The Grand Seiko Snowflake SBGA011 (and the current model SBGA211) is one of the brands most iconic modern models. This model is most famous for its dial which has texture like that of the fresh granular windswept snow that falls on the mountains of Shinsu, along with the Zaratsu polishing that all Grand Seiko are known for. This watch is also available in blue.

This watch has been a long time coming for me personally. It’s a watch I’ve wanted soon after its release in 2010 and luckily for me earlier this year the planets aligned. As I was looking for one, a friend of mine was looking to sell his. It has quickly risen to be one of my most worn watches, even after several months of ownership.

The Snowflake’s Spring Drive movement provides a smooth gliding seconds hand that is mesmerizing to watch and is rated to ±1 second per day. So need to worry about accuracy when it’s worn for a long period, which it will be as this watch is very comfortable in titanium. At only around 100 grams it is around 30% lighter than the comparable steel cased models. There are a couple of things to be mindful of though if this is to be an everyday watch. The case diameter at 41mm is slightly bigger what I would consider ideal and the bracelet has no micro-adjustment so getting the perfect year round fit can be tricky. A plus for an everyday watch though is the 100m water resistance and screw down crown, which adds some peace of mind. Although there is no lume I haven’t missed it as the sharply Zaratsu polished hands are easy to read even in dim light.

For anyone looking to get a Grand Seiko I could definitely recommend getting the Grand Seiko Snowflake SBGA011, but it’s hard to go wrong with any Grand Seiko.