Grand Seiko SBGA Owner Review : Classy, charming and discreet

For almost 15 years now, I've been regularly buying watches, primarily from well-known brands like Rolex, Omega, or Longines... and throughout these years, I've always told myself that Grand Seiko was just Seiko and to me, they were watches - sure, efficient ones - but not really horology! Imagine how long and unexpected the journey was to actually end up buying a Grand Seiko, and a Spring Drive at that. The model is the SBGA211, nicknamed "Snow Flake." So how did I get here? As often is the case, it started with a chance encounter at a dinner where my tablemate was sporting a GS. We got to chatting, and it didn't take long to realize we were on different sides of the fence ;-) However, my neighbor, Patrick, who I must thank, enchanted me with all the DNA of Grand Seiko. The finish, innovation, understated elegance, and historical significance that I hadn't previously grasped. So, I started doing some research and fell for the dials offered by the brand... and I must admit, they make a big difference compared to my other watches. Since I didn't have a model with a white dial - mostly black ones - I set my sights on this Snow Flake, and, going all-in on the craziness, I got it in Spring Drive. Thank you, Patrick, and thank you, Grand Seiko!