Grand Seiko Elegance 'Blue Snowflake'

Grand Seiko is the darling of contemporary watch collectors today, and taking even a cursory glance at the design specs — or better yet, an example in the metal — it’s easy to see why.

With even a cursory glance, it’s easy to identify the artisanal talent that went into the design and manufacturing process of the dial alone. Depending on the angle, the color and composition of a textured Grand Seiko dial will look completely different. It’s truly a work of art steeped in Japanese tradition.

This particular Grand Seiko, part of the Elegance Collection, is referred to as the “Blue Snowflake.” Featuring a 40.2mm stainless steel case, its centerpiece is a wondrous, light blue dial with a texture inspired by the snowy mountains of Shinshu that’s paired to a signature Grand Seiko daupine handset, faceted, applied indices, and a power reserve indicator. Powering the watch is the Spring Drive movement, a unique creation of Grand Seiko that marries quartz and mechanical technology for a power reserve of 72 hours.

Matched to a blue leather strap, this Reference SBGA407 is in outstanding, lightly worn condition throughout, and includes its inner and outer boxes, books, and warranty papers dated to 2021.

But don’t take our word for it — pieces like these have to be seen to be believed!

The Grand Seiko was created by Taro Tanaka, a young designer whom Seiko had hired right out of school. Inspired by the way Swiss watches “sparkled brilliantly,” Tanaka set out to design a watch with sharp edges, brushed surfaces, and a mirror finish that would rival anything created by the Swiss. In 1960, the first Grand Seiko—Reference 3180—debuted.

Other models of Grand Seiko would follow, coupling those elegant “sparkling” cases with high-grade (often hi-beat) manually-wound or automatic movements. When compared to the no-nonsense tool watches like the 6309 line of divers, the Grand Seiko was worlds away—refined, elegant, and cosmopolitan. Seiko intended the watch to be an answer to dress watches crafted by the Swiss, and at that it certainly did succeed.

Well-regarded in its home country, the Grand Seiko reached a global audience in 2010—and has captivated consumers ever since.

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.