REVIEW: Grand Seiko SBGA407 - The Skyflake

Today's watch review: The Grand Seiko SBGA407 "Skyflake". Apologies on the boo-boo here. The lug width is actually 19mm and not 20mm.
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[@watchat888]

Apologies on the boo-boo here. The lug width is actually 19mm and not 20mm.

[@wristwatchtalk]

Nice video review.. but I wouldn't agree with your point about buying watches to be noticed by others. In your case it seems like that's why you buy these watches. So you can show off to others etc but that's certainly not the case with many.

[@watchat888]

@@wristwatchtalk Oh don't get me wrong. I agree with what you say. But for me, it's not so much of showing off like "Hey look at me I'm wearing an expensive watch...etc" but more of having a beautiful looking watch to match the outfit (fashion accessory) and also having something I enjoy looking at, otherwise looks wouldn't matter 😇. "To showcase it" and "to show off" has 2 different meanings 😅. One deals with the recognition of it being a good looking piece to match the outfit and occasion, the other talks about bragging rights. But of course, there are different types of people out there with different levels of appreciation. To each his own I guess. But no, I don't buy them to show off. I do own a lot of cheaper watches which I regard as good looking because I love watches in general and not for status symbol✌🏻.

[@nznordiczen6641]

"You buy a Rolex to impress others. You buy a Grand Seiko to impress yourself."

[@sergeyzerkin8029]

Nonsense phrase ... they both have different factors to impress ... Rolex however impressed me more

[@jossypfeuffy7715]

Silly saying. I own both and both I enjoy and am impressed with both for different reasons. Nobody notices and/or pays attention to what watch I’m wearing more of the time. People give more credit to non watch people that there really is. The fact is majority of people don’t care about watches.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

@@sergeyzerkin8029 I agree with you, Sergey. However, I know a few people that bought Rolex's only to impress people with their perceived wealth. :)

[@javiercandia3823]

not true, both are amazing

[@gordonmculloch4904]

I suppose it comes down to the fact Rolex is better branded, therefore readily recognisable. There’s not many out there that know of Grand Seiko unless, of course, they are into finely crafted watches.

[@tiffer67]

I held this watch in my hands a couple of weeks ago. I had originally gone into the jewellers to try the Snowflake. The Snowblake is a beautiful watch but in comparison to the Skyflake it's ordinary. The Skyflake is the most beautiful dress watch I have ever seen. It's finishing is absolutely incredible. None of my Rolex, Omega, Tudor or Cartier watches comes close.

[@lamentate07]

Cartier watches are junk in comparison. You are just paying for the name.

[@TheMypurpleflower4u]

this one over the new Rolex OP 41mm any day..my next purchase even I am putting my name on the interest list of Tiffany blue OP as well

[@watchat888]

Hey Eric Wong, you and I have the same in mind. This and the Tiffany OP...😁

[@DarylChangs]

@@watchat888 Hi, what are your thoughts on the skyflake vs the seasons collection? Which do you prefer?

[@watchat888]

@@DarylChangs Hi Daryl Chang, which particular model are your comparing it with?

[@DarylChangs]

@@watchat888 the Spring

[@watchat888]

@@DarylChangs Oh...the SBGA413. That's a lovely piece. Yes among the 4, I would go with the spring as well. I think this and the Skyflake are very different. Like the Snowflake, the casing on the SBGA413 is in between a dress and a sport watch. Whereas the Skyflake is more a vintage inspired dress watch. What I like about the SBGA413 is its case shape. I think this case design is better than the Snowflake case design. With that case design where it has a lot of brush finishing makes it easier to maintain and take care of it. Its a smart design as well. So whenever you place it on the side, the zaratsu polished part is always spared from being scratched. The Skyflake however 😖 requires a lot of babying. The dial on the SBGA413 is also gorgeous. However, i think it would be perfect if the pink is a little more vibrant. As it is, it looks kinda pale. Hence, I think the Skyflake has a better dial because of that colour (if you were to consider both the dial design being equal). The SBGA413 is also slightly thicker measuring at 13.1mm whereas the Skyflake is 12.8mm. Having said that, the watch has a titanium bracelet which allows you wear everywhere. Personally, my first choice would still be the Skyflake. It is a very delicate looking watch which makes it even more precious looking. It may not be the most practical watch (because of that leather strap and mirror finishing all around) it is a prettier watch (if you can keep it clean from scratches). The blue is also very unique I feel. I've not seen any other watches with that blue that also has the fired blue seconds hand gliding on it. It really does stands out. I think the Skyflake is also cheaper 😋. Anyway, that's just my view. What do you think?

[@TheTinyRedDot]

easily the most detailed review of Skyflake on youtube 👍

[@watchat888]

Thanks there. Appreciate the comment. Don't forget to subscribe to support my channel 😁🙏

[@medroastt9888]

Tried one in the AD and didn't like it for its diameter and thickness. I prefer 38-39mm for a dressy watch (7" wrist). The blue dial colour is also too light as you mentioned.

[@watchat888]

Hey blackcoffee T, thanks for chiming in. I guess to each his own. I am alright with 36-45mm depending on the style I wanna pull on that day 😅. For 39mm have you considered the SBGK005? That's a good looking piece too.

[@medroastt9888]

@@watchat888 I have tried on that model too. Too dressy. I'm more into heritage models, but GS should first fix its size and thickness, dial/bezel proportion, bracelet and clasp, otherwise I'll pass.

[@watchat888]

@@medroastt9888 I would agree, they do have weird proportions 😅

[@Therollingpanda]

Brilliant review! This review has actually pushed me more towards the skyflake than the snowflake I’ve wanted for a while!

[@watchat888]

Thanks Lawrence A. Really appreciate your comment. So are you going to pull the trigger?

[@Therollingpanda]

@@watchat888 as soon as the time is right I think so! (Aka still saving)😂

[@watchat888]

😉

[@RasenRambo23]

I'd urge you to go compare them in person. In the boutique I found the dials of this watch and the Omiwatari muted because of their blue hue compared to the Snowflake. It's good if you want to fly under the radar but the crisp white just kept drawing my eye like no other watch they had on display.

[@jonbents9987]

Glad you made the correction on the lug width in the comments, that could make or break this for people. I also bought the bracelet and have to say this becomes more of a daily wearer when you make the switch from leather to the GS bracelet. Thanks for sharing, I love hearing the different takes on this watch.

[@watchat888]

Thanks Jon Bents. How's the feel like with the bracelet? Heavy?

[@woodtvnetwork]

A dress watch can't be used everyday? Idk I think that if you are working in an office or at home then it definitely can be done if you aren't doing rigorous activity. I wear my gs sbgn009 daily for almost 3 years without issue

[@watchat888]

I guess you can. The only problem (for me) with the Skyflake as an everyday watch is the delicate all zaratsu case polish and the leather strap. Especially when you are dealing with vigorous activities and sweat, or even when washing you hands at the washroom 😅. But I'm sure there are others less vigorous than me....hehehe

[@woodtvnetwork]

@@watchat888 I think that part of owning a watch is wearing it and scratching it up now I'm not saying you need to do it on purpose but it is going to happen

[@smoothacceleration437]

Nice review, but one important aspect often criticized with GS was not addressed: is it too thick?

[@watchat888]

Actually IMHO, it's not too thick. It's only 1mm thicker than the Rolex DateJust. I guess it's just a matter of preference.

[@TheRausing1]

Cannot choose between this and the Jeager LeCoutre’s master reserve de marche....

[@watchat888]

Woooo...tough choice....hmmm...I think I would still for the GS. But thats just me. 😁

[@70s80sVintage]

I own this watch and its absolutely stunning in every aspect. Elegant. Classy. Traditional. And certainly a conversation starter. Just superb workmanship, and band is super comfortable. Five Star Investment as far as I am concerned!

[@watchat888]

Absolutely agree with what you said there. GS is just underrated.

[@thomasgeremia2173]

Hi just a suggestion that you wear white gloves when you're doing your reviews and buff with a nice microfiber cloth your watches 1st you can see your fingerprints all over these watches and it really takes away a lot of their beauty and shine.

[@watchat888]

Thanks for the feedback. Ok will do so. 😁

[@senrab107]

best watch in the world ; world strap in the world

[@watchat888]

Hahaha....what strap would you recommend to change it to? I dont think it suits a steel bracelet.

[@xx1j]

I got this watch, but I use it as an everyday watch. It's not easy tho

[@watchat888]

Wow xx1j, you are bold. Respect. Yeah, it's not easy as you really don't want to scatch that zaratsu polish 😅.

[@v3sinned]

Love the review, great detials. Saw this at the AD, but that price tag tho😅

[@watchat888]

Thanks Dennis Foo. Speaking about price, what do you think? Do you think the GS, particularly this model, is worth the price point? Some say certain model is not worth it and some say, that it's below what it's worth. What do you think?

[@LocalWatchGuy]

My next Grand Seiko, I was tempted to get this initially however I went with the snowflake instead! Great review and great narration

[@watchat888]

Hey LocalWatchGuy. Appreciate the comment. Thanks. Love your videos.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

It has been a tough decision for me, although after seeing the two watches in person, I believe the Snowflake is the one I like the most. Are you still happy with your decision to go with the Snowflake?

[@LocalWatchGuy]

@@rosewoodsteel6656 now that I own the snowflake, I would want a skyflake !

[@gmshadowtraders]

1:21 - "Whilst the Rolex finishing is insurmountable, the GS makes it look like child's play..." LMAO!!

[@watchat888]

A figure of speech... 😋

[@gmshadowtraders]

@@watchat888 Not at all, the difference is as clear as night and day! You think Rolex refuses to show their movements just for the sake of it? ahahaha, GS FOREVER BABY

[@watchat888]

Hehehe... 👍🏻

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

Rolex finishing is insurmountable? Said nobody ever.

[@graytime5828]

Great content sir! I know you will get more subscribers soon :)

[@watchat888]

Thanks Gray Time, appreciate your support and kind words.

[@videochen]

Am considering this piece and your review answered all my questions. Great job!

[@watchat888]

Thanks buddy. So are you planning to get it or still thinking about it? It is a pretty cool watch.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

I checked out the Snowflake and the Skyflake at the AD a day ago. I went in thinking, for sure, that I would like the Skyflake better, based on the videos of it I've seen on the internet. I'm not sure why, but I believe I like the Snowflake better. I'm still in the deciding process, but I will be making a decision shortly.

[@watchat888]

👍🏻 let me know which you got. Either one, it is a still good watch. If you wanna know the difference between then snowflake and the skyflake, check out my other video. I've done a comprehensive video to show the difference. Take car buddy.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

@@watchat888 Thank you! I saw your video. It was great!

[@seiko9361]

Is this watch durable i mean if we fight with this watch will it be broken feom straps or will the movement be effected ?

[@watchat888]

Hahaha...I don't know how to determine that. I don't think I wanna try that myself. Hmm...I think spring drive movements should be more stable and antishock compared to automatic movements....right?

[@seiko9361]

@@watchat888 hahaha my question was a little accenteric. I wanted to ask how much time this leather strap can remain. In pakisatan we only have bracelets and people have seiko 5 bracelets for more than fifty years no one wears a leather strap in our country because our people and weather both are sweaty and bad dusty . I saw a watch enthusiast which had a leather watch strap for winter and bracelet for summer in pakistan . And surprisingly the bracelet was more than 50 years and leather strap was old more than 45 years he had a seiko watch strap ( now i am not sure was it grand seiko or what ) . And usually people who use leather straps can last at least 20 years . Thats why i ask whats the europeans opinion or what do you say or people say about grand seiko crocodile or credor crocodile with comparison of other brands straps like iwc, jlc, patek, rolex, vacheron c, tag heuer, or any best watch strap watch making company?

[@greenbow7888]

What do you think if the 3-4 year service interval?

[@watchat888]

That is suggested but to be honest I have not have the need to service it yet. Hence, I've got not idea. Anyone who has the need to service the watch mind to comment on this?

[@greenbow7888]

@@watchat888 It's the recommended service interval in the Spring Drive manual. Grand Seiko also say that Spring Drives should be serviced that regularly to avoid wear on parts. They even suggest that the entire movement could be replaced. (After I read that, I let any idea of ever wanting a Spring Drive, go from my mind. Very sad.) I would however be surprised to hear a story of parts needing replacement after only four years. Although Grand Seiko made a point about it maybe being necessary.)

[@chancebanana]

I regret soooooo much selling it fck me

[@watchat888]

Oh no.... I think you can still get it now. Are you going to go back to it?

[@66Viscount]

I love this watch and prefer it to the snow flake.

[@watchat888]

My apologies to all snowflake owners but I agree with you 😅 There's something about the Skyflake that gives you that cooling and calm sensation.

[@alvinlim2578]

have not seen this in person (don't even dare to walk into a GS store haha), but must say the blue looks very nice in certain lighting condition. But in some parts where it's very bright, it looks like a normal Timex white dial. Again, this is based on your video. Still, the second movement of the spring drive is another marvel altogether. So far have not seen any other watch brands having this smooth movement.

[@watchat888]

Hey Alvin Lim, thanks for chiming in here. Do you know that Seiko also have Spring Drive movement? They cost as much as a GS. This is interesting, if money is not an issue, would you but "Spring Drive Seiko" or a "Spring Drive GS" for around the same price? 😁

[@alvinlim2578]

@@watchat888 GS all day (I believe the Spring Drive Seiko has an extremely high price). If need to let go in secondary market, people will pay more for a GS than a Seiko.

[@watchat888]

Lol... Let me see if I can get my hands on one of those Spring Drive Seiko and do a comparison video. I'm sure the "Spring Drive movement" can't be the only factor on Seiko's increase on the price. But who knows, the watch world is a crazy and unrealistic world. Hahaha.

[@dataclicks3585]

Good review. Can you do a detailed comparison between the Snowflake and Skyflake?

[@watchat888]

Got it Dataclicks. I'll pen that down on my list.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

@@watchat888 I saw your comparison a few minutes ago. Great job!

[@watchat888]

@@rosewoodsteel6656 Thanks there

[@sivakumararokiam9762]

Nice video bro. Thinking of getting this or sbga293

[@watchat888]

Go for it bro. The SBGA293 is a nice watch.Love that spring drive.

[@sivakumararokiam9762]

Got it already 😆

[@watchat888]

@@sivakumararokiam9762 Congrats there bro. How is it?

[@sivakumararokiam9762]

@@watchat888 enjoying it now. 😃

[@watchat888]

@@sivakumararokiam9762 Awesome bro. Wear it with good health.

[@gordonmculloch4904]

Great review. 👍

[@watchat888]

Thank you so much.

[@ZoneTwelveOnline]

of course you can use it as a daily driver

[@watchat888]

You are brave 😅 I just feel pretty stress babying it since it has an all rounded mirror case. Any scratches on it would be very obvious.

[@ZoneTwelveOnline]

@@watchat888 Yeah its unavoidable, but life is for living and watches are for wearing. I'm also clumsy and rough my GS unfortunately has scratches.

[@watchat888]

@@ZoneTwelveOnline True that. They call this misery loves company 🤣 Every bang every cluck is a pain only the wearer knows

[@robbstone5866]

I love this watch!! Although the sizing could be a bit bigger, 40.2mm is a good size for my wrist. I believe that the strap size is 19 mm and it is easy to find other strap options that can tone-down the dressy look. Although the blue colour is not constant under all lighting conditions, it is an element (along with the textured dial) that is very unique to the brand and uncommon to most watches on the market. A wonderful watch! Use it well and keep up the great work!!

[@watchat888]

Hey Robb Stone, yes the lug width is actually 19mm and I'm humbled by the correction. Thanks for clarifying that. Always appreciate your input. Hope you like the rest of the video ✌️😅.

[@robbstone5866]

Great video as usual 👍

[@watchat888]

Thanks. 👍

[@shawnlavigne9069]

I appreciate your detailed reviews. Lovely watch.

[@watchat888]

Thanks Shawn Lavingne. Hope the other videos are helpful too. ✌🏻😅

[@keithireland6627]

Stylish review great colour thankyou.

[@watchat888]

Thank you Keith ireland. Appreciate the comment. Do check out my other videos too. Cheers.