This year's Watches and Wonders 2025 saw Grand Seiko unveil two groundbreaking collections that firmly establish the Japanese watchmaker's position at the forefront of horological innovation. The brand introduced its most accurate mainspring-powered watch ever with the Spring Drive U.F.A. and debuted its first mechanical chronograph movement in the Tokyo Lion Tentagraph.
Spring Drive U.F.A.: Unparalleled Precision in a Refined Package
Grand Seiko's pursuit of accuracy reaches new heights with the introduction of the Spring Drive U.F.A., where "U.F.A." stands for "Ultra Fine Accuracy." This groundbreaking release features the new Caliber 9RB2, which sets a new standard in precision for mainspring-powered movements with an astonishing annual rate of just ±20 seconds—the most accurate wristwatch movement of its kind in the world as of April 2025.
The U.F.A. designation follows in the tradition of Grand Seiko's "Very Fine Adjusted" (V.F.A.) mechanical watches from 1969, which achieved a monthly rate of ±1 minute. The new caliber represents the culmination of decades of Spring Drive development, which began in the late 1970s and saw its first mainstream release in 2004 with the Caliber 9R65.
The 9RB2 movement achieves its remarkable accuracy through several innovations, including new manufacturing and processing methods for the three-month-aged quartz oscillator and a newly designed integrated circuit. The frequency of each quartz oscillator is measured at various temperatures, with the resulting data programmed into a low-power IC for precise thermo-compensation. Both the oscillator and temperature sensor are vacuum-sealed to ensure stable performance by minimizing the effects of humidity, static electricity, and light.
In a first for Spring Drive technology, the 9RB2 features a regulation switch that allows watchmakers to correct any divergences in accuracy during servicing, ensuring long-term performance. The movement's aesthetics match its technical prowess, with mirror-polished beveled edges and delicate surface textures inspired by the frost-covered landscapes surrounding the Shinshu Watch Studio where all Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches are crafted.
The Spring Drive U.F.A. debuts in two versions within the Evolution 9 Collection. The first is crafted from High-Intensity Titanium, approximately 30% lighter than stainless steel, while the second is rendered in precious Platinum 950. Both feature intricate dial textures evoking the ice forests of the Kirigamine Highlands near the Shinshu Watch Studio. The titanium version showcases a silver-tinged blue dial with a tempered blue seconds hand, while the platinum model displays a slightly deeper blue tone complemented by a silver-colored seconds hand.
At just 37mm in diameter, these watches are the smallest models powered by the 9R series to date, designed for exceptional comfort on smaller wrists. The Evolution 9 design language continues Grand Seiko's iconic aesthetic established by the 44GS in 1967, featuring prominent grooved indexes and Zaratsu-polished surfaces that create a distortion-free mirror finish alternating with refined hairline brushing.
The titanium version introduces a new three-step micro-adjustment clasp that operates without tools, allowing for 2mm increments of adjustment for perfect fit. Meanwhile, the platinum version comes on a luxurious crocodile strap with a three-fold clasp in Platinum 950 and 18k white gold.
Both Spring Drive U.F.A. models will be available beginning June 2025. The Platinum 950 version (SLGB001) is a limited edition of 80 pieces exclusive to Grand Seiko Boutiques, priced at €42,000. The High-Intensity Titanium version (SLGB003) will be available at Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners worldwide for €12,000.
Tokyo Lion Tentagraph: Grand Seiko's First Mechanical Chronograph
In another significant move, Grand Seiko has introduced its first-ever mechanical chronograph movement, the Caliber 9SC5 "Tentagraph," housed within a bold new iteration of its Tokyo Lion design. This development marks a new chapter for Grand Seiko's sport collection, combining the brand's meticulous approach to finishing with high-performance chronograph functionality.
The Tokyo Lion design language, first introduced in 2019, draws inspiration from the lion symbol that has represented Grand Seiko's pursuit of excellence since its founding in 1960. The new Tentagraph model (SLGC009) elevates this design language with a more powerful and refined execution that emphasizes key sports watch attributes including legibility, durability, comfort, and beauty.
For the first time in Grand Seiko's Sport Collection, the Tokyo Lion Tentagraph employs Brilliant Hard Titanium, an alloy that offers a brighter appearance than traditional titanium while providing double the surface hardness of standard stainless steel. This material makes the watch not only lightweight but also highly resistant to corrosion and scratches, with the hairline-finished and Zaratsu-polished surfaces appearing particularly radiant against the angular case design.
The dial features a distinctive pattern inspired by a lion's mane flowing in the wind, complemented by three-dimensional sub-dials at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions. These raised sub-dials improve legibility by reducing the distance between the markings and hands. The main dial's diamond-cut indexes, resembling lion claws, have been made taller to accommodate more Lumibrite luminescent material, ensuring readability in all lighting conditions.
The Tentagraph's innovative rubber strap has been specially developed for this watch with a tensile strength nearly 2.7 times that of typical silicone straps used in Grand Seiko watches. Its brown color harmonizes with the patterned dial, while the back features a motif inspired by a lion's paw—a playful detail visible only to the wearer. Combined with the curved case back, the strap provides excellent comfort and stability.
At the heart of the Tokyo Lion Tentagraph is the new Caliber 9SC5, which beats at 10 times per second (36,000 vibrations per hour) to ensure precise time and chronograph measurements. Thanks to an energy-efficient Dual Impulse Escapement and twin barrels, the movement maintains a three-day power reserve even when the chronograph function is engaged. Each Tentagraph undergoes 20 days of testing—three days longer than most Grand Seiko mechanical movements—to ensure it meets the stringent Grand Seiko Standard of +5 to -3 seconds per day accuracy with the chronograph running.
The movement incorporates hallmarks of high-quality modern chronographs: a vertical clutch eliminates hand jump or shuddering when the chronograph is activated, and a column wheel ensures precise control of chronograph operations. A three-pointed hammer mechanism guarantees instantaneous and synchronized resetting of all chronograph hands.
The Grand Seiko Sport Collection Tokyo Lion Tentagraph (SLGC009) measures 43.0mm in diameter with a thickness of 15.6mm. It features a box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface, a see-through case back, and a screw-down crown. The watch offers water resistance to 20 bar and magnetic resistance to 4,800 A/m. It will be available at Grand Seiko Boutiques from August 2025, priced at €17,500.
Images courtesy - Grand Seiko
Also Read :
Grand Seiko has a new Hi-Beat timepiece inspired by Mt. Iwate
|
Blast from the Past: The elegant Grand Seiko “Hoshizukiyo” is a contemporary update of the brand’s very first watch from 1960
|
Watches and Wonder 2024: Grand Seiko presents two dress watches, a GMT, and a tourbillon
|
Two new Grand Seiko models mark the 20th anniversary of Caliber 9R Spring Drive
More In news
![Ulysse Nardin Diver [AIR]](https://img.watchtime.in/images/Article/2025/April/ulysse_nardin_diver_%5Bair%5D_174361133867ed65ca95ff4.png)
Sign up for our newsletters to have the latest stories delivered to your inbox
