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The Grand Seiko Spring Drive SBGA011 aka the Snowflake is now one of the most iconic Grand Seiko's in the entire line up. This beautiful timepiece not only is one of the most popular Grand Seiko Spring Drive models, but the Snowflake also holds sentimental value to the craftsmen and women of Shinshu Watch Studio in the Nagano prefecture of Japan. The studio in the city of Shiojiri, neighboring Suwa and Lake Suwa in a mountainous region of Nagano, has winter snowfall that is light and airy due to lower humidity. The Snowflake pays tribute to Suwa's winters expressing the snowfall on the dial, using titanium to make it as light as a snowflake, and blue accents to contribute a cold feel. The SBGA011 uses the highest grade of technology from Shinshu, known as Spring Drive for the movement. The 9R65 caliber, exclusive to Grand Seiko, is completely hand assembled and manufactured in-house by Seiko. The Spring Drive 9R65 contains 276 parts, 30 jewels and is finished in Grand Seiko style with perlage and an abundance of striping. The continuous and fluid motion of Spring Drive, which is fully powered by a mainspring but uses a quartz crystal, IC and an electro-magnetic brake to regulate the unwinding of the mainspring, provides an astounding +/- 15 second per month accuracy rating to the SBGA011. The movements design also expresses the view of the mountains as seen from the studio. The Grand Seiko Snowflake SBGA011 has become an essential for avid watch collectors and symbolizes the beauty of the studio they are crafted in.
Drive system Spring Drive
Caliber No. 9R65
Case High-intensity titanium
Case back See-through screw case back with sapphire crystal
Glass High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Bracelet Solid high-intensity titanium and solid titanium
Buckle High-intensity titanium and titanium with three-fold clasp with push button release
Accuracy ±1 second / day
Water resistance 10 bar
Magnetic resistance 4800 A/m (60 gauss)
Weight 100g
Case thickness 12.5mm
Case diameter 41.0mm
Jewels 30
Remarks
Blue-steel second hand
Screw crown
Piece is pre-owned, watch shows slight ware on bracelet, and small surface imperfections on the case.
I'm simply another in the long line of Grand Seiko "Snowflake" purchasers who know that this watch cannot be improved upon, given what it purports to be: Elegant, legible, understated, yet simply "dazzling" in its appearance. From across a restaurant, a hotel lobby, or under a jeweler's loop, this watch is, simply, unmatched. Spend $50,000 on some Swiss watch . . . but before you do, think about the $44,000 you're wasting on inferiority . . .
My son got me interested in Grand Seiko, and convinced me to buy a Snowflake about a year ago . . . well I've hardly worn another watch on any weekday since, and I knew he wanted to have one, too. So, a few weeks ago, I ordered one from AZ Finetime, which AZ put in the mail virtually the next day. Needless to say, my son is ecstatic. This watch is truly perfect in what it aspires to be: Perfect as to time, exquisite as to physical execution, and unbelievably price-competitive relative to its Swiss fellows. In fact, Grand Seiko "punches" so far as above price grade that, if I worked for a Swiss competitor, I really would be worried . . .
Arizona Fine Time was fantastic in helping me choose a watch. I called a spoke with a customer rep named Gary. He answered my questioned about another watch. I inquired about the Snowflake Grand Seiko and he said he had one in stock. I ordered on a Saturday and had the watch the following Tuesday. The size is great for my wrist, the face of the watch is detailed just like other reviews have mentioned. The band is polished Titanium and is very like compared to Stainless Steel. I have had the watch for a little over two weeks and I am glad I made the purchase. Give these guys a call as they are very helpful.
My "Snowflake" has hypnotized me! I actually bought it on Christmas Eve, 2013. This is my 3rd Seiko product. Started with a SS Chronograph, then went to a Ti Kinetic, now the SBGA011 Snowflake! My Kinetic had a black face with luminescent features so it is a bit of an adjustment. Had I the option of the SBGA041 on display... Who knows? This site has exceptional pictures and video of the Snowflake. After several days and untold glances in various lighting conditions this piece is really growing on me. I had intended to refurbish my Kinetic as a work watch but now I think I may just retire it to the safe as I am not ready to leave My new GS in the box for a minute!
