Author: Buy from Japan | Personal Shopper Japan

SLGB025 (Green)

Grand Seiko’s “Evolution 9 Ushio 300 Diver,” showcased at Watches & Wonders this spring, is once again attracting attention. With ± high-precision Spring Drive caliber with a 20-second annual difference, a small 40.8mm case, and a beautiful dial inspired by trends, the endless appeal is revealed through real online reactions.

The most compact exterior in the brand’s history, featuring an ultra-high-precision movement that embodies Japanese aesthetics

Grand Seiko’s new model, the “Ushio 300 Diver SLGB023/SLGB025,” showcased at Watches & Wonders held this spring, is once again attracting attention.

Introduced from the Evolution 9 Collection, this diver’s watch combines Grand Seiko’s pursuit of precise time and high craftsmanship at a high level since the brand’s inception.

The first thing to note is the presence of the new Caliber 9RB1 movement, specially developed for this model.

This model was developed based on the Spring Drive U.F.A. (Ultra Fine Accuracy) Caliber 9RB2, which made headlines last year for achieving the world’s highest precision for a wind-up drive system of ± 20 seconds per year.

While the 9RB2 was adopted in dressier models like the “Evolution 9 SLGB003,” the 9RB1 inherits excellent precision performance while optimizing it for diver’s specifications, such as moving the power reserve display to the dial side.

Furthermore, the case made of bright titanium boasts a slim design measuring 40.8mm in diameter and 12.9mm thick—the most compact in Grand Seiko’s diver’s history—and achieving water resistance up to 300m.

Additionally, in terms of design, the design draws inspiration from Japan’s geographical characteristics as an island nation surrounded by the sea on all sides, reproducing the dynamic currents of the tide with wave-patterned molded patterns and gradient dials.

“12.9mm thick is amazing,” “Non-date!” “Green is nice”—anticipatory voices flying around online

With the return of Divers for Grand Seiko after a long time, the news was abuzz online right after its announcement.

Regarding the long-awaited reduction in size, there were delighted comments such as, “12.9mm thick, that’s amazing,” “It’s on par with the classic heritage ‘SBGR315′,” and “It seems easy to fit Japanese wrists.” Fans who tried it on at the owners’ event commented, “The size and fit on the arm were amazing.”

While expectations are high for its versatile size, which can cover everything from everyday use to active occasions, some highly praise its integrity, saying, “The non-date watch is wonderful. I never thought a diver’s watch would need a date,” while others said, “I wish the power reserve was removed for a symmetrical design,” and “It looks off-balance.” When it comes to symmetrical design, you can see the unique dedication of enthusiasts.

As for the color, many are drawn to the freshness of the green dial, saying things like, “I’m torn between blue and green. I have a lot of blue tones on hand, so maybe green,” and “Green is rare and nice.” Some people are hoping for the classic black line, saying things like, ‘It’s a shame there’s no classic black,’ or ‘It might come out next year.’

On the other hand, what inevitably draws attention is the price of 1,650,000 yen including tax. While sighing by quoting Rolex’s masterpieces like “Submariner-inspired pricing” and “Is it more expensive than the Submarine?”, there are also positive reviews such as “The ultimate practical diver beyond the Submariner” and “Let’s keep earning without losing to outer bras.”

In any case, the “Ushio 300 Diver” brilliantly combines high specs as a tool, exquisite size, and refined aesthetics. Experience its true value in-store with the dial’s brilliance and flowing hands.

SLGB023 (Blue)

Product Specifications
“Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive U.F.A. Ushio 300 Diver”
・Model number: SLGB023 (Blue), SLGB025 (Green)
・Price (tax included): 1,650,000 yen
・Case size: 40.8mm diameter, 12.9mm thickness
・Case, bezel: Bright titanium (bezel display plate: ceramic)
・Bracelet: Bright titanium (slide-lock extender with fine adjustment mechanism)
・Crystal: Sapphire glass, non-reflective coating on the interior
・Movement: Automatic (with manual winding) Spring Drive movement, Caliber 9RB1 (annual ± 20 seconds, average monthly difference ± 3 seconds)
・Operating time: Power reserve approx. 72 hours
・Water resistance: 300m diving water resistance

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[Want a vintage Grand Seiko]What should beginners buy? |Yoshimasa Kikuchi’s Watch Review_046  Watch LIFE NEWS

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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.