Grand Seiko Unveils a New Calibre and More at Watches and Wonders 2025

Grand Seiko’s presence at Watches and Wonders is always highly anticipated around the Man of Many office, and this year, the Japanese watchmaking powerhouse hasn’t disappointed, launching five stunning timepieces and a new highly advanced calibre. 

While new Grand Seiko watches are always an event, arguably the new calibre is an even more exciting development. Showcasing the maison’s commitment to innovation and the pursuit of ever greater precision, it signals a bright future for the iconic watchmaker, reinforcing the technical brilliance needed to match its artistic flair. 

So without further delay, let’s dive into all that Grand Seiko has just revealed in Geneva. 

The Calibre 9RB2

• Brand: Grand Seiko
• Model: Calibre 9RB2
• Driving system: Automatic
• Power reserve: 72 hours
• Accuracy: ±20 seconds per year (approximately ±3 seconds per month)
• Jewels: 34
• Diameter: 30 mm
• Thickness: 5.02 mm

Not only has Grand Seiko’s appearance in Geneva seen the launch of a new calibre, but it has been accompanied by a new designation as well — U.F.A. which stands for Ultra Fine Accuracy.

The need for this descriptor comes from the calibre’s enhanced precision, which Grand Seiko says is “defined not by accuracy in seconds per day, week, or month, but by its accuracy over one year.” Boasting an annual rate of ±20 seconds, I’m sure you’ll agree that’s quite an extraordinary achievement. According to the brand this makes it the most accurate wristwatch movement powered by a mainspring today.

The automatic movement has been made possible by what the Japanese firm describes as “enhanced manufacturing and processing methods” for the three-month-aged quartz oscillator and a newly designed integrated circuit.

Finally, for the first time in a Spring Drive movement, the brand has included a regulation switch that can be used during after-sales service to correct any inaccuracies that occur through extended use. 

To put it succinctly, the Calibre 9RB2 is another enormous achievement from one of the world’s finest watchmakers. 

SLGC007 – Tentagraph Snow Blue

• Brand: Grand Seiko
• Model: SLGC007
• Classification: GS Salon
• Collection: Evolution 9
• Movement: Calibre 9SC5
• Diameter: 43.2 mm
• Thickness: 15.3 mm
• Water-Resistance: 10 Bar (100 metres)
• Power Reserve: 72 hours
• Launch: May 2025
• Price: AUD$21,000

Drawing inspiration from the snowy surrounds of Mt. Iwate in the middle of winter, this timepiece’s dual-layered ‘Snow Blue’ dial pays tribute to both the region’s deep snow and its rocky ridges. 

Given Grand Seiko’s GS Studio Shizukuishi is located in a quiet forest contained within the Iwate Prefecture, this somewhat harsh landscape has a powerful connection with the brand. And despite winter showcasing the region’s inhospitable side, Grand Seiko claims that the best way to interpret this is to view Mt. Iwate as saying, “”Even if life is rough, we should live with determination.”

SBGW323 – Purple Kiri Flower

• Brand: Grand Seiko
• Model: SBGW323
• Classification: GS Mastershop
• Collection: Heritage
• Movement: Calibre 9S64
• Diameter: 36.5 mm
• Thickness: 11.6 mm
• Water-Resistance: 10 Bar (100 metres)
• Power Reserve: 72 hours
• Launch: May 2025
• Price: AUD$8,400

Now for something a little softer. This addition to the 44GS series features a purple dial that pays tribute to the Paulownia tree (Kiri in Japanese), which blooms with subtle purple petals in early summer. 

Boasting a pressed pattern dial that represents Mt. Iwate as seen from Shizukuishi, it’s an elegant tribute, further enhanced by the Kiri’s status as the prefectural flower of Iwate. Known as the “empress tree” and “princess tree” it’s a beautifully feminine addition to the 44GS line. 

SLGB001 – Ice Forest (65th Anniversary Limited Edition)

• Brand: Grand Seiko
• Model: SLGB001
• Classification: GS Boutique Exclusive
• Collection: Evolution 9
• Movement: Calibre 9RB2
• Diameter: 37 mm
• Thickness: 11.4 mm
• Water-Resistance: 10 Bar (100 metres)
• Power Reserve: 72 hours
• Limited Edition: 80 pieces
• Launch: June 2025
• Price: AUD$58,200

Sporting the new Calibre 9RB2 movement discussed earlier, this limited-to-80-pieces celebration of Grand Seiko’s 65th anniversary is a prime example of everything that makes us love the Japanese maison.

Due to the advanced new movement’s compact design, this watch’s case diameter measures in at just 37 mm, making it the smallest model powered by the 9R series of calibres to date.

Plus, as you’d expect from Grand Seiko, this timepiece is also quite beautiful, in large part thanks to the intricately textured blue dial that’s an homage to the ice forests of the Kirigamine Highlands in the Shinshu region.

SLGB003 – Ice Forest

• Brand: Grand Seiko
• Model: SLGB001
• Classification: GS Salon
• Collection: Evolution 9
• Movement: Calibre 9RB2
• Diameter: 37 mm
• Thickness: 11.4 mm
• Water-Resistance: 10 Bar (100 metres)
• Power Reserve: 72 hours
• Launch: June 2025
• Price: AUD$16,300

Like the limited-edition model above, this second Ice Forest reference is a celebration of the Shinshu region’s Kirigamine Highlands where the trees become covered in frost throughout the winter months. 

While the dial is less blue than the SLGB001 reference, it still features hints of the colour thanks to finishing techniques that create pale blue tones that are understated yet very much present. According to grand Seiko, the watch offers “a silver-tinged blue hue evokes the ice forests seen through crisp, clear air.”

Swapping out the SLGB001’s leather strap for a titanium bracelet, it boasts a newly developed three-step micro-adjustment clasp that doesn’t require a tool, allowing for adjustments of just 2 mm in order to maximise comfort.

SLGC009 – Tokyo Lion Tentagraph

• Brand: Grand Seiko
• Model: SLGC009
• Classification: GS Boutique Exclusive
• Collection: Sport
• Movement: Calibre 9SC5
• Diameter: 43 mm
• Thickness: 15.6 mm
• Water-Resistance: 20 Bar (200 metres)
• Power Reserve: 72 hours
• Launch: August 2025
• Price: AUD$24,500

Finally, we’re wrapping up with something completely different. This addition to Grand Seiko’s Tokyo Lion Series will, according to the brand, “invite its owner on an adventurous journey.”

Perhaps the first thing that strikes you about this ambitious piece is the new dial pattern, which Grand Seiko claims was developed around the motif of a sprinting lion with its mane trailing beside it. 

Other key features include the three-dimensional sub-dials which the brand designed to maximise legibility, and the use of a Grand Seiko-exclusive rubber strap, constructed using an advanced resin material that the brand claims offers more than twice the tensile strength of silicone. This, and the addition of a new three-fold high-intensity titanium clasp for rubber straps, ensure your new timepiece won’t go anywhere once its secured to your wrist.