Upgrades to nine major models in Grand Seiko’s Evolution 9 Collection have been announced. The key points are: all models now feature buckles with fine-tuning bracelet size, the material changed to Everbright Steel except for a few, and the Spring Drive models now feature the “Spring Drive U.F.A.” Cal.9RB2. All of these serve as upgrade points that improve practicality, appearance quality, and durability, making the lineup even more attractive.
(Left) “Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive U.F.A.” Ref. The SLGB013 was updated with the ultra-high-precision Cal.9RB2 movement, ± 20 seconds per year. (Right) The “Evolution 9 Collection Mechanical High Beat 36000 80 Hours” Ref.SLGH031 features a design that incorporates the lineup’s signature “birch forest.” With this recent update, the stainless steel model now uses brilliant steel.
Nine key models in the “Evolution 9 Collection” have been upgraded.
The nine main models of the Grand Seiko “Evolution 9 Collection” will be upgraded to be more attractive while maintaining the same design and concept. The Evolution 9 is a collection that fuses the essence of Grand Seiko with Japanese aesthetics at a high level, pursuing the essence of wristwatches. Additionally, the “9” in the collection’s name represents the largest single-digit number, embodying the pursuit of perfection and the endless spirit of evolution. This upgrade was planned as one of these evolutions and consists of three major refreshes.
A new buckle with finely adjustable bracelet length has been introduced.
The bracelets in the Evolution 9 collection follow the design code of the ‘Evolution 9 style,’ featuring a width more than half the width of the case diameter, offering a stable and excellent wearing experience. To further enhance this comfort, a new buckle for fine-tuning fit has been introduced, allowing for three slide adjustments in 2mm increments.
For the 40mm case model, a more tapered bracelet is adopted to match the silhouette of the buckle.
Adoption of ‘Everbright Steel’
Of the nine upgraded models, seven will be upgraded to “Everbright Steel,” a stainless steel with outstanding aesthetics and world-class corrosion resistance. Everbright Steel is also characterized by its white color, which stands out in the hairline finish, making it a key design element. The remaining two models use bright titanium, resulting in a diverse lineup lineup.
The Spring Drive model is equipped with the Cal.9RB2 from the “Spring Drive U.F.A.”
Of the nine models, five are equipped with Spring Drive. The one to be adopted is the Cal.9RB2 of the “Spring Drive U.F.A.” model, announced in 2025, boasting a precision ±of 20 seconds per year. “U.F.A.” The term means ultra fine accuracy, and the name comes from the “V.F.A. (Very Fine Adjusted)” model released in 1969. The power reserve is about 72 hours, making it extremely practical.
“Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive U.F.A.” Model
The blue dial model of the “Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive U.F.A.” features a 40mm diameter Ref. Along with the SLGB013, it is the only one among the nine models to be available in two sizes: the 37mm Ref. SLGB015. All models feature dial designs inspired by the surface of Lake Suwa in Nagano Prefecture, depicting waves rippled in the wind crossing the lake. The exterior is made of Everbright Steel.
Grand Seiko ‘Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive U.F.A.’ Ref. SLGB013／Ref.SLGB015
Spring Drive (Cal.9RB2). 34 shi. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. Everbright steel case (diameter 40.0mm, thickness 11.7mm) / (diameter 37.0mm, thickness 11.4mm). Water resistance up to 10 ATM. Each is priced at 1,386,000 yen (tax included).
The Ref.SLGB007 black dial model, which also features brown tones, is inspired by the moonlit night of Lake Suwa. This model features a lightweight bright titanium exterior.
Grand Seiko ‘Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive U.F.A.’ Ref. SLGB007
Spring Drive (Cal.9RB2). 34 shi. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. Bright titanium case (diameter 40.0mm, thickness 11.7mm). Water resistance up to 10 ATM. 1,518,000 yen (tax included).
In addition, the lineup includes the Ref.SLGB009 a white dial model inspired by the tranquil birch forests of the harsh winter, which is synonymous with the Evolution 9 collection, and the Ref.SLBG011 inspired by the clear stream of the Atera Gorge, one of Nagano Prefecture’s most scenic spots. Each upgraded Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive U.F.A. model is scheduled for release on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
Grand Seiko ‘Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive U.F.A.’ Ref. SLGB009／Ref.SLGB011
Spring Drive (Cal.9RB2). 34 shi. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. Everbright steel case (diameter 40.0mm, thickness 11.7mm). Water resistance up to 10 ATM. Each is priced at 1,386,000 yen (tax included).
“Evolution 9 Collection Mechanical High Beat 36000 80 Hours”
The mechanical model is equipped with the Cal.9SA5 mechanical high-beat movement, introduced in 2020. The Cal.9SA5 is manufactured exclusively for Grand Seiko, and by adopting a dual impulse escapement and twin barrels, it achieves a high-beat beat of 36,000 vibrations per hour while maintaining approximately 80 hours of operation at maximum winding.
Grand Seiko ‘Evolution 9 Collection Mechanical High Beat 36000 80 Hours’ Ref.SLGH031/Ref.SLGH033/Ref.SLGH035
Automatic winding (Cal.9SA5). 47 shi. Power reserve of about 80 hours. Everbright steel case (diameter 40.0mm, thickness 11.7mm). Each is water-resistant at 10 ATM. Each is priced at 1,386,000 yen (tax included).
As upgrade models, four models will be released on Friday, October 9. The lineup includes the Ref. SLGH31, a white dial model representing the Evolution 9 Collection, which incorporates the landscape of birch groves in Iwate Prefecture, and the green dial model Ref. SLGH033, inspired by the tall white birch trunks and layers of fresh greenery. All are made of Everbright Steel. Meanwhile, the black dial model Ref.SLGH029, inspired by a birch forest in the darkness of night, is made of lightweight bright titanium.
Grand Seiko ‘Evolution 9 Collection Mechanical High Beat 36000 80 Hours’ Ref.SLGH029
Automatic winding (Cal.9SA5). 47 shi. Power reserve of about 80 hours. Bright titanium case (diameter 40.0mm, thickness 11.7mm). Water resistance up to 10 ATM. 1,518,000 yen (tax included).
The Light Blue dial model Ref.SLGH035 is inspired by the Genbikei River, where the Iwai River, flowing from Mount Kurikoma in Iwate Prefecture, erodes massive rocks and changes its appearance to reveal the beauty of the valley. It is made of Everbright Steel.
Contact info: Seiko Watch Co., Ltd. Customer Service (Grand Seiko) Tel. 0120-302-617
