Grand Seiko Skyflake SBGA407

Grand Seiko is all the rage right now. The horological enthusiast’s darling brand is enjoying a new found and well-deserved appreciation from the community at large. The SBGA211 snowflake is certainly almost entirely responsible for that reputation. Simply, there is not a more gorgeous dial with a more innovative movement for less money. Never one to miss an opportunity, Seiko recognized this success. A recent stream of releases from Japan feature snowflake-like dials and features, but with slight alterations. Here is one such model. This 2019 SBGA407, dubbed the skyflake, is everything you love about the snowflake with a little extra blue.

Doubtless, there’s some very earnest story about how snowfall outside of some tiny prefecture inspired the blue. I don’t even have look it up. What I can attest to is this: the light blue snowflake dial it features is lovely. Nothing more, nothing less. If you want a lightly pastel colored dial, there may be no better option. It even compliments the famous blued steel seconds hand. The other significant difference that the case is realized in steel. Not everyone love titanium, so that may be enough to convince many.

I can’t say anything about spring drive that hasn’t already been said. I’ll just leave it at this; there is something truly majestic about seeing a seconds hand that, even under loupe, never waivers even slightly in its velocity. There’s no subtle variation, a perfect consistency. The movement is all mechanically driven and all magic. It has to be seen to be appreciated.

This example was recently posted on reddit. It’s very strong. In fact, it’s new. Completely new, but on the secondary market. That retail change includes a 600 USD discount from the AD. If you’re going Skyflake or just want another lovely spring drive reference, this is a great option.

Find this Skyflake here from r/watchexchange for 5200 USD.