2018 Grand Seiko 'Snowflake' Spring Drive 41mm SBGA211

Here we have a 2018 Grand Seiko 'Snowflake' Spring Drive 41mm SBGA211, part of their Heritage collection showcasing all the elements Grand Seiko is renowned for with a curvaceous 41mm high-intensity Titanium case, even more scratch resistant than standard Titanium; the subtle curve of the case has a chamfered edge leading to drilled tapered lugs and a lug-to-lug length of 49mm and a case thickness of 12.5mm ensures a comfortable fit on your wrist. On the right side, a signed screw-down crown and a smooth bezel encase a dual-curved sapphire crystal, AR-coated on the inside, above an incredible wind-blown snow-textured dial that achieves this dynamic white effect through silver plating. An outer minute track with applied facet-edged batons, precisely Zaratsu polished, marks the hours. At 3 o’clock, a framed date window, dauphine hands have been Zaratsu polished for their razor edges and are complemented by a tapered blue second hand, between the 7 and 8, a power reserve indicator. At noon, an applied ‘GS’ and precisely printed Grand Seiko, and at 6 o’clock, Spring Drive completes this sophisticated dress watch. On the reverse, a screw-down exhibition case back etched with the details of the watch around its edge, inside a Grand Seiko Cal. 9R65 Spring Drive, the innovative Spring Drive movement is mechanical but with an electromagnetic escapement regulated by a quartz oscillator. It has 30 jewels and a power reserve of an impressive 72 hours; its sole power source is a mainspring that drives a series of gears. A rotor connected to the end of these gears then generates a small electrical charge that activates an electronic circuit and quartz oscillator; therefore, there is no need for a battery. It comes paired with its original 20mm high-intensity Titanium Grand Seiko-signed bracelet, secured with a Grand Seiko-signed push-button release three-fold clasp, and includes all spare links. The watch is accompanied by its Grand Seiko presentation box, swing tag, and paperwork.

This watch is sold with its original Grand Seiko box, swing tag and Grand Seiko paperwork. It comes paired with its original 20mm high-intensity Titanium Grand Seiko-signed bracelet, secured with a Grand Seiko-signed push-button release three-fold clasp, and includes all spare links. The watch is from January 2018 and is sold in worn condition, but overall it is in very fair condition, as you can see from the photos. The watch comes with our 12-Months Warranty.

Arguably, one of the most recognisable and respected Grand Seiko references, the 'Snowflake', reference SBGA211 is without a doubt one of my personal favourites. Featuring a wonderful snowflake textured dial, all cased in titanium with Grand Seiko's iconic 'Zaratusu' finishing which can be found on the case, bracelet and the dial itself. If you have been considering a Grand Seiko, especially a Spring Drive, you would be hard-pressed to beat the Snowflake. Add it to your collection today!

Reference : SBGA211G (9R65-0AE0)
Movement : Spring Drive Grand Seiko Cal. 9R65
Age : January 2018
Year : 2018
Case Size : 41mm
Case Thickness : 12.5mm
Lug to Lug : 49mm
Lugs : 20mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : Box & Papers
Case Material : Titanium
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

The first Grand Seiko debuted in Tokyo in 1960. The ref:3180 was made by Suwa Seikosha. In 1962, Taro Tanaka developed a set of design guidelines known as the "Grammar of Design," which aimed to create a cohesive look for Seiko watches. These guidelines encompassed nine key principles that distinguished the watches. Some of these principles involve Zaratsu polishing that makes the watch surfaces shine beautifully and reflect light in interesting ways. There’s also an emphasis on using unique shapes for the watch cases, ensuring that every part is perfectly shaped, and adding features like sharp, clean edges and well-designed hands and markers that catch the eye. Today, Tanaka's principles still apply to the modern Grand Seiko philosophy. Rather than sending its 25 Jewels Chronometer movement to the Swiss to be tested, Seiko decided to do the testing themselves. The European Chronometer Official Association believed that a chronometer-rated watch had to be independently tested to be awarded that designation. Seiko watches were not independently tested, so therefore they could not be chronometers. The ECOA did what irritated watchmakers do: they wrote a stern letter to Seiko requesting that the designation of Chronometer on Grand and King Seiko watches stop. Seiko obliged and ceased using a chronometer on their watches. In response, the Japanese Chronometer Authorisation Association was started in 1968 as an independent group to test timepieces to chronometer standards. The Association was short-lived: due to the rise of quartz watches, it closed in 1983. Today, Grand Seiko movements are tested over 17 days in 6 positions compared to COSC testing over 15 days in 5 positions. In 1985, Suwa Seikosha became Seiko Epson Corporation. In 2017, Seiko announced that Grand Seiko would become an independent brand.