Last year at Watches and Wonders Geneva, Grand Seiko introduced its most accurate Spring Drive movement to date, the U.F.A. Calibre 9RB2. With an accuracy of ±20 seconds per year, the new U.F.A. movement became the most accurate wristwatch movement powered by a mainspring, according to Grand Seiko’s research. The U.F.A. debuted in a watch with a High-Intensity Titanium case and a limited-edition model in Platinum 950. Then, in September, an Ever-Brilliant Steel version was announced. Each model featured a dial inspired by the ice forests found in the winter months in the mountains of Shinshu.

Today, at Watches and Wonders 2026, Grand Seiko introduces a yellow gold U.F.A. model with a sleek black dial that reflects an entirely different dimension of the Ice Forests of central Japan.

The dial of the SLGB006 “Ice Forest at Dawn” has the appearance of finite, gold-coloured specks suspended within its gradation, an effect inspired by the sun pillars that can be observed in Shinshu. At dawn, a vertical streak of light shoots upward from the rising sun, caused by the illumination of ice particles suspended in freezing air. The dial is made using a distinctive technique of Grand Seiko and evokes the dial of the SBGD202 from the Masterpiece Collection.

Equally stunning is the finishing of the 9RB2 movement, visible through the exhibition case back. The bridge is decorated with a fine texture that recalls the frost that winter brings to the trees of Shinshu, and the movement’s oscillating weight is engraved with the words “Spring Drive Ultra Fine Accuracy.” A power-reserve indicator on the movement is used to display the watch’s power reserve: 72 hours when fully wound.

Grand Seiko achieved its most accurate Spring Drive movement by sealing the oscillator, stabilised through a three-month aging process, together with the IC, minimising the influence of external factors like temperature, humidity, static electricity, and light. The frequency of each oscillator is measured at multiple temperatures, and this data is programmed into the low-power IC with which it’s paired to enable precise thermo-compensation. A regulation switch can be used during after-sales service to account for any minor divergences in accuracy that may occur over long periods of use.

This refined and elegantly sized precious metal expression of the Evolution 9 Style is paired with a black crocodile strap and a yellow gold three-fold clasp.

A limited edition of 80, the SLGB006 Ice Forest at Dawn will be available beginning in June at Grand Seiko Boutiques.