Grand Seiko unveiled Spring Drive in 1999, but its lack of a sufficiently effective automatic winding mechanism and 72-hour power reserve prevent its adoption in the Grand Seiko line. After a further four years of development, the first Grand Seiko 9R Spring Drive was created.

The winding system and drive time were improved from the existing 48-hour manual winding system to an automatic 72-hour power reserve. The automatic winding mechanism uses Seiko's original Magic Lever mechanism developed in 1959, but with improved productivity, maintainability, and durability to enhance winding efficiency.

Calibre 9R65 is currently the most standard of the 9R Spring Drive movements, and is used in many Grand Seiko models.

Winding mechanism
Automatic with manual winding

Accuracy
±1 second per day (±15 seconds per month)

Power reserve
Approximately 72 hours

Number of jewels
30 jewels

Features
- Power reserve indicator
- Date display