Grand Seiko JUST Made The Perfect Snowflake. Or Did They?

Have Grand Seiko finally listened? Is the new Snowflake recently release the answer to all the doubters out there ?
Does the SBGX355G become the ultimate Grand Seiko to own? is it better than the SBGA211?
LET'S GET INTO IT!
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[@ringaleavo]

Watches without micro adjustments should be a thing of the past.

[@tetherracer1]

There's always one that forgot to take his daily medications! If I had a watch shop, I'd be happy to have Grand Seiko stocked, but would probably be wearing them all on my two wrists!

[@ringaleavo]

Who cares!@@tetherracer1

[@tetherracer1]

@@ringaleavo Oh that's weird! My comment was not aimed at you! But it appears against your post?

[@scollyutube]

At these prices even more so!

[@ringaleavo]

Ha, ha, I didn't think it was, my post was put in the wrong place too@@tetherracer1

[@sengamine1442]

I have a High accuracy quartz GS and it's my my favourite. I also have an automatic GS which mainly sits in a drawer. The main reason is the thickness. Particularly with a watch you want to wear at work, the slimness combined with convenience of knowing it always shows the right time, means it's wearability is second to none. I don't miss the smooth hand of the automatic the slimness more then makes up for that

[@ajbones4207]

Blasphemy !

[@Agent-vj3ns]

​@@ajbones4207you're 5x the minority

[@davidc3903]

@sengamine1442 I join you in that opinion

[@pittss2c601]

Perfect comment. I'm an accuracy snob so it's GS quartz for me. I love my SBGN019 which is no longer offered in the U.S.

[@BulldogBadger]

I think a lot of people will like this, but I prefer the 211 and will be buying it.. I prefer the larger size and the spring drive is truly mesmerising!

[@gwcrispi]

They removed all of the compelling reasons to buy the watch. Original please.

[@timetowatch_francois]

Another great show Russ. Thanks for sharing this beauty of a watch.

[@JustMeTalking]

If you cant afford the Spring Drive, this would be a nice alternative for sure. But the sweeping hand of Spring Drive is just so beautiful... I love mine.

[@fragtore6457]

more a size issue for me than price honestly. just love a nice 37

[@L3M0N4D3C4NDY]

Me too… I went to a GS boutique and tried on the 211, it was too big for my diminutive 5 inch wrist. If this watch was at least an automatic watch I probably would buy instantaneously. Being a quartz makes me hesitate

[@carlmoulton5719]

Why woukd you hesitate becuase its quartz?

[@JustMeTalking]

@@carlmoulton5719 Some people don't like the idea of regular battery replacement as it can disrupt the waterproofing seals. The second hand ticking each second can put some people off as well.

[@RightWingRadioShow]

​@@carlmoulton5719Let's be serious here. People love automatic movements.

[@darren9445]

Just bought the SGBW231. Could not be happier. My first high end luxury watch after my CW Vintage Trident. Great vid! GS’s quartz watches are so great!

[@mrkitewine7700]

Lovely watch, very nice indeed. It’s a small pity it’s not one of the newer 9F8x movements with the jumping hour hand. It’s a shame to have to interrupt that 10s/year accuracy twice a year to put it forward or back an hour. Only a minor nit-pick but a pity nonetheless. Other than that, it’s a stunner.

[@Guruforaday]

See you touched 150k subscribers 🎉 congrats!!

[@MrDanielEarle]

For my minimalist style and 6.5 inch wrist, that's a perfect watch

[@scottmeridew2527]

Beautiful but sad it’s not a spring drive.

[@varanid9]

No, it's better. While GS guarantees 10 seconds a year accuracy, I've heard that one usually gets 5 actual seconds a year.

[@_echnaton]

The watch you're thinking of already exists.

[@andrewmurton8379]

Beautiful watch, would prefer one this size with the spring drive but I guess that it’s not possible to fit on in these dimensions. Having just purchased a Christopher Ward Bel Canto my budget is blown this month! Great video as ever.

[@mrkitewine7700]

I like the Seiko quartz watches, I bought the SACM171 (Dolce) last month as I needed a dress watch for black tie events and other special occasions. It is tiny at 33.5mm and about 6mm thin but is an absolute stunner with a 8j high accuracy quartz (10s/yr) in it. A version of that movement used to be used in some older GS and Credor models apparently. It’s too small for every day wear, but perfect for special occasions.

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

One of the best kept secrets out there I think 🤫🤫🤫

[@grahambowes756]

Tried it on yesterday. A perfect GADA watch for my 6.25” wrist.

[@henrywest7217]

Nice piece. And well presented by you.

[@anthonystevens8683]

I like this one, I really do. I couldn't give a pair of dingo's kidneys that it's quartz. It's bloomin brilliant. I want one a lot. Brilliant case, awesome dial and it's a set it and forget it (ish), Resetting for the daylight saving time reduces that time error by around five twelfths. Bloomin marvellous. Hats off to Ryan at F&G for making this one possible and of course some reviewer geezer 🙂. Thanks for sharing, my wallet is already crying so it'll be a good while before I consider a spend. Cheers Russ.

[@alanb1498]

Very nice..would love one

[@robertkujawa9677]

Lovely watch. Shame it's not spring drive though

[@chriscon8463]

Oh man, I think this is the GS I would get if I were going to get one. I’d rather have the high-beat movement, but a high-quality quartz would be a great addition to my collection!

[@mastaboog749]

My favorite part of watching him is the jump scare every time after "let's get into it"

[@ringaleavo]

Ha, ha, ha gotta love it

[@Tubezy]

Yeeeeeeeeeeeessssssss! Gets me each time

[@BulldogBadger]

Are you jump scare readyyyyyy??

[@bernardcohen3245]

Mine too infact my wife has given a good bollocking because I say it all the time now. I just can’t stop

[@williamvanapeldoorn6054]

Nice dial!! i agree with the clasp, it would be better with a adjustable one, this is the only thing i don't like about my GS SBGX061.

[@andreaiacolina]

Beautiful , but I honestly preferred the previous iteration. If I had to go for a GS quartz option, I would go for the SBGP005 that is on my wrist now. Blue dial and the jumping hour function that I absolutely love.

[@thumperjdm]

Bought an SBGA407 (Blue Snowflake) a few years ago, and had a GS factory bracelet fitted to it (thanks Little Treasury Jewelers.) Absolutely love my Blue Snowflake, as the dial can sometimes appear white, and other times it's an ocean blue.

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

That’s a beauty my friend

[@ajbones4207]

I have the white Snowflake, but I seriously love the Skyflake. That Sky blue is mesmerizing especially around the power reserve. I'm on the hunt for one on bracelet.

[@t0nyxgq]

I have the 211 and it is a lil big for my 6.5” wrist but it wears nicely and very light still. I do like the cleaner dial and the smaller size of this one but the smooth sweep is not something I want to give up. If only they have a new smaller spring drive with a 37mm case.

[@nkonig1]

Tried it on at the weekend before the British Watch event. My favourite GS I tried on at the boutique on Bond Street. The snowflake dial is still my favourite and the thickness of the case was always a sore spot, this one solves that problem.

[@adk7962]

It’s a stunner. My ultimate grail is a GS Spring Drive GMT. Thanks for showing it us Sir!

[@ajbones4207]

May the God of Horology assist in fulfilling your wish.

[@adk7962]

@@ajbones4207 🙏🏼

[@stevezodiac575]

Great review Russ - I think you nailed it perfectly, especially by highlighting it as complimentary to the Spring Drive. Removing the power reserve indicator is such a huge improvement. Frankly, I have never thought the benefits of the indicator are worth the (awful) compromise to the aesthetic of the dial. So when they put this dial on the spring drive the resulting watch will be very close to perfection!

[@Barbecuejag]

I agree - power reserves are helpful (maybe) on hand wound movements. And date windows - do we really need them on EVERY watch?

[@stevezodiac575]

@@Barbecuejag Indeed! And perhaps it's a very big maybe on hand wound watches. With a hand wound - I just wind them the same time every day and never think of the power reserve. So simple and reminiscent of my firth watch in the late '60s.

[@John-P]

Really nice, love GS, now I just need to make more money, can't stand tennis so coaching is out lol

[@clintonshiells3095]

Very nice 9f watch. People have very strong feelings about the choice of spring drive vs. high beat/automatic vs. quartz. I like all three but personally feel fonder of the high beat and quartz movements, and that spring drive is FOR ME kind of a compromise.

[@stu632]

Been looking at this, contemplating swapping my GS Hi-Beat GMT for it. Why? Set and forget, much less maintenance down the line and that lovely dial. Less fuss less hassle. Even better if sans date. Thank you for hands on MWC 👍

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

Great points! Calendars are great in a quartz watch for a guy and gal that has more watches than there are days of the week!

[@predragjo5977]

The interesting thing is that once when I was wearing my older Seiko 5 watches which barely has any lume on it I indeed used my phone to light up the dial and see the time :D I am so used to not reading the time on my phone screen hahaha.

[@micaljimenez7381]

Cool watch,i justunderstand why seiko dont have yet a quick set for the strap,if san martin suposed tobe cheap have it! They have to react soon

[@TheConorD17]

I’ve been wanting the black dial SBGX261 for a while now but this may have just changed my mind. A lot more in price but gives you more of that Grand Seiko finishing and dial work. Decisions…decisions 😂

[@Not_me9791]

I love how GS quartz watches ticks❤

[@jlim003]

t looks sooo much better on a smaller wrist. But, damn. Can't help but feel I need that SD

[@01egna]

I have an original black face steel version of this watch and though GS say +/- 10 seconds per year, my one has not deviated from perfect time in the last 2 years. I love it. Titanium was a smart move by GS, now let's see some other face colour titanium options please and I wouldn't say no to a manual spring drive version with the power reserve on the rear. Keep the shape and size and keep it slim please.

[@1250GSX]

The black faced version is my only quartz, and my favourite watch.

[@P_Ezi]

The small clasp looks good the way it is. I think those are not actually 1/2 links, but they look like 2/3 links. The net result is that you can get any increment of 1/3 link spacing. This is actually better than having true half links.

[@pittss2c601]

Exactly. I removed 1 large link and 2 small links from my SBGN019 bracelet and it fit perfect on my 7.5" wrist.

[@garethsigrist8714]

Such an outstanding watch in loads of ways! Too pricey for me but if I had the cash I’d love to add a Grand Seiko or 2 to my collection. Awesome show MWC!

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

Cheers Gareth

[@Arthur_George]

Get one used mate, chrono24 have some new from Japan for £3k after tax (20% off) and look out for Black Friday deals this November. Hope you pull the trigger, it’s a gorgeous piece

[@PhilipBallGarry]

The wife says, "I don't like bling". So, that's a new set of pans vs the eternity ring 🤔🤣

[@Rappi6]

I have it. it is amazing. Definitive watch

[@cannedeals]

If it was without date this would be a watch I would skip lunch till I could afford it.

[@rickjason215]

I bought the Snowflake about 10 years ago. I can’t remember exactly when. It was before it was popular and I got about 20% off. It is my favorite watch. I own a few Rolexes and other luxury watches, but this is the watch I wear daily.

[@oes2546]

This is the perfect watch for me in concept, but in reality I'm not quite sure if it is too blingy and too small. Only way to know is to see it in person and try it on I suppose. And I also kinda don't want to live without an easily adjustable bracelet. I Wish GS would up their bracelet game, or offer an alternative clasp with some micro-adjust on. Like a better finished version of the Astron clasps or something like that. Or just the Astron clasp really, with a touch more of GS design language if possible.

[@karl.anthony]

Much cleaner … always hated the power reserve on the dial!

[@SOCerberus94]

I’ll wait for this on the second hand market

[@Omega34685]

Seems the seconds hand isn’t line up with markers….if Grand Seiko can’t make it happen I will have to accept having the same issue on my SBBN031.

[@stvnhtr7890]

I'd rather buy the SBGX261G which is also 37mm but with a more beautiful bracelet (at least for me) and I like the black dial more. But to be honest, this is a great looking watch also!

[@TheGreyMan85]

True, I handled them both, and I chose the black one, it's really deep black just like the dark matter in outer space.. it takes you far far away when looking at it.

[@michaelm7557]

I have the SBGX261 and its my favourite watch in the collection. 37mm, High accuracy quartz, 100m WR, superb finishing and I paid 2000 euros brand new from the AD. Even this new snowflake quartz is super nice, Im not fond of titanium watches and the price is a bit steep 3500 euros in my country...

[@MJ-we5if]

I think these will be amazing preowned.

[@Arthur_George]

If you’re not bothered about someone else’s scratches. I’m gonna wait till Black Friday and see if I can get a 30% discount somewhere

[@watchmitch3699]

Very nice especially it’s new dimensions but it still needs a spring drive if you want it to be Grand Seiko.

[@christiangrenouillet8692]

it's very chic !

[@snejner1252]

Nice, seconds hand hits the markers almost as good as Casios, not bad for a Seiko!

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

Just the angle of the camera my friend

[@joostkiefte7683]

Does the second hand hit or miss the markers....?

[@IvMacCuts]

Aesthetically it's near perfect for me (still wish the bracelet was a bit nicer but...) problem is I could never spend that much for a quartz movement (no hate, I love my quartz) This just needs a spring drive. Also the power indicator is hideous 😂

[@johnpratt8652]

I just bought the champagne 🍾 dial ❤

[@leoberg2390]

Does the second hand hits the markers?

[@ed18]

Is the SBGA465 not the sweet spot between the snowflake and this beautiful 9F powered thing? I have the SBGX261, so I don’t think I’m a quartz denier or anything!

[@TheFROG338]

❤this watch..😊 like the simplicity of it looks until you look deeper. On the list to keep BB58 company 😊

[@richardtomlinson2063]

I love GS, but haven't bit the bullet yet. For me, it has to be a spring drive given its uniqueness and a sign of how seiko have been a market disruptor since time began! 😂. I love their quartz watches, how they internally adjust calibration based on temperature (as temp effects the physical properties of the quartz crystal), but for that price, I'd rather spend 450 quid on a high frequency Bulova quartz movement with sweeping seconds hand anyday of the week. Could perhaps shoe-horn that movement into a nicer finished watch....surely some microbrand can do that?

[@colincelso9428]

Hey Russ, it was kinda hard to tell due to the angles but was the second hand hitting the marks ok?

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

It was my friend I never got dead on!!!;)

[@Chrisb8s]

I think that it would be cool if GS put the crown at the 4 oclock, like the vintage Silverwave by seiko. I recently purchased one of these old Quartz workhorses and I love it. And.. it's a lot cheaper.

[@kyledriscollmusic]

love it

[@valengreymoon5623]

I've got a 1973 Citizen Cosmotron Special with a snowflake-patterned dial.

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

Superb!

[@merkeet]

When I see this watch i long for a spring-drive. It's like buying a Porsche when you actually can't pay the Lamborghini you really want.

[@mtnvalley9298]

Too true, and with the brand in general vs the market. My first high end watch was a GS (SBGJ273) and value was taken well into account vs the Jaeger I really wanted that cost almost double. Of course I'll still get the Polaris eventually lol....

[@DisplayKeesBack]

And there is nothing wrong with that.

[@Tubezy]

Only the porsche is often better than the lamborghini....

[@mtnvalley9298]

@@Tubezymore usable daily for sure, I own a Macan and Targa, but not as exciting lol as that V12 and crazy doors probably

[@Tubezy]

@@mtnvalley9298 lamborghinis are like Richard Mille watches. Flashy flex cars favoured by rappers and overpriced.

[@paulroberts5114]

Who is paying nearly 4 grand for a ticking quartz with a fancy dial?

[@alexxela3933]

I prefer the 211 hands down, but I appreciate that this model extends to more wrists and greater audience 😊

[@jwags24]

I’d like to sit in a room with the lead designer and ask why they feel that clasp is acceptable.

[@cocoyc495]

I prefer the GS thin clasp. Bulky clasps not so much.

[@phil_watches_cars]

Nice Sarb! 😂

[@paulwilson7234]

I like it.

[@romanmichaelhamilton8729]

There is one thing I don't understand about Grand Seikos and this is coming from a guy who owns the 9F Grand Seiko and love it. Why do they have drilled lugs? Why don't they go to the easy-change spring bars instead? Also, I change bracelets quite often, but would never have my spring bar tool go anywhere near that beautiful finishing on the case.

[@daleyfamily2179]

Great watch, just cant do quartz. I love automatic to much. I will get a GS.

[@theshadowman1398]

Analog / digital G-shocks are quite nice actually and they do not cost thousands

[@mightya]

I’m giving myself my first luxury watch for my 65th birthday. I’m considering this GS, the new Tudor BB 39 in blue, and a couple of other options. I must try on each one before I make my choice. I’m facing a conundrum!

[@Arthur_George]

I’m intrigued which one you picked haha? Both great pieces I’m sure you’d enjoy either

[@mightya]

@@Arthur_George In fact I scored a 7 month old Omega Railmaster blue dial on bracelet for $3K. Almost all of the 5-year warranty included!

[@pieman192]

Looks like the second hand is slightly missing the markers

[@twosecondswatch]

Is Mr Pagini now a thing of the past? 😮

[@BassStevie]

I love the idea of a power meter, but I’ve not seen one I like. Looks better without. :-) Almost… almost a fan.

[@vinster666]

Very nice watch but for a bit more money you can get the 'Kira-Zuri. This is such a beautiful watch

[@TekindusT]

SBGX263 owner (and fanboy) here and really eager to try the 355 at an AD, as for me there is very little improvement potential over the 263. It is the perfect watch for my lifestyle and wrist diameter and it looks stunning in every circumstance. The 355 must truly disappear on your wrist. But for a steep price!

[@champipy]

Date window: 😏 no way!

[@Barbecuejag]

Agree. Watchmakers really should offer no date versions. Don't know why they can't do both for their most popular models.

[@SampleTracks2224]

It would cost them a ton and they'd only make about another 50 sales. It would be commercial insanity. Date windows are pretty much part of GS DNA for their dailies. If you hate dates, these watches are not for you.

[@simonwood5587]

Grand seiko should make a sweeping quartz movement. Bulova style. Poor man’s spring drive.

[@Memmaao]

I would miss the spring drive every time when I would make a time checking. No. No it would be a sour taste on my mouth.

[@dmks2146]

With half link combinations (two are bigger than a full link) I'd say 90% would get a good fit. It's not as bad as two micros and no half links. Still a nervewrecking process with those tiny screws though.

[@davidthom7127]

Perfect size

[@wikuserasmus1]

It feels like its been scaled back a bit too much but at the price drop some people may feel better about it.

[@hattyfarbuckle]

I'm not anti-quartz or anti-GS, but find the Spring Drive is better value as the quartz movement is much less attractive at the lower price. If I was looking at 37mm quality quartz in this style I think the incredible Citizen AQ4100-65W with 5 second per year accuracy, perpetual calendar and Washi paper with Platinum leaf dial at a similar price is a better proposition.

[@SampleTracks2224]

But you can't buy one unless you're in Japan. I can go try this one on at a local jeweller's.

[@hattyfarbuckle]

@@SampleTracks2224 and that is a important point. I've returned a couple of watches I would never have bought if I had tried them first and sold a few more new at a loss that I couldn't return

[@hattyfarbuckle]

@@SampleTracks2224 Citizen UK website are listing the AQ4100-65W with free returns - not as good as a brick store and ties up a lot of cash but at least possible to return it for full refund ......

[@PepRex]

Ah well. The GS has a regulator the citizen does not.

[@claytonberg721]

These will be on ebay for $2200 in a year or so. It looks nice if you want something smaller.

[@0xDankberg]

I don’t think the power reserve indicator was so bad they had to remove it’s I think it added a slightly unique charm to something higher quality watches usually don’t have. Size is perfect however.

[@samzerafa3185]

A nice watch and l respect the craftsmanship involved but l have some concerns Russell. Not keen on the photo copy paper dial face and also GS initials with the name directly below reminds of cars with say Ford in a transfer and nearby a badge repeating the name ! Otherwise nice to see a dress watch with outstanding quarzt performance from an amazing watch manufacturer

[@ColinLack]

Almost perfect but no spring drive makes it a no go for me. That's the whole reason I'm interested in Grand Seiko in the first place.

[@ChristianBecker-em9ic]

Does the second hand always hit the markers? A little unclear in the vid.

[@ninjasrose1653]

I really love that watch. But, my personal grail watch is the SBGX261 And I honestly for the life of me can’t work out why you’d pay £1,600 more just for a snowflake dial lol unless it was spring drive also! I actually prefer the black dial where this watch is concerned tbh. Edit: I forgot it’s titanium as well. But even still… 😂

[@Cravenfr]

What's going on with the seconds hand, it's jumping on camera but our bare eyes can't see that ?

[@amcl89]

Walked into GS boutique last month, 💯 certain I was going to pick this new quartz snowflake up cuz of its perfect dimensions til I compared the OG spring drive brother in metal. After what seemed like forever trying on both one after the other, I ended up buying the latter in the end, and honestly I don’t regret it one bit. The 9F quartz is amazing but honestly it pales when compared to the the spring drive. The beauty and engineering (the second hands sweep 🤤) of the Spring drive movement is just too good to give up and it is the combination of that and the dial that makes the snowflake the icon it is today.

[@ajbones4207]

May the wisdom of Soloman continue to guide you my good man. You made the right choice.

[@mikehowells7746]

I think I'd stick with my sbgx263 champagne dial for £2100, if I ever have the money for another Grand Seiko it would have to be a spring drive.

[@george88pizza43]

Will there be a 150k live Russ?

[@nordicheat906]

I love the Snowflake. It’s pretty much my holy grail watch. But as far as the quartz goes, if they went that direction they should have made it solar.

[@257milo]

Did I miss the part on LUME ??? 😮😂😮😂

[@zosothezephead837]

Dial is perfect without the asymmetric power reserve, but quartz 😮 WTF?

[@NW-lj6oo]

Great video as always. The watch looks nice but is not the automatic Spring Drive by a long way.

[@PepRex]

Your right. It's better. It's not got that horrible power reserve indicator.

[@conorwhitworth5182]

Beautiful watches. Make the bracelet more user friendly (screws instead of pin and collar) and better clasp, you've got a winner winner chicken dinner.

[@romanmichaelhamilton8729]

Yes and no drilled lugs, easy-change bracelet and a swept second hand like the ~$400 Bulova Precisionist.

[@PepRex]

​@@romanmichaelhamilton8729Wow my addiesdive has all of that it, it has some screws in the links, no holes on the case and even ajustable clasp and it cost me 48 dollars!!!

[@_urahara_]

Spring Drive = Grand Seiko. Doesn't feel the same without it. The watch looks great but if you bring this to a non watch enthusiast, chances are they know about GS and the spring drive but might think this one is a fake because it is quartz.