Grand Seiko Spring Drive U.F.A. SLGB006

quattro · 2026-04-14T21:50:51Z

Explore the Grand Seiko Spring Drive U.F.A. Ref. SLGB006 in 18k yellow gold, featuring the Calibre 9RB2 and an Ice Forest at Dawn dial. Limited to 80 pieces.

quattro

WPS member · Seiko forum

22 replies618 views11 photos

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

Key Points from the Discussion

While appreciating the size and black dial, a collector notes the watch is out of their price range and suggests a more refined, less chunky hour hand to align with other Elegance series watches.
The dial is lauded as wonderful, and the black and gold combination as elegant, but the overall thickness and price point are noted as potential drawbacks given compelling alternatives.
A contributor finds the watch face lacks elegance, suggesting a reduction in metal to make the design less 'in your face' and heavy.
The original author acknowledges that case refinement is a matter of personal taste but stands by the appeal of the dial and the black/yellow gold combination.
The platinum model's dial is noted to resemble Rolex's ice blue and platinum combination, which the original author states is a reason for their lesser preference.
The Calibre 9RB2 is clarified as the modern, updated version of the 1969 V.F.A. (Very Fine Adjusted) movement, significantly improving accuracy from ±1 minute per month to ±20 seconds per year.

The Discussion

quattro

Apr 14, 2026

But, yes, a little too thick...

quattro

Apr 14, 2026

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

Vetnov

Apr 15, 2026

The dial reminds me of Rolex’s combination of ice blue and platinum. With that movement it should have a solid caseback.

quattro

Apr 15, 2026

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

quattro

Apr 15, 2026

And on the resemblance of the pt model with Rolex, which is part of the reason why I'm not fond of it: it feels Rolex more than GS to me. Best, Emmanuel

quattro

Apr 15, 2026

Very Fine Adjusted (V.F.A.) was the 1969 prowess: ±1 minute per month vs ±20 seconds per year for the U.F.A. Best, Emmanuel

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