Grand Seiko boutique visit
Trip to London to check out potential future purchase at the Grand Seiko Boutique. Went with a plan to check out a few in the flesh and seek advise on any other suitable alternatives. Lovely experience with helpful, friendly staff, big shoutout to David who couldn’t be more welcoming. From left right, SBGX263 SBGX355 SBGA211 SBGY007 SBGW297. Springdrive Snowflake too big, Omiwatari was stunning but maybe a stretch financially. From the outset the Quartz snowflake stood out, perfect size, looks amazing and light as a feather. Also went upstairs to look at the Seiko collection and try a few wish lists on (Willard, Navitimer, field GMT).
Finally a trip to the Baltic showroom to have a look at their pieces as well.
A thoroughly watchtastic day.
New to the hobby in 2023, finding my space.
That quartz snowflake is something close to perfection.
I'm glad they finally listened to reason and started releasing more models in vintage 34-37mm cases, like the Quartz Snowflake SBGX355 you tried and which proportions look so much better on your wrist than the original Snowflake in my opinion.
It's a shame that most of their springdrive catalog is 39mm+ models, which wear quite big for light dial dress watches.
I'm hoping one day we might see a return of the Whirlpool in a 36-38mm case, or a baby Shunbun in 37mm as well.
Some more wrist shots from the day
You seem to like the white dial Grand Seiko. I do the same tried them on snowflake and white beach not quite right. However have you tried the Heritage 'Kira-Zuri' Spring Drive SBGA465. Slightly smaller that the snow flake. Steel so has more wrist presents, also good price compared to the snowflake
No such thing as an oversized watch, but if it looks good poking under a white cuff, it’s perfect!
I was up there about a month ago and had the same vibe - helpful and welcoming.
All v nice but I leaned towards the SBGW297 as I like the clean radiating dial. It’s also similar to my SBGY009 which might be influencing me.
Take your time and enjoy the search.
You seem to like the white dial Grand Seiko. I do the same tried them on snowflake and white beach not quite right. However have you tried the Heritage 'Kira-Zuri' Spring Drive SBGA465. Slightly smaller that the snow flake. Steel so has more wrist presents, also good price compared to the snowflake
Interesting, will take a look, thanks for the insight. Definitely leaning to the lighter dials. Tried a few darker variants and found hard to read.
That looks like a really fun day!
Great day! I’m jealous of your wonderful store
I’ve not seen the new quartz snowflake ❄ - but it’s looks perfect on your wrist 👌
Love GS quartz models - homegrown quartz and handmade ✨
Went in to look at the SBGA469 which is an online special edition but they have one to try.
Even though it is a 41mm case it is shaped well for my 17.2cm wrist.
Has what I was looking for:
Fair price £4,600
Blue dial with "cloud/snowflake" effect
Crystal caseback
Spring Drive 🙂