The Watch That Made Grand Seiko A Household Name - The SBGA211 Review

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  • Опубліковано 29 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 129

  • @ba2724
    @ba2724 4 місяці тому +106

    Possibly my all time favorite watch that I own. I will never get tired of enjoying the dial and that beautifully gliding dark blue second hand.

    • @nkonig1
      @nkonig1 4 місяці тому +4

      I love it but the case doesn’t do it for me. Way too thick and bulky. It’s still their best dial though.

    • @gordtulk
      @gordtulk 4 місяці тому

      Me too.

    • @pwr1990
      @pwr1990 4 місяці тому

      I'm looking at either the Snowflake or the Shunbun!

    • @briannguyen4078
      @briannguyen4078 4 місяці тому

      What do you do to own one?

    • @ba2724
      @ba2724 4 місяці тому

      @@briannguyen4078 Like most others, I went to the store and bought one. With money that is mine. Pretty straightforward.

  • @ogSuperHapyFunTime
    @ogSuperHapyFunTime Місяць тому +8

    I actually went to my local authorised dealer yesterday to buy the GS Shunbun, but before I pulled the trigger to purchase I asked to have a look at the snowflake. It totally captivated me and I ended up changing my mind and buying the snowflake. And I’m very happy I bought it

  • @fahimhussain1105
    @fahimhussain1105 4 місяці тому +67

    I will never sell this watch. Have worn it every day for 3 years pretty much. Still mesmerised by it. The titanium holds up extremely well to the rigour of day to day use. The accuracy is supreme. Light as a feather. Invisible to anyone but you. It is the perfect GADA. One I will pass down to my children. True stunner.

    • @Pro_96
      @Pro_96 3 місяці тому +3

      Would love for you to create a video showcasing your watch after 3 years of regular use. I’m very curious as to how the Zaratsu polish has held up.

    • @jimblack8104
      @jimblack8104 3 місяці тому +1

      How does it keep time monthly and annually? Think I tested mine for about 6 months daily from the summer can’t remember exactly but was only 1 or 2 seconds fast

    • @fahimhussain1105
      @fahimhussain1105 3 місяці тому

      @@jimblack8104 honestly I’ve probably been gaining or losing a few seconds a month if that. It’s a remarkable feat of engineering.

  • @libertydogs-dogtraining7556
    @libertydogs-dogtraining7556 2 місяці тому +13

    one aspect that is never mentioned in the reviews is that this watch is silent. No TikTok. This contributes to the sense of peace of the dial and the blue hand that glides smoothly

  • @kevinliu4590
    @kevinliu4590 4 місяці тому +19

    I absolutely adore this watch, cannot help but stare at the dial and finishing. That smooth sweeping second hand is truly mesmerizing.

  • @austin73
    @austin73 4 місяці тому +31

    I own the sbga211 and I love it. Regarding the bracelet, people should understand that GS cleverly made their “half links” slightly larger than half. This allows you to use combinations of half and full links to adjust the bracelet to within a few millimeters.

    • @yashbinda4521
      @yashbinda4521 4 місяці тому +2

      true i own a gs 2 but it still sucks do, the ceo said they are working on it and knowing them it will be good

    • @J-tu3hw
      @J-tu3hw 4 місяці тому +2

      @@yashbinda4521 this will be such a popular fix

    • @OkiDingo
      @OkiDingo 23 дні тому +1

      I'm one of those people that would have benefitted from micro adjustments. I'm in-between the links where it's either just a touch loose or tight. Obviously loose is better, but hard to keep it about my wrist bone. Luckily it weighs nothing

  • @ShawnKruitbosch
    @ShawnKruitbosch 4 місяці тому +13

    I agree with you that this watch put GS on the map. I don't know why, but I had no idea the case and bracelet were titanium. I also had no idea that the face is actually silver coated. That is so cool. I recently purchased a SBGE255 because I didn't have a GMT watch in my collection. Now I want the Snowflake too! Very informative. Thank you!

  • @ayk1910
    @ayk1910 Місяць тому +2

    I bought this in 2019, and this is my only watch. I am still in love with it. If they shorten lug to lug size by 2 mm it is super perfect for small wrist person

  • @Dadication3
    @Dadication3 4 місяці тому +4

    Love my 211, iconic and it gets better as you wear it. Stunning every day. The sweeping blued second hand is mesmerizing. The lack of on the fly adjustment matches the lightweight minimalist package, yet it fits my 7.5 wrist perfectly. The bracelet is exactly what it should be.

  • @defenstrator4660
    @defenstrator4660 3 місяці тому +4

    This was my third Grand Seiko and I have zero regrets. I was unsure if the power gauge on the dial, but the longer I have owned it the more I like it. It’s a beauty mark that accents the rest of the watch.

  • @actnaturally388
    @actnaturally388 4 місяці тому +12

    I own this watch for almost 4 years now, hands down the most accurate, beautiful and comfortable watch in my collection ❤

  • @FenrirTheGray
    @FenrirTheGray 4 місяці тому +22

    My dream watch. I will obtain it one day! 😊

    • @TheSH1N1GAM1
      @TheSH1N1GAM1 4 місяці тому

      You will get one! I said the same thing for many years and for various reasons went with the SBGA415. You won’t regret getting a snowflake (or other GS)!
      I got lucky and also found the bracelet to fit perfectly.
      Good luck with your collection!

    • @mukeshC164
      @mukeshC164 4 місяці тому

      This is the way! When I accomplish something great, this watch will be my symbol of excellence. I’m sure you’ll get that brother, cheers!

  • @JanPBtest
    @JanPBtest Місяць тому +1

    2:15 The reason is that most videographers don't understand how to photograph this watch. It's totally true that it looks much better in real life than in (almost all) videos because it's designed to mimic the sun reflecting and _glittering_ in fresh snow. This effect happens in real life because the Sun is a relatively small-diameter disc in the sky. To recreate this effect in the studio, one needs a similarly small (pointlike) light source. But most videographers use those _giant_ softboxes and reflectors for "better light". And it's true in the sense that this is a "better light" for portraits. But it's NOT what direct sunlight looks like! So to photograph the GS Snowflake one needs a _single_ and _pointlike_ light source. Like a halogen light with its filament as small as possible. And if a small filament is unobtainable, then use a strong regular light but _bounce it off a convex mirror_ (do NOT illuminate the watch directly with a large filament lamp). So as you can see, it's a bit complicated to recreate a standard sunny day.

  • @MrMickey5751
    @MrMickey5751 3 місяці тому +1

    I had the pleasure to purchase this watch recently at the Wako shop in Ginza. I struggled between the newer evolution 9 Lake Suwa and the snowflake. Ultimately the snowflake got me to love watches back in 2018 and I told myself I would buy one if I ever had the chance. It looks so good on the wrist. Thank you Teddy for all of your reviews and push towards such a great brand.

  • @davidpietranczyk
    @davidpietranczyk 4 місяці тому +1

    Thanks Teddy. Just purchased the Grand Seiko SBGX261 from you. Loved working with your team. Great customer service.

  • @kylewinter2297
    @kylewinter2297 4 місяці тому +9

    This watch got me into watches, period.

  • @gabigolz
    @gabigolz 4 місяці тому +4

    I love my Grand Seikos. They are so wonderful.

  • @ArmandBisho
    @ArmandBisho 4 місяці тому +2

    GS is one of my favorite brands they do offer beautifull dials, zeratsu polishing, good workmanship & moovements!
    The only week spot is there braclets .

  • @balthus9265
    @balthus9265 4 місяці тому +4

    I was researching this watch again, considering to buy my first spring drive, and this video popped up as a suggestion while casually opening the UA-cam today. What a nice coincidence!
    I wonder if it would fit a 6,5” inch wrist…

    • @iDarkCryo
      @iDarkCryo 4 місяці тому +2

      That's my concern as well. From experience, watches above 39-40mm in case diameter and/or 47mm lug-to-lug feel too big on me. I have the same wrist size as yours.

    • @jimblack8104
      @jimblack8104 3 місяці тому +1

      It a bit large but very comfortable because of the weight, I prefer it to my batman for comfort and it has a much larger dial it a little thick as well. Try it on I think my wrist 7

    • @richardattridge3182
      @richardattridge3182 2 місяці тому

      I have a 6.5 inch wrist, and the snowflake fits absolutely fine. Very comfortable to wear out of all my watches.

  • @DavidDatura
    @DavidDatura 4 місяці тому +6

    If I ever were to purchase a first GS, it would have to be a Spring-drive in a 44GS case with an interesting dial finish. The 3 trademarks, so to speak of a GS timepiece. The classic Snowflake has 2 of those 😏

  • @Խչո
    @Խչո 4 місяці тому +2

    Had it for more than a year, and I love it more than ever. Like I can't take my eyes off of it while driving, its dangerous.

  • @OkiDingo
    @OkiDingo 23 дні тому

    Bought mine yesterday.....with the yen rate, tax free, and apple cash back the total came out to $5,100 USD. an absolute steal for such a beautiful watch. I actually prefer the SBGA011 face, but living in Japan I am proud to wear Seiko. The only thing I need to get used to is how light the watch it. I took off my Tag Heuer Formula 1 and tried on the snowflake and it felt like a plastic toy. As you said for the con is no micro adjustments. When my AD was fitting my watch it was a bit loose, then a bit tight.....I said micro adjustment, he said "oh, GS doesn't have micro adjustments just half links." That's kind of a shame. As for the bracelet, I decided to order blue Artem straps to compliment the watch and keep the titanium bracelet new.

  • @rodsalvador3608
    @rodsalvador3608 4 місяці тому +11

    Respectfully, GS isn't a household name and I'm glad that it's not. We can all still collect them at reasonable cost.

  • @willelliott5052
    @willelliott5052 4 місяці тому +3

    This was my first purchase after being bitten by the watch bug. I never knew that the dial was silver. It is the most professional looking watch in my collection. If I ever have to interview for another job, this is the obvious choice.

  • @wkylehamilton
    @wkylehamilton 4 місяці тому +1

    Just a comment on the customer service with Teddy. I bought a couple watches from Teddy and I was shocked to get a phone call from them asking if I was happy and if I needed anything. I was expencting nothing and got everything. When I finally get to a place where i can buy a Grand Seiko you know I'm going to Teddy (unless I can get to Japan, sorry Teddy!).

  • @SinnerAndSaint
    @SinnerAndSaint 4 місяці тому

    An absolute modern classic! I own this exact reference for a few years and still love it no matter which other watch was going in in out of my collection. Underrated and a lot more sporty (GMT) alternative: The Mistflake. SBGE285. You can get it much lower than retail and then it's an absolute banger. It's the bigger brother on steroids but with the same romantic roots.

  • @wowlsj
    @wowlsj 4 місяці тому +2

    What is so often overlooked in detailing Grand Seiko watches is the Chef's Kiss, the penultimate finisher, on top of the exquisite finishing - The Capped Hands! Who does that, I mean compare that level of attention to detail to nearly any other mass marketed, or even haute horology brand, and it's often missing. That attention to detail sold me on my first 44GS champagne dial GS, then my second, and... boy do I have a list of next wants!

    •  4 місяці тому

      Not all GS have capped hands. My spring drive white birch has capped hands but the high beat white birch does not. My SBGW309 also does not have capped hands. I wish GS would cap the hands on all models.

    • @wowlsj
      @wowlsj 4 місяці тому

      You're correct. Not all GSs have capped hands, and to my eye, it is noticeable for those that don't, but GSs still have exquisite finishing ro detail.

  • @hawkeye454
    @hawkeye454 4 місяці тому +1

    I don't have this model, rather the SGBA083, and it is stunning.

  • @djholmes82
    @djholmes82 4 місяці тому +10

    A lot of people dont realise the bracelet uses 2/3 links instead of half links this allows you to adjust the bracelet by a1/3 of a link by using combinations of full and 2/3 links

    • @DutchClawz
      @DutchClawz 4 місяці тому +1

      And STILL it never fits me 😂

  • @trreev
    @trreev 4 місяці тому

    I own the SBGA259 or "Goldflake". It's the exact same watch , but has 18 karat gold hour markers and hands, machined and polished to the same standard as the grey metal of the Snowflake. It adds a pop of warmth against the stark white and grey titanium. It's a really nice contrast to the cooler toned original. My first luxury watch and still my favourite :)

    • @arapaimagold8088
      @arapaimagold8088 2 місяці тому

      Nice watch. However SBGA092 the golden hour snowflake will always be the ultimate GS

  • @plasmathunderdx
    @plasmathunderdx 4 місяці тому

    I recently got a SBGC275 gmt chronograph and the accuracy of the time is still dead on to the exact second.

  • @masaiwhite5933
    @masaiwhite5933 4 місяці тому +2

    Still my fav from the GS range.

  • @dr.kevinmoore8889
    @dr.kevinmoore8889 4 місяці тому +2

    Great video. Great watch.

  • @brianb1733
    @brianb1733 Місяць тому

    I own this watch and absolutely love it.

  • @travism3398
    @travism3398 4 місяці тому

    Can you do a review of the sbga509? Such a great piece and an unbelievable dial. Thanks teddy for all you do.

  • @jonathanemontgomery
    @jonathanemontgomery 4 місяці тому +6

    I own an sbga407 and almost bought this one instead. I think I made the right choice but I sometimes wonder…

    • @James-pl2oy
      @James-pl2oy 4 місяці тому

      Definitely dressier. To me it’s like a big brother to the snowflake. I love my sky flake

  • @alunjones2550
    @alunjones2550 4 місяці тому +1

    Maybe not yet but, this watch is certainly on the way to iconic status and justifiably so. If this was a Patek with another zero on the price tag, nobody would question it.

  • @MinatoOtoko
    @MinatoOtoko 15 днів тому

    Only if the lume were available, i would strongly consider buying it. But still a great watch in and of itself.

  • @cathydaly3436
    @cathydaly3436 4 місяці тому

    Great backstory on the dial color. You sell a watch by outlining the benefits to the buyer. Much more persuasive than saying “hey GS has been around forever.”

  • @joem8875
    @joem8875 4 місяці тому

    The no lume is a dealer breaker for me, it kills me because i need lume in a daily and i would beat the heck outta this 3:18 . I love this watch so much too. Damn

  • @jimm0802
    @jimm0802 4 місяці тому

    Love this watch. It would be perfect for except one thing. I like wearing watches snuggly on the wrist. The lack of a micro adjustment makes it tough with the natural changes in my wrist size depending on weather and activity. That being said, I will never sell it.

  • @LulzRoyce
    @LulzRoyce Місяць тому

    blue dial w/ blue croc leather is the way to go.

  • @wescobts
    @wescobts 2 місяці тому

    Areally informative video, thank you. I do have a question, can you explain the model identification such as SBGA ? how do the letters correlate to the watch and it's features.

  • @timchan334
    @timchan334 4 місяці тому +1

    How come Teddy only have 121k subs???

    • @Danter5435
      @Danter5435 4 місяці тому +4

      It's his second channel Teddy Baldassarre "Reviews" (denoting the second channel).

  • @Whodis_22
    @Whodis_22 3 місяці тому

    I have a question. I am torn between snowflake and skyflake. Definitely going to buy one and prefer snowflake but the only thing holding me back is titanium case. Skyflake comes in stainless steel. I want this to be a watch i intend to keep for well over 15-20 years. What material would be better for longterm?

  • @santoshsebastien3689
    @santoshsebastien3689 Місяць тому

    Hi Teddy. How does it look on a 6.25 wrist size

  • @MadalinaPollo
    @MadalinaPollo 3 місяці тому +1

    Can’t beat gold polished Roman numerals that sparkle like jewels in the sunlight. Loving the sun ray dial man that pops!AMZWATCH watches. What a beautiful subtle piece.

  • @dunnobutwayne
    @dunnobutwayne 3 місяці тому

    I want it, but (currently) cant afford it

  • @jeffreyc8231
    @jeffreyc8231 4 місяці тому

    I think this will be my first watch while I wait for my Rolex.

  • @KathernClary
    @KathernClary 3 місяці тому

    Thank you for making high quality videos!Love MAMACOO ’s watches

  • @Phil-p7p
    @Phil-p7p 4 місяці тому +6

    The SBGA211 'snowflake' is a great watch and was pivotal in bringing broader recognition to the Grand Seiko brand, so I know what you mean. But Grand Seiko is by no means a household name (outside Japan that is) and has very low brand recognition amongst the general public. The snowflake was certainly responsible however for raising the profile of Grand Seiko within the watch enthusiast community, which until relatively recently preferred to look down its nose at Grand Seiko for no good reason (and in some quarters still does). What a fantastic brand Grand Seiko is (amongst many others). Channels like yours Teddy do the watch community a great service by presenting a wide variety of watch brands fairly on their merits, and helping to erode the snobbish elitism that has historically prevailed. 👏

  • @葉劭麒-j7d
    @葉劭麒-j7d 4 місяці тому

    i have a question, i want to have the other "SBGA413" watch but can't afford now. I'm worried this product line will be discontinued.
    can anyone tell me when it will happen?

  • @ellardgrudzinski
    @ellardgrudzinski 3 місяці тому

    Great video, very accurate analysis. In my 4.5 years in the game as a watch collector and enthusiast, I collected a lot from MAMACOO I was thinking I was able to get a blue SD but I'm not vip enough, but I'm not giving up. Hehe. Great video.

  • @hulkslayer626
    @hulkslayer626 4 місяці тому

    July of 2030, this watch will be mine 😊

  • @SynthiaMoskau
    @SynthiaMoskau 3 місяці тому

    got my 39mm with the white dial on the 3-link "Bader" bracelet watch on MAMACOO 3 weeks ago and am loving it to pieces. Absolute fantastic watch that wears super comfortable on my 6.75 inch wrist. Chose the 3-link over the 5-link bracelet for the toolless quick adjustment. Way more comfortable than my Longines Hydroconquest 41 mm.

  • @aaronmauer7225
    @aaronmauer7225 4 місяці тому +13

    I wonder if I am one of the only people who do not link how some of their new watches do not have the spring drive power reserve on the dial. I feel like that is part of getting a spring drive

    • @jamied931
      @jamied931 4 місяці тому +6

      Read your sentence over and you tell me if it made any sense

    • @DavidDatura
      @DavidDatura 4 місяці тому +5

      The dial side power-reserve indicator on most Spring-drive watches has never bothered me. It provides useful info at a glance IMO. And the one complication I’d like to see on most mechanical timepieces. Whether manual-wind only or automatic. And yes, I am aware Spring-drive itself is a hybrid mechanical/quartz technology.

    • @dasc0yne
      @dasc0yne 4 місяці тому

      Some people like a cleaner dial. Some of the newer spring drive movements have the power indicator on the back of the watch.

    • @gordtulk
      @gordtulk 4 місяці тому +1

      The one spring drive movement has a 72 hr reserve - I think they all have a reserve indicator on the face.
      The newer - and much more expensive version has a five day reserve and has the e indicator on the display caseback

    • @Cenicebri0
      @Cenicebri0 4 місяці тому

      I'm with you, I prefer the power reserve on the dial side

  • @jeffriechel
    @jeffriechel 4 місяці тому

    Thanks for the review. What is the recommended service interval? Cost?

    • @Kryxtal
      @Kryxtal 3 місяці тому

      10+ years for spring drive.

  • @NathanHassall
    @NathanHassall Місяць тому

    it was the skx

  • @xaviersichel2262
    @xaviersichel2262 4 місяці тому +1

    This watch is amazing, I purchased it several months ago and wore it almost every day since. The reflexions of the hands and indices is absolutely stunning, the gliding hand, the dial...
    I'm beginning to think that this Snowflake could be the biggest problem for Grand Seiko since I can't imagine buying and wearing another of their watches 😂 !!
    Thank you Teddy for the review !

  • @A_Dude_And_His_Watch78
    @A_Dude_And_His_Watch78 4 місяці тому

    I think i could colkect only Grand Seiko and Seiko SLA models and not feel a want for another brand.

  • @pizzagogo6151
    @pizzagogo6151 4 місяці тому +2

    It is a beautiful watch, many, many times I’ve almost pulled the trigger on one- it’s almost a perfect watch to me....but unfortunately I just can’t get past the power reserve gauge spoiling its symmetry & wrecking its dial aesthetic 😊a dealbreaker for me 😢

  • @astrostl
    @astrostl 4 місяці тому +3

    I'd need to test that Lug-to-Lug of 49mm. Seems long.

    • @chia-mingyang5804
      @chia-mingyang5804 4 місяці тому +1

      It fits smaller wrist(down to16cm circumference) well.

  • @SharonNichols-k8n
    @SharonNichols-k8n 3 місяці тому

    Hansen Fort

  • @BrookingsDavia
    @BrookingsDavia 3 місяці тому

    I have to say that MAMACOO 's watches are amazing!

  • @MarlenaRavenel-o4y
    @MarlenaRavenel-o4y 3 місяці тому

    Lottie Row

  • @timrodriguez1
    @timrodriguez1 4 місяці тому

    🤘🤠

  • @WilliamInternational
    @WilliamInternational 3 місяці тому

    Grand Seiko needs to discontinue this watch, it would be a great marketing decision.

  • @EulahFellezs
    @EulahFellezs 2 місяці тому

    When it comes to fine imitation watches, MAMACOO delivers. I've bought from them several times, and I've never been let down.

  • @VijShuaibi
    @VijShuaibi 3 місяці тому

    MAMACOO has set a new standard for replica watches. Their craftsmanship is impeccable. Its hard to tell the difference from the originals

  •  4 місяці тому

    lug to lug is just too long, such a shame

  • @vik574
    @vik574 4 місяці тому

    Stopped watching after "this is the channel that covers the watches I sell." Disappointing to hear. I remember when you covered the watches you enjoyed. This is what happens when watch reviewers start to sell.

  • @RichMitch
    @RichMitch 4 місяці тому

    The bracelets really let Grand Seiko down

    • @zacharyparis
      @zacharyparis 4 місяці тому +1

      Nothing wrong with the bracelet. It has a slim, well integrated clasp. You want quick adjustment then you get a bulky clasp.

  • @TaranehDottin
    @TaranehDottin 4 місяці тому

    All dat AMZWATCH watches sssssoooooooo gorgeous!

  • @DanielDahl-i9p
    @DanielDahl-i9p 4 місяці тому

    I wouldnt say household name

  • @VRGNHNS
    @VRGNHNS 4 місяці тому +1

    First?

  • @martynm.449
    @martynm.449 4 місяці тому

    I don't think that Grand Seiko is a household name.

  • @wagsbass
    @wagsbass 4 місяці тому

    Kevin O Leary made Grand Seiko a household name not any one watch

  • @wmen48
    @wmen48 4 місяці тому

    At the end of the year I'm buying it or the omiwatari. Dunno tbh. I prefer omi but it is only splash resistant and I want a daily watch. Also there is the price difference...

  • @ShalisaDume
    @ShalisaDume 4 місяці тому

    that was incredible. what a beautiful watch and what great work you did on it!AMZWATCH

  • @MottingerWatland
    @MottingerWatland 3 місяці тому

    MAMACOO 's watch really surprises me!

  • @topangacailah
    @topangacailah 4 місяці тому

    As a broke boy and actual enthusiast who wants watch’s prices to crater, AMZWATCH is a good choice.

  • @ShalisaDume
    @ShalisaDume 4 місяці тому

    Nice to see AMZWATCH show a watch that can be afforded by almost anyone rather than these pieces costing thousands and thousands which are out of reach for so many.

  • @MantisDanyel
    @MantisDanyel 3 місяці тому

    Can’t beat gold polished Roman numerals that sparkle like jewels in the sunlight. Loving the sun ray dial man that pops!MAMACOO watches. What a beautiful subtle piece.