Zach Brass
I hope Grand Seiko creates a fine-tuned clasp. I hope Grand Seiko will make smaller Spring Drive watches. Over the years, Grand Seiko fans have begged and pleaded. Today is the day these wishes were given in one go, and everything is 2025 in the name of clocks and wonders. Almost everything about these watches is new, with the only exception being the case geometry and the shape of the dial element of Evolution 9. The dimensions, dial texture, spring drive caliber and bracelet are all new. There are plenty of covers here, but let’s dig into the marquee elements of this release. It’s a new micro-adjustable clasp, at least for Grand Seiko fans.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6asve16qca
New micro-adjustable bracelet!
The SLGB001 is a limited edition platinum case on a leather strap, while the titanium variant SLGB003 is a normal production high-strength titanium model equipped with a case matching bracelet. The bracelet format remains the familiar 5 links, but as you move down towards the clasp you will see something new. Grand Seiko certainly took the time to create this tweak clasp, but the wait appears to be worth it.
Despite some criticism being thrown in the Grand Seico bracelet, one thing I’ve always appreciated in everything about my Grand Seicos is that the clasp doesn’t add bulk to the bracelet. This new clasp essentially adds zero thickness to the bracelet and offers 6mm on-the-fly micro adjustment over three increments of 2mm.
case
The only catch is that this clasp is deployed on a new scale bracelet. This is suitable for debuting a 37mm case that clocks in at 11.4mm thickness. It is also worth noting that it is still 100 meters water resistant, the finishing style remains the same, alternating between Grand Seiko’s perfect hairline brush and Zaratsu’s distortion-free mirrored surfaces. However, to keep this out of the way, I understand that this clasp is currently strictly present for SLGB003 and that the clasp cannot be purchased individually. However, it seems inevitable that this new clasp will soon become caught in other size bracelets.
Movement
The Seiko Corporation Spring Drive Watch has been smaller in the past, but the fact that there is a Grand Seiko, the first 9R series with a diameter of 37mm, is thanks to the new caliber 9RB2. It’s getting smaller, but the other big headline is that it’s more accurate than its big brother, whether it’s the standard, the 3-day 9R65 or the latest generation of 9RA2 movement. Certainly, we are splitting our hair here. Because at least 9R65 is charged for accuracy within 15 seconds per month, and 9RA2 is charged within 10 seconds per month. However, this new 9RB2 debuts the accuracy of the Grand Seico Ultra, and is billed as an UFA Spring Drive Caliber for accuracy within 20 seconds per year.
The UFA is an evolution of VFA (very fine-tuned) that debuted in 1969, and the vintage mechanical Grand Seiko watch that won this stamp promised to run in just under a minute per month. This was, if not better than what Switzerland made at the time, and even more than it remains to this day. According to a Grand Seiko study, to bring together the accuracy conversation, this new 9RB2 movement is the most accurate wristwatch movement with today’s main spring. As a brand driven by accuracy, this is a title that Grand Seiko is willing to hold. Aesthetically speaking, the 9RB2 shares the visual cues first seen in the five-day 9RA2 movement. It is elegantly decorated with the delicate shinshufrost finish of the bridge and the mirrors of the bridge are decorated in black and the openwork winding rotors. You will also notice movement side power reserve indicators with small hot blue hands.
Dial
Normally when reviewing Grand Seiko Watches, the dial is the first thing I would say, but in this example it is the aspect we end up. Both Platinum SLGB001 and Titanium SLGB003 will debut new “Ice Forest” textures. It has a prism atmosphere inspired by frost-covered trees in the highlands east of Shimizu Clock Studio, where the Spring Drive clocks are made.
Titanium SLGB003 debuts this new pattern with a silver dial with a slight blue tint, while Platinum SLGB001 runs with a clearer ice blue. This explains why Grand Seiko chose SLGB003’s middle second hand blue instead of SLGB001. Otherwise, the dial feels familiar with its layout. Also, with subtle use of UFA branding, there is a standard black-on-white date at 3 o’clock, but it is proudly displayed above the 6 o’clock index.
verdict
Overall, I think Grand Seiko fans will be very pleased with this new release. I’m a fan of epic Seiko and I know I’m excited to see the different evolutions I’ve been asking for for a long time to bear fruit at once. The only point of criticism that I’m coming up with is that this new fine-tuning clasp debuts on the 37mm model rather than the 40mm model. That means that anyone who is not interested in a medium sized Grand Seiko will have to wait a long time, but I think it would be wise to debut this new clasp in a new size, and spend a simple time on the first rollout, and not be overwhelmed by requests to buy a new clasp. It is not my intention to cover up Platinum SLGB001. It’s a stunning watch, but limited to 80 pieces and is priced far higher at USD 39,000 for its valuable metal case. With these watches reaching the shelf in June 2025, I think they are working to set aside US$10,900 to secure the titanium SLGB003.
Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Spring Drive UFA Ice Forest SLGB001 & SLGB003 Pricing and Availability
Grand Seiko SLGB003 and SLGB001 will be available for purchase from June 2025. Price: USD 10,900 (SLGB003), USD 39,000 (SLGB001, limited to 80 units)
Brand Grand Seiko Model Evolution 9 Spring Drive UFA Reference SLGB001, SLGB003 Case Dimensions 37mm (D) x 11.4mm (T) Case Material 950 Platinum (SLGB001)
High Strength Titanium (SLGB003) Water Resistant 100 Meters, Screw Down Crown Crystal Sapphire Front and Back Dial Blue (SLGB001)
Silver (SLGB003) Bracelet and Strap Crocodile Leather, 3x 950 Platinum, 18K White Gold Clasp (SLGB001)
High strength titanium bracelet, 3x clasp, Microadjust (SLGB003) Movement 9RB2, In-house, Automatic, Spring Drive Power Reserve 72 Hours Function 72 Hours Function Function Time, Minutes, Seconds, Movement Reserve (Moving Side) Availability June 2025, SLGB001
10,900 US Dollars (SLGB003)
