Grand Seiko’s 37mm Snowflake and Diamond Snowflake aren’t the only new versions of the snowy dialled timepiece they’re releasing in 2024 as joining them is the new ‘Pink Snowflake’ Spring Drive 25th Anniversary Limited Edition SBGA497. Much as you’d expect, it’s a version of the Snowflake that’s pink. Although it’s not a downsized quartz model like the other releases and is instead a full size Spring Drive piece.
Let’s cut right to the dial, which is the main feature of the watch. It has the intricate pattern of the Snowflake range, a gently undulating surface that’s designed to look like freshly fallen snow on the slopes of Mount Hotaka. As we’ve just learned from the new Morning Glow of Hotaka Peaks, the Hotaka sunrise is known for its intense red glow, something that’s reflected here in the pink blush of the dial. It’s not the first time Grand Seiko have gone pink for a wintery dial as the Sakura-Kakushi is a similar colour.
As for the case, it measures 41mm in diameter and is made from titanium with a matching titanium bracelet. It’s beautifully crafted with a combination of brushed and polished finishing that creates a nice contrast across the piece. It gives the ‘Pink Snowflake’ a sharp aesthetic that matches the equally sharp facets of the hands and hour markers. Classic Grand Seiko as we know and love it.
Powering the piece is the 9R65 automatic Spring Drive movement, an incredibly accurate movement with a deviation of +/- 1 second per day and a power reserve of 72-hours. It’s also the Spring Drive movement that makes this a 25th Anniversary Limited Edition, as the technology was first introduced in 1999, it also happens to be the 20th anniversary of the original Calibre 9R from 2004. It has since become one of Grand Seiko’s most famous and acclaimed movements, rivalling the Hi-beat.
The other half of being a 25th Anniversary Limited Edition SBGA497 is that it’s a limited edition, specifically with 1,500 pieces being available. They’re priced at £5,990, which is only £190 higher than the standard titanium Snowflake, not too bad for a limited edition in a new dial colour. Whether you’re looking for something a touch more vibrant than the white snowflake or are perhaps are looking for a gift for your partner who prefers men’s watches, the Grand Seiko ‘Pink Snowflake’ Spring Drive 25th Anniversary Limited Edition is definitely worth a consideration.
Price and Specs:
Model:
Grand
Seiko ‘Pink Snowflake’ Spring Drive 25th Anniversary Limited Edition
Ref:
SBGA497
Case:
41mm
diameter x 12.5mm thickness, titanium
Dial:
Pink
‘snowflake’ texture (inspired by the Hotaka mountain peaks sunrise)
Water resistance:
100m
(10 bar)
Movement:
Grand
Seiko calibre 9R65, automatic, 30 jewels
Frequency:
32,768
Hz
Power reserve:
72h
Functions:
Hours,
minutes, seconds, date, power reserve
Strap:
Titanium
bracelet
Price:
£5,990,
limited to 1,500 pieces
More details at Grand Seiko Boutique.
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