Grand Seiko Snowflake Full Review - SBGA211
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
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Thank you to Exquisite Timepieces for sending the Snowflake in for presentation. Please reach out to Nick for pricing, details, gift with purchase, and watch trade in information. He's awesome and owns a Snowflake himself :)
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![Which One Should You BUY? Grand Seiko Snowflake vs Rolex Explorer [SBGA211 vs 214270]](/img/n.gif)
this might be the watch to end all watches, I honestly haven't seen a timepiece more beautiful than this one
I've never understood the complaints about its height. The snowflake isn't a dress watch any more than the Datejust is, so if your cuffs are tailored that tightly then there are plenty of 7-10mm tall dress watches to wear. For your average dress shirt the Snowflake is just fine.
Totally agree. No disrespect to Bruce, but I’ve noticed on a few videos that he uses the term “dress watch” rather generously. I definitely do not consider the Snowflake a dress watch. It’s just a watch.
I think you need to compare it to the competition though. My Rolex Explorer is 12mm thick but looks a lot slimmer on wrist than the snowflake. I suspect the next model snowflake will be a bit thinner as a Seiko seem to be working on that flaw in their movements.
@@mkyhou1160 but the explorer is ss. The titanium wears so light the height doesn't matter as much.
B labrada In fairness, I like the presence a thicker watch gives. I like my BB GMT as my casual sports watch, it’s quite a slab but still looks fine the office.
@@mkyhou1160 likewise, I dont like watches being too thin although BB is a tad thick for me, a lovely piece nonetheless. and I dont wear snowflake as a dress watch either, technically I dont have one, the most dressy piece for me within my stash would probably be the KS chronometer and el primero openheart.
I m sporting the snowflake at the moment, personally I dont treat it as a dress watch though it certainly can be. it's more of a casual or even a sports watch for me. so the thickness has never been a problem. I prefer it not being too thin as a matter of fact as it might just look a little off with the proportion.
however I do prefer it having a bit of lume. that ll make it perfect. still, with all the omegas, rolexs, and other watches of major brands.... the snowflake is my favourite.
@@rickjason215 The only people who are obsessed with the thickness are those that believe any watch that has any sort of "dressy" design cues should be under 10mm in thickness lol
@ewt.....that or just cause it doesn’t have a bezel, it’s only a dress watch. That drives me crazy.
Yeah I feel I would use it like an everyday watch that can be used for dress occasions if you want.
It’s one of my daily beater as well, especially for the office, it strikes the right balance between formal and sport.
I agree. My dress watch is an IWC. My everyday watch can be my GS Snowflake but it's very adaptable.My IWC Ingenieur is what I wear when I dress up.
I recently obtained the snowflake and as I wore it the other day for the first time , it is feather light almost as if you're not wearing the watch, I passed that comment to my gf who didn't understand at the time. It is an exquisite piece , lovely dial and that gliding blue second hand is something special. Only Japanese watch in my collection and well worth the addition. One downside I would say is the clasp , its a bit flemsy not as solid as an Omega and Rolex
all the more reasons to swapping out for other strap options hehe.
I have this. About as close to perfect as it comes. It's the most beautiful dial for me. If I had to say a negative, I'd say it'd be nice if the bracelet had like a push/pull size adjuster like the new Omega Seamaster 300M. Would make it a perfect fit every time. It also fits under the cuff of every long sleeve shirt I have. Easily.
After spring drive hard to go back to other movements
I can def see that
no doubt
@Tom The Fish I personally love it, not because I dont like mucking around with my watches, but because it's a technological marvel being able to merge both sides to make the best of both worlds. i have manual winding, auto with low and high beat rate pieces and I do enjoy setting them against atomic clock, watch them all ticking away in sync.
yet I still remember I was kept amazed day after day, week by week, wearing it and the accuracy is insane. that really grips me.
set it ten seconds behind and wait ten years to hack it? haha
@@rctezluh42069 lmao
Man I’ve been saving up for an Omega Sea master but now I’m thinking I might go for GS. It’s a hard choice/comparison
Omega > GS
As watch people we know GS are making great watches but if you only have the money for 1 watch, you have to go with the popular name brand. Omega
I pulled the trigger on a SMP 300M a few weeks ago(white dial / rubber strap), but had serious second thoughts about it after seeing the SBGA259 (snowflake/ gold hands) in person. It came down to the fact that I wanted a watch I could wear every day, was a bit more casual, and had a bezel for timing (relevant in my line of work). SBGA259 is my new long term goal though, and will put it on a black leather strap when I get it. Maybe in a few years. I reckon having both is a pretty solid two watch collection from the luxury end of things.
@@scuba5k I tend to agree with Steven. The Omega will hold its value a bit more and might be the better choice if you only have one heavy hitter in that price teir but GS is awesome no denying that.
@@shipmate3577 you clearly are a GS hater by saying Breitling has better finish than GS in an earlier comment lol
I'm working hard right now to get one of this beauty! Even if it is a pre-owned one...
Same here! Have you gotten yours yet?
Hi Bruce .. thanks for review .. it encourage me bought this time piece and now I use it much more than my datejust .. I put my Rolex in the box then pray-hail-adore it every weekend .. I feel not too safe when using Rolex. GS is not too much people know what it is .. now GS is become my servant and I become a servant of my datejust
Saw it in person and tried it on yesterday. I feel it’s very overrated. It’s a unique dial, of course, stylish titanium case, but the way others fawn over it - I don’t get it. It’s oversized and the dial makes it look even larger on the wrist. It’s a sport sized case but marketed as a dressier option, especially with the polishing and finish. So it’s not subtle enough to dress up, but not robust enough and styled as a sport watch, as an everyday option. I was able to get a good fit with the bracelet but how does a luxury brand not have micro adjust, at minimum? The Spring Drive movement is awesome, and it’s the reason I’ve even looked at Grand Seiko but I think I’ll have to wait for different case options.
Thanks for churning out this content Bruce!
You are welcome man. I'm looking forward to seeing these thinner spring drives later this year
You my man just spoke my mind. Without dismissing the Spring Drive movement, the overall appeal and hype doesn't speak to me.
akhenatuh it’s so teeny weeny lol, just a matter of taste and preference my friend. Hope you enjoy it.
I can see your points, and hey, i use it as a sports / casual watch, swapped out the bracelet the moment I bought it. been wearing with rubber, perlon, marine nationale straps. I occasionally fit a nice pair of grey leather straps on, and personally this can almost be a one watch collection.
……almost, cos it has no lume.
it's not oversized, the rolex being 40mm manages to dwarf it. And if you feel like a dress watch needs to be super small then you wouldn't want a Lange & sohne, audermars piguet, patek philippe or a jaeger le coutre either, most of their current catalog isn't that small or thin. This watch is very dressy, but if it's not your thing there a lot of other options from GS that would suit you better.
This watch is pure class. If I were to go for a Grand Seiko it would be this one or maybe the sbga415 the "Taisetsu" or the deep snow of winter.
I see this being a "problem" of gs.... yes a lot of them are so well crafted and so different from one and other, yet they are the same watch to certain extent... when I want to own more GS within the collection, I struggle to convince myself after owning one ~ imho the most classic, versatile snowflake that can stand the test of time best.
@@ricchrono5907 i struggled with this as well. Had the snowflake but sold it in favor of the winter dial. Even though its 1mm difference it feels perfect on the wrist
@@blabrada5627 that is a fine choice as well. and imho just cant justify having either of them together.
Stunning piece, the finishing looks flawless under a macro lens where other watches might show imperfections.
Great review Bruce - I don't envy you reviewing this Japanese icon, the fans are pretty enthusiastic! Now, I own a Snowflake, a Sub and a Sea Dweller and they are very different. The Rolexes are tool watches. Believe. High end ones, but just that. The GS is a very different watch - I'd say an idiosyncratic, smart, sport/casual watch. Great for office or home and super comfy in a gym or going for a run, swim or ride. It can even do double duty as a formal/dress piece. Very versatile. As for 'vs Rolex', it has better quality in the face, hands, movement, dial and case finish (more precise, more interesting, finer finish). It is more accurate (I get +1 second a month). It is unproven reliability-wise vs Rolex (v tough watches), but no reason to suspect it would be anything but perfectly reliable (duh, it's a Seiko). Manufacturing QC is very high.The areas where it does fall down for me is thickness and bracelet. Thickness is subjective, but it is chunky for an otherwise refined piece and GS are making Spring Drive movements thinner now. I don't find it a problem, but would I prefer it 5mm thinner? Yes. The bracelet is very comfortable (if it fits - no micro adjust), beautifully smooth, silky even and very light and the clasp is ok, nothing more. Certainly not at the level of Omega or Rolex. Remember though, they sit well on leather for an even smarted look. But all this fades away when you take 5 and just look at the thing - the sweeping second, the sastrugi (wind-blown frozen snow) face, the perfect hands (none sharper). I've never owned a watch I can just well, watch. An amazing piece and an all time classic.
we all bought this watch for the very same reasons, only describing them with our very own words.
Great vid, Bruce. Love the Snowflake it's in my top 5, I agree with you 100% about the height slightly smaller would be IMO the perfect dress watch, that said, it wouldn't put me off, just stunning. The movement is amazing.
Who would dislike this masterpiece some bad rolex and omega fans.
Hi Bruce, great video as always, after many months undecided I actually bought my first GS, I bought the SBGA407, known as the “Skyflake by some, I have to say it’s not been off my wrist and I absolutely love it I sold my Rolex OP 39 to buy this and I don’t regret that decision at all... the future is GS ....LOL
Congrats Kevin!
grats mate and a fine choice. I tried it on before too and love that dial just as much as the snowflake... reason why I didnt pick it is because the case is too dressy to my likings. nonetheless it's just as brilliant.
Imo if they move the grand seiko and spring drive wordings to the back with the power reserve, it would look cleaner.
Just keep the GS logo and date function infront
Got a vintage 1972 Grand Seiko 5645-8000, myself. One year only case design, with the rare blue linen dial. I love that snowflake dial on the new one, but I'd have to go with the hi-beat auto over the spring drive, as I've heard the spring drive models would have to go back to the factory to get serviced.
depends on where you live, I was told US has it's own service centre. I sent mine back to service centre in japan, took 2 months in total for this return journey during pandemic.
Great review. I just added a Grand Seiko Snowflake ❄️ to my collection. Amazing watch...and an amazing value!
I tried this on ...it felt strange ..it looks like it has heft....but its so light it plays a trick with your mind
I much perfered the sbgh 267 ..the blue dial steel auto anniversary model.....
So true its surprisingly light, it does play with your mind
@@BruceWilliams it was so polishished and smooth it was more like a Rado ceramic...
It was a beauty though this feel put me off purchasing it.....but im still tempted !!
Interesting point about the crown. I was wanting to buy my first GS, a second hand SBGA model and when I viewed it, the crown had the same issue and felt gritty when winding it. I had no idea it was normal and I suspected it hadn't been taken care of by the guy trying to sell me it. I ended up passing up on the deal and regret it now. Really wish I knew that GS crowns were meant to be far from how a Rolex feels
One Seiko in your collection....😨 That Snowflake might just be the most beautidul watch ever!
Don't worry I am buying two more Seiko divers as soon as Exquisite gets them!
I wouldn’t really call the Snowflake a dress watch. It’s like a Date Just, which I also wouldn’t call a dress watch. I consider those both sport watches. Especially if they are bracelets. They are dressier sport watches, so I guess I would be the casual Friday of sport watches if for the rest of the week I’m wearing actual dress watches.
You are right. But it does most resemble a dress watch over a traditional sport peice. They don't have to all be time only on alligator :)
Not a dress watch in the least bit. Dress watches don’t come on titanium bracelets.
snowflake and aqua terra both are sports watches. They are dressy sports watches but people want them to be thin as a dress watch. A dress watch pairs with a leather strap always. Grand Seiko has elegance series as dress watches and they have some thick models there that we can complain. But they also offer watches under 10mm in elegance series so nothing wrong there too. İ have both Rolex and snow flake. Snow flake bracelet is comfortable. The clasp this is the weak part. No micro-adjustments , tend to loosen the locking mechanism with time ( not feel secure like an oyster clasp)
The Snowie isn’t a dress watch. It’s a super-classy sports watch. To me at least.
The clasp needs a quick adjust and there should be some lume on the indices. It’s not a diver and doesn’t need to be a flashlight but Seiko is known for their lume and to not have any is a disservice.
I prefer it without lume. All lume stops working eventually
I have one, a Beautiful watch ive sold my Rolex. I fancy a White Birch now.
Ha, i did the same Sold a Sub and Picked up the Snowflake, a Speedy moonwatch and money left over! Rolex is boring, it's an overpriced name! 1996 to 2008 Sub price jumped $3000 FOR WHAT? A Ceramic bezel? A little more attention to details? Slightly better movement? NO MARKETING, the Buyer is Paying a Premium for Rolex's marketing.
Another great review, thanks! The Grand Seiko snowflake makes my top 10 list, for sure.
My next watch, hopefully...
Excellent
Don't worry mate, you'll get there.
My dream watch in which I'll never afford. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching
Quit beer.
quit dreaming, take action friend, you wont regret it.
never say never , set a goal and you can do it
For me I can’t see it now but, when I pay my debt off then Lord willing I’ll be able to save for something like this, or a Rolex.
Wish GS would put the power reserve indicator on the rear. Now that would be cool.
more brands should do that in general !
I do like this power indicator on the snowflake, not in gs in general as this one is so finely executed, sinked into dial with crisp edges.
they have the indicator at the back on some of the elegant series.
@@SirMopy sweet good to know thanks for sharing, I love this hobby because even though I have my own channel I learn something new every day.
There's one point that I don't ever hear mentioned about the snowflake, because its made of titanium it has a very unusal finished, it reminds me of a coating or orange peel effect that you simply don't get with steel, i'am refering to the sides of the case.
I want this and a Rolex Sub.
Honest review Bruce, much appreciated! I actually bought the Snowflake a few months ago. I owned a GS before and I was a long time struggling if I should go for a 36k Hi-Beat GS or the classic Snowflake. In the end I opted for this beauty as I really love the dial and their Inhouse Spring Drive technology which is truly unique. Also, the Hi-Beat GS I was even taller.
I love the SBGA211 but I agree with most of your negatives. The watch is pretty tall which gladly has been cushioned thanks to use of the very lightweight Titanium. Also, the winding action is quite... unusual. Yes, you have to get used to it. But I don't care about it as the feeling alone (without the sound) is okay for me and it's part of the Spring Drive technology so I do look at it as a feature, not a bug so to speak. Third, you have to get used to the power reserve indicator. It's not a design for everyone. But for me it gives the watch just the right amount of quirkiness.
Closing thought: It's funny that I connect more to watches on a personal level if they have some "edges". The "perfect" watches are mostly too boring for me so imho you have just to look out for a watch that has the edges on places where YOU won't cut your fingers. Don't care about the others. Then it makes the perfect watch for YOURSELF.
All the best from Germany,
Daniel
Its winding action isn't part of Spring Drive, because hand-wound Spring Drives are much different.
@@leyay7540 Interesting! Thanks for the comment. If that's true it seems that they use a different winding mechanism then. I've never wound a manual wound Spring Drive movement so far.
The dial is just beautiful. I have decided to have only one Spring Drive model in my collection, so it has to be wait before joining my collection. I currently have SBGA387.
In my opinion, this isn’t a straight dress watch. Just because it doesn’t have a bezel, doesn’t mean it needs to be relegated to pure dress imo. I think this watch can be treated like the aqua terra/globe master, op Rolex ect meaning it can suit pretty much all situations. Just my take on it but I also gravitate toward non divers
Just ordered one. Thanks Bruce for the help today!!!
At 4:00, anyone else notice a slight jolt at 12 o clock marker? Or am I just going crazy 😝
I'd love that ❄ wish I was crazy enough to buy one. Maybe one day I will. Great reviews.
There is NOTHING negative about the winding of the crown on a spring drive. It’s so satisfying 🤦🏻♂️ I wish everyone could experience the crunch of the crown.
Watch is great, my first GS and high end luxry watch after my oris. Bruce i'd really try to get a SBGA375, this is y 2nd GS, 44GS style case, steel + zaratsu and blue/midnight purple dial. I think you will be seriously impressed. I'm writing this as i watch but what i will say re titanium, the darker metal makes the dial pop, the titanium really works in some scenarios surprisingly, outside its not as dark as one might think compared to steel.
also bracelet is a bit jingly and not as tight due to pins securing the links as its using titanium, but makes it comfortable
Great video, also could you do a video of the comparison between snowflake and skyflake?
Bruce, you need to see the GS Heritage spring drive with the Champagne dial. More difficult to make than the snowflake and stunning in person. I’m fortunate to have Rolex, Tudor, Omega and GS. I can honestly say the GS is so well finished it’s hard to do the side by side comparisons. You have to experience it for yourself.
And, from Seiko 5 to GS, I do not know Seiko watch bracelets are strangely comfortable on the wrist, even though they are just new. It is like a watch that has been used for two or three years. The bracelets are lighter and elastic tastes than Europian masterpieces'.
Wow I new they were good but you can see where your money was spent. Never realised it had that thickness though as I too would prefer it thinner. Great review Bruce.
Thanks Mark
Mark Playford - please don't let the thickness put you off. I own a GS spring drive and it wears great, easily goes under long sleeve shirts, thickness not noticable. Go try one on and see for yourself.
It's the same height than a SUB and how the fk are we complaining about it?! 12.5mm!!! but a SUB isn't height it's only the GS... like wtf people?!
Another good video Bruce. I also have the same gripes currently with GS. Luckily, the new Hi-beat and Spring Drives movements are both much thinner and technologically advanced. Hopefully, the clasp will be redesigned soon.
Such a stunning watch
This is/was a grail watch for me. However, after picking up the SARX033, which is beautiful as well, I can't justify splurging for this later on.
May have to switch over to a Seamaster 300 instead.
gotta try spring drive. I m hooked.
A blue leather strap looks amazing with the snow flake.
Im thinkin of adding a snowflake also to my collections.
I wish they made a version in stainless steel with a clasp adjustment. Could possibly be the perfect Grand Seiko for me as the dimensions of the watch are great. They have too many beautiful watches that have too big of a case, too thick, have a 19 mm lug width, or only come on leather.
A good video.
On a product quality alone basis, GS is a better product and has a far more interesting movement.
GS will never have the cache of the Rolex but its not so much about that for me.
On the contrary, white is the easiest to see the time. Black polish markers on a black surface are much harder to see at a glance
Just brought one used on ebay arriving soon!
such a great looking watch
I got to see the snowflake this weekend for first time.
It was a very clean and dressy watch, coming from a plant ocean. Loved how light it was.
Any idea on how life of the quartz & IC?
Amazing watch, outstanding finishing! Love to get one of these in the collection one day! Subbed and looking forward to your next upload!
Very interesting comment about the sound of the windings, SD sounds like a pocket watch winding in GS. But the sound of HB36000 winding up is very faint, only a quarter of the sound of 6R15.
it is true, it did sort of shocked me the first time winding it. I thought I had something snapped before I paid for one lol.
One more thing that bothers me, besides titanium bracelet with pins and weak clasp, is GS ❄️ has no lumes!
I might go with SBGA299J . This one has lumes, and is made of SS with screws. However, it’s hard to pass on Snowflake dial!
When it comes down to it, Grand Seiko is cutting edge, Rolex is old hat.
as much as I love certain models of rolex, I do incline to agree with you.
people love to say this but still don't buy GS - you still see way more Rolex, Omega, Breitling etc in the wild. I guess people prefer the status of an Omega vs a watch not known to the general public
I agree regarding the bracelet. I just returned the SLGA001 ($11,100) because of that reason. Everything about the watch was amazing except the bracelet made the watch look cheap. That bracelet also rattled. I guess I am just used to Rolex and Omega..
Bruce, I have to know where you got that winder! It's so cool!
www.exquisitetimepieces.com/orbita-futura-1-black-lacquer-w34002.html
Thank you for the excellent review, Bruce. Beautiful watch, just not for me. Still can't warm up to the spring drive movement, and rather have steel. The hi-beat autumn is more for me, or the Rolex DJ.
height was a dealbreaker for me. My wrists are too small to put up with it. I've been bitching about height for years but I'm encouraged that they are developing new movements that have been thinner. Hopefully those will come to the Snowflake at some point soon.
My holy grail watch 😍
The DJ would be the best comparison for this watch. I wear my Snowflake everyday, while swimming, and even while playing golf for the past two years. It’s amazing that the spring drive is still keeping great time.
sounds like a winner, I need to get my hands on one soon
i was so close to going for one of the sbga 211 but after hearing the gritty wind and loudness pushed my out.
like the remorse of the omega sm po master chrono is so loud when the damn thing winds at movement bothers me it can be heard across the room.thats up for sale thanks for the info
This watch would be perfect without a date window
Hi Bruce, the GS is a great watch and please do not get me wrong if I say that it is kind of an underdog watch. I guess most of the Rolex fans would never go for an GS, because the majority of people will not recognize that you wear a luxury watch.I personally like this aspect and I guess you get good value for your money. Best regards from Germany Uwe
rolex fan here who put this particular GS over my rolexs for many reasons, including those you stated.
Completely agree. No one realises when you have Snowflake on your wrist. If they see your watch, it is only some market Seiko, they might think.
I am happy when looking the perfect movment and the perfect finishing of the Snowflake.
WHen I bought this, I was sooo close to buy Omega Moonwatch instead. SOmone showd me the Grand Seiko Spring drive and got my interest.
Afterr looking reviews and models, I bought Spring Drive 3 months ago, and could not be more happy of my decision.
I for one need my watches to have heft, to be heavy, if I could I would only go for gold or platinum watches (financially thats impossible) but stainless steel with a solid movement inside will do it for me.
Nice review, I am seriously considering bying this watch. Regarding the bracelet, I don't mind, all bracelet are ugly, I will never understand how people can wear this kind of watch on a metal bracelet... A leather strap is so nicer. That's my personnal opinion, but if you ask to people around you (especially women), most of them will tell you the same... Thanks for the review
Beautiful, love the watch winder too 👍🏻👍🏻
I want this watch, no discounts from AD....
Yes GS are really tightening up their supply chain. We've been very spoiled in years past
I wait hitting 50k on my savings account before considering buying this beauty 😅 unfortunately it's not for tomorrow
Watch should be
I’m debating this or white birch.
Did you decide?
Nice review Bruce. Still undecided between this and the aqua terra. Love that dial but still not sure on the bracelet!!.
We face tough choices as watch guys that is for sure
both are brilliant pieces, yet so different cos of the movement. I was in the same dilemma... went for the GS snowflake in the end as... I suppose as watch enthusiast, gotta handle spring drive at least once in my lifetime and I didnt regret my decision, not even for a second.
I agree a comparison would be great. I think that’s Bruce’s future is a comparison video.
@@BruceWilliams worst part about the hobby, not being able to own them all
Bruce , I'd love to see you review the SBGE257 spring drive
Would you buy a SBGW259? 60th Anniversary watch.
My complaint is that the titanium scratches too easily which is a shame because the zaratsu polishing is one of the main points of enjoyment for me, thus I baby this watch.
ahhhhhh, that is true. as much as i baby it. i did manage to get couple of them on top of the polished bezel.
Amazing real review. I think I would havd to get on a strap, but I like to feel my watches. I don't see the thickness as a breaker. It's not a junghans and I have a go pml this is a similar thickness and been my dress watch for years with no issues. I think for some reason the gs visually should be thinner to go with the rest of the style though so I can see thst argument.
indeed, I suppose it also depends on how one wears the watch, if you like wearing it nice and snug, case back would sink in a little giving thinner profile, much like wearing the 5 digit SD having a similar profile with 5 digit sub.
Hi beat all day.. but the lates GS 9s mechanical thin movement a winner.
Have had two Rolexes and four Grand Seikos. Rolex bracelets and clasps are better but the metal bracelet on my 9F quartz reference SBGN009 was more comfortable than the Rolex bracelets. Height issue is stating the obvious as to some but not all GS references. My spring drive diver SBGA229 is 14mm in height and 44.2nm in diameter. It wears very well and I do not even think of the height. My SBGM221 GMT is 13.7mm but so beautifully finished and with such great dial furniture that the height is without any practical consequence. My SBGK005 Elegance dress piece with the blue Mt. Itawe dial and the hand wound 9S63 movement is 11.6mm. Overall, the Grand Seikos are much preferable in contrast to my Oyster Oerpetual Date and Yacht-Master 11622 based on living with all six watches. There is a new small link GS bracelet introduced with the SBGK009. While not widely appreciated, this new bracelet represents a significant GS advance in its bracelet repertoire. The overall horological value of my Grand Seikos exceed that of the Rolexes.
Amazing watch
My datejust 41 wound very loud and was very gritty. Also -10 seconds a day. I bought it from David SW so it was legit. I have a snowflake coming tomorrow and I am curious to see how it compares
So after 2 years, how does it compare?
@@JustMeTalking it was so boring i got rid of it a few months after this comment. now have a 2 tone 41 dj
@GunGlutton Haha, OK thanks for the update. Appreciated 👍
U think they Will launch a New snow with the New spring drive?
Imagine if this is 38mm... and thinner...
Great video as always Bruce!
People always want to hear the downsides the havent heard before. Leads to some misconceptions because in actuality.. after owning one.. it is freaking HARD to pick them out. Hahaha great video, good job.
I have 6.25 inches wrist . Is too big on my wrist?
So... Where do you take a GS like this one, for servicing? Can a competent, non trained by Seiko watchmaker, service a movement featuring the spring drive?
They now service in America at the New Jersey Seiko USA service center. If I had a Spring Drive, I would only send it to Seiko Service Center because it’s such a new technology in the watch world and I doubt mechanical watchmakers would even know where to start. Also, servicing at an authorized service center will be better if something goes wrong.
The saying is buy an Omega to impress others but buy a GS to impress yourself but this watch would impress you and others. Omega needs to lift its game or GS will clean its clock and take its market share
I believe the saying is Rolex. But I agree, Rolex, Omega, and all the Swiss big boys need to pull themselves up and create something actually innovative. But it doesn’t matter in the end, watch snobs and people who know nothing about watches won’t buy Grand Seiko because of the Seiko name. All good though, it just means more for me at a lower price 😄
@@J69Nice you’re so right. People love to talk up their love for GS but still purchase Rolex / Omega when it comes down to it because of snobbery and status. I don’t know how GS overcome this perception but they’ll always produce killer watches for the true connoisseur
I just wish it was bright and polished rather than brushed
I am extremely curious about the intro. Is it from someone else's clip? I believe no snow this time of the year in BW's city, and the other option would be: One day i'm gonna get a GS snowflake so better film this kicking-snow action for the intro.
It is royalty free stock footage. I thought it was fitting for the subject matter
@@BruceWilliams ah i see, nice one, very fitting for the intro, and of course one hell of a pretty GS.
Hearing from a person who almost exclusively wears non-dressy attires (yep that’s you, Bruce) what you said just doesn’t make sense. Unless we are talking about strictly black and while formal events, this watch will suit almost every situation except under the water.
12.8 might sound thick, but the shape determines how it looks. In fact, this dial design and bezel sloping is made for dressy attires.
Oh yeah when you put the Rolex submariner side by side, it is so obvious that snowflake IS the better watch. Come on, I know you don’t dig snowflake, at least be fair. Rolex is not even close in terms of finishing and polishing and the movement complexity.
Not that this snowflake is perfect, but what you stated, is not even flaws or imperfections. And it is priced so good compared to Rolex. The winding part is where I love, I rather have pronounced sound and feed back when winding, rather than ultra smooth without anything to feel.
The power reserve indicator is great for people like me who don’t want to over wind the watch despite it has failsafes.
Come on this watch absolutely thrashes almost all entry levels Swiss makes. You as a reviewer knew it better.
Sorry bro I think your bias is coming out here. And no I was completely honest in this review as (former) owner of GS and as someone having experienced most luxury brands from Switzerland, Japan and Germany.... I stand by everything I presented in this video :) It is a lovely watch
Bruce Williams I agree with you on the bracelet quality. Gs need to improve on this tho. I say the only well known Swiss brand that comes close to the dial variety and within the same price bracket is Omega.
Bruce, you complained about the height here, but drool over the Breitling Datora, which is enormous and obviously meant to be dressy. Did you beef about the height on the Omega Aqua Terra (a similar class of business-sport watch)? Not that I recall. I think the allegation of bias here might ring true if you were being a tad more honest about your own bias here. You don’t like the watch. That’s fine, it’s not for everybody, but you picked out some extremely nitpicky things here that you turn a blind eye to in other watches. I was down for it til I saw the comments and the allegation of bias here on this commenter. That said, I’m going to share my own anecdotal opinion-I don’t know anyone who is deep into Rolex admiration (I think you qualify Bruce) who also likes Grand Seiko in any meaningful way. It feels like if Rolex is your thing, Grand Seiko is at best “meh,” and often frowned upon. Just my experience (as someone who admires both brands).
isnt it silly theres so much hype abt the colour of a dial?
The floor of the dial in this video looks warped
Is spring drive over glorified quartz or is it mechanical on steroids?
Is the titanium more scratch resistant than SS?
I’ve been kind of closed minded on these, like a watch snob I guess, a seiko is a seiko is where I was, but I seen one in person today and was educated on the movement and finish and I’m impressed. I’m not sure I will buy one, because the name seiko still bothers me, especially since it’s a boutique brand that wants to “separate” themselves from seiko, well... name it grand something else IMO. But I do drive Lexus and love Japanese craftsmanship
Rolex and GS aren’t comparable by price…..if they are similar in quality then that says a lot for the GS watches.