Snowflake on a budget
Hi All,
Just wanted to share a recent purchase that I like to think of as a snowflake on a budget (or Grandpa Snowflake).
I was looking around to scratch an itch, and while everyone has heard of the Grand Seiko Snowflake (SBGA211), it's a watch that costs thousands of dollars. So I went down the rabbit hole of trying to find an alternative.
I then stumbled on the "Baby Snowflake" (SARX055). Definitely beautiful, but I just didn't dig the handset.
So, kept looking and somehow found myself digging into older Grand Seiko quartz watches (and King Quartz and Lord Quartz). There have been other write ups on how revolutionary and high end Seiko quartz watches of the 1970s were, so I won't go into detail, but Seiko had various levels of quartz watches, including the more budget friendly Type II line.
There's a lot of variety in the Type II line, including what looked like a precursor to the modern Grand Seiko Snowflake. So I give you the Seiko Type II 4622-8000.
It has a snowflake-like texture in a 36mm case, 42mm lug to lug, and 19mm lug width. Height is about 12mm.
And the price: well under $100, for an excellent condition working watch.
I must say, I didn't think I would like it that much because I didn't really want a quartz watch (it bugs me if the seconds hand doesn't hit all the marks)...but I can overlook that for this watch. It only barely misses a few of the markers, and it's still super accurate for a nearly 50 year old watch. No, it's not a Spring Drive, and it is vintage, so I won't be taking it swimming, but for what it is--chef's kiss.
There are similar models...some with hooded lugs, some with day-date complications, a few no dates, and various textures (not all are snowflakes, some are more like popcorn ceiling, some are linen or have vertical striping).
Thanks for reading, and if I sent you down a rabbit hole, sorry (not sorry).
Enjoy your watches.
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This is a great looking watch!
I’m on the hunt for a birth year / month Seiko. This reference just made the list… beautiful watch! Post saved!
This is a great looking watch! I, like you, used to be bugged by quartz movements, but I’ve come to realise 70s quartz watches are A DIFFERENT BEAST to the stuff from the 90s till today. Great pick up!
Beautiful watch man!
This is a great looking watch! I, like you, used to be bugged by quartz movements, but I’ve come to realise 70s quartz watches are A DIFFERENT BEAST to the stuff from the 90s till today. Great pick up!
Yes. I opened up another Type II because I wanted to see if I could change the gaskets myself to enhance waterproofing, and I noticed that there was actually a timing adjustment screw (the golden screw at the 3 o'clock position). So similar to today's 9F movement, if you really wanted to, you could adjust the movement faster or slower. So definitely not the typical disposable quartz that people think of nowadays.
Beautiful piece my friend👌love the vintage snowflake and different dials seiko do amazing grand seiko quality without the price tag and larger side,looking forward on getting mine back from crystal replacement vintage seiko snowflake club 👊
Beautiful piece my friend👌love the vintage snowflake and different dials seiko do amazing grand seiko quality without the price tag and larger side,looking forward on getting mine back from crystal replacement vintage seiko snowflake club 👊
Who did you send your watch to for crystal replacement?
Who did you send your watch to for crystal replacement?
The watch lab Manchester not used them before ill let you know how it goes once I get the watch back
I’m on the hunt for a birth year / month Seiko. This reference just made the list… beautiful watch! Post saved!
Hi, did you have any luck looking for a birth year/month watch, any specific websites ? thanks
Hi, did you have any luck looking for a birth year/month watch, any specific websites ? thanks
Nope, gave up looking