Watch Review: Grand Seiko Heritage Snowflake SBGA211G
- 2 Dec 2020
Today we are looking at something extra special, the Grand Seiko SBGA211G which is more commonly known online among watch lovers as "The Snowflake" for its famously fantastic dial.
Firstly, let us take you through some of the main features of this watch before we get into the dial of this stunning watch.
This model's case and bracelet is made from Grand Seiko's very own high-intensity Titanium; this specific titanium is 30% lighter and more scratch resistant than stainless steel. This titanium body goes through a famous Zaratsu polishing treatment which gives it beautiful sharp lines, it is these lines that watch lovers have grown to love from Grand Seiko. Interestingly, this is the same polishing technique that has traditionally been used on Samurai swords.
The size of the case is almost a hybrid of both sports and dress timepieces, measuring 41mm x 12.5mm, sitting wonderfully on the wrist. The crown is signed with the iconic CS logo, as the folding clasp of the bracelet which add to the watch's luxurious feel.
Flipping the watch around, we see the calibre 9R65 movement, another of this watch's underlying beauty. This movement is also a hybrid, taking the best features from both quartz and automatic mechanisms. This specific innovation took over 20 years from Seiko to develop and it's incredible intricacy shows why“ a spring drive mechanism uses an electric speed control instead of a mechanical escapement and this regulator generates electricity by using the power of the mainspring. With no battery in the watch, any electricity produced is not stored but instead used immediately by the integrated circuit. The Intergraded circuit then generates a reference signal that steers the electromagnetic brake that controls the speed of the wheel train.
And now, onto the most anticipated part“ the Snowflake dial. This intertitular timepiece has earned its place as one of Grand Seiko's most iconic watches ever made with its legendary white softly textured dial. This dial looks discreet at a first glance but on closer inspection you can clearly see the intricate design of the snowflake dial that the artists in the studio have worked so hard on to produce. This incredible pattern is stamped into the metal of the dial but it's with fine layers of semi-translucent lab coating that allows it to achieve its graceful look. When the snow falls in Shinshu, it piles up and forms sparkling drifts that constantly move with the wind and this is what this dial represents.
As a whole, this watch really pays tribute to its home country in Japan and shows its incredible beauty through the very talented watchmakers at Grand Seiko's design Studio. As an official stockist of Grand Seiko, here at Chisholm Hunter we are more than happy to assist with any questions you may have about this specific model or any from our Grand Seiko ranges.
