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Slculve · 19 April 2018, 03:17 AM

I’ve only bought Rolex in the past, but now I’d like to add a white face watch to my assortment. I already have a Datejust II in blue and rather not get the same in white, but it is that look I’m after. I’ve always been interested in the Snowflake for various reasons that i won’t bore you all with. Here are my questions:

1) in the GS line is the Snowflake (SBGA211) the ‘one’ to get or is there others i should consider?

2) there are not a lot of AD’s around. Are these hard to get and who is a recommended seller?

Thanks!
Scott

Noonan · 19 April 2018, 04:00 AM

The SBGA is the classic GS Snowflake. If you didn't want to spend that much, they also released a Presage model which has a snowflake dial and is quite a bit less expensive; SARX055. It was a JDM limited release. I picked one of those up a couple months back and absolutely love it. Can't stop looking at the dial (See today's WRUW thread for a pic). It's also Ti but uses Seiko's more common movement, which is still excellent. They can be had for ~$800-$1000.

IIRC Govberg is an authorized dealer for GS in the US. Might want to try giving them a call.

Slculve · 19 April 2018, 05:26 AM

Great advice. I’ll look into this other watch. Much appreciated.

Do0ver · 19 April 2018, 09:53 AM

I would recommend you visit Hyde Park Jewelers. I stopped in to check the Rolex inventory. It was exactly what you expect other than 2 rose gold Yachtmasters on rubber straps.

They are a Seiko distributor and he has a lot of them in stock. Speak with Paul Riggs. They knows his stuff re; the brand

benlee · 19 April 2018, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slculve

I’ve only bought Rolex in the past, but now I’d like to add a white face watch to my assortment. I already have a Datejust II in blue and rather not get the same in white, but it is that look I’m after. I’ve always been interested in the Snowflake for various reasons that i won’t bore you all with. Here are my questions:

1) in the GS line is the Snowflake (SBGA211) the ‘one’ to get or is there others i should consider?

2) there are not a lot of AD’s around. Are these hard to get and who is a recommended seller?

Thanks!
Scott

1) The snowflake is a classic, and easily the most recognizable of GS. So I will say it's a flagship watch of sort for the brand. I thought of buying one but end up buying the more exclusive LE Springdrive SBGA103 instead with a silver dial.

2) That depends on where you live. Most big cities will have a dedicated GS distributor.

GB-man · 19 April 2018, 01:30 PM

First, gorgeous watch and I’d say something of a signature GS.

Second, not so hard to get. I think I saw one at exquisite timepieces in Naples last week

If you’re inclined to hit the phones and call some ADs I bet you can find one with a fair discount. If not thanh can source GS and is a pleasure to deal with.

Slculve · 19 April 2018, 08:17 PM

Thanks everyone. Seems I’m on the right path with the Snowflake.

Cru Jones · 19 April 2018, 08:25 PM

The dial is beautiful for sure, and the spring drive is fantastic. I would consider first trying one on, though, since the titanium (weight) and bracelet (lack of micro-adjust) might not be what you're looking for.

LAFLARE · 19 April 2018, 08:53 PM

I thought I would love the snowflake..I even tried to convince myself of it, but in the end, titanium was not for me. Some people find comfort in the weight of Ti, and if you do too, the dial is beautiful.

Rolexavidfan · 19 April 2018, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slculve

I’ve only bought Rolex in the past, but now I’d like to add a white face watch to my assortment. I already have a Datejust II in blue and rather not get the same in white, but it is that look I’m after. I’ve always been interested in the Snowflake for various reasons that i won’t bore you all with. Here are my questions:

1) in the GS line is the Snowflake (SBGA211) the ‘one’ to get or is there others i should consider?

2) there are not a lot of AD’s around. Are these hard to get and who is a recommended seller?

Thanks!

Scott

I would definitely recommend the Snowflake. It took me quite a while to get one but in the end I am happy with my choice.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Rolexavidfan · 20 April 2018, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rolexavidfan

I would definitely recommend the Snowflake. It took me quite a while to get one but in the end I am happy with my choice.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Close up pic of the Snowflake Dial.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Slculve · 21 April 2018, 01:44 AM

Yes. Very nice. I think if I’m going to venture away from Rolex, I’d rather get the GS I’ve been looking at for the past couple of years which is this Snowflake. Why? I’m now in my 50’s. My best friend’s father was full Japanese. He was a very nice man and always very kind to me. I learned a lot from him. One day he even shared with me what it was like the day the bomb fell on Nagasaki. He was in a grade school at the time. The father passed away a few years ago. I believe this watch will honor him. I guess that’s why i keep coming back to it.

pickettt · 21 April 2018, 04:56 AM

I may add one to my collection this weekend.

Slculve · 26 April 2018, 03:22 AM

I appreciate everyone’s input!

Slculve · 26 April 2018, 03:33 AM

Below is a wrist shot.

SPMN · 26 April 2018, 08:53 AM

That’s a beautiful watch with an ever better story/reason for purchasing. Thank you for sharing that.

Brny11 · 27 April 2018, 03:26 AM

Yes, the GS Snowflake is IMO the one to own. It is the speedy of GS and is just a beautiful watch as you already know.

I bought mine from Orlando Watch Company - Certified GS dealer.

I can always go in there to see if they have one in stock for you and to check it out! Otherwise, feel free to call them as they do ship watches.

http://www.orlandowatchco.com

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Brny11 · 27 April 2018, 03:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brny11

Yes, the GS Snowflake is IMO the one to own. It is the speedy of GS and is just a beautiful watch as you already know.

I bought mine from Orlando Watch Company - Certified GS dealer.

I can always go in there to see if they have one in stock for you and to check it out! Otherwise, feel free to call them as they do ship watches.

http://www.orlandowatchco.com

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

I forgot a photo!!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Old Expat Beast · 27 April 2018, 04:38 PM

Check it out: https://www.seiko-design.com/en/bugseye/bugseye02.html

Andad · 27 April 2018, 05:46 PM

Did they made a mistake with the SBGC201 Adam.
Should they have made the GMT dial numbers the same colour as the tip of the GMT hand and the GMT script on the dial?

Old Expat Beast · 27 April 2018, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by directioneng

Did they made a mistake with the SBGC201 Adam.
Should they have made the GMT dial numbers the same colour as the tip of the GMT hand and the GMT script on the dial?

Probably would have been a good choice, Eddie.

Slculve · 27 April 2018, 07:20 PM

Thanks for the article. Very nice.

Coopdog · 9 December 2018, 05:01 PM

For what it’s worth, I would look at other Grand Seiko in the same case shape to at least fit check that you like the Snowflake dial better than their other dials.
I was attracted to the Snowflake dial but after doing my research and trying some on, I did not like the titanium case. The SBGA 201 and 203 have the same case shape but are in steel and are champagne sunburst dial (201) and black dial (203). There is also a different case shape that people love - look at the sbga375 and 373.

After much soul searching I decided I wanted a spring drive in stainless steel and the snowflake case shape which fits my wrist. Couldn’t get over the champagne dial, it’s glorious in person. I recently bought an sbga201. I had always thought I would definitely get a snowflake, but in person many of their dials are awesome and the champagne was awesome for me personally.

jason042779 · 10 December 2018, 12:55 AM

Alternatively, the SBGJ201 HI Beat GMT with white sunray dial in steel could fit the bill. I own a Snowflake, but the hi beat GMT functionality appeals to me also.

HOROLOGY HOUSE · 10 December 2018, 05:58 PM

I suggest trying it on if at all possible. The lugs are not the best, however if you are fine with it, you wont find a better watch for the $.
Also while titanium is great, i prefer the weight of steel.

JR16 · 10 December 2018, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOROLOGY HOUSE

I suggest trying it on if at all possible. The lugs are not the best, however if you are fine with it, you wont find a better watch for the $.
Also while titanium is great, i prefer the weight of steel.

Agree, the issue of titanium is a personal one. For me, on this somewhat larger / thicker case (eg c/w Rolex), the titanium makes this more comfortable on a smaller wrist. In fact, it is one of my most comfortable watches. Plus, the lightness in my mind works nicely with the “snowflake” motif.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

brandrea · 10 December 2018, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

The dial is beautiful for sure, and the spring drive is fantastic. I would consider first trying one on, though, since the titanium (weight) and bracelet (lack of micro-adjust) might not be what you're looking for.

This is very good advice.

19 April 2018, 03:17 AM	#1
Slculve "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Flagstaff Posts: 79	Snowflake Question I’ve only bought Rolex in the past, but now I’d like to add a white face watch to my assortment. I already have a Datejust II in blue and rather not get the same in white, but it is that look I’m after. I’ve always been interested in the Snowflake for various reasons that i won’t bore you all with. Here are my questions: 1) in the GS line is the Snowflake (SBGA211) the ‘one’ to get or is there others i should consider? 2) there are not a lot of AD’s around. Are these hard to get and who is a recommended seller? Thanks! Scott

19 April 2018, 01:30 PM	#6
GB-man 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: USA Watch: addiction issues Posts: 37,342	First, gorgeous watch and I’d say something of a signature GS. Second, not so hard to get. I think I saw one at exquisite timepieces in Naples last week If you’re inclined to hit the phones and call some ADs I bet you can find one with a fair discount. If not thanh can source GS and is a pleasure to deal with. __________________

26 April 2018, 03:22 AM	#14
Slculve "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Flagstaff Posts: 79	Got it today. Thanks! I appreciate everyone’s input!

27 April 2018, 04:38 PM	#19
Old Expat Beast TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Adam Location: Far East Watch: Golden Tuna Posts: 28,803	Check it out: https://www.seiko-design.com/en/bugseye/bugseye02.html __________________ _______________________

27 April 2018, 05:46 PM	#20
Andad 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 37,510	Did they made a mistake with the SBGC201 Adam. Should they have made the GMT dial numbers the same colour as the tip of the GMT hand and the GMT script on the dial? __________________ E

19 April 2018, 04:00 AM	#2
Noonan Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: US Watch: 3570.50 Posts: 2,156	The SBGA is the classic GS Snowflake. If you didn't want to spend that much, they also released a Presage model which has a snowflake dial and is quite a bit less expensive; SARX055. It was a JDM limited release. I picked one of those up a couple months back and absolutely love it. Can't stop looking at the dial (See today's WRUW thread for a pic). It's also Ti but uses Seiko's more common movement, which is still excellent. They can be had for ~$800-$1000. IIRC Govberg is an authorized dealer for GS in the US. Might want to try giving them a call.

19 April 2018, 05:26 AM	#3
Slculve "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Flagstaff Posts: 79	Great advice. I’ll look into this other watch. Much appreciated.

19 April 2018, 09:53 AM	#4
Do0ver "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: OC Posts: 70	I would recommend you visit Hyde Park Jewelers. I stopped in to check the Rolex inventory. It was exactly what you expect other than 2 rose gold Yachtmasters on rubber straps. They are a Seiko distributor and he has a lot of them in stock. Speak with Paul Riggs. They knows his stuff re; the brand

19 April 2018, 08:17 PM	#7
Slculve "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Flagstaff Posts: 79	Thanks everyone. Seems I’m on the right path with the Snowflake.

19 April 2018, 08:25 PM	#8
Cru Jones 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Paris, France Posts: 35,273	The dial is beautiful for sure, and the spring drive is fantastic. I would consider first trying one on, though, since the titanium (weight) and bracelet (lack of micro-adjust) might not be what you're looking for.

19 April 2018, 08:53 PM	#9
LAFLARE "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: SF, CA Posts: 833	I thought I would love the snowflake..I even tried to convince myself of it, but in the end, titanium was not for me. Some people find comfort in the weight of Ti, and if you do too, the dial is beautiful.

21 April 2018, 01:44 AM	#12
Slculve "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Flagstaff Posts: 79	Yes. Very nice. I think if I’m going to venture away from Rolex, I’d rather get the GS I’ve been looking at for the past couple of years which is this Snowflake. Why? I’m now in my 50’s. My best friend’s father was full Japanese. He was a very nice man and always very kind to me. I learned a lot from him. One day he even shared with me what it was like the day the bomb fell on Nagasaki. He was in a grade school at the time. The father passed away a few years ago. I believe this watch will honor him. I guess that’s why i keep coming back to it.

21 April 2018, 04:56 AM	#13
pickettt "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: California Watch: Shiny One Posts: 5,445	I may add one to my collection this weekend.

26 April 2018, 08:53 AM	#16
SPMN "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: St Paul, MN Watch: Tudor, Omega Posts: 1,218	That’s a beautiful watch with an ever better story/reason for purchasing. Thank you for sharing that.

27 April 2018, 03:26 AM	#17
Brny11 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Real Name: Brian Location: Florida Posts: 2,460	Yes, the GS Snowflake is IMO the one to own. It is the speedy of GS and is just a beautiful watch as you already know. I bought mine from Orlando Watch Company - Certified GS dealer. I can always go in there to see if they have one in stock for you and to check it out! Otherwise, feel free to call them as they do ship watches. http://www.orlandowatchco.com Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

27 April 2018, 07:20 PM	#22
Slculve "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Flagstaff Posts: 79	Thanks for the article. Very nice.

9 December 2018, 05:01 PM	#23
Coopdog "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 267	For what it’s worth, I would look at other Grand Seiko in the same case shape to at least fit check that you like the Snowflake dial better than their other dials. I was attracted to the Snowflake dial but after doing my research and trying some on, I did not like the titanium case. The SBGA 201 and 203 have the same case shape but are in steel and are champagne sunburst dial (201) and black dial (203). There is also a different case shape that people love - look at the sbga375 and 373. After much soul searching I decided I wanted a spring drive in stainless steel and the snowflake case shape which fits my wrist. Couldn’t get over the champagne dial, it’s glorious in person. I recently bought an sbga201. I had always thought I would definitely get a snowflake, but in person many of their dials are awesome and the champagne was awesome for me personally.

10 December 2018, 12:55 AM	#24
jason042779 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: DC Metro Watch: 216570, 18038 Posts: 102	Alternatively, the SBGJ201 HI Beat GMT with white sunray dial in steel could fit the bill. I own a Snowflake, but the hi beat GMT functionality appeals to me also.

10 December 2018, 05:58 PM	#25
HOROLOGY HOUSE Banned Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Australia Posts: 69	I suggest trying it on if at all possible. The lugs are not the best, however if you are fine with it, you wont find a better watch for the $. Also while titanium is great, i prefer the weight of steel.

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