I was fortunate enough to try on a GS Snowflake

[Snilsson]

Hey guys,

I have been in to watches for years, I think I started sometime back in 2013 or 14. I started out with Longines and Tissot and have slowly worked my way "up" to mostly a variety of Omega but mostly Rolex. I own a 116610LN and 214270 right now for reference.

Anyway, to get to my point. I've always been fascinated by GS but never felt the real push to get one despite owning a couple of Seiko. I've never gotten a chance to try one on until last weekend which could be a reasonable excuse..

This store had a wide variety of brand new models and amongst them a Snowflake, I was star struck and despite it being wrapped in plastic I was eager to take a look at it. The dial and attention to detail is just as beautiful as I'd imagined. But I was surprised by the really loud rotor and the flimsy feeling bracelet. Is this something that's normal for GS or are certain models better/worse? I know that it's a little unfair to compare to the Oyster bracelet on my Submariner but I was expecting more.
I'd hate to dismiss the brand of these minor things and it is NOT my intention to start a flame war, I'm merely seeking some knowledge.

[asiparks]

well, let's parse "flimsy":
The bracelet is titanium, so it's very light. It's also very strong.
So whilst the first impression might be one of poor /weak quality or manufacture compared to the Oyster, it's just a different "feel". It also makes the watch extremely comfortable to wear.
The clasp is not perfect, but it is secure, it's absolutely not about to fly off your wrist.
You will not notice the sound of the rotor once on your wrist- which is the same argument used by fans of the 3235....

[TimeAZ]

SBGA211 is beautiful and super light-weight which is part of its aesthetic and design philosophy. Unfortunately, the case design is awkward and the overall feel on wrist is dissatisfying, despite its comfy lightweight construction. Many problems to speak of.... Too big and lugs are a little odd/bulky, unattractive. Case is too thick, for something that seems like it should be dressy. Bracelet suffers from complete lack of microadjustment and is a pain to resize due to pins/collars, you need a punch, tweezers, and hammer. Really inconvenient. Only way to wear this watch is on a strap, and it looks awkward on strap, sorry to say that but it's true. Awkward due to the lugs and gap at the case. A pity. I've seen people put the watch on a NATO. It looks silly.

GS will never fix these problems because they don't pay attention to the bracelet and clasp. You have to simply accept that the minute you buy any GS, you just have to throw out the bracelet completely and put it on a $20 Barton strap and suddenly it's actually wearable.

[Snilsson]

Originally Posted by asiparks

well, let's parse "flimsy":
The bracelet is titanium, so it's very light. It's also very strong.
So whilst the first impression might be one of poor /weak quality or manufacture compared to the Oyster, it's just a different "feel". It also makes the watch extremely comfortable to wear.
The clasp is not perfect, but it is secure, it's absolutely not about to fly off your wrist.
You will not notice the sound of the rotor once on your wrist- which is the same argument used by fans of the 3235....

That makes sense, initial impression was more Seiko 5 than Rolex Oyster. But the light weight could be deceiving and a quick 2 minute test feel on the wrist isn't really a fair judgment.
I have a friend with a DJ41 that has a 3235 and it's much quieter but it's different for all watches I guess.

Originally Posted by TimeAZ

SBGA211 is beautiful and super light-weight which is part of its aesthetic and design philosophy. Unfortunately, the case design is awkward and the overall feel on wrist is dissatisfying, despite its comfy lightweight construction. Many problems to speak of.... Too big and lugs are a little odd/bulky, unattractive. Case is too thick, for something that seems like it should be dressy. Bracelet suffers from complete lack of microadjustment and is a pain to resize due to pins/collars, you need a punch, tweezers, and hammer. Really inconvenient. Only way to wear this watch is on a strap, and it looks awkward on strap, sorry to say that but it's true. Awkward due to the lugs and gap at the case. A pity. I've seen people put the watch on a NATO. It looks silly.

GS will never fix these problems because they don't pay attention to the bracelet and clasp. You have to simply accept that the minute you buy any GS, you just have to throw out the bracelet completely and put it on a $20 Barton strap and suddenly it's actually wearable.

I thought that the case was fine, I'm not super picky when it comes to cases though. I wear everything from a DJ36 to a 44mm Panerai and in between.
I do want to like the watches more than what my initial emotions told me, I need to go back and try some more models I think.

[Chas58]

Originally Posted by Snilsson

That makes sense, initial impression was more Seiko 5 than Rolex Oyster. But the light weight could be deceiving and a quick 2 minute test feel on the wrist isn't really a fair judgment.
I have a friend with a DJ41 that has a 3235 and it's much quieter but it's different for all watches I guess.

I thought that the case was fine, I'm not super picky when it comes to cases though. I wear everything from a DJ36 to a 44mm Panerai and in between.
I do want to like the watches more than what my initial emotions told me, I need to go back and try some more models I think.

Yeah, on a bracelet, we impart weight to mean quality. This watch is in a different league with its light weight TI bracelet. But, subconciously we equate the to a cheap seiko5 or old school crapola Rolex bracelet.

However, it is extremely comfortable to wear, and goes well with the watch.

I did try the stainless steel version of the watch (champagne dial), and it was way too heavy for my 7" wrists.

With that white dial, it is a strap monster - i put so many different straps on that thing, and it was wonderful.

I tend to agree with TimeAZ - but the "seasons" collection (esp winter & spring) take care of all the issues. That 62GS case is a classic work of art.

[Rrpdc]

Op- I would try on some other ss Gs watches. Bracelet is not Rolex quality but the dials are great. Titanium is not a good comparison.

[Snilsson]

I went in to another GS store while on a business trip today and got to try on the SGA415 (titanium "winter" model from four seasons collection) and SBGP005 (blue, SS quartz with 44GS case)
I definitely see the difference between titanium and SS. I have a hard time bonding with the titanium but I loved the SS model and the 44GS case.
Thinking of going back when I have more time later this week but something like SBGA375 seems really compelling now. I honestly do not think that titanium is for me.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by TimeAZ

You have to simply accept that the minute you buy any GS, you just have to throw out the bracelet completely and put it on a $20 Barton strap and suddenly it's actually wearable.

Any GS? That's just nonsense. I really like mine, more than any of my Rolex bracelets.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=597904

OP, here's recent article by Anthony Kable about getting a good fit on a GS bracelet: https://www.plus9time.com/blog/2021/...eiko-bracelets

[Starwalker]

Really intrigued by GS as well. However, I too did find the biggest the bracelet to be a huge let down. Really did expect more. I think if i were to pick one up it would be a presage on a leather strap.....believe that is the best value proposition for me.

[Chester01]

Enough with the bracelet business. I. Just repeated and repeated as it’s truth. The bracelets are well made and comfortable. Most just repeat nonsense they hear, same with tudor and case thickness. Enough. I have seen folks even with the most “comfortable” bracelets not get a fit or it does not feel right to them. Try it and see what you think. Rolex folks make the mistake of thinking their new bracelets on the 6 digits are better, they are not period.
They are held together by the same spring bars and are just heavier. Heavier is not better and titanium “feels” lighter don’t mistake that with it being cheap. The reality is GS watches accuracy and finishing mostly exceed Rolex and are on par with PP, AP, and VC at a fraction of the price.

[Snilsson]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Any GS? That's just nonsense. I really like mine, more than any of my Rolex bracelets.

OP, here's recent article by Anthony Kable about getting a good fit on a GS bracelet:

Great article, thanks for sharing!
I did find the SS model I tried on yesterday to have a more similar feel to the Rolex oyster bracelet. I was most likely just so surprised by the lightness of the titanium the first time I held it that my initial reaction was that it was cheap. I'm willing to keep an open mind and try again though.

[Snilsson]

I found their SS bracelet much closer to Oyster than the Titanium. But again, the lightness of it is probably playing a trick on me (and others)
I believe that if they added some sort of on-the-fly micro adjustment 80% of all complaints would disappear. Even if it's just a 5mm fold over extension, similar to what jubilee bracelets have.

Personally I will go back to the store and give Titanium another shot.

[pickettt]

Originally Posted by TimeAZ

GS will never fix these problems because they don't pay attention to the bracelet and clasp. You have to simply accept that the minute you buy any GS, you just have to throw out the bracelet completely and put it on a $20 Barton strap and suddenly it's actually wearable.

I guess I’m lucky in that I was born with wrists that happen to have ZERO problems with the fit of any GS bracelet I’ve ever put on.

[Snilsson]

Got to try on the White Bitch today and oh boy is it beautiful. I love everything about this watch, except this one flaw. I hope it’s just a one off but I will be checking closely before buying.
Look at the top left SEL. That gap is massive.
https://i.imgur.com/B4T5grC.jpg

[JoseR]

I prefer that watch on leather. That way no complaining about the bracelet..

[Snilsson]

Originally Posted by JoseR

I prefer that watch on leather. That way no complaining about the bracelet..

If I pay almost $10 grand for a watch on a bracelet I will use the bracelet

[JoseR]

Originally Posted by Snilsson

If I pay almost $10 grand for a watch on a bracelet I will use the bracelet

Just my opinion. It's your money and watch you can wear it on anything you want, I just prefer it on leather. That's just me you do you.

[Mifune]

titanium watches aren't for me personally... specially spring drive titanium, and I love Grand Seiko.

when the three one one was first released I went into a dealer to give it a look over... as soon as I put it one my wrist I knew it was not for me. Well, that and the fact that that power indicator was mucking up that beautiful hand formed dial.

as far as I know, there only two GS spring drive pieces that move the power indicator to the rear of the watch... both are manuals, and both are magnificent.

[rolexako]

One word for me, Springdrive. I love this watch and I'm torn between Snowflake and the SBGA413.

[Mifune]

that four one three is to die for... it's a beautiful pink dial.

[pickettt]

Originally Posted by JoseR

Just my opinion. It's your money and watch you can wear it on anything you want, I just prefer it on leather. That's just me you do you.

Nothing wrong with the bracelet, I just prefer the GS croc strap…
B387C3BD-63F7-4D9A-BC21-EDC0A373E15C.jpeg

[JoseR]

Originally Posted by pickettt

Nothing wrong with the bracelet, I just prefer the GS croc strap…
Attachment 1233501

Looks great on the strap..

[swish77]

Originally Posted by TimeAZ

SBGA211 is beautiful and super light-weight which is part of its aesthetic and design philosophy. Unfortunately, the case design is awkward and the overall feel on wrist is dissatisfying, despite its comfy lightweight construction. Many problems to speak of.... Too big and lugs are a little odd/bulky, unattractive. Case is too thick, for something that seems like it should be dressy. Bracelet suffers from complete lack of microadjustment and is a pain to resize due to pins/collars, you need a punch, tweezers, and hammer. Really inconvenient. Only way to wear this watch is on a strap, and it looks awkward on strap, sorry to say that but it's true. Awkward due to the lugs and gap at the case. A pity. I've seen people put the watch on a NATO. It looks silly.

GS will never fix these problems because they don't pay attention to the bracelet and clasp. You have to simply accept that the minute you buy any GS, you just have to throw out the bracelet completely and put it on a $20 Barton strap and suddenly it's actually wearable.

Disagree with just about every point here, and in general I have no problem with GS bracelets. If you’re really using a hammer to size a bracelet on any watch, you’re probably going about it the wrong way.

As for the case design, that’s all in the eye of the beholder. Many guys find it beautiful. My main problem with the “Snowflake” is the light weight because of the titanium and the spring drive meter on the dial, which doesn’t appeal to me. The dial itself, however, is a work of art, like many GS dials.

[jmso786]

Just my 2 cents here: I have a Snowflake as well, and I like the fact that it's so light. For some of my SS watches, I have to take them off once or twice during the day to give my wrist a break. But with the Snowflake, I can leave it on all day! Also, the dial is just mesmerizing, and I don't think I'll get sick of looking at it ever.

[asiparks]

Originally Posted by Chester01

Enough with the bracelet business. I. Just repeated and repeated as it’s truth. The bracelets are well made and comfortable. Most just repeat nonsense they hear, same with tudor and case thickness. Enough. I have seen folks even with the most “comfortable” bracelets not get a fit or it does not feel right to them. Try it and see what you think. Rolex folks make the mistake of thinking their new bracelets on the 6 digits are better, they are not period.
They are held together by the same spring bars and are just heavier. Heavier is not better and titanium “feels” lighter don’t mistake that with it being cheap. The reality is GS watches accuracy and finishing mostly exceed Rolex and are on par with PP, AP, and VC at a fraction of the price.

You saved me typing up pretty much the same-

You'd think Rolex bracelets came down the mountain with Moses.

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by asiparks

You saved me typing up pretty much the same-

You'd think Rolex bracelets came down the mountain with Moses.

I know right and it’s like I have owed many Rolex over the years. I have always been able to get as comfortable a for with my seiko divers and my subs and daytonas. Very dramatic with this bracelet issue.


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