Watches and Wonders 2025: Introducing New Timepieces from Grand Seiko

A new era in the history of Grand Seiko begins with Spring Drive U.F.A

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 skilfully 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 watches have a case diameter of just 37mm, making them the smallest models powered by the 9R series to date and ideal for smaller wrists.

Both watches 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 alternate with a refined hairline finish for a harmonious glow. Designed for exceptional comfort, the 37mm-diameter case has a low centre 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, while the Platinum 950 version is offered on a crocodile strap, the titanium version’s bracelet features a newly developed three-step micro-adjustment clasp that operates without a tool, allowing precise adjustments in 2mm increments for enhanced comfort.

Both watches will be available beginning in June, with the Platinum 950 version as a limited edition of 80 exclusive to the Grand Seiko Boutiques. The High-Intensity Titanium version will be available at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and authorised retail partners worldwide.

An embodiment of power, refinement and elegance, the Spring Drive 8-Day Jewellery Watch, SBGD223 is a limited edition of just 8 pieces, featuring a stunning jet-black dial design inspired by the majestic lion emerging from the darkness. Created though precise press patterning, the centre of the dial is inspired by the lion’s mane. Adorned with over 600 diamonds that are evenly set around the arc of the dial within rails crafted in 18K white gold, and black spinels that surround the dial which functions as minute markers.

The watch houses the Spring Drive Caliber 9R01, a movement crafted by the skilled men and women of the Micro Artist Studio. It features three barrels arrayed in a series allowing for a continuous operation of up to eight days. This is Grand Seiko’s first-ever pavé setting on the case with diamonds of various sizes that are meticulously arranged to fit seamlessly together. The pavé setting delivers a radiant sparkle along the ridges and enhances the Platinum 950 case that features a dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface.

The case back is see-through and screw-down, showcasing the intricate movement. The watch is water-resistant up to 10 bar and has a magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m. The diameter of the case is 44.5mm, with a thickness of 14.4mm and a lug-to-lug measurement of 52.0mm. The band is made of crocodile leather with a three-fold clasp and push-button release.

Powered by the manual-winding mechanical movement Caliber 9S64, which offers a 72-hour power reserve and provides an exceptional stable accuracy. Encased in stainless steel with a screw-down case back and box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface of this timepiece. The refine and elegant watch is water-resistant up to 10 bar and has a magnetic resistance of 8,800 A/m. The diameter of the case is 36.5mm, with a thickness of 11.6mm and a lug-to-lug measurement of 42.7mm. The band width is 18mm, and it features a three-fold clasp with push-button release that completes this refined design.