By Jovan K
Grand Seiko’s Evolution 9 Spring Drive U.F.A. SLGB005 steps in as the third act in what’s shaping up to be one of the brand’s most fascinating trilogies. The earlier platinum and titanium editions already showed what happens when you chase accuracy into quartz territory using a mainspring and now this steel rendition adds a fresh flavor; violet dial, brighter alloy and just a hint more accessibility without diluting the magic.
The 37mm x 11.4mm case is crafted from Ever-Brilliant Steel, Grand Seiko’s own mix that shrugs off corrosion and shines with a cleaner, whiter gleam. The blend of Zaratsu polishing and brushing catches the light like shifting ice, giving the case those crisp edges and mirrored facets that have long been a brand signature. It’s compact but not timid, sized perfectly for today’s crowd that prefers refinement over bulk.
That dial though; it’s the ice forest design again, this time painted in deep violet with a gentle gradient sinking toward the edges. Grand Seiko says it recalls the final shadowed moments before dawn and while that might be more poetic than literal, it’s undeniably atmospheric. Add the grooved indexes and the smooth-gliding seconds hand and it’s a proper stage for Spring Drive’s hypnotic calm.
Beneath it all runs the Calibre 9RB2, an automatic engine boasting ±20 seconds per year accuracy and 72 hours of stored autonomy. It’s the same heart that’s made the U.F.A. series a quiet marvel of mechanical precision.
It’s fitted to an Ever-Brilliant Steel bracelet with titanium and 18k rose gold touches, priced at €11,000/$11,100 and capped at 1,300 pieces. Not a revolution, but a smart, subtle expansion.
