GRAND SEIKO SNOWFLAKE vs SEIKO BABY SNOWFLAKE

Let's compare a $6000 Grand Seiko Snowflake SBGA211 to a $1000 Seiko Baby Snowflake SARX055. Enjoy the video:)
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[@PrashantNeelam]

I need to see a watch on Mr. Bond's wrist to confirm what you say about him loving watches :D

[@24hourstime]

lol

[@suprakashmukherjee007]

Liked the completely unbiased and detailed comparison. Keep up the great work 👍

[@deansusec8745]

The snowflake dial and movement set it apart, but I am very happy that Seiko makes the SARX series as best value for money out there! I am eyeing the 045!

[@Desperate4changing]

Owned both. The GS is next level. There's no dispute about that IMHO! The light play on the GS is majestic.

[@NoizeTank]

10:24 I believe the GS has an actual blued seconds hand compared to the painted blue seconds hand on the SARX

[@fredfredburger5150]

Good point but how long long is it gonna take for paint to fall off the second hand on the seiko?

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Great comparison video man! My $ goes to the snowflake, it’s absolutely stunning and I love the spring drive movement!

[@JasonTheWatchGuy]

Can't deny that Snowflake, the dial is fresh snow to me. Also the spring drive display and that sweep man. THAT SWEEP!

[@Staggo_L]

I'll go with a Grand Seiko any day. The line is always simple, sumptuous, and rich. Grand Seiko dials are mesmerizing.

[@Endureromex]

I recently bought a Snowflake although I was doubtful. I'm happy to report that it was worth it, it has a "je ne sais quoi" that makes it soo special.

[@mahathir101]

Thanks for the comparison of these 2 fantastic watches Oleg. If I had the cash I'd go for GS Snowflake; but I'm happy to get the SARX Baby GS otherwise.

[@jtlivin]

I own the SARX035 and it's probably my favorite watch. (The "Baby GS" with the black dial). It'll be a nice pair when I pull the trigger on the SBGA211. I can't resist that second hand sweep!

[@jaimerivera2545]

I of course prefer the GS. Seiko need to stop using the 6r movements for the 1,000 + watches, If I buy a Seiko alpinist Sarb017 which uses the 6r mvmt I only have to pay around $450. I agree, they need to develop a high beat 28800 at least for their $1,000 watches.

[@ChromeMan04]

Actually the 6R21 is high beat and is only available in the Japanese market.

[@stevefox8605]

Prefer the SARX myself.. "the law of diminishing returns" in action. Cheers mate 👍🏻

[@MC-yh9bw]

That's true but you can really apply that to any steel luxury watch.

[@stevefox8605]

@@MC-yh9bw absolutely. Good comment 👍🏻

[@sinjon]

GS holds value really well. It may even go up at some point

[@davemck1887]

Nice to see them side by side. I think I actually prefer the sarx. Obviously on closer inspection the GS has more to offer but, is it really that much more ? I'm taking nothing away from the GS, just giving more to the sarx. Cheers Oleg, regards to Mr Bond.😁✌️

[@truellyanriza6163]

I prefer SARX from the GS. But I love SJE073 more. It's thinner than SARX, better finished, and higher beat.

[@davemck1887]

@@truellyanriza6163 yep, good choice. SJE073, just beautiful. Especially with the new , slimmer movement. But for two and a half grand ?!

[@truellyanriza6163]

Dave mck I know. Too much for a Presage. You know, the one with enamel and croco strap (SJE075) was even more ridiculous $3300?

[@davemck1887]

@@truellyanriza6163 it scares me to think that Seiko is abusing it's loyal customer base but , hey, there you go. Maybe, given time, the market will correct itself. If people eventually stop making the purchases and the money that feeds the monster starts to reduce, then maybe, Seiko will see sense and stop stealing from its fan base. OR, if like I think Seiko are hoping, the uneducated watch buyers who buy Hugo Boss , Emporio Armani, etc jump ship and start buying Seiko then we're all stuffed. Seiko are no longer the watch making, watch lovers they used to be, they've been infiltrated by soulless business youths fresh out of uni.

[@Killua_Overwatch]

You’re also paying for the engineering of the spring drive which is +/- 0.5 seconds a day. It’s deadly accurate. The sbga211 is my grail.

[@jfigueroa37]

Great vid watching this in 2023. SARX is nice but several things I would change. Take off the "Presage" lettering, make "Automatic" lettering cursive, and perhaps add the jewels count.

[@arthurdub7901]

Both are gorgeous watches. Personally I’d still go with the more iconic one- it’s what I consider to be the Swiss Killer. 😇 Get the snowflake if you really want it. Get the baby snowflake if you’re just a casual fan of the actual snowflake. Can’t go wrong with either tbh.

[@sanjay3415]

Was between this baby snowflake and the baby alpinist as my wedding watch, but decided on the baby alpinist because of the smaller case diameter and larger bezel, creating overall better proportions. Really really love the titanium and the dial on the baby snowflake though, maybe for the anniversary 😄

[@markplayford5836]

Really it’s all about the movement that sets them apart. Never mind the case or finish it’s about the technical marvel that is the spring drive. I agree though the baby looks and wears better, my personal favourite is the SARX033 of the Presage range. You bought well Oleg in my opinion and saved a lot of money too. 👍

[@balesjo]

The Grand Seiko is an absolute beauty. And after your video, I can now tell the difference in the texture of the dials. But based on personal taste, I find I surprisingly liked the icy white-blue of the Baby Snowflake. I'm still at a loss that Seiko doesn't use a better movement in it. Price wise, that Spring Drive significantly runs up the cost of the Grand Seiko. The Seiko Presage line has a few models that have the Spring Drive, and they're running between $3000-$4000. At that point, I'd consider adding some more money to the budget and get the Grand Seiko.

[@PatrykEspinosa]

Excellent review. Despite your disclaimer in the beginning about probably being biased towards the one you own, you were very fair and impartial in your analysis. I prefer the GS only because of the texture and colour of the dial and that little spring drive indicator but it’s very close. I have a smaller wrist so it was interesting to learn about the fit of the two. Definitely going to try on the SARX before committing to the GS.

[@drwindsurf]

It is great to see these two watches side by side. On the surface the SARX looks amazing but compared to the GS you really see the difference, especially under macro. Thank you for a fantastic comparison Oleg 😊👍

[@RocasThePenguin]

The Spring Drive alone is worth a considerable amount. It's an incredible piece of engineering. Sadly, the 6R15 is a bit lacklustre for a watch of that price.

[@delacroix3721]

I prefer the simpler dial and smaller proportions of the Baby, both are lovely though of course. Hugs to Mr. Bond!

[@williamsipe1151]

BTW, I found a titanium watch with screw pins on the bracelet: Zelos titanium swordfish.

[@artursko5617]

Helson too has screws on ti bracelets

Hamtun H2 also has screwed in titanium bracelet links and does the Tudor Pelagos :)

[@adrianmorris3772]

The grand every time for me. That face on the grand is pure class. I wouldn't be happy unless I had the grand. Give mr bond a big hug. Best regards from England.😷😺

[@TheSalsa1977]

I might have to give the Seiko Presage a second look. Thanks for the review!

[@swabby429]

I'm utterly fascinated by Spring Drive. The GS is one of my grail watches. The cost is justified due to the extensive amount of R&D that has gone into the technology. Compared to other luxury brands, Grand Seiko is still a value proposition. That is not to put down the Baby Snowflake. It is perfect for its market niche, too.

[@AliasEveWatches]

I prefer the Grand Seiko but not enough to pay 5x more

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

It’s worth every penny.

[@ChromeMan04]

Your paying for the spring drive technology

[@navidsoroush8777]

I got the sarx last week. It’s a great watch. My fav after my seamaster

[@riversky33]

Great review! My major complaint about Seiko watches is their thickness - Seiko doesn't seem to know how to make thin watches. I prefer SARB055 than the GS, simply because the GS is too thick.

[@mariog7213]

I love the GS and I could save for a few months to get one but I’d rather get the SARX and buy more watches with the remaining 5k.

[@rpm8865]

Spoken like a true watch addict! I agree my man

[@NathanChisholm041]

Same!

[@hichambenmira]

I would be happy with the Seiko SARX if I would have to choose. I love the Snowflake but the Seiko is a stunning piece as well. Hugs to Mr. Bond 😊😊😊

[@alecc4006]

i can see the big difference, the quality of polishing and dial shines through on GS. Must be blind those who thought seiko more expensive than GS.

[@DM-rc4yu]

Because you're seeing what you want to see. Normal people do not care about minute differences in polishing to justify $5000 higher price.

[@alecc4006]

D M not really, if you ever handled a GS you can immediately see the difference over seiko

[@dave7mm083]

I agree with you. Spot on review! The crux of the price/value issue lies in the movement of the GS - what's the value of the spring drive technology? Who can say? I think Mr Bond would agree.

[@michaelfierman3256]

I think people thought the Seiko was better/more expensive because of the silvery dial. They probably didn't examine the dials closely enough to see the vast difference in the quality of the handset for example and since people are generally attracted to shiny things, they thought the more glittery dial on the Seiko was more deluxe? Great comparison video Oleg! it's a shame that Seiko won't bother puttying a movement that keeps respectable time in a watch at that price point.

[@graemestanton5818]

I bought a Seiko Kinetic for A$320 and it is accurate to less than 1 second gain over a few says. What an awesome deal. No idea why it was priced so low. What a fantastic deal.

[@MrAnonymousRandom]

At the SARX price point, I'd much rather go with a Swiss made dress watch. The 6R movement is unimpressive for what it is. I can easily find something from Swatch group that I like with the powermatic 80 movement. Even the base ETA 2824 movement on my Calvin Klein Infinite watch is running within chronometer accuracy specs after I carefully removed the residual magnetism. As for Grand Seiko, I'd buy it mainly for the spring drive movement and if there's a highly polished piece that I want badly.

[@wendyandgeoffpattison2610]

The pin & collar system on the bracelet is a must for titanium, it will not take to threading like steel. I do not want my $9000 watch to fall off my wrist thank you.

[@Koishishibaman]

I just bought a sbga413 spring GS. Similar watch to the snowflake. I also have the baby snowflake sarx055, and sarx057. Your video review is right on. The gs is a better watch. But the sarx only needs a better motor to be a lesser priced GS. A lot of value in both watches. Love your reviews. Thanks

[@unbiasedreviews5978]

Of course, I'd prefer the GS!!! No doubt about that. Everything in that watch screams:" wow" We have better finishing, next level technology with a crazy accuracy, fantastic dial, etc. It's definitely worth it. BUT $6K, hmm... then it comes the SARX055. For this price point, that's the closest to GS. Very nice looking dial, Titanium case and bracelet, a decent movement. Btw, they could've used 6R35 with the longer power reserve just to justify the price, but it is what it is. It's a watch that I'd love to have in my collection.

[@Joshg982]

Beautiful video, well done! I subscribed.

[@SirLoinOfsteak85]

The GS for me! I've wanted one for years. The SARX is an amazing watch for the money though.

[@Trex100]

Besides the dial texture -which admittedly is amazing on the grand, the Sarx is a much better choice, and a very attractive watch. Weird that there are no micro adjustments on either. That is unacceptable on a 6000 dollar watch.

[@COTTERO]

I prefer the SARX055, that I rather call the Seiko "Frozen", the dial of the "Snowflake" looks just like paper to me. But if I have the choice, I would choose the SARA015/SJEO73J1 over these two.👍

[@killerhawk2000]

I might be wrong but to me the GS hold more value and is a grail of mine apart from how it look. The spring drive movement is truly fascinating and u are wearing a unique piece with history and innovation.

[@denisdaly1708]

A comparison is a great way to do a review. If smaller wrists, and so would go with the baby.

[@wannabetechnician7451]

the snowflakes dial makes the watch for me and the spring drives smooth seconds hand movement adds to that. the baby grand seiko has neither, so for me the grand seiko clearly wins.

[@FloridaClay]

Oleg, the bands use collar and pin because (I am told) titanium is a bit softer and does not hold screws well. My steel Grand Seiko bracelet uses screws. I have both a Seiko Presage with a stunning pale ice-blue fluted dial, which is excellent (as well perhaps 30 other watches), but my GS is getting more wrist time because of good looks accompanied by just astonishing accuracy (about + or - 3 seconds a month on my example). I also have a collection of antique clocks and the GS is my reference it setting them because I know the time on the GS is always pretty much dead on.

[@bobbymoncada6861]

Your dog is so adorable and thanks for sharing.

[@RobertJanke]

Great, honest review! I actually bought the Grand Seiko Snowflake from Exquisite Timepieces last year, while on a road trip through Florida. I went into the shop to ask about a Rolex and went out being proud owner of the Snowflake, thanks to Nick, the very knowledgeable sales guy there. I'm very happy with the watch, love the dial and movement. Everyone who knows about watches surely can tell the difference between Seiko and Grand Seiko. However, as you did this comparison and asked several times if it is worth 5/6x more, it would be interesting to hear your opinion about GS Snowflake vs Rolex Datejust, the one I had initially in mind. Which one would you buy?

[@joeg9478]

I own the baby snowflake and love it. I have tried on the Grand Seiko snowflake and it is just jaw-dropping gorgeous....definitely my preference. However, I cannot justify spending that much money on the grand Seiko....will be putting that money towards a Rolex Milgauss.

[@aminsaid4379]

I am getting my first mechanical Seiko.. Seiko baby snowflake!

[@skipast75]

With the SJE073 you can have “presage automatic” written in blue for only $1200 more! Sadly you’d lose the titanium but you’d get a nicer movement.

[@ianpan0102]

Great side-by-side comparison!

[@nerychristian]

I actually like the SARX more. The simplicity of the dial. Smaller looking case. Looks like it will age better too. I prefer when a watch looks beautiful but understated. If Seiko ever produces a snowflake without the power reserve indicator, I might consider. The best of both worlds would be the SJE073.

[@stojanovicnikola95]

I had Sarx055 for 2 years now and I'll definitely get the snowflake in future. I went to see snowflake (and got sbgn003 on impulse), sarx has more presence and dare I say more sporty feel compared to gs. Sarx has a more "fun" "uplifting"dial, snowflake's is more mature and calm. So when I get the snowflake, Sarx won't be going anywhere.

[@mnb60291]

Do you feel the SARX055 is unbalanced while wearing it on wrist? Im concerned about the light weight would impact the watch balance.

[@Comrade_4e]

Thank you very much for great review, Oleg! Both watches are very beautiful! I'd like to have both of them. In any case, Seiko gives you the opportunity to develop your collection from simpler watches to more expensive ones. Seiko is the Top!

[@Furniture121]

I think the SARX dimensions look better, the GS looks like it has a bloated case. I guess it's way to show off the finishing, but to me it's a waste of wrist space. I wear a watch to tell the time, not to look at (insert fancy marketing name for polishing) finishes.

[@MC-yh9bw]

Nice review. If your family is into watches it's surprising they chose the sarx. But if they're not most people who aren't into watches only look at the overall aesthetic, not fine details and definitely don't think about the movement. Actually most non watch people don't know what a movement is.

[@MKGamingInvesting]

Maybe you should get the Black dial. It seems to be more incredible

[@WizardWatch]

Is its just me or the Presage dial looks better ....

[@markwolfson2023]

Grand Seiko: An exceptional movement with an exceptional price.

[@sinjon]

I don’t know why the SARX055 is called the baby snowflake. The dial is very different from the GS

[@4730301]

I think cone shaped crowns make a lot of sense ergonomically and they look good too.

[@rob45x]

I owned a sarx055. Loved it so much. But the case size and the fact it had a white dial makes it wear too big for my wrist. Sold it and purchased a sarb033. I do miss my sarx055 but loving the sarb so far

[@shmalfie8674]

I don't think I've seen a comments section of a video like this where people don't prefer the cheaper option. The snowflake is justifiably more expensive - it's a way better watch (that is not to diminish how great value the baby is though.) I think both watches are exceptional value as well, as Kevin O'Leary says: "when you buy a GS for 5 thousand you're getting an $80,000 watch."

[@trueblack6760]

I think GS Snowflake pricing is fair. And I think Baby Snowflake price tag is totally wrong. Seiko could charge us at least double! I know movement is totally different between this two models.... so.. I enjoyed this channel, thank you!

[@ryanbrown4259]

I own the SARX055. Love it! The Snowflake is a grail but again I asked myself this very question is it worth 5-6X more...Thanks for the thoughts here in your video.

[@xxraverxxonxtacy]

I think your family/friends chose the Baby SF cuz it has a pearlescent dial compared to paper machete dial and Presage text is more elegant as supposed to Spring Drive text.

[@fumeokid]

Great comparison. Thank you!!

[@johnr6145]

Great comparison. The GS is obviously a much more attractive watch.

[@neogeijutsu]

Of course GS is the superior watch. But the fact that we are comparing the SARX to it is something.

[@giusepperocchi2979]

The sarx, especially, is comically big for this kind of watches. Maybe people in Japan have huge wrists.

[@sebastiangonzalezgonzalez2183]

I love both

[@stevevlahos1]

Prefer the GS. the little nuances between the 2 are what commands the price difference. The movement, fit and finish plus the GS name is what does it. You be the judge if it’s worth the price of admission. 😊

[@kallensaczkowski]

I believe they use pin and collar because titanium is softer and the screw in pins pose a potential problem

[@mnb60291]

Yeap that make sense, but in SARX035 they use pin and collar as well, which is similar stainless steel version of SARX055

[@77cjam]

I don't really get these comparison videos. Any more expensive watch you can argue isn't worth it compared to a nice less expensive one. But understand why you did it as that's what people want. I have to say I prefer the GS. However both are stunning looking and fantastic watches and I would love to own either 👍

[@DM-rc4yu]

What is it exactly that you don't get?

[@rctezluh42069]

fantastic Seiko's!!!

[@throwingdartsandbreakinghearts]

The GS would be a high 9 if they removed the power reserve indicator. It's a high 8. The SARX is an 8.5. Obviously lesser quality. But the price and dial push it to that high 8.

[@JaeWhite140]

The Seiko Presage has a Ice frost dial. 👍

[@nasharanha7782]

Hey Oleg, would love it if you could do a review comparing the SBGA011 vs SBGA211 focusing on the branding on the dials and which you prefer. Thx

[@aaronho01]

12:34 the reason why the baby GS looks more expensive is because of the simplicity of the design.

[@JeeGee114]

I just stay with the Sarbs for work and funerals. The snowflake is just too big and the power reserve indicator is in the wrong place on that superb dial. That Presage on the other dial is also a turn off for me and the hour dial is not long enough. Quality control on newer Seiko's is also not on par anymore on their midrange.

[@mimikatz]

Probably my mistake but I just realised that this is not the "true" baby Snowflake, the SJE073. Good video anyway!

[@davidb9531]

It's such a shame that seiko do so few non date models, there is such a lack of symmetry with the date window and power reserve indicator, a no date snowflake G.S. would be killer

[@Dondaddyh]

I've got the SARX055, it's a nice watch for the price, Steinhart GMT pepsi is next. I'd rather have 5 different watches for my money ,then 1 marginally better.

[@Desperate4changing]

Great review!

[@believe-in-righteousness]

Grand Seiko is just in another level incomparable

[@huckinator]

Just got the sarx055!

[@jayebirdjb7143]

The GS date window is larger than the baby. And a cleaner dial on the baby,

[@icas80]

The GS is actually a white dial. The baby is more silver.

[@ChromeMan04]

I love the Presage but 1k for a generic 6R15? For that price, it needs at least an 8l35 movement.

[@urielalbertosanchezm]

Beautiful pieces!

[@Test-of-Time]

Wouldn't the SJE073 really be more of a "Baby Grand Seiko"? SARX055 has a titanium case and the cal. 6R35 is nothing close to a Grand Seiko or even the SJE073. SJE073 has a zaratsu polished stainless steel case and bracelet, unique front loading case design, micro-facet finishing on the 12, 3, & 9 Indexes which have an a rainbow/irridescent effect when reflecting light, ultra thin and highly accurate 6L35 with heat blued seconds hand and zaratsu polished hour and minute hands. Only similarity is the look of the dial and case. I think the SJE073 offers Grand Seiko level finishing and quality. I will probably keep mine forever due to the timeless nature of the design and quality, not to mention only 1881 made. Consider comparing your SARX055 with the SJE073 if you haven't already. Also in my humble opinion the Grand Seiko SLGH013 is probably the closer comparison for dial finish and style to the SJE073 and SARX055. Not sure why most of the comparison are of the Snowflake dial with the SARX055 or SJE073, they are quite different. SARX055 and SJE073 have more of a silver frosted window pane, or frozen lake surface or even a hand-made paper effect to them.

[@Zantetsukens]

Why Titanium though?

[@tavarisjones551]

I have to say that the grand seiko appears *much* nicer than the seiko sarx. I actually thought that the grand seiko made the seiko sarx look cheap. However a $6k watch *should* make a $1k watch look cheap.

[@williamsipe1151]

Woo hoo!

[@carlosducaycarrasco]

Seiko has not titanium’s bracelet. I have one and it is from very nice steel.

[@nintendokings]

The GS has the wow-factor. The Baby not so much. But they are both too chunky and especially the GS. Also diminishing returns are very much in play

[@kevorknourian5442]

I go with the baby

[@Nefville]

Can you please help, I'm looking for a dress watch that has those same hands and similar indicies (both need to be very polished like the Rado R32091163) that has a shiny black dial and is 38mm and somewhat thin?