Snowflake, Winter or Spring? Detailed comparison of the Grand Seiko SBGA211, SBGA415 and SBGA413

Contact: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Website: littletreasury...
Snowflake (SBGA211): littletreasury...
Spring (SBGA413): littletreasury...
Winter (SBGA415): littletreasury...
Chris goes in depth with the Grand Seiko SBGA211 Snowflake, SBGA413 Spring and SBGA415 Winter, in efforts to help you decide which one is the best choice for you! He also offers his humble opinion!
Timestamps:
2:00 : Intro
3:15 : Features
8:40 : Humble Opinion
--
SBGA211
USD 5,800
Exterior
Case Material : High-intensity titanium
Glass Material : Dual-curved sapphire crystal
Glass Coating : Anti-reflective coating on inner surface
Case size : Diameter 41mm × Thickness 12.5mm
The perimeter of Band : 193mm
Clasp type : Three-fold clasp with push button release
Movement
Caliber no. : 9R65 Instructions
Movement Type : Spring Drive
Power reserve : Approx. 72 hours(3 days)
Accuracy : ±1 second per day / ±15 seconds per month (average)
Functions
Water resistance : 10 bar
Magnetic resistance : Equipped
Weight : 100.0 g
Other details / Features :
・30 jewels
・Against an allergic reaction to metal
・Case back with lion emblem
・Date display
・Power reserve display
・Screw case back
・Screw-down crown
・See-through case back
・Stop seconds hand function
-
SBGA413
USD 6,300
Exterior
Case Material : High-intensity titanium
Glass Material : Box shaped sapphire crystal
Glass Coating : Anti-reflective coating on inner surface
Case size : Diameter 40mm × Thickness 12.8mm
Clasp type : Three-fold clasp with push button release
Movement
Caliber no. : 9R65 Instructions
Movement Type : Spring Drive
Power reserve : Approx. 72 hours(3 days)
Accuracy : ±1 second per day / ±15 seconds per month (average)
Functions
Water resistance : 10 bar
Magnetic resistance : Equipped
Other details / Features :
・30 jewels
・Case back with lion emblem
・Date display
・Power reserve display
・Screw case back
・Screw-down crown
・See-through case back
・Stop seconds hand function
FEATURES
Shunbun: The Vernal Equinox
When sakura blossoms fall into water, they swirl and float. The pink blossoms dance on the water, and the Japanese call them flower rafts, hanaikada. The pink dial of this model captures the spirit of the fleeting sakura season.
Case Design: The Iconic 62GS Modern Reinterpretation
Launched in 1967, the 62GS was Grand Seiko’s first automatic movement. This timepiece gained popularity for its striking design featuring a mirrored, multi-sided case and wide dial opening, which was achieved with bezel-free construction and Seiko’s signature Zaratsu polishing technique. Pure, refined, and noble, the 62GS is a treasured classic.
Movement: 9R65 caliber that Grand Seiko assembles in its Shinshu Watch Studio, located in Nagano Prefecture. This sophisticated movement combines modern technology with the skilled hands of master craftspeople for its fine adjustments and high precision. The Spring Drive movement further reflects the smooth passage of time with every revolution.
-
SBGA415
USD 6,300
Exterior
Case Material : High-intensity titanium
Glass Material : Box shaped sapphire crystal
Glass Coating : Anti-reflective coating on inner surface
Case size : Diameter 40mm × Thickness 12.8mm
Clasp type : Three-fold clasp with push button release
Movement
Caliber no. : 9R65 Instructions
Movement Type : Spring Drive
Power reserve : Approx. 72 hours(3 days)
Accuracy : ±1 second per day / ±15 seconds per month (average)
Functions
Water resistance : 10 bar
Magnetic resistance : Equipped
Other details / Features :
・30 jewels
・Case back with lion emblem
・Date display
・Power reserve display
・Screw case back
・Screw-down crown
・See-through case back
・Stop seconds hand function
FEATURES
Taisetsu: The Deep Snow of Winter
Pine trees crusted with snow, silent under the sun of winter. It’s when the world has settled into a slumber only to awaken in the spring. This model’s dial celebrates the winter snow as it gathers and glitters against the sunlight.
Case Design: The Iconic 62GS Modern Reinterpretation
Launched in 1967, the 62GS was Grand Seiko’s first automatic movement. This timepiece gained popularity for its striking design featuring a mirrored, multi-sided case and wide dial opening, which was achieved with bezel-free construction and Seiko’s signature Zaratsu polishing technique. Pure, refined, and noble, the 62GS is a treasured classic.
Movement: 9R65 caliber that Grand Seiko assembles in its Shinshu Watch Studio, located in
Nagano Prefecture. This sophisticated movement combines modern technology with
the skilled hands of master craftspeople for its fine adjustments and high precision. The Spring Drive movement further reflects the smooth passage of
time with every revolution.

[@k1ortia]

Levels of precision and dedication Rolex could only dream of.

[@NatiiixLP]

Rolex couldn't care less. They have thousands of people patiently waiting in lines for models retailing at 200% MSRP, and calling that a great deal.

[@k1ortia]

@@NatiiixLP Then fool them..😉

[@twainwhitmore3448]

I purchased the Spring, the colours of the dial are unbeatable.

[@pskay]

Literally my three favorites from GS. Wish I could have them all.

[@Punchabearinnamouf]

I gotta say, I wish the seasons ones went with the ghost logo on the caseback too. I love that subtlety, and it was something I discovered only after bringing mine home. I don't think the gold logo would deter me from adding a Winter model to the collection though.

[@phantomphotography7392]

100%

[@spydude38]

Matt at Little Treasury helped me take the SBGA413 home today. Very happy with this purchase. Thanks Matt!

[@shahriarahmedtonmoy8462]

i still can't believe how smooth the second hand is!!🔥🤯

[@cloverhal2284]

The perfect watch would have the snowflake dial, the 62GS case, the blued seconds hand and the chapter ring. Hence why I chose the Winter

[@01rockape]

SBGA415 will definately be my next adddition. here in the UK they still retail at £6200 GBP as of June 2024, although shopppping around can reveal some good deals. For me the 415 takes it, not by a lot; but, the dial colour and higher visibility texture make it stand out. I just love the gold GS and the blue second hand. i think comments made on the snowflake bezel are very valid. wanting to protect that polish finish would worry me to the point of wanting to cover up the watch instead of wearing it comfortably on display forward on the wrist. thank you for the great review and comparison on 3 fantastic pieces

[@krit5339]

Owned both the Spring and Snowflake simultaneous. Best impossible to choose, but when I had to opportunity to acquire a grail I decided to sell the Snowflake, so I guess that's my choice. But thinking about picking up the Snowflake again 🤔

[@TheChadWork2001]

Using your reasoning, you should have kept it and had all three.

[@Mysteryboy0007]

whats your grail? also whats your top 3 watches right now??

[@krit5339]

@@Mysteryboy0007 Like a blast from the past. So much has changed in a year. I've consolidated my collection down to two, a GMT Root Beer, which is my daily, and a Panda Daytona. My grail now is probably a Patek 5178G.

[@dandatiles8404]

So glad I was able to see and touch these three models today. In yt videos, winter won me over so that's what I requested the salesman to show me. After several chats, he offered to show the spring and the snowflake, which were not on display. Spring, I would say, has a lavanderish hint, not a light pink as I expected. Winter is very nice, but comparing it to snowflake, the latter is the hands down winner for legibility and dial contrast. So uhm, yeah, I now understand why it is the G(S)OAT. To add: I wear a Galaxy 4 classic, coming from Pebble steel, coming from a white Tag Heuer F1. Hoping to get a GS SD late this year. Aaaand, the Seiko store is just a 12 minute walk from where I live.

[@scottjeffries6826]

You nailed this video. I purchased my winter GS from your store. I love it! I would also have loved the other two. The main selling point for me was the blue second hand, the more subtle dial and the non-bezel arrangement. This is a great watch and collection.

[@rva9098]

Had both spring and winter. Got tired of the spring too fancy for. Winter hands down as for versatility unique different shades of grey and legibility. Plus you can throw any desired color of strap on the winter

[@chrisltj]

Winter is always a great choice!

[@skzion2]

I have visited Japan during the cherry blossom season. The Spring does capture this season.

[@TKeller115]

Thank you for your overview. I currently have the Summer model on order of the collection. I'm torn between the spring and the winter. Once I receive the Summer piece, and if it is as expected I anticipate making my decision. Maybe both who knows.

[@TheChadWork2001]

GS made a mistake no putting a blued second hand on the Spring, and covering the movement with that impeding logo. The Snowflake is the best of the three and the least expensive so you get more value for the money.

[@DarkPa1adin]

Spring isn't blue, that's why. If they can make it pink they would have done it!

[@thekenthouse6428]

A blued seconds hand would look out of place on the Spring, from a color contrast perspective since the hues do not compliment each other and from a cultural reference viewpoint as the sapphire hue doesn't fit with the themes evoked during springtime.

[@daBezy]

@@thekenthouse6428 Agreed. I have the Spring and the blue seconds hand would draw attention away from the beautiful dial.

[@thekenthouse6428]

@@daBezy Wonderful acquisition, and dare I say that you made the best choice among the three

[@henleychoy5070]

I like the spring. First, i was born in April. Secondly, 62GS case is so appealing. Lastly, the dial colour.

[@AnselmClinard]

These reviews have been super helpful for me. Thank you. I have the SBGA415 but have been doubting whether I got the right one between these 3 watches (and now the SOKU, blue dial). I'm a titanium fan over steel generally, but really like the heritage of the snowflake. Can't have them all! Your knowledge of this pieces is really helpful in my process. Thank you!

[@AnselmClinard]

What have your client base done in this case? I know it comes down to personality, etc. Any returns of the Winter after having it a while? I was stunned by it and bought it unplanned so having a moment of doubt about it. Usually I research like a madman before any purchase.

[@alexandru.marinica]

You got the right one. Don't doubt yourself.

[@bergerecossais]

I’m wearing a Longines VHP GMT, blue dial, black PVD, so to go the opposite side of the spectrum it has to be the spring for me. I find the dial intoxicating but I fear it will be a long time before I will see one on offer from an AD here in Scotland

[@robconley5426]

While the Spring is very beautiful, I chose the Winter for the greater legibility of the dial. To make things a bit more complicated I got the Skyflake with a leather band for my ‘white’ dial watch (it’s really a subtle blue, of course). The Spring still tempts me though, it would be a good wear during our Spring cherry blossom time in the Washington DC area.

[@chrisltj]

Glad you are enjoying your winter and skyflake! The spring would probably fit well into your collection just because the pink is unusual anyway. Thanks for watching as always!

[@Sarmen25]

do AD give discounts on these?

[@robconley5426]

It depends on your relationship with them, but yes some discounts are available.

[@dopenough2smoke]

@@Sarmen25 no they don't. GS doesn't allow them to.

[@off-roadingcars]

I was thinking the same thing! Cherry blossoms in DC. Have you seen it on a black crock band? It looks amazing

[@albawehunt]

Although I had doubts about buying a replica watch, gussl dispelled my doubts. The watch has an authentic look and feel.

[@ray_t05]

Winter all the way!

[@chrisltj]

Winter is great!

[@snakeman48]

WOW!! The exact 3 GS watches I've selected for consideration to purchase. I'm leaning on the SBGA 415, with the 211 as a second choice. Too bad your store is over 600 miles from me. My closet GS AD is a mere 100 miles from me.

[@Littletreasury]

Glad the video was helpful! We do ship which has benefits for you! Contact info is in the description.

[@sir59]

Im wearing my newest piece, the SBGA401, brown dial rose gold indices

[@off-roadingcars]

I love your videos. It’s interesting that you say the snowflake is so legible. When I saw it in person the hands blended in with the white dial. i think if the hands were black the watch would be legible to me due to the greater contrast.

[@Littletreasury]

Thank you! And thank you for the feedback!

[@mt24Carson]

Excellent comparative video. Many thanks as always Chris. 👍⌚🇯🇵

[@chrisltj]

Thanks David, I'm glad that you enjoyed it!

[@TheChadWork2001]

The seconds indices are in the dial in the snowflake which is easier to see. Whereas they are on the side with the other two. And GS decided stupidly to block the movement with a cheap decal in the way.

[@rogerpena2734]

Great vid!! appreciate the effort. I'm wearing an Omega Seamaster 300 co-axial 8800. I prefer the snowflake among the three.

[@chrisltj]

Thanks Roger, I'm glad that you enjoyed it. Snowflake is a great choice!

[@skzion2]

The Spring is heartbreakingly beautiful. I own it.

[@benlau4026]

is it difficult to read?

[@skzion2]

@@benlau4026 I don't know to answer that. For me (20/20 with multifocal contact lenses), the glittering edges of the hands make them easy to read. Almost any light causes the glitter. The dial's pink-silver also stands out against the cold rhodium-silver of the hands. I have no problem, but you might.

[@Sarmen25]

do AD give discounts on the spring?

[@skzion2]

@@Sarmen25 Not that I am aware of.

[@picanha694]

The spring one is so nice

[@simonwright6882]

All beautiful watches, my favourite is the winter. Unfortunately I live in the UK so have found it very difficult to purchase this piece 😕

[@mayankkd1]

Excellent attention to detail in these reviews, great job

[@mono1no1aware]

These are great, thanks for the comparo, Chris!

[@chrisltj]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching

[@lihanou]

very hard choice, but the snowflake won for me. The seasonal ones are only good for enthusiasts and the wearer who are interested in every little detail. When you look at the spring one from a distance it just looks like a plain, low contrast, whitish dial, the winter looks a bit gloomy and mature for me - I would choose dark blue or some sort instead, but the snowflake retains the clean, high contrast look no matter what lighting, angle and distance.

[@mrlong6267]

I’m wearing both my Squale 1545 and Steinhart GMT titanium

[@ToneyDouglas23]

Im currently deciding between either a Spring (as seen in the video), or a Zenith defy classic skeleton. Both would be about the same size and fully titanium including the bracelets. The Zenith is so unique because a true skeleton movement at the price range is unheard of. But the Grand Seiko arguably has an even more unique dial and better finishing, but the lion emblem on the back is a buzzkill. Decisions decisions.

[@skzion2]

I wouldn't let the decal on the back of the GS dissuade you.

[@rogerdean3375]

Exact same decision I am making, did you decide?

[@ToneyDouglas23]

@@rogerdean3375 yeah I bought a Zenith Defy Classic skeleton back then but now I also have a GS SLGH009 so I got my GS fix also lol.

[@AXJ23]

only thing that kills the winter, is the missing cap on the seconds hand...why...would have been perfect

[@danielokeefe4453]

Great video. Nice to see a really thorough comparison.

[@WesolyArek]

Świetny materiał, dzięki!

[@alecpulianas6919]

Great video. Sign me up for the Snowflake one day!

[@chrisltj]

Thanks, and noted :)

[@PorscheCayenneS]

Thumbs up for the intro alone 😂

[@w0shiiWakaka]

I'm wearing the SRPD97j1 on a deep blue epsom strap. Keep it up, great video as always!

[@chrisltj]

Very nice combo! Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@magnuman008]

I am wearing an SLA023. Great Video!

[@chrisltj]

Thanks! Love the SLA023!

[@mi626]

Thanks for a beautiful comparative video

[@kiljaeden7663]

All of them have elements that I dislike. The hole in the second hand of the winter, the fully polished case of the snowflake and the non-blued second hand on the spring. But got the spring in the end.

[@alanstillair]

I'm wondering which one should I go for? snowflake, skyflake or the Winter

[@Koishishibaman]

Less than a week ago I bought the Spring model from you. It is a gorgeous watch. The dial is amazing! The texture and how the color changes with light. Wow! Next spring I m going to do a photo shoot of the watch and the cherry blossoms that fall from my tree in my front yard. Why no snowflake? I have a sarx055. Other than not having a spring drive...close enough for me not to want a GS snowflake. The quality of the dial.... case...... bracelet....way above it's price point. What crystal? Can't see it most of the time. I also have the black version. Sarx057. If these sarx had a better movement they would be very close to being a GS

[@zouki42]

I disagree. I have owned a sarx033 in the past and rhe quality cannot be compared. Maybe you have not seen a GS in person...

[@DarkPa1adin]

For dial, snowflake. For case design, spring as my wrist is thinner

[@bill-88]

I have the SBGA011 the Original Snowflake the SBGP015 AND SBGH271

[@chrisltj]

Great collection Bill!

[@abe7043]

Saving up for a snowflake or summer. Cant decide what to buy

[@kadesoto]

Hi, Chris, thanks for the great videos. I would love it if you discussed some modern dress watches in addition to the great dive watch coverage!

[@chrisltj]

Hi Andy, thank you for watching! I will do a dress watch in the near future. Stay tuned!

[@okiali6381]

Chris I say "Yes" to all three pieces as all are winners. Since Spring says "Spring Drive" should the Winter say "Winter Drive"? I'm partial to the Winter. #wristcheck newly purchased Hamilton Khaki auto 38mm. #JAWG #WYOWT

[@chrisltj]

Winter is great! Have I seen the Hamilton? If not send me a photo!

[@Peskarik]

Question: how long do you own Snowflake, does it still run to spec and did you have to service it yet? And thank you for videos, one of them supported my decision to acquire a spring drive watch. :-)

[@snaan78]

I’m wearing snowflake

[@Dave-ku7yt]

Any chance you ship to Australia? We can’t get the 4 seasons here.

[@ELdASenSei]

I can't decide :(

[@chrisltj]

You need all 3 😆

[@joshuajason9744]

I’m actually wearing a Grand Seiko Spring season....

[@RickyRicon2023]

how old are you? and it is a lot of ping or what is your opinion... about the spring season watch?

[@joshuajason9744]

@@RickyRicon2023 I really enjoy the watch. The dial is totally hypnotic- it’s incredible in person. The watch is also so light, as the titanium bracelet is tough as nails and light as a feather. The watch is a total winner in my opinion, and worth the price and the wait. It’s exceptionally and gracefully made

[@RickyRicon2023]

@@joshuajason9744 and do you think it is elegant or only a hipnotic fun dial ? i tried to write Pink instead of ping, thanks for your reply friend

[@joshuajason9744]

@@RickyRicon2023 it’s very elegant and understated as well. If you get to see one in person, you’ll totally get it. It’s a terrific piece. The brand as a whole is wonderful

[@benlau4026]

@@joshuajason9744 Is it legible? does the silver second hand matter? or do you just look at the colour of the dial?

[@simplecookingwithjobay4356]

I like the grand seiko date window over rolex.

[@Whitehouse7814]

This guy reads my mind

[@hewster1]

What does Grand Seiko officially give as a name for the SBGA413? I hear Spring, Cherry Blossom, and Shunbun as 3 options all the time...

[@Littletreasury]

Just call it the Spring, but all of those names apply technically.

[@benlau4026]

Great Job

[@RobertRBruno]

Love my ❄️👍

[@chrisltj]

Snowflake is awesome!

[@bazs7669]

Awesome review!

[@Guy-ns1hk]

I like the all, but the lion on the case back of the spring and winter models is annoying, imho.

[@toddallgier914]

Great video. I did visit the store and met Chris in person. He could not have been more helpful patient or polite. Would encourage all of you to stop by if you're in the area. I'm still waiting to see the white birch in person. I would also like to see the lake suwa in person but I realize that's a limited edition piece. I think if I could see both of those I would buy one or the other. I am a little bit frustrated that there are so few authorized dealers for Grand Seiko. My only other alternative is to take a train from d.c. to New York City. That seems kind of extreme for a brand that's trying to make inroads in the high-end watch world.

[@stewartmckeand8953]

Am wearing an Armand Nicolet JS9

[@TheChadWork2001]

The real deal breaker is that logo blocking the movement.

[@edwardmiller2735]

what's the watch blown up as your back round ... it looks like the grand seiko but the dial looks different

[@Littletreasury]

That is the White Birch SLGH005, but I did remove the Grand Seiko logo and text to make the background cleaner looking.

[@edwardmiller2735]

@@Littletreasury Thanks that's the one I would get

[@xkukubax]

What's the watch that's in the Chris' background?

[@Littletreasury]

Hi, it's the White Birch SLGH005--- but I removed the Grand Seiko and GS logo so it wouldn't distract from my head lol.

[@Mysteryboy0007]

Spring or snowflake if you can only pick one?!?!??

[@Littletreasury]

Snowflake if you need a white dial, spring if you already have a white dial :)

[@tunghq]

Great review. Thanks.

[@bali_imagery]

Clint Eastwood always wins. the legend as snowflake itself.

[@JOHNAPRIL123]

Incorrect. I bought the spring edition at UB City in Bangalore.

[@Littletreasury]

Congrats! If you are referring to availability, to add context - This video was posted in early 2021 when this piece was US only and you would have waited a month for it, but it is a lot more available now and has been released to the world.

[@JOHNAPRIL123]

@@Littletreasury Thank you for this clarification. It has puzzled me, as I've seen two videos now declaring such a thing. I purchased mine in May 2022. Anyway, I liked your review. But KZbin does have a way of seeming coming off as "news" to my lazy mind and I guess I forget about time passing and rules changing.

[@Whitehouse7814]

im wearing a ronald macdonald watch i got from happy meals

[@RUSGrus]

snow

[@14wntr]

Great video content but asking/demanding 3 times to hit the sub button is too much! Lay off a bit, we all know how it works on here....

[@jimc3516]

I'm looking at the snowflake, but have not yet heard a number that inspires confidence as far as wear-ability goes in the overall length of the bracelet... GS says 193 mm which equates to about 7.6 inches... Another fella on youtube says it 14 cm which is 5.5 and we know that's likely a misstatement. I need an 8 "± bracelet... can I get a definitive answer please?

[@NippleSauce]

I'm so torn between the Spring and the Winter!!! I can't view them in person and so I'm really confused about which one to go with...