Grand Seiko Wins the 2026 Red Dot Design Award
The “Spring Drive U.F.A. SLGB003” from the “Evolution 9” collection was named “Best of the Best” in the Product Design category at the 2026 Red Dot Design Award.
This honor represents the highest award presented by the Red Dot jury—composed of 40 experts from around the world—in this category. The Product Design category comprises 52 subcategories, including fashion, accessories, electronics, and furniture.
Jury Statement: “Deeply rooted in Japanese aesthetics, this watch reflects a balance of light and shadow through the interplay of mirror-polished and brushed surfaces. A layered dial—inspired by winter forests—lends it poetic depth, while the compact Spring Drive Caliber 9RB2 ensures exceptional precision. Together, these elements in the ‘Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive U.F.A. SLGB003’ express refined craftsmanship and nature-inspired beauty.”
The SLGB003 is powered by Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive Caliber 9RB2, which has an accuracy of ±20 seconds per year, making it the most precise spring-wound wristwatch movement currently available (as of June 2026), according to research by Grand Seiko.
“We aimed for a design that conveys the value of exceptional precision—not only through the movement, but also through its external appearance. To achieve this, the compact design we sought was a natural approach. By refining the machining and surface finish of each individual component, we were able to make the case both smaller and flatter without compromising its high-quality feel and functionality,” says Akira Yoshida, the watch’s designer.
“Furthermore, the distinctive dial pattern—created through a multi-layered surface treatment designed to achieve a unique sense of depth—draws its inspiration from the frost-covered forests of the Kirigamine Plateau, located not far from our manufacture. It captures the quiet and delicate world of this icy landscape while embodying the unique value of the ‘Spring Drive U.F.A.,’ which is characterized by its high precision and the smooth gliding motion of the second hand.”
