Grand Seiko Snowflake SBGA211 - Long term owner review

The Grand Seiko SBGA211 is a gorgeous watch. I love it and it took me a long time to be able to save up for it. As you see in the video, this is well worn and loved and I try to offer up my long term perspective on ownership in this review.
You can read watch reviews on my website, www.esbjorn.co...
Follow me on instagram for loads of macro shots / 3sby

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

After many comments relating to the strap in use, I wrote up a review on the strap in the video and the one I use now. You can read that here www.esbjorn.com.au/suede-watch-strap-review.html

[@stevea2639]

I'm a little late to the party on this...but your strap choice is absolutely outstanding!!! Never liked the titanium bracelet with this and your choice of straps just puts this watch on a whole other level. Congrats and enjoy. Cheers!

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

@@stevea2639 thanks very much 😀

[@actnaturally388]

Despite the popularity of this watch, it’s still very underrated, simply amazing

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Absolutely agree

[@rajmehta6210]

Sgbw231 is on my list

[@justinh.1773]

I own the SBGA259 and I absolutely love it. I have never seen such perfect indices and watch hands. They are absolutely flawless. I usually wear it on a black alligator leather strap as a dress watch but also use the titanium bracelet in summer. I always catch myself just staring at the sheer beauty of the dial. To me it perfectly represents the Japanese culture and values. You did an awesome job with this review and thanks for the interesting fact, that so little electrical power is needed for this watch! Cheers Justin

[@michaelfletcher1224]

I just picked up this watch yesterday. It's really beautiful and I'm very excited to finally have one.

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Great to hear, enjoy!

[@Usmc031189]

Congrats

[@user-pq1cs5qt6s]

What are your thoughts after a month? Picked mined yesterday

[@michaelfletcher1224]

@@user-pq1cs5qt6s Congrats! I have loved it so far. I keeps time at a rate of .20 seconds per day which is super cool. And it's beautiful. Hope you enjoy yours too.

[@Dave-ku7yt]

Great review. I’m based in Sydney and recently bought a snowflake. Absolutely love it. I’m glad that I got fed up waiting for a Rolex and walked around the corner to the GS boutique! I’m wearing mine on a black sailcloth strap most days.

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Thanks very much, and yes I think you made the right choice 😊 I must try it on black one day 👍

[@demounit]

are you still loving your snowflake? I'm in Sydney as well and I hope to one day be able to afford one. it's beautiful.

[@Bryce_C.]

How much did you buy it for. I’m interested in buying and live in Sydney too

[@PavanSinghAneja]

I am the same as you, I saw this watch almost 3 years ago and this is going to be my first watch that I buy hopefully this year. You're the first reviewer I've seen put it on a leather/suede strap and I think it looks great so I will also explore getting one of those too.

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Thank you, it’s not an easy one to pair with straps but I love the grey suede. Good luck with your purchase!

[@kenepps67]

You nailed this review. Bravo.

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Thanks so much 🙂

[@vastount1]

I own one and all I can say is incredible!

[@bazs7669]

Informative and very relaxing video of a stunning timepiece. Love the grey suede strap!

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Thanks so much 🙂👍 Hope you enjoy my other videos too

[@snikt2121]

Beautiful piece and a truly excellent video. I just went with a JLC Master Ultra Thin Moon but have my eye on the Snowflake as well.

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Thank you very much, JLC is an amazing brand 👍

[@timbd87]

I'd go for a spring drive, but it's still winter. Nice video!!

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Thanks mate!

[@gerardanthony9834]

Huge fan of Grand Seiko. The spring drive is indeed remarkable. Their Zaratsu polishing and beautiful dials are both mesmerizing and intoxicatingly exciting. Have tried on several and know which reference I plan on acquiring. Looking forward to my first one.

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Thanks for your comment, I will keep this forever…it’s such an amazing piece and even with wear, it stays beautiful. You’ll never regret spending the 💰

[@dereklee7009]

I have the blue one and love it, but still tempted to get this one. And I also like the power reserve on the dial. I use it all the time, and the newer GS with it on the back are just a little too bland for my taste

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Great to hear that perspective, I was beginning to wonder if I was the only one.

[@eugenekim8417]

Thanks enjoyed your video - I love your take on the difficulty to replicate GSs look and quality vs Rolex. Got me thinking!!

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@reginaldjeannotte8961]

My new watch to hopefully one day own. Another great video!

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

I saved for ages and I’ll keep it forever, love it despite all the new endlessly fancy GS dials!

[@galatians22122]

I Traded A Rolex Sub for a New SBGA211 Plus a good chunk of cash. No regrets! The Snowflake and Spring Drive is AMAZING! I now own 2 Other Spring Drives from Seiko's LX Collection. The Rolex Gained around 4 Sec. a Day, the Snowflake? 10 Sec. PER MONTH!

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Yeah it really is unbelievably good,it’s a forever piece. Thanks for dropping a comment, great to hear from a fellow GS appreciator 😀

[@ttjoseph1]

To be fair, 10 sec per month is not much worse than a modern Rolex 32xx movement can do…

[@NoahLeider]

Great Review Man! I just ordered mine today and I am excited to wear it.

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Thanks, you will love it 😊👍🏻

[@paulgonzalez5957]

Great review, thank you!

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Thank you 😊

[@marketingsuccess2637]

I think your reviews are some of the best on the Internet for watches. If you could please show the specs of the watch during your video it would be very helpful. That’s a wonderful piece congratulations😊

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

That’s incredibly lovely feedback. Thanks so much. I was actually thinking of adding specs so I will start with the next one. Thanks again, so appreciated

[@marketingsuccess2637]

@@EsbjornWristwatchReviews Bruce Williams shows specs very well.

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

@@marketingsuccess2637 I follow him. I also like how Teddy Baldassare does it. I’ll do some testing. Thanks again

[@marketingsuccess2637]

@@EsbjornWristwatchReviews I 100% agree. Also check out Bark and Jack, he is very good. Best of luck and looking forward to seeing your videos. Ironically my next purchase is a RH Pelagos 😎

[@SirMopy]

@@marketingsuccess2637 Adrian is more of a watch journalist. Different from Bruce and Teddy.

[@cd1934]

The Original snowflake is the(38-7030)QT Quartz made in the early 70’s !, love at first sight !!

[@cd1934]

One more Note : mine Japan only ! , it has a 3823A VFA movement and it is adjusted a six positions and temperatures from the factory!.,. Love at first sight!

[@quatrical]

One of my grails. Wear it in good health, mate.

[@jedanderson9839]

I was never a fan, But now i am. Great review.

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Thank you so much, that’s a huge compliment and it’s much appreciated

[@reginaldjeannotte8961]

Great video!

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Thank you 🙂👍

[@wesharris07]

I love that band

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Link in the description 😊

[@nicklaslundberg7697]

Great video! Love it.

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Tackar!

[@seiko9361]

I also take side of seiko against swatches and i think everyone should because it is a inevitable premise

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Thanks for your comment

[@aycardo10]

What kind of band is that? I love it!

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Grey suede, really suits it I think!

[@aycardo10]

I love the videos by the way, keep it up 🔥 Where did you order it if you don’t mind me asking?

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Thanks that’s very kind. I just ordered one from Bas and Lokes, the Everett, for the watch. But this particular one in the video was from AliExpress aliexpress.com/store/1149481

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

@@aycardo10 I just wrote up a review of the strap in the video and my current one, including links. You can access it here if you're interested www.esbjorn.com.au/suede-watch-strap-review.html

[@timemycollection]

That grey strap is a game changer! This is the first snowflake that i think looks better than the (my) Sbga413 d:)

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

😊 Thank you

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

I just wrote up a review of the strap in the video and my current one, including links. You can access it here if you're interested www.esbjorn.com.au/suede-watch-strap-review.html

[@cheefussmith9380]

I’ve wanted this watch since the moment I saw it. Not a watch guy, not even a “luxury” guy…but it’s stunning

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Totally get what you're saying, it had that effect on me too

[@cheefussmith9380]

@@EsbjornWristwatchReviews haha nice to hear. Of course now I’ve watched so many of these vids, maybe I am a watch guy😉 Thanks for posting!

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

@@cheefussmith9380 I think I watched every GS snowflake video in the galaxy until I finally bought one despite definitely being out of reach financially. But I still have it and I love it. This hobby is a slippery slope and my apologies for fuelling a future addiction ;)

[@cheefussmith9380]

@@EsbjornWristwatchReviews haha, it’s my wife you’ll owe the apology to friend, you and me are cool😉

[@sokete7]

Great video, I’m convinced, getting one next.

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Thank you, you won’t regret it 🙂

[@michaelbishop9157]

I don't like the GS logo / font and could do without the PR on an otherwise beautiful dial but the watch does still resonate with me. Regarding copies / fakes they are now copying even brands like AP etc so I think we will surely start to see GS copies as and when the brand becomes more popular. Oh and strap choice is perfect !!

[@john-carlosynostroza]

Yeah the power Reserve meter should go. Totally silly. As if the whole mechanical watch thing even with this amazing Spring Drive technology isn't still kind of ridiculous All Things Considered. Please get rid of that goofy-looking meter! LOL. Otherwise, I love the watch.

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

I did see an attempt at a copy in a review recently. Not bad, but I think GS is in a league of their own still!

[@john-carlosynostroza]

Future values will skyrocket. This thing is too good! Already a modern and instant classic with lotsa hype. Classical design so relatively timeproof/ era proof too. I want . . . Please . . .

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

I know, I wanted one for so long! Lots of saving but was worth it. Hope you get one!

[@NOLASkaGuitarist]

Please don't view any watch purchase you make as an investment. This is the most common excuse people who are considering spending more than what they should on a wristwatch give themselves to convince themselves they are making a good purchase. Beauty and popularity do not guarantee rising prices like you see with certain Rolex models. Remember GS produces watches at a rate at which anybody can get one at any time without needing to be on a waiting list or have an established rapport with an AD. The only "good" investment you can make in a watch is knowing exactly which models that are available now will go significantly up in value in the future for whatever reason (good luck unless you have a crystal ball), never take it out of the box and sell it much later. Wear it and ding it up? Lost profit. Stops keeping good time or running altogether and needs service? Lost profit.

[@john-carlosynostroza]

@@NOLASkaGuitarist agreed. I have an Omega Seamaster and a Breitling superocean and both of them I want two or three days a week and don't come off during the wrist time.

[@UGA.D]

You're right. That's tempting! I noted the gray suede immediately. Do you have a link for that model?

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

I"m ashamed to say it was an AliExpress $8 number haha..but I'm keen to get the "Everett" from Bas & Lokes ideally now that I know it suits the watch so well

[@UGA.D]

@@EsbjornWristwatchReviews Don't be ashamed! It looks great! I have a similar 20mm gray strap that was supplied by Halios on the Fairwind that I use on my silver-dialed AT. Guess I need to go peek at AE.

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

I just wrote up a review of the strap in the video and my current one, including links. You can access it here if you're interested www.esbjorn.com.au/suede-watch-strap-review.html

[@UGA.D]

@@EsbjornWristwatchReviews Sweet! Thanks!

[@galaga8834]

It's beautiful and the strap you chose goes well with it. I don't like the OEM bracelet that it comes on.

[@tjp444]

I also own the SBGA211 and really love this watch. I like how the GS brand is "under the radar" and non-watch fans have no idea what a GS is. To me Rolex is just to pretentious - look at me I own a Rolex. Of all the snowflake videos I've seen yours is the first with a leather band instead of the bracelet. I do like the look and now I'm considering doing the same.

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Yes it's such a beautiful watch and I agree with you. Sport a Rolex on your wrist and people either think it's a fake or that you're a showoff, shame really but that's something that's just happened in part due to their scarcity and pricing tactics. GS is an incredible brand and the smooth seconds of the spring drive is gorgeous. I currently have mine on a dark blue leather strap with white stitching, looks great! Thanks for watching :)

[@SunRise-ul7ko]

Esbjorn. Just wondering how often do you intend servicing the spring drive ? Some people recommend you service them every 3 years & others only service them when they malfunction. Having said that, I have a 1973 seiko UFO automatic cronograpgh, for over 20 years now, I've never serviced it & I don't no when or if my father serviced it before me. It still works fine & it seems very accurate for an automatic watch.

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Yes such an excellent question. Next year, it’s 5 years old. I’m going to ask Seiko then how much and consider it. I’m really not sure if a spring drive is more or less sensitive than a standard mechanical movement but lubricants would not last forever. With the way it works where there is essentially a ‘brake’ that slows it down to accuracy, I suspect that servicing is not something to put off for too long

[@danielgalloway5568]

You're getting the highest of quality at an incredible value. Grand Seiko is about as good as it gets

[@singhaniaaayush]

Great video mate. I bought this beauty a year back and still cant enough of it. Do you mind sharing the strap details and where to buy it ?

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Thanks mate! Yeah I put it as a highlighted comment but here you go: After many comments relating to the strap in use, I wrote up a review on the strap in the video and the one I use now. You can read that here www.esbjorn.com.au/suede-watch-strap-review.html

[@igelchik]

amazing watches 😍

[@csongormartonszutorisz-szu3999]

Thank you for the vid.

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Thanks for your comment🙂

[@lowersaxon]

Another nice ad.

[@wellygeek]

My next watch

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

You won’t regret it 👍

[@ewawikner9899]

Snyggt gjort!!

[@sadersan9860]

how did you get the band? Is it original? I would like to get the watch with exactly same band, i dont like metal bracelets, dont like common leather ones either

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Just a cheap one for now: aliexpress.com/store/1149481

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

The plan is to get a nice one from Bas and Lokes next

[@sadersan9860]

@@EsbjornWristwatchReviews thank you

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

I just wrote up a review of the strap in the video and my current one, including links. You can access it here if you're interested www.esbjorn.com.au/suede-watch-strap-review.html

[@zyembla]

OK, the perfection of those hands is just stupid

[@sebasmoguel]

Where is the strap from?

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Just a cheap one for now: aliexpress.com/store/1149481

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

I just wrote up a review of the strap in the video and my current one, including links. You can access it here if you're interested www.esbjorn.com.au/suede-watch-strap-review.html

[@atticus6572]

What's next?

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

I have a Damasko DC80 incoming and toying with the idea of my San Martin SLA017 homage or Halios Seaforth pastel blue... what do you think?

[@Heywoodthepeckerwood]

I have one on a bespoke stingray strap.

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Nice, I’ve looked at those a few times 👍

[@dhannylil2191]

what's your wrist size?

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

19 cm….I’ll add this in future videos 👍

[@user-yf3ks4fp9l]

このベルトがとてもかっこよくて欲しいです。どこで手に入れたか教えていただけると喜びます

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Ali Express :)

[@Gonken88]

Awesome. I have a clock in my phone. It's awesome.

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

😆

[@DC-wz9gp]

music too loud. other than that good video

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Thank you 😊

[@michaelfletcher1224]

Cool video… from a time when they still “hung out the washing”… clearly not from the 21st century. Lol

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Haha, well…..sun is still cheaper than a dryer 😉

[@src2251]

Great watch but rather pay bit more for a Rolex! Love seiko but 5k plus , sorry 😂

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

As the ad goes, “why not both” 😉

[@user-ic2er7cg1p]

何で雪の上に置いてるの？

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

この時計の英語のニックネーム（日本語で同じかどうかはわかりません）はスノーフレークです

[@sergeyzerkin8029]

Why do you have such a misleading

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Not sure what you mean

[@joseoliver534]

What a boring watch.....very ugly polish case,,,,snowflurkkkkkkk like wallpapers of my grandmother.. boring hands,,,,,for me even 100 euros i don t want....thank s

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

It’s not for everyone 😉

[@gmshadowtraders]

GS IS CLASS BITCHEZ

[@dsouzavineeth]

Excellent video!

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Thanks 😊