4 Alluring Grand Seiko Watches with “Snowflake” Dials

When one thinks of Grand Seiko, most will connote the brand with its iconic Snowflake watch dial. The original might indeed be only one particular timepiece but now Grand Seiko’s fans can enjoy more. Since the release of the original Grand Seiko Snowflake as a reference to SBGA211, the Japanese watch icon, Grand Seiko has designed several more timepieces with Snowflake dials.

Generally powered by the robust Spring Drive movement and presented with an enchanting textured dial, here is a brief overview of the Grand Seiko Snowflake. Not only that, read on to find out about watches with Snowflake dials that are the finest and most enticing.

Snowflake Dial Watches from Grand Seiko

Grand Seiko is synonymous with understated luxury. Most of its designs are subtle yet remain chic for the everyday wearer. This is most clearly observed with the Grand Seiko Snowflake established in the year 2005. The release was one year after the founding of the Spring Drive movement.

At the time, the watchmakers decided upon designing a dial to reflect the beauty of the mountains located in Seikos’ home, Japan. Thankfully, past records were found to indicate that a late model from the 1970s had achieved this “snow-textured” look. 

The next challenge the team was prompted with was how to achieve the snowy-white color yet remain textured similar to the roughness of mountains. With many more trials and experiments, the watchmakers finally found a process to make this work – silver plating. A model was finally built through refinements in the immersion time of the process.

Ultimately, the dial achieved its snow-white color atop the rugged texture. The imperfection refracts light creating a subtle sparkling appearance and reflecting the snow-clad mountains of Japan.

4 Enticing Timepieces of Grand Seiko Snowflake Dial Watches

Snowflake has been an iconic symbol of Grand Seiko that it becomes synonymous with the brand. In fact, there’s only one original Grand Seiko Snowflake, the delicate SBGA211. However, as the demand is growing, Grand Seiko also released a Snowflake-textured dial on other watches. Here are some of the best ones including the pioneer model:

Grand Seiko Snowflake SBGA259

The first watch with a Snowflake dial that I recommend is the SBGA259. This timepiece generates a beautiful contrast at play with the difference in the color of the dial and the hands and markers. 

At a glance, it shows only a slight difference from its original counterpart in the form of gold hands and dial markers but the result is a crisp snow-white textured look. This Golden Snowflake exudes both warmth and comfort. Furthermore, the seconds are made blue to keep the simplistic tone of the watch.

This minimal touch of color to the watch adds just enough luxury to remain understated and a very pleasing golden glow when reflected with light at certain times of the day. This Golden Snowflake dial is a beautiful choice for springtime when the weather starts to get warmer.

Grand Seiko Snowflake SBGY002

The SBGY002 lets out an aura of leisurely evening walk by the beach. In contrast to the SBGA259 and in addition to golden hour markers and dials, the case possesses the same chic yet warm color. Delivered by a more refined and slim case of 10.2 mm this is the perfect watch to bring on a summer picnic with the family.

Supporting the impeccable look of this dress watch is the ever robust hand-winding Spring Drive 9R31 movement. This powerful movement allows for up to 72 hours of power reserve. The result is a classy timepiece that provides precise accuracy within a one-second deviation.

Read also: Seiko vs. Grand Seiko: The Highlight Between the Leading Ones

Grand Seiko Snowflake SBGA211

Next, the SBGA211, the original Snowflake by Grand Seiko. Its titanium case and overall use of the silver-tone are perfect for cooler weather. 

The dial of textured snow-white has a certain shine to it contributed by the numerous layers of lacquer added during its making. As a result, this particular timepiece, although enclosed in silver-tone colors does not look bland. Furthermore, the blue needle-like second hands provide a minimal contrast to the watch.

What is more exquisite is perhaps the overall look that strikes a perfect combination between accentuating the textured dial and delivering a muted serenity and reliability.

Grand Seiko Snowflake SBGA407

Last but not least is the SBGA407. This is a watch offering different shades of blue. From its textured dial to its leather strap, the color blue is a prominent feature of this particular watch. Hence, the timepiece is befitting to wear for the colder months of the year.

This Snowflake Blue watch features a snow-white textured dial showing a glimpse of polar blue when reflected with light. Perfect imagery of the colder months near the mountains of Japan. Furthermore, equipped with the 9R65 Spring Drive movement, you will never run late thanks to the only one-second deviation in time accuracy and 72-hour power reserve.

The exquisite Snowflake collection is the result of intricate craftsmanship through dedicated and reflective work. One will be more than pleased by the quality and allure of a Snowflake timepiece from the Japanese watch titan, Grand Seiko.

Read on to find out more about other stunning watches and the world of horology through our Gnomon blog.

Read also: Elevating a Stylish Look with Dress Watches