Grand Seiko's Innovative Spring Drive Mechanism Now Sets New Accuracy Standards While Addressing Previous Bracelet Issues
Grand Seiko Introduces Ultra Fine Accuracy (U.F.A.) Movement in Two New Models
Grand Seiko is pushing the boundaries of watchmaking with its latest innovation - the Spring Drive Caliber 9RB2 U.F.A. (Ultra Fine Accuracy) movement. This groundbreaking technology promises exceptional precision and refined performance, setting a new benchmark in mechanical watch accuracy.
The heart of the new U.F.A. movement is its exceptional accuracy. The 9RB2 movement achieves an annual accuracy of ±20 seconds per year, a significant improvement over previous Spring Drive movements rated around ±10 to ±15 seconds per month. This makes it the most accurate mainspring-powered wristwatch movement currently available.
One of the key factors contributing to this improved accuracy is the movement's enhanced thermocompensation capabilities. The 9RB2 features an improved circuit board that helps maintain its ultra-precise timing despite temperature variations.
Another notable improvement is the extended power reserve. The 9RB2 movement boasts a 72-hour power reserve, which is notable for a highly precise Spring Drive movement.
Seiko has refined the Spring Drive system further with enhanced manufacturing processes for the three-month-aged quartz oscillator and a newly designed integrated circuit. This results in improved accuracy in the timing control system.
Two distinctly different models, both housed in the brand's Evolution 9 case design, will introduce the U.F.A. movement. The SLGB003 model from the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection is made of High-Intensity Titanium. This model maintains Grand Seiko's signature Zaratsu polishing and a respectable 100-meter water resistance.
The SLGB003 model comes with a silver-tinged blue dial and a tempered blue seconds hand. It also features a screw-down crown, magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m, and a power reserve indicator on the movement. The model's accuracy is ±20 seconds per year (approximately ±3 seconds per month).
The SLGB003 model debuts a brand new bracelet clasp with a three-step toolless micro-adjustment system. Its crystal is a box-shaped sapphire with an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface.
The U.F.A. designation harks back to Grand Seiko's V.F.A. (Very Fine Adjusted) watches from 1969 to 1975, which were legendary for their precision. Spring Drive represents a middle path between mechanical and quartz watchmaking, using a mechanically-wound mainspring to power a quartz oscillator through an electromagnetic generator.
One of the models features a tool-less micro-adjust clasp for the bracelet, improving wearability and comfort. The SLGB003 model allows on-the-fly adjustments in 2mm increments, providing up to 6mm of total adjustment range.
In summary, Caliber 9RB2 U.F.A. sets a new benchmark in mechanical watch precision by refining the Spring Drive technology with superior quartz aging, thermocompensation, and manufacturing process improvements, achieving an accuracy level previously unheard of in mainspring watches.
The Ultra Fine Accuracy (U.F.A.) movement in these new Grand Seiko models showcases a unique blend of style and technology, as the precise Spring Drive Caliber 9RB2 combines refined gadgets with cutting-edge technology within the watches. This high-precision movement, featuring an extended power reserve and enhanced thermocompensation capabilities, sets a new standard for mechanical watch accuracy.
