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The “Ice Forest at Dawn” Spring Drive U.F.A.
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
The “Ice Forest at Dawn” Spring Drive U.F.A.
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...
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
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
I like the platinum model the best.
The dial reminds me of Rolex’s combination of ice blue and platinum. With that movement it should have a solid caseback.
Agreed on the solid caseback.
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
“Ultra Fine Accuracy”, as mentioned above the photo of the movement ;-)
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
I find it strikingly beautiful!
Could be a bit thinner perhaps, but the dimensions work. The dial is wonderful, and black and gold is always elegant. But at this price, there are some very compelling alternatives...
I agree with you on all counts, here.
Thickness, price, beauty, elegance... Best, Emmanuel
Also agreed on all counts. Aesthetically my cup of tea . . .
. . . to a 't'. Best, Art
I wish they would trim hands and indices
The watch face lacks elegance in my opinion, it would look quite a bit better trimming a bit of metal, the current design is too much in your face & heavy for my liking.
Really like the gold one
Shame it's a tad out of my price range! Size is good & the black dial is fantastic, just wish the hour hand wasn't as chunky & more aligned in shape to other elegance series watches. Thanks for sharing Cheers JML
I also find this dial wonderful and I agree that the hands and indices could be slimmer.
But definitely very expensive... Cheers, Emmanuel