workshop," where the Spring Drive movements are crafted, the surface of the movement features Grand Seiko's signature "frost finish."
This creates a delicate texture reminiscent of frost, complemented by beautifully polished, bowl-shaped chamfers that create a brilliant sparkle. The oscillating weight is engraved with "SPRING DRIVE ULTRA FINE ACCURACY" as a testament to this movement's caliber.
With a case size of 37.0mm, it is the smallest Grand Seiko model equipped with the Caliber 9R. Based on the Evolution 9 style, it achieves a harmonious balance of high aesthetic appeal and comfortable wearability through its highly legible dial design, a slim, low-profile case, and a wide, stable bracelet.
Attention to material is also evident. The regular model utilizes Grand Seiko's proprietary "Bright Titanium," which is approximately 30% lighter than stainless steel and has a brighter hue than pure titanium. Finished to a distortion-free mirror polish by skilled artisans using the "Zaratsu" technique, it exhibits a dazzling brilliance. The limited edition, crafted from Platinum 950, offers a distinct presence and enhanced luxury.
The dial design further encapsulates the natural beauty of Japan. An embossed pattern, inspired by the mystical scenery of "juhyo" (rime ice) that appears on Mt. Kirigamine in the Shinshu region during winter, creates a delicate shimmer that changes with the angle of light.
The regular model features a base of a silvery, pale blue, evoking a sense of crisp, pure air. A blued steel seconds hand adds a refined touch to the overall dial. The limited edition, paired with a platinum case and navy strap, employs a slightly deeper shade of blue.
Furthermore, the regular model's bracelet is equipped with a clasp featuring a 3-step slide adjustment at 2mm intervals, a first for Grand Seiko. This allows for micro-adjustments to fit the wearer's wrist, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.
This new release may represent a significant milestone in Grand Seiko's ongoing quest to balance beauty and precision. The pride and dedication of Grand Seiko, showcasing Japanese watchmaking prowess to the world, are embodied in this single timepiece.
Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive U.F.A.
Case size | [Diameter] 37.0mm (excluding crown) [Thickness] 11.4mm
Case material & Bracelet material | Bright Titanium (with micro-adjustment clasp)
Movement | Spring Drive Movement Caliber 9RB2 Automatic (with manual winding)
Timekeeping accuracy | ±20 seconds per year (equivalent to ±3 seconds per month on average) (when worn on the wrist between 5°C and 35°C)
Power reserve | Approximately 72 hours
Glass | Box-shaped sapphire crystal (anti-reflective coating on inner surface)
Water resistance | Enhanced daily use water resistance (10 bar)
Scheduled release | Within 2025
Price | ¥1,518,000 (excluding tax)
Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive U.F.A. Limited Edition
Case material | Platinum 950
Case size | [Diameter] 37.0mm (excluding crown) [Thickness] 11.4mm
Movement | Spring Drive Movement Caliber 9RB2 Automatic (with manual winding)
Timekeeping accuracy | ±20 seconds per year (equivalent to ±3 seconds per month on average) (when worn on the wrist between 5°C and 35°C)
Power reserve | Approximately 72 hours
Strap & Clasp | Crocodile, Platinum 950 (part of clasp made of 18K white gold)
Glass | Box-shaped sapphire crystal (anti-reflective coating on inner surface)
Water resistance | Enhanced daily use water resistance (10 bar)
Limited quantity | World limited to 80 pieces (40 pieces for Japan)
Scheduled release | Within 2025 (Grand Seiko Boutique exclusive model)
Price | ¥5,500,000 (tax included)

Inquiries

Seiko Watch Customer Service Center (Grand Seiko)
Tel. 0120-302-617 (toll-free)
https://www.grand-seiko.com/jp-ja

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