Grand Seiko's Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive U.F.A. Model SLGB003 Wins the Red Dot Design Award's Highest Honor, 'Best of the Best'

Seiko Watch Corporation (President, CEO, and CCO: Jinya Hattori; headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo) is proud to announce that the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive U.F.A. model SLGB003 (retail price: ¥1,518,000 including tax) has received the highest honor, 'Best of the Best,' in the Product Design category of the 2026 Red Dot Design Award.

≪About the Red Dot Design Award≫

Established in 1955, the Red Dot Design Award is a globally renowned design accolade. Organized by the North Rhine-Westphalia Design Center based in Essen, Germany, the award comprises three main disciplines. The Product Design category includes 52 subcategories and evaluates entries based on nine criteria: innovation, ergonomics, functionality, durability, ecology, and others, selecting the most outstanding products of the year. Each year, over 18,000 products from more than 70 countries are submitted. Winning entries receive the 'Red Dot Design Award,' with the highest distinction being 'Best of the Best.'

≪Jury Evaluation Comments≫

Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive U.F.A. Model SLGB003

"This timepiece, rooted in Japanese aesthetics, expresses a balanced interplay of light and shadow through the alternating application of Zaratsu polishing for mirror-like finishes and hairline brushing. The dial, inspired by winter forests, creates a poetic depth through layered textures, while the compact Spring Drive movement, Caliber 9RB2, delivers exceptional precision. Together, these elements embody the refined craftsmanship and nature-inspired beauty unique to the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive U.F.A. SLGB003."

The dial design of the award-winning model draws inspiration from the breathtaking beauty of 'rime ice' (frost-covered trees) observed during harsh winters on the Kirigamine Plateau, located east of Seiko Epson's Shinshu Watch Studio in Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture. The silvery-blue dial color captures the crystalline atmosphere surrounding the frozen trees, complemented by a striking blue steel seconds hand.

This timepiece is designed according to Grand Seiko's unique design philosophy, 'Evolution 9 Style,' which prioritizes both usability and beauty in watchmaking. It is a refined model excelling in 'aesthetics,' 'legibility,' and 'wearability.' Additionally, the seamless alternation of distortion-free mirror finishes achieved through Zaratsu polishing and delicate hairline brushing produces the balanced, radiant luster characteristic of the Evolution 9 Style.

≪Designer's Comment≫

"We aimed to create a design where the functional value of 'extraordinary precision' could be perceived not only through specifications but also visually. Pursuing a smaller size was a natural approach. By pushing the limits of machining and finishing precision for each component, we achieved both miniaturization and slimness of the case while maintaining high quality and functionality.

Furthermore, the distinctive dial pattern, created through multi-layered finishing to produce a sense of depth, was inspired by the forest of rime ice on the Kirigamine Plateau near the studio. We sought to express the serene and intricate world of the ice forest, embodying the unique values of the Spring Drive U.F.A., known for its high precision and silent hand movement.

The SLGB003, unveiled at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025, was also nominated in the 'Men's Watch' category at the same year's Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève. The model is equipped with the Spring Drive movement 'Caliber 9RB2,' achieving an annual accuracy of ±20 seconds—making it the most precise mechanical watch movement available.※

※As of June 2026, based on company research.

※For detailed information about the award-winning model, please visit:

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

Customer Inquiries:

Seiko Watch Corporation Customer Service Center (Grand Seiko)

0120-302-617 (Toll-free)

Official Grand Seiko Website:

https://www.grand-seiko.com

※The content of this press release is accurate as of the date of announcement.

Subject to change without prior notice.