The “Ice Forest at Dawn” Spring Drive U.F.A.
quattro
Last year, Grand Seiko introduced its groundbreaking Calibre 9RB2 – with an annual deviation of only ±20 seconds – in two variants of the Evolution 9 line:
- one in platinum (SLGB001)
- and one in titanium (SLGB003).
Note that UFA stands for “Ultra Fine Accuracy”.
The case measures a rather compact 37 x 11.4 x 44.3 mm.
The Spring Drive U.F.A. (“Ultra Fine Accuracy”) caliber 9RB2 isn't visually appealing, but it provides an annual accuracy of ±20 seconds.
The applied faceted markers have a strong presence, especially the large one at 12 o'clock, but I find the overall look of this watch very nice.
The SLGB006 is a limited edition of 80 pieces, which will be available in June 2026 at Grand Seiko Boutiques.
I know that not much attention will be paid to this release, but I find it interesting and quite appealing...
... and I like it much more than the platinum and titanium Spring Drive U.F.A. from last year.
credit: Monochrome
The jet-black dial inspired by an “Ice Forest at Dawn” features innumerable gold-colored specks realized through a coating technique.
According to Grand Seiko, “their effect on the dial is reminiscent of a sun pillar, a phenomenon that can be observed on winter mornings when emerging sunlight reflects off ice crystals suspended in the air to create the illusion of a towering pillar of light.”
The case measures a rather compact 37 x 11.4 x 44.3 mm.
The Spring Drive U.F.A. (“Ultra Fine Accuracy”) caliber 9RB2 isn't visually appealing, but it provides an annual accuracy of ±20 seconds.
The applied faceted markers have a strong presence, especially the large one at 12 o'clock, but I find the overall look of this watch very nice.
The SLGB006 is a limited edition of 80 pieces, which will be available in June 2026 at Grand Seiko Boutiques.
I know that not much attention will be paid to this release, but I find it interesting and quite appealing...
... and I like it much more than the platinum and titanium Spring Drive U.F.A. from last year.
The platinum SLGB001 with its ice blue “Shinshu Ice Forest” dial:
And the titanium SLGB003 with its light blue hue “Shinshu Ice Forest” dial:
How do you feel about the new yellow gold SLGB006?
Do you share my interest?
Do you prefer the platinum or the titanium variant?
credit: Monochrome
Thanks for reading.
Best, Emmanuel
Comments:
quattro April 14th, 2026-21:59
I like it very much too and the dial looks stunning. But, yes, a little too thick...
aperna April 14th, 2026-22:01
The technology is quite impressive, but the aesthetics don’t do much for me
quattro April 14th, 2026-22:04
I personally really like the look here, but it's just a matter of personal taste. And I admit that the case could be more refined. But the dial and black/yellow gold combo look really good to me... Best, Emmanuel
enjoythemusic April 14th, 2026-22:44
Lovely jet black dial, and the matching date window showcases surpassing lesser brands'.
quattro April 15th, 2026-05:15
Ultra Fine Accuracy, as mentioned above the photo of the movement ;-) It is the modern updated version (±20 seconds per year) of the V.F.A. (Very Fine Adjusted - ±1 minute per month) launched in 1969. Best, Emmanuel
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Larrykelley11
Seiko GTG over lunch ( Rob brought his Grand Seiko’s, Pressage and vintage Vanac’s )
Larrykelley11
RDSChicago and I had a Japanese lunch today ( he brought a group of 7 Seiko’s , I only brought the Seiko Mod…I’m a loser! ) I fell in love with this Giugiaro design Seiko, it even matches my Katsu! My green dial Faktona on a Bund Thanks for bringing all those fun Seiko’s Rob! .
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