Author: Buy from Japan | Personal Shopper Japan

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Grand Seiko > Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive U.F.A. Model SLGB003 Wins  the Top Prize at the Red Dot Design Awards, ‘Best of the Best’ Mantan Web

Seiko Watch Co., Ltd. (Chairman, CEO, and CCO: Shinji Hattori; Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo) Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive U.F.A. Model SLGB003 (suggested retail price 1,518,000 yen (tax included)) has received the highest award, “Best of the Best,” in the Product Design category of the 2026 Red Dot Design Awards.

What is the ≪ Red Dot Design Award≫

This is a globally prestigious design award held since 1955. The event is organized by the North Rhine-Westphalia Design Center, based in Essen, Germany, and consists of three main areas. Within the product design category, there are 52 categories, judged based on nine criteria including design innovation, ergonomics, functionality, durability, and ecology, to select the best product of the year. Every year, more than 18,000 products from more than 70 countries around the world are submitted, and the selected works receive the “Red Dot Design Award,” with the highest prize being the “Best of the Best.”

≪ Evaluation Comments by the Judging Panel≫
< Grand Seiko > Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive U.F.A. Model SLGB003

“Rooted in Japanese aesthetics, this wristwatch expresses the balance of light and shadow through a blend of mirror finish polished by zaratu polishing and hairline finishing. The dial, inspired by winter forests, creates poetic depth through layers, while the compact Spring Drive movement Caliber 9RB2 delivers exceptional precision. These elements come together to express the refined craftsmanship and nature-rooted beauty unique to the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive U.F.A. SLGB003.”

The dial of the award-winning piece was inspired by the beauty of ‘Juhyo’ (frost-covered trees) seen during the harsh winter season, located on the east side of the ‘Shinshu Toki no Takumi Kobo’ located on the east side of the ‘Shinshu Toki no Takumi Kobo’ at Seiko Epson’s Shiojiri plant. The silvery blue dial color represents frosty trees wrapped in clear air, combined with a blue steel seconds hand.

This model is designed according to the unique ‘Evolution 9 Style,’ which pursues ease of use and beauty as a wristwatch, and is refined in terms of aesthetics, legibility, and wearability. Additionally, the Evolution 9 style features a balanced, beautiful shine that alternates between a distortion-free mirror finish and a delicate hairline finish, characteristic of the Evolution 9 style.

Comments from the ≪ Designer≫

We aimed for a design that delivers the functional value of “extraordinary high precision” not only in specs but also in its appearance. To achieve this, the challenge of smaller sizes was a natural approach. By refining the machining and finishing precision of each component, we ensure texture and functionality while achieving both miniaturization and thinness of the case itself.

Additionally, the distinctive dial pattern, which creates a deep expression through multi-layered finishing, is inspired by the frost-covered forest spreading out near the Kirigamine Highlands near the workshop. It expresses the serene and intricate world of the Juhyo forest, attempting to embody the unique values of Spring Drive U.F.A., characterized by high precision and silent hand movement.

The SLGB003 presented at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025 was also nominated in the “Men’s Watch” category at that year’s Geneva Watch Grand Prix. This model is equipped with the Spring Drive movement ‘Caliber 9RB2,’ which achieves a ± 20-second annual difference. Among mainspring-driven wristwatches, this is the most precise movement. ※

*As of June 2026, according to our research

*For detailed information about the winning models, please see here.

https://www.grand-seiko.com/jp-ja/collections/slgb003

Contact Information for General Customers

Seiko Watch Co., Ltd. Customer Service Office (Grand Seiko)

0120-302-617 (toll-free)

< Official website address of Grand Seiko >

https://www.grand-seiko.com

*The contents of this release are current as of the announcement date.

Please note that the schedule may change without prior notice.

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