quattro introduces the new Grand Seiko Spring Drive U.F.A. Ref. SLGB006, an 18k yellow gold variant featuring the groundbreaking Calibre 9RB2 with an annual deviation of only ±20 seconds. This post delves into the watch's unique "Ice Forest at Dawn" dial, its compact dimensions, and compares it to previous platinum and titanium versions, inviting community discussion on its appeal.
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).
This
new ref.
SLGB006 offers an 18k
yellow gold version.
Note that
UFA stands for “
Ultra Fine Accuracy”.
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
