Grand Seiko presents a new calibre, the Spring Drive 9RB2 U.F.A., a mechanical movement regulated by a quartz oscillator that guarantees exceptional precision, with a deviation of ±20 seconds per year.
The quest for high precision is deeply rooted in the history of Grand Seikosince its inception in 1960. Less than 10 years after its debut, the company introduced the acronym 'V.F.A.', which stands for 'Very Fine Adjusted'. Used for the first time in 1969, this designation defined a Grand Seiko watch adjusted in such a way as to offer a monthly running accuracy with a deviation of ±1 minute.
In the late 1970s, the development of Spring Drive began with the aim of harmoniously merging the traditional energy of a spring with the most modern advances represented by electronic watchmaking. Then, in 2004, Grand Seiko introduced the 9R65 Spring Drive calibre, which combined automatic winding and a 72-hour power reserve with a movement technology capable of ensuring accuracy with a monthly deviation of ±15 seconds, setting a new standard among spring-powered movements.
Today, this legacy in terms of precision reaches new heights with the presentation of the Spring Drive 9RB2 calibre, which bears the new U.F.A. designation, an acronym for 'Ultra Fine Accuracy'. This new mechanical movement regulated by a quartz oscillator redefines the standards of precision, being able to guarantee a annual deviation of ±20 seconds (approximately ±3 seconds per month). This makes it the world's most accurate wristwatch movement powered by a spring.
Grand Seiko Spring Drive calibre 9RB2 U.F.A.: exceptional precision
The first two models to use this new calibre belong to the Evolution 9 collection, and are available with a case in High-Intensity Titanium or 950 platinum.
The cutting-edge technology of the new 9RB2 calibre incorporates advanced production methods for the quartz oscillator, which undergoes a three-month ageing process, and the use of a newly developed IC integrated circuit. As in the 9RA series movements, each oscillator is calibrated at different temperatures, with temperature compensation data programmed into the low-power circuit to ensure stable performance under all conditions.
Despite its technological complexity, the 9RB2 movement has compact dimensions (30 mm diameter by 5.02 mm thickness) that allow watches with cases to be made 37 mm in diameter, therefore suitable for all wrists. Visible through the sapphire crystal case back, this movement guarantees a 72-hour power reserve.
In addition, for the first time in a Spring Drive movement, the calibre incorporates an adjustment switch that can be used during maintenance, to correct any variations in accuracy over the long term, ensuring lasting reliability. The first two models to employ the new Spring Drive 9RB2 U.F.A. calibre are the Evolution 9 with Ref. SLGB003 (case and bracelet in High-Intensity Titanium) and with Ref. SLGB001 (case in 950 platinum and crocodile strap with triple folding clasp in the same precious material).
The High-Intensity Titanium version offers a more affordable alternative without compromising on quality. High-intensity titanium is about 30% lighter than stainless steel, while the integrated bracelet features an innovative buckle with three-stage microregulation. The variant with a case in Platinum 950 is available in a limited edition of 80, exclusively at Grand Seiko boutiques.
To the east of the Shinshu Watch Studio (where Grand Seiko watches are made) are the Kirigamine highlands, where frost-covered trees can be seen during the harsh winter months. Both these new Evolution 9s have dials inspired by the ice forests of Shinshu, with a textured texture. In particular, the titanium version sports a blue hue with silver highlights, while the platinum version has a more intense blue. The dials are protected by box-type sapphire crystals with anti-reflective treatment. In addition, the cases are embellished with the characteristic Zaratsu polishing of Grand Seiko. Finally, water resistance is guaranteed up to a pressure of 10 atmospheres.
Prices: €12,000 (Ref. SLGB003, High-Intensity Titanium case and bracelet); €42,000 (Ref. SLGB001, platinum 950 case and crocodile strap, boutique exclusive).
