It is still the one people ask about
By Kenji Watanabe, Osaka ยท
Stand at a Grand Seiko counter in any Osaka department store for ten minutes and listen to which model visitors ask for. I would bet on the Snowflake.
The reason is the dial, a textured white surface meant to look like snow drifts in the mountains of Nagano, where Spring Drive is made at the Shinshu studio. It plays with light in a way that photos never capture, and the blued seconds hand gliding across it is lovely.
The specs are practical. A 41 mm high-intensity titanium case at 12.5 mm, titanium bracelet, sapphire, 100 m, date and power reserve. 9R65 with 72 hours. It is light enough for summer, which in Osaka matters more than most people abroad realise.
The flaws are small but real. The titanium scratches more readily than steel. The bracelet clasp is basic for the money. And 6,200 to 6,400 dollars is no longer a bargain against Swiss competition, the way it was when the Snowflake first became known outside Japan.
Still, if you want one Grand Seiko that explains the brand, this is the one I would suggest.