Grand Seiko unveils new SLGB005 ‘Ice Forest – Violet Dawn” U.F.A. limited edition in steel
Zach Blass- The Grand Seiko SLGB005 marks the ‘Ice Forest’ third model, succeeding the Watches and Wonders 2025 duo.
- Notably, this is the first U.F.A. in Ever-Brilliant Steel.
- It has a purple ‘Violet Dawn’ dial with the brand’s ‘Ice Forest’ texture/pattern.
As an established Grand Seiko fan and collector, the debut of the Ice Forest duo at Watches and Wonders 2025 was a big deal for me and all the global fans of the brand worldwide. My only, very personal, gripe was that I do not need another silvery blue dial in my collection. I love the 37mm size, and the new U.F.A Spring Drive movement was the cherry on top. But, for me, a more distinguished (dare I say less basic) dial colour was all I was missing. Silver/blue are two of the safest dial colours, and I already have enough of both in my collection. Therefore, this new Grand Seiko SLGB005 ‘Ice Forest – Violet Dawn’ appears to be the prompt answer to my prayers.
The smoked purple dial is the star of the show for this limited edition, the most visually grabbing element for sure. In terms of its natural source of inspiration, Grand Seiko explains that, “To the east of the Shinshu Watch Studio lie the Kirigamine Highlands, where frost-covered trees can be observed during harsh winter months. As dawn breaks over the forests, frost catches the first light of the day, awakening in an ethereal violet glow.”
For a more thorough breakdown of the framework of this release, I would definitely encourage you to watch (or read) my hands-on review of the SLGB001 and SLGB003 Ice Forest duo that debuted at Watches and Wonders 2025 – the former in platinum on a leather strap and the latter in GS’ High-Tntensity Titanium affixed to a case-matching bracelet that debuted Grand Seiko’s micro-adjust system.
The Cliff Notes here are that the pair marked the first time a Grand Seiko Spring Drive watch was available in a more compact 37mm case size. They also marked the debut of a new calibre, the three-day 9RB2, which introduced Grand Seiko’s new U.F.A. (Ultra Fine Accuracy) standard that translates to the 9RB2 being accurate within 20 seconds per year (six times more accurate than the 9RA2). Lastly, the SLGB003’s micro-adjust clasp affords wearers 6mm of on-the-fly adjustment in three 2mm increments.
This model, however, marks the first time the 37mm Evolution 9 case has been executed in the brand’s Ever-Brilliant Steel… However, perhaps somewhat frustratingly, it lacks the micro-adjust clasp found on the titanium SLGB003 – which is a bit of a headscratcher, to be honest, but hopefully steel micro-adjust is on the way soon…
I particularly like the fact that Grand Seiko has gone for a purple dial here because, firstly, it is not a colour the brand has done often, nor is it a colour any brand really tackles all that often. It is also worth pointing out that Grand Seiko does not do smoked dials all that often. Therefore, there is no way this watch steps on the toes of the other watches in a Grand Seiko collectors’ collection, or likely any collection with a broad spectrum of brands in the watch box.
I currently own Grand Seiko watches with white (SBGA211), silvery-pink (SBGA413), grey (SBGK009), and dark green (SBGH283) dials. And I have blue covered by watches from other brands that I own. So it does get to a point where I have to say, “How many watches in a similar category can I justifiably own with the same dial colour?”
The only thing I hate, though a good problem for Grand Seiko to have, is that it is a limited edition – and one I suspect will be very competitive to obtain. I anticipate that this will be a model with a bit of a premium by the time it inevitably lands on the secondary market as well, upping the FOMO factor and pressure even more. Fortunately, anyone interested has a bit of time to get their affairs in order before the 1,300 pieces hit shelves in November.
Grand Seiko SLGB005 Evolution 9 ‘Ice Forest – Violet Dawn’ U.F.A. Spring Drive Limited Edition pricing and availability
The Grand Seiko SLGB005 Evolution 9 ‘Ice Forest – Violet Dawn’ U.F.A. Spring Drive Limited Edition will be available for purchase beginning in November 2025 as a limited edition of 1,300 pieces. Price: US$11,100, £9,500 (incl. VAT)
| Brand | Grand Seiko |
| Model | Evolution 9 ‘Ice Forest – Violet Dawn’ U.F.A. Spring Drive Limited Edition |
| Reference | SLGB005 |
| Case Dimensions | 37mm (D) x 11.4mm (T) |
| Case material | Ever-Brilliant Steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres, screw-down crown |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Smoked purple, Ice Forest pattern |
| Bracelet and strap | Ever-Brilliant Steel bracelet, three-fold clasp |
| Movement | 9RB2, in-house, automatic, Spring Drive |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, power reserve (movement side) |
| Availability | November 2025, limited to 1,300 pieces |
| Price | US$11,100 £9,500 (incl. VAT) |