Grand Seiko has created a mechanical movement capable of such precision timekeeping the company has created its own Ultra Fine Accuracy certification, or UFA, as it will be shown on dials that meet the standard.
The Spring Drive Caliber 9RB2 is an automatic movement that Grand Seiko says is accurate to +/-20 seconds per year.
Yes, PER YEAR!
To put that in context, mass-produced movements in Japan are typically accurate to +/- 20 seconds per DAY. Rolex chronometers are +/-2 seconds per day.
Even Grand Seiko’s previously most accurate calibre, the Spring Drive Caliber 9R65, introduced in 2004, was accurate to +/- 15 seconds per month.
The new 9RB2 is also sufficiently small to fit into classic 37mm case watches, a size not available before in current 9R-based models.
Improved manufacturing and processing is responsible for much of the movement’s improved accuracy, but there are also technical advancements that protect mechanical, quartz and electrical components from external challenges like changes in temperature, magnetism or shocks.
The first watches using the 9RB2 movement are a pair of Spring Drive UFA with dials designed to evoke the beauty of ice forests in Shinshu, which lies to the east of Grand Seiko’s watch studios.
A titanium piece has the dial’s representations of the frozen trees in a silver-tinged blue while a platinum version is presented in a slightly darker blue.
They come in a 37mm version of the Evolution 9 design with integrated metal bracelets. The platinum piece has the option of a dressier black leather strap.
Both watches go on sale at the beginning of June.
The titanium piece (SLGB003) will be available through Grand Seiko retail partners for $10,900 while the platinum edition (SLGB001), a limited edition of 80 pieces, will only be sold in Grand Seiko boutiques for $39,000.