Grand Seiko JUST Made The Perfect Snowflake. Or Did They?  

Watches without micro adjustments should be a thing of the past.

I have a High accuracy quartz GS and it's my my favourite. I also have an automatic GS which mainly sits in a drawer. The main reason is the thickness. Particularly with a watch you want to wear at work, the slimness combined with convenience of knowing it always shows the right time, means it's wearability is second to none. I don't miss the smooth hand of the automatic the slimness more then makes up for that

I think a lot of people will like this, but I prefer the 211 and will be buying it.. I prefer the larger size and the spring drive is truly mesmerising!

If you cant afford the Spring Drive, this would be a nice alternative for sure. But the sweeping hand of Spring Drive is just so beautiful... I love mine.

For my minimalist style and 6.5 inch wrist, that's a perfect watch

Lovely watch, very nice indeed. It’s a small pity it’s not one of the newer 9F8x movements with the jumping hour hand. It’s a shame to have to interrupt that 10s/year accuracy twice a year to put it forward or back an hour. Only a minor nit-pick but a pity nonetheless. Other than that, it’s a stunner.

My favorite part of watching him is the jump scare every time after "let's get into it"

Beautiful but sad it’s not a spring drive.

A spring drive movement is a quartz watch. Some claim that it's a hybrid watch, but by that logic, all quartz watches are hybrid mechanical movements by virtue of having a gear train. While that's _technically_ true in a general sense, the definition of a quartz movement gives some insight and substance. By definition, a watch that's regulated by a quartz oscillator is a quartz movement. In a spring drive movement, you have a quartz oscillator that regulates timekeeping, with an integrated chip to send an electric signal to the quartz crystal at the end of its 32,768th oscillation. The watch also uses what GS calls a tri-synchro regulator to manage mechanical, electrical, and electromagnetic energies. This doesn't mean that a spring drive movement is like most other quartz movements, or that it's a bad technology at all--in fact, I prefer a spring drive over a quartz movement, by virtue of it achieving accuracy with more mechanical components, and it's far more interesting to look at. Anyway, aesthetically, I prefer the dial and hands of the SBGV245 over this one. The Oyster style case and blued seconds hand on this SBGX355G is a better touch to me, but the crown's a bit too disproportionately small. I understand that this is about the snowflake dial, but I like to use the SBGV245 as a benchmark comparison. That said, I'd choose a mechanical movement in a GS, and specifically, the 9SA5.

See you touched 150k subscribers 🎉 congrats!!

Just bought the SGBW231. Could not be happier. My first high end luxury watch after my CW Vintage Trident. Great vid! GS’s quartz watches are so great!

I like this one, I really do. I couldn't give a pair of dingo's kidneys that it's quartz. It's bloomin brilliant. I want one a lot. Brilliant case, awesome dial and it's a set it and forget it (ish), Resetting for the daylight saving time reduces that time error by around five twelfths. Bloomin marvellous. Hats off to Ryan at F&G for making this one possible and of course some reviewer geezer 🙂. Thanks for sharing, my wallet is already crying so it'll be a good while before I consider a spend. Cheers Russ.

Oh man, I think this is the GS I would get if I were going to get one. I’d rather have the high-beat movement, but a high-quality quartz would be a great addition to my collection!

Tried it on at the weekend before the British Watch event. My favourite GS I tried on at the boutique on Bond Street. The snowflake dial is still my favourite and the thickness of the case was always a sore spot, this one solves that problem.

Great review Russ - I think you nailed it perfectly, especially by highlighting it as complimentary to the Spring Drive. Removing the power reserve indicator is such a huge improvement. Frankly, I have never thought the benefits of the indicator are worth the (awful) compromise to the aesthetic of the dial. So when they put this dial on the spring drive the resulting watch will be very close to perfection!

I’ve been wanting the black dial SBGX261 for a while now but this may have just changed my mind. A lot more in price but gives you more of that Grand Seiko finishing and dial work. Decisions…decisions 😂

Beautiful watch, would prefer one this size with the spring drive but I guess that it’s not possible to fit on in these dimensions. Having just purchased a Christopher Ward Bel Canto my budget is blown this month! Great video as ever.

Very nice especially it’s new dimensions but it still needs a spring drive if you want it to be Grand Seiko.

Tried it on yesterday. A perfect GADA watch for my 6.25” wrist.

The small clasp looks good the way it is. I think those are not actually 1/2 links, but they look like 2/3 links. The net result is that you can get any increment of 1/3 link spacing. This is actually better than having true half links.

I'd rather buy the SBGX261G which is also 37mm but with a more beautiful bracelet (at least for me) and I like the black dial more. But to be honest, this is a great looking watch also!

I like the Seiko quartz watches, I bought the SACM171 (Dolce) last month as I needed a dress watch for black tie events and other special occasions. It is tiny at 33.5mm and about 6mm thin but is an absolute stunner with a 8j high accuracy quartz (10s/yr) in it. A version of that movement used to be used in some older GS and Credor models apparently. It’s too small for every day wear, but perfect for special occasions.

Bought an SBGA407 (Blue Snowflake) a few years ago, and had a GS factory bracelet fitted to it (thanks Little Treasury Jewelers.) Absolutely love my Blue Snowflake, as the dial can sometimes appear white, and other times it's an ocean blue.

When I see this watch i long for a spring-drive. It's like buying a Porsche when you actually can't pay the Lamborghini you really want.

Really nice, love GS, now I just need to make more money, can't stand tennis so coaching is out lol

Lovely watch. Shame it's not spring drive though

Cool watch,i justunderstand why seiko dont have yet a quick set for the strap,if san martin suposed tobe cheap have it! They have to react soon

Much cleaner … always hated the power reserve on the dial!

I bought the Snowflake about 10 years ago. I can’t remember exactly when. It was before it was popular and I got about 20% off. It is my favorite watch. I own a few Rolexes and other luxury watches, but this is the watch I wear daily.

Aesthetically it's near perfect for me (still wish the bracelet was a bit nicer but...) problem is I could never spend that much for a quartz movement (no hate, I love my quartz) This just needs a spring drive. Also the power indicator is hideous 😂

Such an outstanding watch in loads of ways! Too pricey for me but if I had the cash I’d love to add a Grand Seiko or 2 to my collection. Awesome show MWC!

The wife says, "I don't like bling". So, that's a new set of pans vs the eternity ring 🤔🤣

I prefer the 211 hands down, but I appreciate that this model extends to more wrists and greater audience 😊

I'm not anti-quartz or anti-GS, but find the Spring Drive is better value as the quartz movement is much less attractive at the lower price. If I was looking at 37mm quality quartz in this style I think the incredible Citizen AQ4100-65W with 5 second per year accuracy, perpetual calendar and Washi paper with Platinum leaf dial at a similar price is a better proposition.

Nice, seconds hand hits the markers almost as good as Casios, not bad for a Seiko!

I prefer the GS thin clasp. Bulky clasps not so much.

I have an original black face steel version of this watch and though GS say +/- 10 seconds per year, my one has not deviated from perfect time in the last 2 years. I love it. Titanium was a smart move by GS, now let's see some other face colour titanium options please and I wouldn't say no to a manual spring drive version with the power reserve on the rear. Keep the shape and size and keep it slim please.

Poverty model for over 3 Grand ☠️☠️☠️plus didn’t see jumpy second finger lining up with much of minute track markers, Jeez…… Spring Drive is what GS is all about,not this 36mm Mickey Mouse effort😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

The interesting thing is that once when I was wearing my older Seiko 5 watches which barely has any lume on it I indeed used my phone to light up the dial and see the time :D I am so used to not reading the time on my phone screen hahaha.

I’d like to sit in a room with the lead designer and ask why they feel that clasp is acceptable.

Looks like an old man watch compared to the other

Very nice 9f watch. People have very strong feelings about the choice of spring drive vs. high beat/automatic vs. quartz. I like all three but personally feel fonder of the high beat and quartz movements, and that spring drive is FOR ME kind of a compromise.

This is the perfect watch for me in concept, but in reality I'm not quite sure if it is too blingy and too small. Only way to know is to see it in person and try it on I suppose. And I also kinda don't want to live without an easily adjustable bracelet. I Wish GS would up their bracelet game, or offer an alternative clasp with some micro-adjust on. Like a better finished version of the Astron clasps or something like that. Or just the Astron clasp really, with a touch more of GS design language if possible.

Beautiful , but I honestly preferred the previous iteration. If I had to go for a GS quartz option, I would go for the SBGP005 that is on my wrist now. Blue dial and the jumping hour function that I absolutely love.

I think these will be amazing preowned.

Hey Russ, it was kinda hard to tell due to the angles but was the second hand hitting the marks ok?

I would miss the spring drive every time when I would make a time checking. No. No it would be a sour taste on my mouth.

Smaller = Good. Sanz Spring Drive = Very Bad. QUARTZ??????? = REPREHENSABLE!!!! Price = LAUGHABLE!!!!!!!!!! This should be called the Grand Sucko Raindrop! The Madman ? EPIC......... Cheers!

Been looking at this, contemplating swapping my GS Hi-Beat GMT for it. Why? Set and forget, much less maintenance down the line and that lovely dial. Less fuss less hassle. Even better if sans date. Thank you for hands on MWC 👍

SBGX263 owner (and fanboy) here and really eager to try the 355 at an AD, as for me there is very little improvement potential over the 263. It is the perfect watch for my lifestyle and wrist diameter and it looks stunning in every circumstance. The 355 must truly disappear on your wrist. But for a steep price!

There is one thing I don't understand about Grand Seikos and this is coming from a guy who owns the 9F Grand Seiko and love it. Why do they have drilled lugs? Why don't they go to the easy-change spring bars instead? Also, I change bracelets quite often, but would never have my spring bar tool go anywhere near that beautiful finishing on the case.

Nice dial!! i agree with the clasp, it would be better with a adjustable one, this is the only thing i don't like about my GS SBGX061.

t looks sooo much better on a smaller wrist. But, damn. Can't help but feel I need that SD

Beautiful watches. Make the bracelet more user friendly (screws instead of pin and collar) and better clasp, you've got a winner winner chicken dinner.

Spring Drive = Grand Seiko. Doesn't feel the same without it. The watch looks great but if you bring this to a non watch enthusiast, chances are they know about GS and the spring drive but might think this one is a fake because it is quartz.

Another great show Russ. Thanks for sharing this beauty of a watch.

It’s a stunner. My ultimate grail is a GS Spring Drive GMT. Thanks for showing it us Sir!

The black faced version is my only quartz, and my favourite watch.

A definite “NO”…on a quartz GS…so many nice automatic Seiko and Grand Seiko I would rather have

I have the 211 and it is a lil big for my 6.5” wrist but it wears nicely and very light still. I do like the cleaner dial and the smaller size of this one but the smooth sweep is not something I want to give up. If only they have a new smaller spring drive with a 37mm case.

If it was without date this would be a watch I would skip lunch till I could afford it.

Grand Seiko should put 2 tritium tubes on the underside of the hands. The look would remain the same but in the dark the hands would be clearly outlined against the white dial. Beautiful watch but not for me. Great video though. 😁

New dimensions, lack of power reserve indicator: great. Lack of spring drive, failure to improve bracelet: bad.

I think I'd stick with my sbgx263 champagne dial for £2100, if I ever have the money for another Grand Seiko it would have to be a spring drive.

I've got a 1973 Citizen Cosmotron Special with a snowflake-patterned dial.

I love the Snowflake. It’s pretty much my holy grail watch. But as far as the quartz goes, if they went that direction they should have made it solar.

I don’t think the power reserve indicator was so bad they had to remove it’s I think it added a slightly unique charm to something higher quality watches usually don’t have. Size is perfect however.

Grand seiko should make a sweeping quartz movement. Bulova style. Poor man’s spring drive.

Should have told us from the start it was a quartz man! You had me sold 😂

Is Mr Pagini now a thing of the past? 😮

£3700 for a Quartz that will drop like a stone on the secondary market is a hard pass. I think those that buy as a ‘budget snowflake’ may live to regret it.

I own quartz in my collection as well as mechanical. But I really only want solar powered watches for quartz. I only have one which isn't solar, and I wouldn't buy another. Unless it was a crazy low price.

They would sell bagillions of these if they put the spring drive in it. A true 37mm snowflake.

I love GS, but haven't bit the bullet yet. For me, it has to be a spring drive given its uniqueness and a sign of how seiko have been a market disruptor since time began! 😂. I love their quartz watches, how they internally adjust calibration based on temperature (as temp effects the physical properties of the quartz crystal), but for that price, I'd rather spend 450 quid on a high frequency Bulova quartz movement with sweeping seconds hand anyday of the week. Could perhaps shoe-horn that movement into a nicer finished watch....surely some microbrand can do that?

With half link combinations (two are bigger than a full link) I'd say 90% would get a good fit. It's not as bad as two micros and no half links. Still a nervewrecking process with those tiny screws though.

The dials detract attention from how beautiful that Zaratsu polishing is. I find GS designs utterly boring, but I have one of these just for its high accuracy movement. The watch itself is as boring as the rest of the GS line in my opinion, but, in the sunlight, it's hard for me to not stare at the way the metal gleams. The classic size is also great.

Seems the seconds hand isn’t line up with markers….if Grand Seiko can’t make it happen I will have to accept having the same issue on my SBBN031.

Almost perfect but no spring drive makes it a no go for me. That's the whole reason I'm interested in Grand Seiko in the first place.

That's a lovely dress watch, would be perfect without the date window.

If i wanted high end, high accuracy quartz watches with incredible finishing and titanium i would go to the Citizen, they make better quartz movements by every measure, more affordable and finished just as good.

Very nice watch but for a bit more money you can get the 'Kira-Zuri. This is such a beautiful watch

Date window: 😏 no way!

Dial is perfect without the asymmetric power reserve, but quartz 😮 WTF?

I think that it would be cool if GS put the crown at the 4 oclock, like the vintage Silverwave by seiko. I recently purchased one of these old Quartz workhorses and I love it. And.. it's a lot cheaper.

Sorry but after seeing the grand SEIKO line up in person I could not be bothered with any of them. Interesting dials housed in utterly dull and cheap looking cases with dull and cheap looking hands and markers. For what exactly am I expected to pay thousands for ? Vintage grand seiko’s that could be had for around 500 eur looks much more interesting.

❤this watch..😊 like the simplicity of it looks until you look deeper. On the list to keep BB58 company 😊

I just bought the champagne 🍾 dial ❤

It feels like its been scaled back a bit too much but at the price drop some people may feel better about it.

Sir have you ever thought of reviewing the Luch large single hand watch. I am tempted but I want to see someone use their money because I am selfish.

I like GS, my only issue is that their design lately is the same across the line. They’ve copied Rolex.

Walked into GS boutique last month, 💯 certain I was going to pick this new quartz snowflake up cuz of its perfect dimensions til I compared the OG spring drive brother in metal. After what seemed like forever trying on both one after the other, I ended up buying the latter in the end, and honestly I don’t regret it one bit. The 9F quartz is amazing but honestly it pales when compared to the the spring drive. The beauty and engineering (the second hands sweep 🤤) of the Spring drive movement is just too good to give up and it is the combination of that and the dial that makes the snowflake the icon it is today.

Although the dial is beautiful...the whole thjng just leaves me feeling meh...is it well made? Absolutely... is the dial beautiful? Yes, of course... Does quartz make a difference? No... would you buy one... sorry, I'll leave it... I just can't narrow it down to what it is, but it just leaves me a little cold... great video as always, though, Russ 😊

The watch is impressive, and the double tick is cool, but for me, a Grand Seiko should be Spring Drive or, failing that, Hi-Beat.

Is the SBGA465 not the sweet spot between the snowflake and this beautiful 9F powered thing? I have the SBGX261, so I don’t think I’m a quartz denier or anything!

I’m giving myself my first luxury watch for my 65th birthday. I’m considering this GS, the new Tudor BB 39 in blue, and a couple of other options. I must try on each one before I make my choice. I’m facing a conundrum!

Did I miss the part on LUME ??? 😮😂😮😂

Will there be a 150k live Russ?

I must say the wife is spot on with this one.

What's going on with the seconds hand, it's jumping on camera but our bare eyes can't see that ?

These will be on ebay for $2200 in a year or so. It looks nice if you want something smaller.