Grand Seiko Spring Drive "Snowflake" SBGA211 Luxury Watch Review

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The Grand Seiko Spring Drive "Snowflake" features a 41mm titanium case surrounding a white snowflake dial on a titanium bracelet with folding buckle. Functions include hours, minutes, seconds, date and power reserve indicator. The watch also measures 12.8mm in thickness and 48.5mm from lug-to-lug.
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[@the1916companywatchreviews]

Nine of ten times, I'm not a fan of light-colored dials, but this is a major exception. Can you guess why?... ;-) Best, Tim

[@someHandle95]

Because the dial is inspired by something real or maybe just because it's a GRAND SEIKO! 😅

[@andrei2023]

WatchBox Reviews I also do not like the colors open but Snowflake is superb and unique, for me is the most successful dial from GS🏆👏😍

[@danielmartini3229]

tell us why!

[@Qieqi]

Tim, would you pick SBGA201 or SBGA211 for yourself and why?

[@bunyadaqae9663]

Because it is snowflake

[@melchizedekpsj]

It is so lovely, especially in person. The sweep of the Spring Drive driven seconds hand is a sight to behold!

[@GordonLindsay1983]

Great review - equally impressed at the clarity/words-per-minute/elocution :)

[@AbdulRWatches]

Fantastic looking watch, goes under the radar, and definitely all rounder for every occasion.

[@ricogreenberg]

I love this watch! My Snowflake has replace much of the wrist time from my Rolex watches.

[@PAINTnPONG]

Watched multiple times and just can’t get over it... this is my unicorn/grail watch. Someday...

[@antg.3846]

Love this watch. I have a couple Rolex’s, but I’m always drawn back to the GS.

[@MichaelWillems]

Best explanation I've seen yet. Thanks! Now's I get why it's better than my SARB035. And now I understand spring drive better, too. No capacitor. Excellent. So it'll last.

[@simeonaleksiev8690]

Pins are not a compromise- there are no compromise in GS. Titanium is softer than steel and screws are not a good idea for titanium bracelet.

[@logwind]

correct

[@melchizedekpsj]

Exactly.

[@kaiserphoenix01]

The Titanium used in the GS is a Titanium alloy which is harder than SS.

[@kevinmorrice]

@@kaiserphoenix01 show me the proof

[@kevinmorrice]

@@kaiserphoenix01 grad 5 is half the rockwell strength of stainless steel, look it up

[@Stafo85]

An absolute classic.

[@mlcalderaro]

Great video! Just discovered you guys and subscribed...what is cool IMHO is when you hold the watch up to your ear, there is no "tick, tick"....so smooth...Just bought it! Love it better than my Rolex DateJust

[@BradyToons]

Got the chance to wear one of these and damn its light. Such a well constructed watch.

[@dwaynetherock-hardjohnson5676]

Absolutely astounding

[@chrisc6428]

I fully intend to purchase this watxh before the end of June.... fingers crossed one is avaliable at my AD....

[@logwind]

You're looking at the best dial and hand finishing in the world folks.

[@Longshore79]

It really is a beauty. Do they make something similar in SS steel ? I have a feeling I want more heft than the titanium

[@qdp03]

@@Longshore79 yes there’s a stainless steel version of this

[@krit5339]

@@qdp03 no there isn't.

[@jaysmall5673]

I got a Snowflake a month ago, and it’s been rarely off wrist.

[@Desperate4changing]

Tim, loving your videos. Just saying. 👍

[@drewsykes8152]

How I wish it was 36-39mm!

[@syedmohdfasihnaqvi155]

1mm should not be a deal breaker.

[@USS_Liberty]

@@syedmohdfasihnaqvi155 This watch is 41mm in diameter. The white dial also has the effect of making the watch appear larger than it is. It could also stand to be a bit thinner.

[@SystemofaDownsupport]

I want one!

[@NoahBB]

I intend on purchasing this watch in the next two years. My only concern is that I won't find any other watches as appealing after.

[@rustyshackleford17]

If you're an enthusiast, there is always an endless supply of "oh I like that"

[@sganairocks]

The best ..

[@SinnerAndSaint]

Stunning and timeless watch! Still can’t decide if I should go for a Hi Beat GS or a Spring Drive... 🤔🙈

[@j.r.5803]

Daniel Zimmermann Both are great. Peacock dial also does not help in a choose between both. Try both and keep in mind what you already have in term of watches aesthetics to keep a variation.

[@SinnerAndSaint]

João Ribeiro Actually I held both a SBGA211 as well as a SBGH205 in my hands at the same time. I think both have their pro’s and con’s. I love the lightweight titanium of the Snowflake compared to the steel hi beat but the SBGH205 has the cleaner dial: instagram.com/p/BbNq4cMAkYG/

[@wilsonton841]

First world problems. Lol

[@SinnerAndSaint]

Wilson Ton Absolutely! Nevertheless it IS a problem 😅

[@marcusadamsphotography5777]

I went to the Seiko Boutique in Tokyo with a shortlist. The Snowflake wasn't even on that list. 90 minutes and 8 watches later, it was the one I left with.

[@justeenabella]

Are the indices white gold?

[@johnlocke1977]

Got some monster scratches there.

[@skogling]

Cotton gloves thank you.

[@glorifiedbusdriver7036]

Grand Seiko Hi Beat, Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 or Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra? Been searching for a watch at this price range. Maybe you guys can help. Thanks in advance.

[@the1916companywatchreviews]

Drop us a call or email, we'd love to chat with you about it! Contact info here: http:www.thewatchbox.com

[@michaelliu8196]

Is a very underrated watch. Made with love. Wear a Rolex to impressed others, Grand Seiko to impress thyself.

[@JayzBeerz]

My dream watch. But unfortunately I can't afford it.

[@seanliew7343]

Anyone thinks this is a very good heirloom? I think so. I guess there’s so many beautiful things about this fine watch that you can tell it to your next generation. However not many can be said about Rolex.

[@sofrech1991]

Since you brought it up, Tim, I have to ask: in what areas (other than brand perception and value retention) do you think Rolex offers a better product than Grand Seiko?

[@Richie_P]

This particular Grand Seiko appears to have excellent value retention. Watchbox is offering it at only $600 less than the brand new list price (according to today's exchange rate) and they have two of the older model asking $1200 and $1500 more than this one. Can't assume other GS models will fare this well because the Snowflake has a cult following like no other, but at least it proves that GS can hold their value if they tweak the dial texture just right.

[@the1916companywatchreviews]

The Rolex bracelets and clasps are better in many instances. Rolex uses screws for removing links on all models, and the even the basic Rolex clasps are more substantial. GS *can* make a Rolex-leve bracelet, but it's not universal across the link; Rolex is more consistent. Best, Tim

[@sofrech1991]

Thanks for the reply! I believe the titanium watches use pins because screws are believed to strip the softer titanium... or at least, that's the reasoning I think Grand Seiko provided in the past. Of course, it could just as easily be a cost-cutting measure. In terms of clasps, I fully agree.I don't think there's a single company that can match the substantial clasp feel of the modern Rolex.

[@sofrech1991]

Yes, it's the LE models and the Snowflake that do very well on the pre-owned market, and they seem to be constantly back-ordered as well. But the rest of the line-up takes a pretty big hit on the secondary market. I've seen mint SBGA083 go for less than USD 2.5k.

[@someHandle95]

Hey Tim, could you point me towards some of the good GS watches at 38mm or less ?

[@alienhatz3265]

sbgr253

[@sofrech1991]

You're not going to find them, unfortunately, short of going vintage... The SBGW251 is 38mm and is a limited edition. The smallest regular-series watches are just shy of 40mm (SBGA283 for example).

[@ktc1840]

Try SBGR251 or 253

[@sublim3princ371]

There is 39mm just search it. There is also Google. Why ask for a watch in a size when you can just Google it? Try chrono 24 also

[@mikelawrence6840]

41mm is a bit big but the titanium bracelet will offset this

[@richardabanganjr.5044]

No lume?

[@philc822]

Kinda Weird to me , like a hybrid, rolex date just case, on an omega speedmaster bracelet, lacks originality , which is often the case with seiko, with some exceptions ie The Turtle diver/ 62mas ,and silverwaves and a few Bullheads here and there maybe a couple Lesalles too

[@andrewkhan1028]

Have you seen their Ananta Spring Drive line back in 2010? Extremely unique.

[@syedmohdfasihnaqvi155]

Lol omega and rolex dont make spring drive movements. This is completely seiko A-Z

[@rexdaileg6573]

if this was 37mm, i would seriously drop cash on it but its just too big

[@JanPBtest]

If you see it somewhere, try it on anyway. Just like its chronograph cousin, it wears smaller than the numbers indicate for some reason.

[@rustyshackleford17]

I assume you have some baby wrists then. But joking aside, give it a try. You never know about a watch until you try it on. I've had 38-40mm watches that wore like 44mm watches. I've had 44mm watches wear like 40mm watches on my wrist. I have flat wrists so 42mm tends to be my cup of tea.

[@expertreviews1112]

Question for watch afficiandos. I recently tried some CK watches, yes Calvin Klein, yeah they're Swiss made. I was totally blown away by their fit and finish. I'm not talking about the movement, just the case and bracelet finishing, design n craftsmanship... Just immaculate, reminded me of my Sarx 033. Sure CK don't have sapphire crystal, but their domed glass looked a thing of beauty, no automatic movement n they're a fashion brand, but they're owned by Swatch and i was simply impressed by the finish of their watches. Would you advise me on picking one up over a possible Japanese watch? My main req is finesse and sharp quality of case n bracelet n crystal

[@syedmohdfasihnaqvi155]

You are better off with a seiko presage or tissot automatic at that price.

[@Michael-4]

This watch isn't for small wrists. It's not the diameter it's the lug to lug which you failed to mention. Still a nice video and a lovely watch though.

[@Justin-yb6mf]

He said 48.5mm

[@Michael-4]

@@Justin-yb6mf I don't know why I totally missed that. Thanks.

[@cuestion-de-tiempo]

The swiss should NOT slack, GS taking a share of their market that will only keep increasing. Omega ready to overtake Rolex GS getting ready to overtake the whole

[@cuestion-de-tiempo]

Tim, why Grand Seiko in your eyes is not up to the Rolex level? Dials yes but the rest not? Case, material and finishing to me above the swiss, I wonder which part do you see them falling short?

[@MB-op6nr]

Think he means the clasp. It’s the only part that doesn’t quite step up. No micro adjustment etc. Horology is infected by the Rolex-virus

[@chendalin9862]

there's 2 scratches near the 6o'clock mark..?, nvm edit: its hair

[@ahuca117]

7:05 I believe you meant 9R65?

[@lange1815]

I was searching for this comment. It's what I thought too

[@johnerskine18]

Absolutely beautiful timepiece, wish I could afford one. Shame about the state of his finger nails.

[@patrickdaly5988]

Is that a scratch or a hair on the crystal?

[@RamonBrackett]

Patrick Daly I think hair and it's driving me nuts

[@jeromelacap2245]

Chuck Norris doesn't own a snowflake, It owns him.

[@SG-he4cy]

Good review but for SG 7K I bought Omega PO & Seamaster for 11K both new. Omega has a better brand image than GS. This is like Grand Toyota. Would u buy a Grand Toyota or Lexus for same price?

[@MB-op6nr]

You may be missing the point. This is a different facet to a collection. Omegas are great with fantastic history. Swiss watches a more recognised yes but it’s not surely about that or even price. The search for Horological perfection can be found in other countries too. Would you prefer an omega to a Glachutte Original or Lange?The Germans do it wonderfully to. Seiko has a great history dating back to the late 1800s. Grand seiko strives for perfection and in the spring drive they managed it. Rolex is creating a false inflated industry. Due to ignorance and social status, mainstream mass manufactured brands with minimal handcrafting will become out of reach in years to come due to the Rolex-virus. This is where honest brands like GS will thrive. The value for money is unparalleled.

[@SG-he4cy]

@@MB-op6nr U are correct buddy. Rolex is just pure marketing. There are tons of better brands elsewhere. Maybe for me i am not willing to accept GS cost/Brand now. But who knows next time i might have interest in it. However sometimes when i see someone with GS (Quartz included), i show my appreciation & admiration to the person & we talk about horology.

[@cleanerdetailsllc7789]

@@MB-op6nr you my friend are right on the money.

[@vadimdon]

Remove the hair from the watch

[@condadodealhamahomes]

The guy who presents it is obviously biased and can't even pronounce the name "Rolex" proberly, like normal people would do. The Grand Seiko is by far the best value watch human beings can buy today. You basically buy a 5k watch with a 80k value. Its that well build and manually finished. Rolex is a pure production watch, nothing complex about it, thats why Chinese copy them for 150$ a piece, and yes, normal people wouldn't notice the difference. With the Grand Seiko this is not possible, hence there are no good copies around.

[@TheHarryb]

I really, really love the watch. I just hate the logo. It's too much WW2. Am I the only one?