Cazalea's post introduces Grand Seiko's latest leap in precision with the Spring Drive Caliber 9RB2, achieving an unprecedented annual rate of ±20 seconds. This advancement, dubbed "Ultra Fine Accuracy" (U.F.A.), continues Grand Seiko's historical commitment to accuracy, evolving from its V.F.A. mechanical movements of 1969 and the Spring Drive Caliber 9R65 of 2004. The new movement is housed in a compact 37mm case, making it the smallest in the 9R series and suitable for a wider range of wrist sizes.
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 skillfully 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.
Titanium on Bracelet about $11k or platinum on strap about $40k both in Evolution 9 style cases
AND FINALLY (drum roll ….. ….. ….. ) A micro-adjust clasp on the bracelet!
Key Points from the Discussion
The new U.F.A. models include a titanium version on a bracelet priced around $11,000 and a platinum version on a strap for approximately $40,000, both featuring Evolution 9 style cases.
A significant new feature across Grand Seiko's latest releases is the inclusion of a micro-adjust clasp on the bracelet, a highly anticipated improvement for wearability.
Beyond the U.F.A., Grand Seiko also introduced a new Tentagraph model with a brown dial, and a smaller, sleeker silver-dial variant, expanding their chronograph offerings.
Another new release is a manual-wind, no-date model with a 36.5mm case, offering -3 to +5 seconds per day accuracy and a 72-hour power reserve.
The U.F.A. models are noted for their competitive cost of entry relative to their accuracy, and there's a question regarding potential dial color differences between the titanium and platinum versions.
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The Discussion
CH
Chronometer (aka yacomino)
Mar 31, 2025
I really want to love them, but I find these dial too monochrome rot my taste...Thanks for posting!
CA
cazalea
Mar 31, 2025
Here’s some color!
New Tentagraph! Brown, Bold, Big If that’s too much, try this - smaller, sleeker, subtler, silvery-er
LA
Larrykelley11
Mar 31, 2025
Yikes, not for me. I don’t like all the angles on that case or those pushers.
CA
cazalea
Mar 31, 2025
Look again, I put in the second Tentagraph model, more subtle
OR
orahu
Apr 1, 2025
Agreed — absolutely ugly!
SE
seabas132
Apr 1, 2025
I believe the technical term is “fugly”
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