Pursuing perfection and the ultimate accuracy is an obsession at Grand Seiko, and the Evolution 9, which epitomizes the brand’s present and future, is the chosen platform to introduce the most relevant technical innovations, including GS-proprietary Ever Brilliant Steel and new calibres.
Grand Seiko keeps evolving at a pace no other brand can compete against, making it a unicorn among premium luxury watch brands for its unique and brilliant approach to watchmaking. The acronym U.F.A., “Ultra Fine Adjusted”, sets a new benchmark in timing accuracy, fostering it to new heights.
An Evolution 9 achieving an unbelievable +/- 20 seconds accuracy per year
Yes, the new Grand Seiko Evolution 9 SLGB001 and SLGB003, in platinum and titanium, respectively, push accuracy to levels never achieved before on a Spring-Drive Grand Seiko. Engineers reached what was thought impossible by improving the “glide wheel” driving mechanism.
With the V.F.A., or “Very Fine Adjusted” mechanical models introduced a few years ago, Grand Seiko proved their quest for accuracy is unstoppable. Still, the Spring Drive technology allows engineers to raise the bar much higher.
How does Spring Drive work?
Before analyzing what they improved, it is worth discussing what lies behind the hood and what makes the magic happen. Spring Drive is “a mechanical watch with the accuracy of a quartz watch”, as the brand claims. The stored energy released by the barrel powers a regulating system comprising an electromagnetic generator, an IC (integrated circuit) and a quartz oscillator.
It directly powers a glide wheel, whose energy then powers a quartz oscillator and the matching IC via electromagnetic induction. The integrated circuit controls the speed of the glide wheel (via an electromagnetic brake) by continuously comparing the rotation speed with the accuracy of the signals triggered by the oscillator. The glide wheel, whose speed is finely regulated, is connected via a gear train to hours, minutes and seconds hands.
Engineers didn’t change the base technical layout; instead, they worked on the oscillator and the IC. In brief, they improved the oscillator manufacturing process and built a new integrated circuit, hence Spring Drive’s brain. Also, they equipped the new 9RB2 movement with a first-ever adjustment switch to allow after-sales technicians to fine-tune the watch’s accuracy when needed.
Not only is the new calibre more technically advanced than its forerunners, but it is also very compact. A Spring Drive U.F.A. measures 37 mm across and 11.4 mm in thickness. Form meets function since the watch is sleeker than ever before. The icing on the cake is a first-ever micro-adjustment on the bracelet via its clasp.
Thus, Grand Seiko has improved what watch aficionados have long asked the brand to do.
Two options at launch: high-intensity titanium and 950 platinum
Grand Seiko has revealed two models. The first is a titanium variant whose reference is SLGB003. It is priced at 12,000 Euros, on par with such a high-value proposition. Next is reference SLGB001 in 950 platinum on a crocodile strap and a production limited to 80 pieces, each priced at 42,000 Euros. It is more expensive than expected, even considering the top-notch quality and prestige.
(Photo credit: Peter Tung)
Giovanni Maria Di Biase @Horbiter®
In this article:
Barrel
It is a cylindrical metal box closed by a cover that contains a spiral spring called the mainspring, which provides energy to run the timepiece.
Calibre
A calibre is the type of watch movement encased in an assigned timepiece. Its name is usually associated with the manufacturer's name and a standard code, e.g., ETA 2824.
Strap
A leather, rubber or other material band that secures the watch to the wearer's wrist.
