Grand Seiko SBGA211 Snowflake Review 

Took an interest in watches and I knew I wanted something special besides major name brands like Rolex or Omega. Purchased the snowflake last week and boy am I in love. Beautiful watch and it's crazy how accurate the spring drive is! For those thinking 41mm is too big, try the watch first. My wrist is only 6.5ish and I love the fitment, plus titanium is a joy to wear.

As far as I see it, when you think about the resale value before buying a watch you should probably not but it. I believe that buying a watch, espacially at this price point, should be a keeper, a piece that you won't even consider to sale. It seems like today's people has no sentiments to their own purchases. Yeah, I know that resale value is important, but your first instinct is to fall in love with the watch, and if the next thing you think off is selling it in the future without losing loads of money, then just leave it in the store and search for another one you would be sure for 100% that it'll stay with you for good.

I’m glad you mentioned that the bracelet is of equal quality as the case - I really don’t see why so many individuals, even GS fans, complain about it. Sure, it may not up to par with the likes of a Royal Oak bracelet but I mean….. at the price point I think the snowflake punches way above its weight class

The best part of this snowflake is its dial and the wonderful sweeping second hand. Nothing ever comes close, period.

The spring drive has to be one of the coolest things in automatic watches

I can, personally, vouch for the finish of this watch. When its worn on sunny day, the reflection of the indices is nigh unmatched. Even a watch double this price doesn't feel like it has the quality of this finish on its dial. That technique of finishing by hand and by feel is unique! Great vid. Im with you, 41mm is my border line.

was at the seiko shop today for 2hrs....freakin love grand seiko !!! the perfection of watch making !!!

I have this watch and must say the best in my collection. Its my daily watch and bring a smile to my face everytime i catch a glimpse of it. Extremely accurate and fantastic level of finish.

I've had a Snowflake for 4 years, and this review is spot-on. My wrists are large, 8", and the watch is still too big. Part of it comes from being too thick, and part from the case shape. Even though the lugs are short, they bend over the wrist in a "Pringles" fashion, pushing the case a bit too proud. Also, the dial is so plain that the size is exacerbated by a dearth of details to fill it. I have a love/hate relationship with the power reserve: one one hand it's extremely nicely finished, the cut edges are super crisp, the full/empty indices and pointer flawless, but why is it on the dial at all? I've rather have the watch at 39mm and have it on the back. The titanium case is not as dark grey as Ti usually is, and I don't notice it being Ti until I pick it up. Due to the weight, it wears invisibly. Recently I bought a Citizen Chronomaster AQ4020-54Y, a very similar watch. Ti, hi-accuracy quartz, eco-drive, perpetual, white Japanese paper dial, Zaratsu polish, Citizen's best. About half the price of the Seiko, it's 4/5 the quality. The Ti is warmer and looks like white gold, the indices and hands have some slight black fill, and being thinner the indices catch and reflect more light than the GS, for a dazzling look. It's a much smaller watch, 38mm x 10.5mm, and the case is more chiseled, tighter and more svelte. Since I got the Citizen I've toyed with selling the Snowflake, I've had it for many years, but I just can't. It's an iconic watch for Seiko, and it's foibles perhaps give it needed character.

Absolutely love this watch. My first watch was a Seiko I bought in 1982. It lasted until 1992 with no problems at all. Kept time perfectly. Whatever they put inside the watch, it performed flawlessly for a decade. I think I paid 175$ for it in 1982. It eventually died a good horologic death, but I got every penny from that watch. I'll always love Seiko.

Thank you so much for the shoutout buddy & I must say the shirt looks great on you! There will be 6 new icon designs coming as soon as I get back from my travels. I will release the first 3 around August 25th. The Seiko shirts are sold out but I think I have 2 left which I'd be glad to send to you when I get back for any future giveaway you might have for your channel! Keep up the great work my friend!

I have a 6 3/4 wrist and I think the piece wears great as a casual piece. I feel GS chose 41mm because it opens up to appreciate the design of the dial more.

Instant classic. Grail. Beautiful.

There is a scene in the blockbuster movie Highlander from the 80s when the character Brenda Wyatt confronts Connor McLeod and asks him what he can tell her about a Japanese sword dated 600 B.C. the metal in the blade folded 200 times! That mysticism and cache is the way I feel about this watch. People in hundreds of years asking about this Japanese watch that was a spring drive quartz that kept exceptional time and in titanium. Maybe I’m just a romantic!

When I go to my Gym, I do wrist and forearm strength exercises, that have added strength to my grip and forearm. These exercises also added about one half inch to the circumference of my wrist where I wear a watch. You could easily exercise your wrist to 7-1/4 inches and make this watch fit you perfectly.

The font is calligraphy. I love how the hands look like razor blades. The color of the sweeping hand seems to resemble dichroic metal (purple and blue).

I think the real estate on the dial compliments the whole aesthetic of the snowflake design. Simple, clean, outdoor, calm space. If it were smaller it might not achieve the same effect.

Seiko is like Patagonia “don’t buy this jacket” and Rolex is like north face. You don’t buy a seiko to impress other but to know and love the intricate design and hand craftsmanship that went into it

Excellent video of a legendary watch. I have the same reason for disliking it. Size. Everything else is amazing about it. I'm glad you are getting access to all these amazing watches 👍😊

Every time I see a Snowflake I'm always impressed. The Spring Drive movement is a monumental achievement in itself, but pair it with the amazing finishing workmanship and you have a watch that I believe rivals any of the big Swiss companies. Titanium tends to be a darker grey than stainless steel, which is what I think those people who say they don't like titanium are talking about. But I agree, it looks like SS. Impressive watch, nice review! Thanks!

This is a formal watch in my opinion, not a casual watch. Great review, thank you.

I have this watch and love it! The most accurate of my collection.

I’ve had the 011 for a few years now and I love it. The size is quite perfect for me to use as an everyday watch and the finish is second to none. Being titanium it’s just so nice and light. And the dial says “Seiko”. For the casual observer or client it’s “...just a Seiko”, sometimes you don’t want to flash your success (I’m in corporate sales). For those clients who are interested it’s a Grand Seiko, something very different. I dunno man, for me it was a grail that came early (deal I could not refuse). For me, it’s perfect. And “just a Seiko” :).

Well I just bought an SBGA259 in Australia they are $8400. But so happy with it.

A really great watch and I'm a proud owner of this watch and totally love it.

Nailed it. Very impressive piece for all the reasons mentioned: design, aesthetics, quality, precision. Cost is reasonable too. The 41 mm size however is self-defeating and frankly off-putting to the point that I, a potential buyer, will not consider it any further. This piece would sing at 38 mm or (my personal preference) 36mm.

Spring drive has got to be the coolest movement out there.

It’s amazing how this brings out the absolute best in this watch.

I know I want a Grand Seiko with spring drive in my collection, I just can't choose between the snowflake and the sbga031 diver. I agree that the snowflake is a bit too large to wear as a true dress watch. The sbga031 is a diver, so a larger size makes sense. But still that Snowflake is just so gorgeous in my opinion. Can't decide.

Superb review thank you -and you are the first reviewer to point out the slight dome to the crystal 👏 -I didn’t know it had this!

Great review and lovely closeups of a beautifully made watch. If the lugs were slimmer and curved in more it would possibly make it wear smaller. The new slimmer SJE073 presage is a nicer case shape imo even though I’m sure the finishing won’t be to the same standard as a GS

Although I disagree with your comments on size, I *LOVE* your review. Very nicely done.

I’m always amazed by the beauty of hands and markers on Grand Seiko watches.

Grand Seiko keeps pyshing Rolex out of the top spots for watches i want...... rather have this then a datejust or daydate! Would rather have the titanium diver then a Sub too

That is beautiful.....i was looking at an Explorer 1 or Zenith el prim......think the grand seiko just made the list

Thank you for reviewing my grail watch!

WOW - The finishing is exquisite and captivating. GS have clearly strived for perfection. Great review.

Agree. Too big. I have some watches at 41 that so well designed that they wear like 39 and 40mm. In general, I prefer 38-40mm sizes. Thanks for an enjoyable video.

I throughly enjoyed your Video! Thank You for the links! In high school my 2nd job was in a fine jewelry store and a diamond brokerage. We carried all ranges of fine watches. I learned about China, Silver, Gemology, Fine writing instruments and watches! The least expensive watch was s Bulova Caravelle. Other lines Breitling, Longines, Witnauer, Omega, Rado, Rolex, and had access to AP and other fine watches through a relatives store in San Antonio. I became s “Watch Addict!” My first “expensive fine watch” was a Bulova Accutron 214, in Solid 14Kt Gold, a Beautiful Cushion Shape and I just put a new battery in it a couple of Months ago. I still love the sound of the tuning fork “hum”.... It’s still very accurate and s beautiful time piece! Citizen now owns Bulova, I recently purchased a Bulova Lunar with s “Tri-Tuning Fork” and while it doesn’t hum, it has a movement that operates at 262 kHz. Very Accurate, The Omega Speedmaster wasn’t the only “watch in space”... I have 7 Seiko’s in my collection. I just put a battery in a Seiko Sports 100 Chronograph! Awesome Quartz time piece, Black Dial White Hands and Markers. Still very accurate! I love the looks of Seikos, and “Seiko” looks to be hand carved, Underneath the word Quartz, in Script under that “Chronograph”; Under that Painted “Sports100”... I love their attention to detail and this Chronograph has my Monogram engraved on the bracelet Clasp. I enjoy all my watches especially my Seikos. I will have to save up for a spring Drive but like all Seiko Products - I will have Seiko Deisgn, Engineering, Attention to Detail and their quality. All my Seikos second hands and in case of a analog chrionograph land directly on the indices of the dial. I am Blessed to have Bulovas, Casios (low to high - I love the Pro Trek 6000Y) Citizens, and Yes, I have some Swiss Brands... and quite a few Japanese Solar Models! I like engineering and technology. My Kids have Apple Watches and I like the technology... however, I like looking at my Analog Watches and immediately know what time it is.... call me old fashioned - I still love the Mechanical movements! I love technology and engineering and most of all I love quality! YES, I WANT A SEIKO SPRING DRIVE! GUY I ENJOY YOUR VIDEOS! SEIKO DESIGN, SEIKO ENGINEERING, SEIKO ATTENTION TO DETAIL, AND MOST OF ALL - SEIKO QUALITY!!! I LOVE THE SNOW FLAKE 2ND GENERATION! GORGEOUS TIME PIECE! I Love my Titanium Watches! To me, If not a Precious metal - Chose Titanium!! Unfortunately I have to wait a while......So keep making your awesome videos!

Stunning watch. I would love to have this watch. I agree it would be great to be just a touch smaller.

Fantastic review Guy! The amount of visual detail you do on this review is as exquisite as the watch you're reviewing. If I have money to burn for a high end watch, this would definitely be my first choice. I love most of the features of that watch. The finishing is on par, if not exceeds the finishing of it's competition, and the sweep of the second hand is just mesmerizing and second to none. The size is okay for me. I just don't like watches lower than 40mm on my wrist. I'm not a fan of how they placed the power reserve meter, though. I would rather have it placed with the hands of the watch or viewed through the case back. I'm also not a fan of the dial, I'm probably in the minority here. But along with all my dislikes, and if I have a budget to buy one watch along this watch's price range, this would probably be my first choice. I wouldn't be uncomfortable wearing it, simply because many don't have any idea how much it costs. Cheers!

This watch was made for me! with an 8.25" wrist, I could rock this thing all day!

Great and very honest review. This week, I bought my first Grand Seiko. A black dial spring drive piece in 39mm. Strangely, when looking at the snowflake model in the showcase, the 39mm appeared bigger!!! Whether it's the white dial or I should carry on with my pills...

I have been aware of Grand Seiko Spring Drive through Hodinkee's Jack Forster in passing but haven't really read any of their articles or looked at the video they did about their manufacture in Japan but was aware you are getting excellent value for money. There are no sharp edges on this watch unlike the Rolex Explorer you had. I'd definitely get one. Your video quality and commentary are excellent and being able to get watches to review from Exquisite Timepieces is invaluable. I like Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 42mm and 44mm. Some are precious metal, but the stainless and separate Titanium 44mm Royal Oak Offshore with a 100m rating and Chronograph are nice with good clear dials. I learnt a lot about Grand Seiko I didn't know from watching this.

*Thank you very much for the very honest and down to earth review.* The size I agree is sort of big (and maybe even bulky for a dress watch).

Great video. Very thorough. Love GS. The snowflake is a beautiful piece. But.. when i saw the GS high beat 20th anniversary blue mosaic style dial, wow. I had to pick one up. Most stunning watch i have ever seen!

I think this is the perfect watch. Clean and concise. I wish I had the money to buy it.

Held one at a Seiko boutique and finishing is definitely better then any Rolex I've handled. Grand Seiko is one of best at price point.

Amazing watch! Spring Drive is more superb than any swiss made movement.

I had the black version of this Spring Drive watch (same case). It's too big for a casual watch. It should be a 39mm, max. Also hate to say, I like the Spring Drive movement but the dial would be much nicer without the power reserve indicator.

Great review, very detailed. Totally agreed about the size is just a little too big. A dress watch should be 36-38mm. The problem with spring drive is the servicing can only be done in Japan.

Love the watch so much , I sepnt 3 hours talking to the salesman in the boutique store, learned a lot of the brand and the innovation . Then I bought my 126334. What a lovely day!

I'm carefully looking at my Bulova Precisionist and comparing the sweep hand to the Snowflake, and it looks like the Snowflake is smoother than the Bulova. Nice. In my opinion, what detracts from the beauty of the Snowflake is the print on the dial. The words "Grand Seiko" are too loud and draw attention away from the rest of the watch. It strikes me as trying to make a status statement. If the black color had been more muted, and maybe even applied, I think it would have flowed better with the rest of the dial. Also, I think the tiny words "Spring Drive" might have done better as a scripted font, like that of the Orient Bambino, and added a touch of elegance to the overall presentation, instead of just the plain text. But overall, certainly a beautiful timepiece.

What about the thickness of the watch? For me that is often a bigger problem than other dimensions once the watch has a problem fitting under a shirt without looking like you have a chimney growing from your wrist, and Seikos are rather notorious for being chunky.

it's awesome in every way and extremely desirable and luxurious. It's the best watch I've ever bought and I love to wear it.

What a beauty. I'm not about to buy one myself but I sure did appreciate the chance to admire it. Thanks very much for the video.

I have a SGBA211. Spring Drive is cool technology.

Great review. I do like the watch and was previously considering it. What put me off is not the size (although I do agree that a 38-39 would be better) but more (1) the thickness and (2) I really think the power reserve meter greatly detracts from an otherwise great dial and could have been placed on the case back

The best movement there is.Outstanding accuracy!

Just wanted to pop in and say this my first time viewing one of your vids and I love your style. Subscribed!!

Awesome review, thanks for posting! I, too, wish that the Snowflake was available in a 38mm size, but even more than that, I wish GS would make some slightly less expensive models with more of a tool watch or field watch aesthetic. Something with more muted finishing, but with the same amazing Spring Drive movement. I know I have seen a Spring Drive diver, but for the most part their whole line is focused on the dressy luxury brand look, which is just far too formal for a guy like me to pull off, even if I could afford the price tag. My ideal would be something maybe more like a Sinn 556 style and size, but with Spring Drive tech. Not sure what the price breakdown is on a GS with respect to the cost of the movement on the inside vs the cost of all the fancy finishing work on the outside.

This was an amazing review of a great watch. Well done! Best regards.

I own a Rolex Air-King and a no date Submariner...but if I had one of these...this could easily turn out to be my favorite watch.

Thanks for the review Guy...great job

I’ve tried this on and for me it is not a small 41, I had quite a bit of over hang, I’m pretty sure the lug to lug is more 50mm because my seiko tuna is 47mm all around and that fits nicely

Great review. Just one nitpick...there is no such thing as an indicey. The singular form of indices is an index. Otherwise awesome work, keep it up!

Regarding the size by the way, I have a seven and a quarter inch wrist, and the watch was really far too big for me. As you say, for a relatively smart watch, 41mm is too much. Furthermore, I would disagree that it wears small for its size, I actually think the opposite - the absence of any real bezel really makes the dial seem massive. Of course if you have an eight inch plus wrist, the scale would be fine ... but for everyone else, Seiko got this one wrong in my opinion.

I dont mind it being 41, since the size seems a bit smaller. The only tiny issue is the thickness of the watch, thats what makes it a tad uncomfortable but overall a speculator watch to complement my Rolex.

Beautiful watch ⌚😍

GS should really produce snowflake variant with 39mm in SS case and add micro adjustment to the damn clasp.

Love grand Seiko's, the power reserve ruins the snowflake for me, BUT there are many without! Seiko is smart in creating diversity!

Really nice video, I saw one a few days ago and I'm considering buying it. Although I have thin wrists, it's not too big for me but you are right, a 39 mm watch would be nice.

12:10 Actually it does exhibit an effect which does not show on your video for some reason.I just saw this watch today in a store and the dial surface shows a _sparkling_ effect which is what real snow does. It's not massive (just like on real snow) but it's noticeable. Or perhaps you are using a very diffuse light. I was quite impressed by that little effect.

People who continue to pump up the Rolex Submariner over the Grand Seiko are in denial about how this watch is miles ahead of Rolex in this category. This whole " resale value" argument used to prop up Rolex is also total crap. If Rolex is that much better than the Seiko, why are people who own the Rolex worried about the prospect of parting with their precious Rolex. Most Grand Seiko owners agree they wouldn't part with the Seiko for anything else. When you have this type of satisfaction rate with your customer base, why would they be worried about resale value for something they intend to keep forever?

Very nice watch. I feel Grand SEIKO is the finest in the world. Yes indeed better than Rolex. Japanese are the master's in the industry.

Had the SARX055, but i'm not a fan of titanium I learned. I prefer the heft of steel!

(Just Subbed) This is my Holy Grail watch! my new year's resolution is to quit smoking cigarettes and save up at least $200 a month, plus I will kick in extra 💰 when my income tax checks come in. I should be able to save up the money over the next 2 years, all I need is patience & willpower...plus $5,800.00 lol. ✌️😎👍 ⌚❄️

Great review as always! But beg to differ on size. It's not quite 41mm (40.2 if IIRC), and wears in my opinion, smaller. I can only compare with my Tudor 58 at 39mm, and that for me wears same size or even larger on my 7 inch wrist. It is also comparable (from memory), in size to the modern Rolex DateJust. Thanks for the review!

The one feat that I have about this watch is that in order to overhaul this movement,incase anything happens to it, is to send it back to japan. Expect $1200 per service minimum. That also doesnt include travel. At least I can service a Rolex almost anywhere besides Canada.

Just IMO, but if they are putting all that emphasis and effort on the face texture, it should be the star. Eliminate all possible clutter, like date window and power reserve. You'd think that would be easy for them.... cheaper even to execute. But it seems you have to pay for simplicity. My cheapo Seiko 5 has writing all over it.. jewel count, WR rating, military time, etc. Snowflake is better, but still has date and power meter. To get a spring drive without those, I think you have to go to a Credor at something like $50,000, which has a nice plain dial with just the essentials.

Hi Guy, I obviously now you don't hold the answer to this question but still would like your veiw, as we all know the snowflake is GS most popular model, do you think they will produce this model in steel one day, me like so many are put off by the lightness of the watch and I surpose in time I could get use to the weight but since it made of their special type of titanium appartly it seems to scatch easier than steel which is something I do not want in a watch hence me not picking up this pieace. Regards Marco.

No mention of weight? Weight seems to be an issue with many elsewhere. Any views on it being too light?

Would you rather a Snowflake or the so called Glacier (blue Snowflake)? Do you know if Grand Seiko retails OEM leather straps for this model along with a deployant Grand Seiko buckle? I believe this model would look way dressier with a nice croc leather strap and deployant buckle...IMO

Have you try put the watch on your time grapher? Is it really as accurate as what the specification says? I have a small wrist, and the OP 39 mm sit perfectly on my wrist. I think 41 mm is the maximum case size for my wrist.

The power reserve is the wrong way round. Should be indicating full power at the 12 o'clock position not at 9 o'clock.

Polished titanium scratches very easily . I have experienced it with my Chris Reeve Sebenza 21 .

Great review. I'm kind of with you about the size of it I have big enough wrist to wear it (I wear rolex deepsea....) But grand seiko with this size is just not elegant at all it looked really similar to general seiko If it is 39mm size, i'll pull the trigger to put it in my collection But 41mm.... no... just look too much like general Seiko....

Really like this watch, but wish the crown was at the 4 o'clock like many Seikos.

hello sir, that is a very beautiful timepiece! i prefer the old design more than the new one. better than rolex i guess but still can't beat my grail tudor pelagos imho. thank you for this great video. keep it coming sir. cheers. :)

Hi Guy great review, having the SARB035 , the “baby snowflake “in my collection at 38mm is a great alternative, but for me the 41mm would be a better fit on a 7 inch wrist. I could not justify the extra cost, though it does look magnificent.

Seeing a little "orange peel" in the left side case at some angles/shots. Looks mirror-finished in others. Anyone else notice this? Could this be a difference in the way zaratsu works on titanium vs. stainless? Haven't noticed this in any other GS macro shots.

If it was symmetrical I'd buy it but the power indicator spoils the look :-(

I owned one of these, and it's one of the few watches I have sold, unfortunately (I still have five other GS's though). For me, in addition to the size, the issues were the very light, almost tinny, feeling, which just felt low quality to me, and also how incredibly easy it was to scratch, which looks especially bad on such a finely finished watch. So you were right to be ultra careful with it! I also didn't like the clumsy power reserve indicator (which spoils nearly all spring drives unfortunately).

Great review and love the beard. Great channel.

Great watch but IMHO the power reserve complication really disrupts the symmetry of this beauty... too bad😥

Interestingly for a $6,000.00, there is a minute black spot visible underneath the "g" in Grand Seiko, looks like it's on the dial surface. i would not be pleased with that as an owner.

It’s so crisp, great review, Sir!

I turned down the submariner, after waiting for 20 months now I regret it, and looking into this watch modell . Is there any pros and cons for this watch? Do you own these watches?

Cool. 5k for a Seiko tho, is it worth it? Would make a nice side by side with Rolex Exp1

I would love to have a spring drive and I hear the finish on Grand Seiko is out of this world but I want a cleaner dial. The problem is I don't have $40,000 plus for one of the two watches that would give me that. :-(