This new Spring Drive U.F.A. creation is based on the “Evolution 9 Style,” a unique design grammar that takes the fusion of Grand Seiko’s spirit with the aesthetic sensibilities of Japan to a higher level. Its textured, violet-colored dial expresses the breathtaking moment when dawn breaks over the frost-covered forests of the Shinshu region of central Japan, where all Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches are meticulously crafted.
Powered by the Caliber 9RB2, the groundbreaking movement receives the U.F.A. designation which stands for “Ultra Fine Accuracy,” this creation boasts an astounding annual rate of ±20 seconds, making it the most accurate wristwatch movement powered by a mainspring today.*
* As of September 2025, based on Grand Seiko’s research
An astonishing annual rate
The movement achieves its ±20-seconds-per-year accuracy thanks to enhanced manufacturing and processing methods for the three-month-aged quartz oscillator, and a newly designed IC. And, as with the 9RA series of Spring Drive movements, the frequency of each individual quartz oscillator is measured at several different temperatures, with the resulting data necessary for thermo-compensation programmed into the low-power IC. Both the oscillator and sensor are vacuum-sealed to minimize temperature differences and protect against external factors such as humidity, static electricity, and light, ensuring precise temperature adjustments and the stable performance of the quartz oscillator. In addition, for the first time in Spring Drive, the new movement features a regulation switch that can be used during after-sales service to correct any divergences in accuracy that may occur over long periods of use.
The ephemeral beauty of ice forests at dawn.
To the east of the Shinshu Watch Studio lie the Kirigamine Highlands, where frost-covered trees can be observed during harsh winter months. As dawn breaks over the forests, frost catches the first light of the day, awakening in an ethereal violet glow. The intricately textured dial captures the delicate, crystalline beauty of the ice forests thanks to refined finishing techniques. The deep violet hue gradually lightens toward the center and reveals the texture underneath, evoking the forests slowly emerging in the morning light. The dial offers a refined backdrop for the seamless glide motion of the silver-toned Spring Drive seconds hand, echoing the quiet, gradual unfolding of time itself.
Movement finishing reflecting the natural beauty of Shinshu
Visible through the sapphire crystal case back, the movement's finish is inspired by the frost that winter brings to the trees of Shinshu. The jewels echo the glittering stars that sparkle during the early days of winter above the surrounding mountains.
The Spring Drive U.F.A. caliber with an astounding annual rate
The pursuit of high accuracy has always been the cornerstone of Grand Seiko’s values. Receiving the new U.F.A. designation, which stands for “Ultra Fine Accuracy,” Caliber 9RB2 boasts a level of precision defined not by accuracy in seconds per day, week, or month, but by accuracy over one year. The movement has an astounding annual rate of ±20 seconds, or approximately ±3 seconds per month.
