Japanese Perfection - The Grand Seiko Snowflake Spring Drive Luxury Watch Review - Ref. SBGA011 

I like how the power reserve looks like the hand has been making “snow angels‘ in the dials snow. They think of everything.

I just can't get over the un godly smooth second hand, it's just gorgeous.

I think one of the reasons I've become addicted to The Urban Gentry channel is that you are not just a watch reviewer. You are a poet / philosopher. A true renaissance man. As a young man in the sixties, in the military overseas, I was vaguely aware of Seiko. I knew it had a good reputation among service members in South East Asia (ie.Vietnam). Still, I was focused on Rolex and Omega. Your review of the Grand Seiko has made me take a step back. I love my SKX 009 and my SNA 411. I now harbor a desire to have a Grand Seiko. The review blew me away. I had no idea. Keep on shattering my paradigms.

The "coldness" TGV mentions he feels from the spring drive is most appropriate for the snowflake dial.

I'm a Rolex fan, have a few haute Swiss holy trinity pieces, and am much impressed with Grand Seikos. There should be no hate for these bad boys from the Pacific. Amazing movement technology, and super craftsmanship. If Japan was a section of Switzerland, their watches would sell for 10 times their current value with a little Swiss Made logo on the dial. It's all perception. and Japan is in the Pacific,not on lake geneva. It's unfortunate they are considered a sub par watch, when in reality, they give the haute horological swiss brands a run for their money with movement, build quality, everything. I need to get one in my collection. Those High Beat GMT's with the white dials are steel stunners.

Finally you reviewed my absolute, absolute grail watch. It's scratch proof titanium, 100m WR, screw down, spring drive with a dial, design, hands and hour markers to kill for, and it's a joy to see a decent video done on it. Thanks for that. I must say, I have held spring drive GS'es, albeit not the Snowflake, and they are very, very impressive in their nature. The movement is absolutely fascinating, this silent and completely smooth sweep of the second hand is just awe inspiring if you think of the engineering that went into the piece.

Something that I've come to appreciate about Japanese watches is how they are inspired by nature. Even my $200 diver has a tidal wave on the caseback. It's an approach to watchmaking that is surprisingly absent in European watches.

In 1969, Seiko's first quartz watch (the 35 Astron) cost as much as a new Toyota Corolla. Only 100 were made, and they were $1200 each...that is over $7800 today. So, in terms of price, the modern Spring Drive and 1969 Astron were similarly priced. Each Grand Seiko is hand finished. The case is hand finished, each bracelet link is hand finished and hand assembled. Each marker on the dial is hand applied, and the movement is hand assembled.

Kurosawa was a master of movement. A perfect description for the GS Snowflake too.

the INTRO SONG is: Song: Ha-Doh Artist: DJ Krush feat. Toshinori Kondo Album Ki-Oki ....you're welcome everyone Amazing watch review btw...

That sweeping hand is so cool. I could just stare at it for hours and chill. No ticking heart though :( great review Tristano. Thank you Ephraim, enjoy it.

Was watching this 2 years ago thinking if I'll ever get one, fast forward a year later and I'm watching the video again- but just as excited as you were while shooting this video for I am finally wearing my own 😀 Cheers TGV! Looking forward to more GS content.

Took one guy 25+ years of his life... Amazing story amazing drive.....

It's silent like the forest after a fresh snowfall. Perfect

I've owned Panerai, Rolex, IWC, Hublot and AP.. Dollar-per-dollar, nothing comes close to GS (mine is the SBGR061).

Eat that, Rolex ! Breath taking watch.

Personally, I would always pick this over the datejust

A week ago I couldn’t have told you the difference between mechanical & automatic, or what a rotating bezel was even used for. Now I’m losing sleep. Ignoring bed time & meals with the family to ogle fine Swiss movements. I’m not complaining, no sir, this is a thank you. You’ve introduced me to an awesome corner of the world. Thank you sir.

Hi Guv, You ought to keep the watch perfectly stable for us to take a look at the beautiful smooth sweep of the second hand. You shook the watch along with the modulations of your voice.

Hi TGV, well that Blade Runner analogy got some philosophical juices flowing alright. Much like the Grand Seiko, Roy Batty is superior to his "genuine" counterparts in every quantifiable way, yet genuine humans are somehow held in higher regard by the status quo. However, the more perfect Batty would be as a replicant, the more he would just be an obedient machine and ultimately less like the thing that is deemed more valuable, desirable, or indeed superior in an unsubstantiated way. Batty, confined to the realm of science fiction (for now), does not pose a threat to the status quo and the powers that be. However, as evidenced by the knee jerk reactions of some commentators (who are obviously experiencing severe cognitive dissonance caused by their conviction that the best watches are Swiss, while being confronted with the undeniable superiority of a Japanese piece), the Grand Seiko is all too real and there's no Deckard to "retire" it.

Your review just made my day better. Thank you for understanding what Japanese horology is all about and what it stands for. Cheers!

Great job with the video TGV, I've not seen a more in depth review of these amazing watches. And what a watch! Would be great to see you do a video on one of the Quartz GS, considering that Seiko pioneered the Quartz back in 69.

I was just admiring that amazing sweep !! It honestly cannot be any smoother !! Absolutely beautiful watch, wish they came in a smaller size but, it's still gorgeous !!

There is a very subtle beauty in this watch. This is a watch which did not shock me at first sight, but which I start loving the more I watch it. Thank you for the review!

I just loved everything about this video. AMAZING.Asides for the usual fantastic watch review, the the special introduction, the music matched perfectly to the all scenario and Japanese theme. And of course the credits for "Ernest the dog" was a special touch of class ;) Bravo TGV, Bravo.

I dont recall ever commenting on this review, but I've had my Snowflake for 8 years and I am still struck by its beauty every time I choose to wear it.

Stunning!! That dial, those indicies, those hands!! There are so many beautiful models, I wouldn't know which one to pick. One day I'll have one! Great review as well!

For me, this is the most beautiful watch in the entire world! 😍

Great review with successful association to Japanese art, culture and tradition.It was wonderful to mention great film maker and pure artist Akira Kurosawa. He said :“There is nothing that says more about its creator than the work itself." Tristano, your work speaks volumes about you, so I am not surprised that you admire this great man. "Snowflake" is truly work of art and exceptional horological subject and it deserved your great review. Let me finish appropriately with Japanese Haiku: “All Heaven and Earth Flowered white obliterate... Snow...unceasing snow”

I have 2 GS quartz watches. An SBGV005 with a champagne sunburst dial, and a SBGV027 limited edition with a red sunburst dial and gold hands and indices. The GS quartz is built to the same perfection as the GS automatics, but only require a very easy battery change every 3 years. The automatics are so intricate they have to be sent back to Japan for servicing, unless you live near a Seiko boutique. Auto or quartz, these beauties are high art stunning imo. Really enjoy your videos and your passion for beautiful timepieces.

I love the sound of my watch ticking also...My wife thought I'm a little crazy. lol I'm glad you mentioned it, now she knows I'm not the only one.

Hats off to you TGV! Your channel and content are absolutely addictive! They have reignited my passion for watches. I am at the moment saving for a Grand Seiko (the movement is just incredible), this and my affinity for divers make me me lean towards the Grand Seiko Watch Spring Drive Divers SBGA031. I think this could be an interesting rival to the seamaster and submariner, even as a test. Don't you think so? Best wishes, Aldo

Great to see a grand seiko on the channel. Had no idea about these movements before

This was legit the first watch where I realized about 45 seconds in to seeing this watch for the first time, my jaw was dropped. Absolutely stunning. Ahhh I want it so bad!

Grand Seiko will be my first true luxury watch purchase, sooner the better!!

there's something about that sweeping hand its like watching a never ending shooting star

Awesome review. Was considering the snowflakake for a long time. Eventually went for the GMT spring drive with black dial. Arrived yesterday. Is a real marvel. And agree- put it on a black NATO and looks fantastic. Of all my pieces I agree too that the lack of escapement is disconcerting, but maybe like a ninja the silence is something special! I adore the dial on mine. It is so high level, with applied markers etc, and I thought quite a deep watch case, much bigger than my sarbs, but seemingly smaller diameter dial. The shine is superb and wrist presence is up there with any high end Swiss watch. I much prefer a steel case than titanium. Was a deciding factor. I got mine for the technology. The smooth sweep of the second hand is unbelievable. And how much is it to produce a watch with a tourbillon to avoid positional variation?! If we had a zombie apocalypse I'd strap this to my wrist than anything else I have available in my collection any day! Go and see one in the flesh. You won't be disappointed.

I finally got a Grand Seiko SBGA375 I never thought I'd get one but it's by far the best watch I've ever had.

Forgive my french, but that watch is fucking STUNNING.

The sweeping hand, not ticking at all, is so fire... I want one now.

Nobody is making textured dials as nice as GS right now. Three years since this video was filmed and they are still at the top. I don’t own a GS, but their dials are certainly making me want one.

I had to come back and watch this video again. The Snowflake is my next goal watch.

The steinhart ocean one titanium 500 has screwed links. The bracelet is made of titanium.

Great video as always TGV! I have a Grand Seiko SBGW031 with a hand wound movement and it is really something special. Very pure in design and one of my most accurate watches. Also it is 37mm so size is perfect!

Ten thousand likes. Great Review of a great underappreciated watch.... And I love Ernest!!!!

I liked the intro music. That watch is a thing of absolute beauty. I can certainly understand why someone wants to pay a little extra for that. As for the spring drive, I think I'm a bit too big mechanical movement fan to get into that. And on the other hand, if you make a quartz movement, why not go all electric and leave out the rotating gears that require service and wear out? But it doesn't need a battery or capacitor, that need to be replaced, and the fast spinning magnet wheel is something to look at. It is yet another way to make a movement and as such a valuable piece of timekeeping history.

Impressive. Don't care for electrical fields on the wrist. Seiko's quality of craftsmanship is undeniable. Great review.

Lovely watch. I'm impressed by the level of detail put into it.

What?! No ticking sound? Okay, I'm done! ;) Hi TGV, It's gorgeous what Seiko's master watchmakers have achieved here. Thanks for your detailed review. Now, I'm able to understand the excitement about the Grand Seiko. Best regards, Claus

This is the best review of a GS on the Tube versus the screechings of the Australian and Canadian-Greek guy . Oh, and got the diver and love it. Thanks for not screaming!

The Spring Drive is my favorite Seiko. Thanks for your excellent review. They just introduced a new 8 days version at Baselworld with 3 synchronized mainspring barrels. They have learned hand-finishing techniques from the great Phillipe DuFour. Amazing achievements. Do you think the Swiss will ever top this movement?

I bought a Breil Ducati watch once and paid £100 extra for the titanium version (because the salesman told me it wouldn't scratch - before I knew better). It does scratch, but I don't believe it's softer than Stainless Steel. Working in the engineering industry there has to be a reason why people buy special taps for tapping titanium!

I truly love your Channel TGV.... I love Timepieces and I watch many channels but yours is always the best! Just thought i would drop that in there put a second smile on your face ( the first of course coming from looking at your wrist! ) 😎as always Cheers from Philadelphia! Brian

Great review as always! Absolutely LOVED this watch. :D

Have to admit I was a doubter before this video but that watch is stunning! Great review and thanks for continuing to broaden my horizons. Cheers, TGV!

Just ordered my grand Seiko snow flake my holy Grail watch, this will be the longest two weeks

Yes! I've been waiting for this review eagerly ever since it first arrived to the channel. Lovely piece.

I bought a SBGA211 used and have worn it for about 6 months now as my weekday/suit watch. I love the highly polished titanium, but it really does gather small microscratches easy. Apparently GS can polish it here in the US if you like when you get it serviced, but I've yet to try. The difference from titanium and SS is that yes, it does scratch easier, but doesn't tend to lose it's polish.

I love your Yojimbo intro! That and Seven Samurai are two of my favorite movies!

So you're saying that the Spring Drive is TOO perfect? hahahaha Man, what a dial, what a movement..what a watch! Really happy to see something so special here in your channel!! Best regards my friend =)

As a Chinese I hate to admit that Seiko makes the best watch. Im getting a Grand Seiko too on my next purchase

Your wrists really make practically every watch look huge. You should get a friend to try them on. 😉

Got mine ! What a beautiful watch ! I love all GS... the 9F Quartz is incredible...

Fairly new to the mechanical side of watches. Reading about the technology in this watch is basically an engineering marvel. This thing is amazing

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 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 also still love the Mechanical movements! I love technology and engineering and most of all I love quality! Yes I want a Spring Drive!

The Grand Seiko Quartz is the most accurate, at +/- 10-15 seconds per YEAR. I have to ask, would you prefer this or the datejust?

no homo but dude my efing idol! rarely if ever do we come across people whoare so unabashed about being their true self. this channel is intelligent,informative, & sincere!ivelearned so much.& that AK take is spot-on brother!

Hi TGV, Iam so glad you finally had your hands on a GS! What a stunner! It really is perfect! Would love to see a review of Marine Master one day ;) Thanks a lot for your efforts and another great review. Cheers!

I was originally under the impression that there was a battery that was charged by the rotor, at which I thought 😒 but now that I’ve learned how they really work, I want one bad.

Great review! One of my "grail" watches (the other one the Omega Speedmaster).That watch is a perfect combination of technical achievement and artistry. I wonder what process they use to give the dial that textured effect. Wow! talk about ghost in the machine...

The comparison to Blade Runner is spot on, great vid !!!!

That DJ Krush at the start was a nice introduction to a great japanese watch.

Great video! I keep thinking about pulling the trigger on the Snowflake myself, but you are right about the ticking. Each time I look at one, the lack of heartbeat seems to push me away.

Beautiful watch but out of my price range unfortunately. I'm loving my new Seiko 5 complimented with a Hirsch calfskin strap though. :)

Best intro ever. And such a stunner of a watch. LOL, the Seiko Roy Batty.

So I was stuck in the hospital today and to spend the time all I have done was watch your videos they are amazing by the way. But I am starting to get into mechanical watches and I think I will either start with a Sieko 5 or a Orient Bambino from your recommendations on your videos!

The best watch channel on RU-vid. Far superior to that swearing Archie lunatic

Formula one cars have a high pitched sound because of the high rpms they achieve :D the engines are more like motorcycle engines than car engines, that's why they are so high pitched, not necessarily due to the power. :D

This is one of my favorite watches of all time. I got it last Christmas and I've not looked back.The new SBGA0211 is so much better looking due to the full Grand seiko logo on the deal. I wood recommend this watch over any Rolex..

The snowflake is a real marvel with its titanium shell and great dial. But I bought myself another beauty the other day: the SGBA127. And that one is just absolutely gorgeous with its deep blue dial. And my newest beauty is a SRQ025J1 aka SARK011. Absolutely amazing timepiece.

That sweeping motion is absolutely phenomenal

Now that's my idea of a watch, absolutely beautiful, I could easily see myself falling in love with a piece like that.

I love it! I will own one... Someday. Ticking: I love the sound of my 70s, hand-wound Walthum through the pillow--a tick with resonance. Soothing. Reminds me of my dad.

That sweep is so flawless! Gorgeous watch TGV

I noticed you speaking about the titanium and how much softer it is in comparison to stainless steel. You might want to do some further research about titanium.

What would a black dial version of it look like? Just wondering. The texture can be like the sea in a overcast full moon night. A wavy very deep blackish-blue dial. May be a touch of luminescent in the hand. I can see the design in my head.

After your talks about the Alipist/033 (and my subsequent purchase of an 017), I've been waiting for you to take a close look at one of these. Such an amazing piece!

Hi TGV - Thank you for the video on the Grand Seiko. I had not experienced one in person and this video was a great presentation. I agree that the ticking of the movement is all important for me as well. It gives it life. Cheers!

“They lack those imperfections that make it lovable” Think you hit the nail on the head with that one- I think this is one major reasons why most watch enthusiasts prefer less perfect mechanical movements over quartz and maybe why spring drive technology will probably never take over. Comparing the spring drive with a replicant from blade runner is a great analogy. The snowflake is certainly a masterful timepiece though and also the case and dial are breathtaking in their quality.

TGV nailed it again!!! Awesome review TGV!!!!

the open to this edition - simply -- dope. You've produced a ton of content Tristano...lots of great stuff -- but this open is just... incredibly cool -- fitting for the GS Snowflake.

I need to get one of these soon. On the subject, my SMPc is running average 0.9+sec per day, after roughly 3 months which I think I mustve hit the lottery with. Definitely a keeper

If Seiko could shoehorn this movement into something with skinnier straight lugs, a leather strap with fold-under deployant, no date complication and shrunken down to 35mm, it'd be my next watch. The Snowflake in its current form looks too much like a Datejust to make me want it.

Dear god, watching you 5 years ago 😮. Things somewhat changed since 😉😊

great vid TVG,very in-depth as always.keep up the great work!!

Spectacular intro! Fantastic analogy with Akira Kurosawa - movement and nature! Simple but deep in the movement review! Excellent video! Congrats

At 12:43 to 13:02 time stamp, my heart skipped a few beats as it look like the "Sleeve" is missing and the "Pin" is slowly backing out of the watch band. I wanted to reach in the screen and push the "Pin" back down flush on the band. lol Beautiful watch and another great review.

ok I know it's 2020 now but because of your video I just bought one this morning. The Grand Seiko log of course looks different now. Greetings from Oregon!

You talked at least three times about the smooth sweep, but all the time the face was on camera, you were shaking and moving the watch constantly. I think, to catch the light? Please consider including at least a few seconds of steady view of the watches' movements, whether it's second hands or the gears you see moving through a presentation back etc. I've learned a lot from your videos and enjoy them very much. Thank you!

You really are entertaining. Hoping for more videos man! Thank you for sharing us knowledge about watches