We are back at it, this time with a couple of Grand Seikos. Before seeing these watches, I had heard a lot about the Grand Seiko (GS) Snowflake, the finishing, the details, and so on, but man was I impressed. The craftsmanship of Grand Seiko is REALLY good. Let’s get to know these a little better in this quick test drive.
The first candidate we have is the GS Snowflake, reference number SBGA211. This specific model is part of the Heritage Collection from GS. My first impressions, really amazing dial, extremely light, and the machining of the case is REALLY good. Great watch overall, again, very light and good presence on the wrist. The blue accent of the seconds hand really pops against this white dial. What did not impress me was the bracelet. It is really interesting, because the bracelet is actually not something that you would say is “Seiko” bad. My issue is that, when we compare this bracelet with, for example, the Speedmaster 3861 bracelet, you can see huge differences at similar price points. Again, the bracelet is NOT bad, but I think is a weak point here. For a watch this iconic, I think I was expecting… more? The whole package on its own is not bad at all. Consider that you are getting a spring drive watch, in Titanium!! Another point of contention can be the power reserve indicator on the dial, the date, etc. Being extremely honest, these complications on the dial, don’t bother me at all.
My next participant is very similar to the Snowflake but with a slight different hint of color. The SBGA415, has a similar feel to the Snowflake, same blue seconds hand but the dial texture is slightly different, just as the case presents differences from the Snowflake. This specific reference represents, taken from the GS website, “the deep snow of the winter season”. The dial on these watches might appear similar on pictures but the texture varies between the two, as well as the baton hour markers are slightly thinner and rectangular, compared to the trapezium six, nine and twelve from the Snowflake.
Under the hood, the movement is the same on both watches, the 9R65 Spring Drive caliber from Grand Seiko. The lugs of the watch are thinner on the Winter, as well as the dimensions of the watch, the Snowflake being 41mm and the Winter at 40mm. The thickness of both is technically the same 12.8 and 12.5 respectively. On the wrist, both watches feel the same but they strike differently due to the dial. The Winter feels a little more muted overall, but the dial texture is so good looking. The Snowflake felt more like it would standout due to the white dial and more contrasting blue seconds hand. The blue seconds hand on the Winter flies more under the radar due to the full color package, being more neutral.
Overall, there are no winners or losers from these pair. I would really like to see the Spring version of these, and its beautiful pink dial. Somehow, if you compare them with other watches from other brands, they feel sporty but at the same time, somehow big. I am not sure if I am biased from knowing the SARB lineup from Seiko before meeting these. This was just my expectation but in no way, the measurements would deter me from buying one. This GS line is one I would definitely consider if I was in the market for something sporty and out of the ordinary when it comes to movement and case material. If you have the chance, these are worth seeing, trying on and of course buying.
Until next time,
DL