The pursuit of high accuracy has been the cornerstone of Grand Seiko’s values since its first watch was created in 1960. Less than 10 years after its birth, Grand Seiko introduced the mechanical V.F.A., standing for “Very Fine Adjusted.” First used in 1969, this designation defined a Grand Seiko watch that was adjusted so skillfully that it achieved an astonishing monthly rate of ±1 minute. In the late 1970s, the development of Spring Drive began with an aim to harmoniously blend the traditional energy of a mainspring with state-of-the-art electronic watchmaking advancements. In 2004, Grand Seiko introduced the Spring Drive Caliber 9R65, which paired automatic winding and 72 hours of power reserve with a movement technology capable of a monthly rate of ±15 seconds, setting a new standard among movements powered by a mainspring.
Today, this legacy of accuracy in watchmaking reaches new heights with the announcement of the Spring Drive Caliber 9RB2, which receives the new U.F.A. designation, standing for “Ultra Fine Accuracy.” The groundbreaking movement boasts a level of precision defined not by accuracy in seconds per day, week, or month, but by its accuracy over one year. The automatic U.F.A. movement has an astounding annual rate of ±20 seconds, making it the most accurate wristwatch movement powered by a mainspring today.* Thanks to the movement’s compact design, the new watch has a case diameter of just 37mm, making it the smallest models powered by the 9R series to date and ideal for smaller wrists.
*As of April 2025, based on Grand Seiko’s research.
Caliber 9RB2 debuts in the Evolution 9 Collection in High-Intensity Titanium
The next-generation Caliber 9RB2
The oscillating weight is engraved with the words “SPRING DRIVE ULTRA FINE ACCURACY”
The new movement achieves its ±20-seconds-per-year accuracy thanks to new and 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 movement’s beauty is revealed through the sapphire crystal case back, with mirror-polished, beveled edges adding brilliance. Its design, inspired by the natural surroundings of the Shinshu Watch Studio where it is made, reflects a uniquely Japanese aesthetic characterized by understated charm and elegance. The jewels echo the glittering stars that sparkle during the early days of winter above the surrounding mountains, and the delicate texture of the movement’s surfaces reflects the frost that winter brings to the trees of Shinshu, where all Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches are made.
Capturing the beauty of ice forests in Shinshu
The creation features the “SPRING DRIVE UFA” inscription at 6 o’clock, highlighting their exceptional accuracy.
To the east of the Shinshu Watch Studio lie the Kirigamine Highlands, where frost-covered trees can be observed during harsh winter months. The intricately textured dial of the creation captures the beauty of these ice forests thanks to finishing techniques that create pale blue tones that are subtle yet striking in their presence. The dial has a silver-tinged blue hue, evoking the ice forests seen through crisp, clear air, and is beautifully accented by a tempered blue seconds hand.
The watch will join the Evolution 9 Collection, whose design represents a continuation of the Grand Seiko Style that reaches back to the iconic 44GS of 1967. The hands and prominent, grooved indexes of the Evolution 9 Style ensure supreme legibility. The case highlights Grand Seiko’s signature Zaratsu polishing, resulting in a distortion-free, mirror finish that alternates with a refined hairline finish for a harmonious glow. Designed for exceptional comfort, the 37mm-diameter case has a low center of gravity, while the bracelet – crafted with ample thickness and a width exceeding half the size of the case – ensures a balanced and secure fit on the wrist. Furthermore, the titanium bracelet features a newly developed three-step micro-adjustment clasp that operates without a tool, allowing precise adjustments in 2mm increments for enhanced comfort.
