No watch channel comes close to the quality macro shots Bruce does... Man, well done! Those impossible-to-see details make me appreciate Seiko's craftsmanship even more. Thanks!
Precise, detailed and honest review of a trully beautiful Snowfrost Seiko. Absolutely astonishing level of execution Seiko did with it! And you, Bruce, really showed in all its glory. Your macro shots are stunning!
Your not paying $1k for a 6R15 movement. Your paying $700 to upgrade your SARB033 with a snowflake dial, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, better bracelet with halflinks and more polishing, overall much better execution & craftsmanship, and it's made of TITANIUM. Or your paying about $250 to upgrade your SARX033 to Titanium and snowflake dial.
Jesus christ dude! let's stop the hyperbole here. This is not a snowflake dial. Just because it has some texture and it is white, doesn't make it the "snowflake dial."
I've seen Seiko quartz watches with titanium case in the mid $100's . That tells me the "practical" audience can get Ti at a low price, and the "collector" audience (mechanical movement) is paying more of a premium.
@@DonaldPerley lol. Just cuz a $100 watch claims to use the same metal doesn't mean it's an equivalent case. Titanium is very hard to machine and it's extremely hard to mirror polish. No $100 "titanium" watch is going to be able to touch the level of detail and quality seiko is offering here.
@@jaime4022 if you look at that Dial next to the Grand Seiko the Sarx has way more of a snowflake appearance to it. You can barely see the snowflake texture in the lighting on the gs. You can see the texture in the Sarx in all lighting.
IT’S THE..... S N O W F R O S T ........ it has the texture of ice rather than snow..... Seiko has got very good inspiration these days, after they came out with the beautifull ‘sakura’ cream texture of their latest presage (SRPC03) now this! Well done Bruce for showing the two side by side. That’s why i like your channel.
There are 4hz movements in the 6r family. The 6r2- movements are 4 hz and they include complications such as power reserve, day and date on smaller subdials. However it does clutter up the dial and isnt for everyone.
The original snowflake in watch from completely another leage. Movement, precition, attention to details even the dial. And it actually looks much more impressive than the baby version, but it is not for every body budget without a doubt.
Another killer review Bruce - nothing beats a side-by-side comparison for showing what you're paying for. Like the SDGM, this is one I would buy for the right price... pre-owned.
I have a feeling the 6R15 will be the go to movement for the Presage line from now on. I honestly can't see the 8L movement being used; but you never know...............
The Cocktail Presages are all 4R movements which is why I won't buy them. They price those at about the same as the Sarb033 but use hardlex and 4r movements. I like the 4r movement I have 4 watches with the movement but I paid less than $200 for them. I think the Presage line should all be 6r at least. Seiko is seemingly promoting them as a prestigious line. I think 6r for the more affordable Presage watches and 8L for the more luxurious makes more sense.
I'm not familiar with that watch so I had to look it up. It doesn't seem to be a common watch. I wouldn't spend that much on a 4r watch unless it was a really special one like the Seiko Blue Moon SRPC01 and Sakura SRPC03 Cocktail Times and even then you are definitely not buying it for the movement. In this case I don't know enough about this watch to say. Is it still being produced?
I would take this any day over any vintage piece with a more "prestigious" name brand. What it lacks in movement it makes up in every other department from what you've shown. Stunning job!
Wonderful review. The Presage bracelet alone is one of the nicest I’ve seen. Yes shame about the movement - they should at least regulate it closer to chronometer specs at that price. Although probably much more accurate than they say, the very poor advertised +/- tolerances on this movement (eg up to +25 secs gain per day!) could make you think twice about spending that sort of money.
Yeah that's what's weird about Seiko, they way understate their accuracy. All of my Presage get about +4 to +7 a day when they were advertised at +15 to +25
Great review and happy new year! I have to say I think the 6R15 is probably the best choice in this watch to balance cost/specs. The 6R series movements I've had experience with were on par with or better than ETA 2824-2 movements as far as accuracy is concerned, and you see those in watches ranging from under $300 to well over $3000.
For me, i hope to buy the sbga211 before year’s end. it took me a while to convince me to the new dial look, without the Seiko brand on top, but it grew on me and strangely enough, i wouldn’t wanna go back to the old one anymore, even after having spent the better of november looking long nights on the web trying to find an old new one
I’d be ok with the 6R15 if it was regulated just for this model. It’s such an easy accurate movement and pleasant to wind and set the time on. Stunning watch for sure. Great review as usual
Bruce thank you continuing to make informative, entertaining video reviews. My SARX055 comes in the mail tomorrow! Your video defintely tipped me over the edge into buying it. It is my 1st anniversary gift from my wife. Ps your macro shots are the best on RUclips. Cheers
Seiko truly has a price point and very specific case finishes for all their lines. ( I know GS and S as well as Credor are all "diff but the same" before I get hates on. Lol. I just think you really get what you pay for with these guys all the way through the line. Killer watch. Thanks Bruce you rock! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
I’m not sure it’s fair to call this the Snowflake. The GS Snowflake has a stupendous dial that truly does evoke snow drifts. This could never hope to really compare to it, and I think it’s unfair to keep this in the giant shadow of the GS Snowflake. Plus, as you say, it doesn’t really look like snow so much as frost, or I think it looks like rice paper. And it is a truly beautiful watch in its own right. Great video nonetheless - the intro was very slick.
I agree - the cheaper presage dial looks a bit like discoloured or dirty frost - not as pure as the GS ‘snow’. However I think the presage metal work on the bracelet and case is astonishing for the price - especially as titanium is apparently much harder to work on than stainless steel.
Great video, my only issue is the lack of discussion about the cheap painted blue second hand vs heat treated blueing that the grand seiko and many other brands offer at a $1000 price point.
Very nice video, thanks! I never heard if this watch before. I do have the GS Snowflake and I have to say that by this video, this SARX seems to compare very favorably looks wise. Slimmer dimensions, crystalline frost dial (agree the "Frost" is a MUCH better characterization than baby Grand snowflake), more streamlined bracelet look, and what very very much resembles the GS 62GS case (though it's not quite it).... Many may actually prefer the looks over the snowflake, and understandably so. Very intriguing model by Seiko Presage.
Thank you for yet another great review. What you get more out of a GS in comparison to the baby snow-flake by paying 5X more is the perfect example of the "law of diminishing returns"!
Great job, as always, Bruce. Being able to handle this one in person, it really is a great option. Seiko's recent gateway dugs that are the Presage series are filling a niche that was begging for watches of this caliber, and prepping the general population more for wider acceptance of Grand Seiko as a worthy high end option. I, of course, love my Snowflake and feel like they don’t compare favorably given, as you said, the high value of the SARX - you really are getting so much for your money. Excellent option, and excellent presentation again. Thanks for sharing, and it was good to see you again.
I own a SARX033 and LOVE it. I ordered it before the 055 came out. If I had to purchase one again, I think I would be VERY tempted by this sarx055. Sapphire crystal on the back, lighter weight, and a crazy looking dial. Very nice!
Seiko needs to come out with a movement between the 6r15 and 8l35 that beats at 28,800. It's only logical now that they are pushing prospex and presage into the 1-2k range.
I agree - with the fantastic technology they have at their disposal, Seiko could bring out a good value 8 beat a second movement that could more than match the ETA 2824/2892 and would probably need servicing less often than the Swiss counterpart as well. Even though higher beat movements are probably not that much more precise than say the 6R15, these days they are seen as more desirable and sophisticated than the 21,600 beat movements. I personally love the smoother second hand sweep of the 2824 over the Seiko 6 bps movements.
I heard recently that they are coming out with another snow ice theme dial. Very thin, stainless steel, and a new movement. Or at least a movement I haven't followed exactly
Thanks Bruce for recommending the online japanese site. Its a tad tricky finding reputable sites, especially for these types of collectables. Amazing watch.
And you are so right in claiming that seiko should put a better mvmnt into +1000 usd watches, or those presage models with AR treatment. An 8 series mvmnt like the one in the mm300 or the mas62 would be better fit, or, the regulate the mvmnt 6r15 into 5 positions.
Great Video and a very interesting proposition as I was seriously considering buying the GS Snow Flake... Love all your Seiko reviews! Greetings from Germany
HI , it looks good , how the movement ? does it keep good time ? 1-10 second a day ? $1000 watch with $300 movement and $700 Titanium case , how long will they last ?
I wish it's whiter (currently very silverish). The relatively pronounced gap between the crown and the case also mildly annoys me. Still, it's a nice watch overall!
I've watched quite a few of your reviews and the video work and closeups are on point. I like your review style and I agree with most of your points. Subscribed.
Wow, always wanted the Snowflake, but it was out of range. This is great, almost the same look and much more affordable. Great intro, really like the snow falling incorporated, great video in general.
I know I may be in the minority, but I think it would have been better if they made it 38mm. Plus, with the exception of the MM300, I'd have a difficult time paying over 1K for a non-Grand Seiko.
I have to agree ..1200 bucks is to much for that watch..and yes the grand seiko is 5 times the price better. Spring drive "hello"!. My last watch had that exact same movement (as the sarx055) and it was 200 bucks.
Adman1175 Agreed. The Presage has a more classic look with the baton style hour markers, and I prefer the old "SEIKO" dial marking to the new GS Grand Seiko logo.
Wonderful review! Thank you! Yours is the review that made me pull the trigger! I call this the Ice Crystal, as in on a winter window. I feel this dial should have it's own unique recognition, not just a good homage to the Snowflake.
I would buy this watch in an instant if had the 8L movement. I already owned both the SARB 035 and the SPB037J1 which have the 6R15. Not going to buy another seiko with the same movement.
My dream is the snowflake, it's probably going to be my only watch over the 5000 euro pricepoint.. I won't buy the sarx and let go of my dream, but i do like that seiko tried to put out a more affordable version for the "masses", and yeah it is gorgeous!
Beautiful watch indeed, I have the SARX033(also referred to as the Baby Grand Seiko) and i can honestly say..i prefer the smooth creamy white dial over the frosty texture look. And I 100% agree, a 6R15 does not belong in a watch at this price point. **Edit**...i Just realized Seiko actually does have a new movement the 6L35 they use in the SARA015 and the SJE073J1....but for that, you need to pay almost grand seiko money. Its pretty much the same watch as the SARX055
Oh jesus that's beautiful. I didn't know this was a thing! The stock photos look like just a plain white dial if you don't pay attention. Leave it to Seiko to muck up those shots. It really looks like an alternative to the SDGM001, which you reviewed before. Same design with a hugely attractive dial. I dunno if you still have both watches, but it would be awesome to see a comparison of those, as they are in roughly the same price bracket, size, and style. Was the SDGM001 48 L2L? 46 L2L definitely is a better fit imo, especially since the bright dial is going to wear big for sure.
Unfortunately I no longer have it. But check out my sarb/sdgm/sarx compare vid because this 055 is the same as the 033. Its technically the largest but wears so well.
Hey Bruce, great review! How does this compare to the sarx033? Would you recommend getting this if you got the sarx033? Worried there might be some redundancy. Cheers
This is a gorgeous watch. I think it actually punches above it's weight. How much would this watch cost if what was made by a swiss company? Not as good as the Grand Seiko but still a really impressive looking watch. Thanks for the review.
I actually went back and watched the video a second time. And I love this watch and hope to add it to collection in the next year. But when you put it next to the Grand Seiko, the GS is SO MUCH better. When next to each other I notice how smooth the sweep is of the GS, the insane level of finishing on the indices and the chapter ring on the SARX looks tacky in comparison to the way the GS handles it. I'm even more impressed by the Grand Seiko than I was before. And then when you focus back on the SARX I see it for the magnificent watch it is. And I think that even with the 6r movement it is still a great deal. That titanium build, 50 hour power reserve, beautiful polishing and AR coating are worth it. It's only problem is it pales next to a Grand Seiko. I can live with that.
That is a gorgeous looking watch, I just looked it up. I prefer the crown on the Presage here by far and I prefer no day on the watch. Just my preference, but that Ball is a stunner.
Regarding the Swiss comparison, I'd say that the case, material and dial quality would feel about right in a ~$3000 watch from a prominent Swiss brand. However the movement lets it down. A swiss brand would put at least a top grade 2824-2 with nice finishing in a watch like this, probably even chronometer-grade or a nice 2892. It just feels incongruous to see the very roughly finished and unregulated 6r15 when you flip the watch over. I've had issues with the 6r15 way more often than even the cheapest 2824 or Sellita clones. It's a nice movement, but only in comparison with the 7s26 or the 4r15. In a $400 SARB the 6r15 amazing, in a $1000 SARX it's a disappointment. You still get your money's worth seeing how high quality the rest of the watch is, but it just doesn't feel like a complete package. I just wish they'd make a stepping stone movement between the 6r15 and the 8l35 that focuses on good midrange finishing and timekeeping. Bump the price up $500 and it's still a bargain. Why not go with the 8l35? Well, rumor has it that the 8l is an unfinished, unregulated GS movement. If you regulate and decorate it and put it in a $1000-1500 watch you've just devalued the whole of GS.
K.M. Smith lol Seiko is a great Japanese watch ,the only thing is the straps and bracelets aren't always great and yea the crystals scratch up. I have a Seiko monster srp311 k1 and the bracelet unlatches when I flex my wrist :( I put it on a NATO , but the crystals is scratched. I'm not easy on my times pieces. so I need sapphire and a good strap
hi bruce, I just bought the sarx033 with the blue hands but I really would like the sdgm of the sarb065 hand-set. the sarx055 has the same hour and minute hand as the sarb065 right? let me know
Hello Bruce, thanks you so much for another great review. Your channel is one of the rare I do follow regularly. It was a good move to be still with us and I am glad you changed your mind. You together with your video 'Three Seikos' are the reasons why I own a Seiko SARX035. The SARX035 is such a beautiful and well executed watch. And now with the SARX055 Frosty Flake or so I am struggling again with the purchase of another watch. The dial looks beautiful and I have to agree that the dial looks better than the one of the Snowflake (not judging the craftsmanship behind the snowflake dial). I think I do not necessarily prefere titanium over stainless steel so if this dial would find its way into the SARX035 case I would buy it. The hands should be the ones of the SARX035 or SARX033 as I like them better. BTW, does anybody know already if the Frosty dial fits the SARX033? Bruce, would it be possible to get a comparisson video similar to the "Three Seikos" featuring the SARX055 and the SARX035/033, maybe even accompanied by a SARB033/035? I think this is a much appreciated here by your friends. Keep up the good work
I have a couple issues with the watch. The dial isn't a true snowflake dial, but it does look fairly good. The biggest problem with the watch is that they're using an bottom shelf/entry level movement on the watch. It is hard to justify at that price point.
Awesome review buddy! Handsome watch for sure but, I am with you on the choice of movement also I think it would be a little appealing if Seiko lean over the smaller size than pushing the limit to a bigger size for a dress watch. Cheers!
Hi Bruce! I was wondering, if you have to choose between this Seiko sarx055 and the Ball fireman enterprise, which one would you choose? Hope you can help me . Btw, I'm big fan from Mexico
No watch channel comes close to the quality macro shots Bruce does... Man, well done! Those impossible-to-see details make me appreciate Seiko's craftsmanship even more. Thanks!
Damn. I never realized how rough mechanical watches looked until I saw that spring drive!
lol any GS movement is a work of art
That Spring Drive is something nobody will ever come close to replicating.
The greatest salesman since jim skelton. You really deserve some kind of award for these videos. They really are the best watch videos on RUclips
Seiko can pay me commission with some free watches lol
Bruce Williams thats win, win, win as far as i can tell
Jim Skelton?? Damn I never hoped to see that clown’s name again😂
Precise, detailed and honest review of a trully beautiful Snowfrost Seiko. Absolutely astonishing level of execution Seiko did with it!
And you, Bruce, really showed in all its glory. Your macro shots are stunning!
Your not paying $1k for a 6R15 movement. Your paying $700 to upgrade your SARB033 with a snowflake dial, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, better bracelet with halflinks and more polishing, overall much better execution & craftsmanship, and it's made of TITANIUM.
Or your paying about $250 to upgrade your SARX033 to Titanium and snowflake dial.
Jesus christ dude! let's stop the hyperbole here. This is not a snowflake dial. Just because it has some texture and it is white, doesn't make it the "snowflake dial."
I've seen Seiko quartz watches with titanium case in the mid $100's . That tells me the "practical" audience can get Ti at a low price, and the "collector" audience (mechanical movement) is paying more of a premium.
@@DonaldPerley lol. Just cuz a $100 watch claims to use the same metal doesn't mean it's an equivalent case. Titanium is very hard to machine and it's extremely hard to mirror polish. No $100 "titanium" watch is going to be able to touch the level of detail and quality seiko is offering here.
@@jaime4022 if you look at that Dial next to the Grand Seiko the Sarx has way more of a snowflake appearance to it. You can barely see the snowflake texture in the lighting on the gs. You can see the texture in the Sarx in all lighting.
@Motor City Cobra polishing it to that level of finish by hand is very difficult. This watch is all hand polished
IT’S THE..... S N O W F R O S T ........ it has the texture of ice rather than snow..... Seiko has got very good inspiration these days, after they came out with the beautifull ‘sakura’ cream texture of their latest presage (SRPC03) now this! Well done Bruce for showing the two side by side. That’s why i like your channel.
wernerjacq I appreciate that!
wernerjacq I agree! Ice crystals not snow
Fair analysis. This said the GS Snowflake really worth every penny.
Very much agree, its on an entirely different level
There are 4hz movements in the 6r family. The 6r2- movements are 4 hz and they include complications such as power reserve, day and date on smaller subdials. However it does clutter up the dial and isnt for everyone.
Bruce, I enjoy listening to your watch review narrative. Your reviews has heightened my appreciation for Seiko watches. Thanks.
Thats awesome to hear
The original snowflake in watch from completely another leage. Movement, precition, attention to details even the dial. And it actually looks much more impressive than the baby version, but it is not for every body budget without a doubt.
Just received mine. It's fantastic.
What a lovely review, Bruce. You are a true artist. I wish it could be in 38mm.
Another killer review Bruce - nothing beats a side-by-side comparison for showing what you're paying for. Like the SDGM, this is one I would buy for the right price... pre-owned.
Eric Nielsen i hear you man. I wanted to be one of the first to show it on yt otherwise mint pre owned is an awesome option.
Wow, love this watch. If I wanted a dress watch this would be it for sure. Seiko yes please do an affordable 8L movement.
I have a feeling the 6R15 will be the go to movement for the Presage line from now on. I honestly can't see the 8L movement being used; but you never know...............
Yeah probably! They will put the 4r in all affordable to mid level and use the 6r throughout presage
The Cocktail Presages are all 4R movements which is why I won't buy them. They price those at about the same as the Sarb033 but use hardlex and 4r movements. I like the 4r movement I have 4 watches with the movement but I paid less than $200 for them. I think the Presage line should all be 6r at least. Seiko is seemingly promoting them as a prestigious line. I think 6r for the more affordable Presage watches and 8L for the more luxurious makes more sense.
Xombiticus. Hi. I just paid usd 410 for a seiko SRP465J1 that has the 4R36 movement. Have I paid too much???
I'm not familiar with that watch so I had to look it up. It doesn't seem to be a common watch. I wouldn't spend that much on a 4r watch unless it was a really special one like the Seiko Blue Moon SRPC01 and Sakura SRPC03 Cocktail Times and even then you are definitely not buying it for the movement. In this case I don't know enough about this watch to say. Is it still being produced?
I would take this any day over any vintage piece with a more "prestigious" name brand. What it lacks in movement it makes up in every other department from what you've shown. Stunning job!
Thank you!
Wonderful review. The Presage bracelet alone is one of the nicest I’ve seen. Yes shame about the movement - they should at least regulate it closer to chronometer specs at that price. Although probably much more accurate than they say, the very poor advertised +/- tolerances on this movement (eg up to +25 secs gain per day!) could make you think twice about spending that sort of money.
jacc88888 yeah I think this one is hovering around +8 since I got it a few days ago
Bruce Williams Not bad - not far from COSC levels of accuracy!
Yeah that's what's weird about Seiko, they way understate their accuracy. All of my Presage get about +4 to +7 a day when they were advertised at +15 to +25
@@__silver__ I guess it’s better to undersell something than to guarantee something that you cannot. Honest strategy
Wow! Thank you for these outdoors sunlight shots. Beautiful.
Great review and happy new year! I have to say I think the 6R15 is probably the best choice in this watch to balance cost/specs. The 6R series movements I've had experience with were on par with or better than ETA 2824-2 movements as far as accuracy is concerned, and you see those in watches ranging from under $300 to well over $3000.
Still great in 2022 and pricing now better, but agree about the movement.
For me, i hope to buy the sbga211 before year’s end. it took me a while to convince me to the new dial look, without the Seiko brand on top, but it grew on me and strangely enough, i wouldn’t wanna go back to the old one anymore, even after having spent the better of november looking long nights on the web trying to find an old new one
I’d be ok with the 6R15 if it was regulated just for this model. It’s such an easy accurate movement and pleasant to wind and set the time on. Stunning watch for sure. Great review as usual
Awesome review. I've literally been on the lookout for the last few weeks for some reviews on this. Been eyeing this watch big time.
Bruce thank you continuing to make informative, entertaining video reviews. My SARX055 comes in the mail tomorrow! Your video defintely tipped me over the edge into buying it. It is my 1st anniversary gift from my wife.
Ps your macro shots are the best on RUclips. Cheers
Seiko truly has a price point and very specific case finishes for all their lines. ( I know GS and S as well as Credor are all "diff but the same" before I get hates on. Lol. I just think you really get what you pay for with these guys all the way through the line. Killer watch. Thanks Bruce you rock! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Love the Seiko Presage Cocktail brand style, and now this Snowflake!!
I’m not sure it’s fair to call this the Snowflake. The GS Snowflake has a stupendous dial that truly does evoke snow drifts. This could never hope to really compare to it, and I think it’s unfair to keep this in the giant shadow of the GS Snowflake. Plus, as you say, it doesn’t really look like snow so much as frost, or I think it looks like rice paper. And it is a truly beautiful watch in its own right. Great video nonetheless - the intro was very slick.
Tompie913 👍
I agree - the cheaper presage dial looks a bit like discoloured or dirty frost - not as pure as the GS ‘snow’. However I think the presage metal work on the bracelet and case is astonishing for the price - especially as titanium is apparently much harder to work on than stainless steel.
@@jacc88888 🤣 speaking FrOm ThE hEaRt
Great video, my only issue is the lack of discussion about the cheap painted blue second hand vs heat treated blueing that the grand seiko and many other brands offer at a $1000 price point.
What a dial! How can you not love that dial? Gives cocktail time a run for its money IMO.
Tony Wong agree!
Very nice video, thanks! I never heard if this watch before. I do have the GS Snowflake and I have to say that by this video, this SARX seems to compare very favorably looks wise. Slimmer dimensions, crystalline frost dial (agree the "Frost" is a MUCH better characterization than baby Grand snowflake), more streamlined bracelet look, and what very very much resembles the GS 62GS case (though it's not quite it).... Many may actually prefer the looks over the snowflake, and understandably so. Very intriguing model by Seiko Presage.
Dave C Frost is a great nickname!
Or maybe "ice frost." Anyway, I'd consider getting one even though I have the Snowflake. It's a really "cool" looking watch XD
Thank you for yet another great review.
What you get more out of a GS in comparison to the baby snow-flake by paying 5X more is the perfect example of the "law of diminishing returns"!
got a SARX055 today and instantly put away my black bay ... gorgeous watch
I have a 6.29 inches wrist. I want to buy this watch, yet I am afraid that it's too big for me.
what do you think? Is the watch suit me well?
Lim Bora I think it will fit you find
Agree on the movement. The other high end presages such as the enamel ones get nicer 4hz movements
Great job, as always, Bruce. Being able to handle this one in person, it really is a great option. Seiko's recent gateway dugs that are the Presage series are filling a niche that was begging for watches of this caliber, and prepping the general population more for wider acceptance of Grand Seiko as a worthy high end option. I, of course, love my Snowflake and feel like they don’t compare favorably given, as you said, the high value of the SARX - you really are getting so much for your money. Excellent option, and excellent presentation again. Thanks for sharing, and it was good to see you again.
FutureRustandDust thanks for showing me your awesome watch. I am in awe of your collection. Always a nice time brother 👍👍
I own a SARX033 and LOVE it. I ordered it before the 055 came out. If I had to purchase one again, I think I would be VERY tempted by this sarx055. Sapphire crystal on the back, lighter weight, and a crazy looking dial. Very nice!
Seiko needs to come out with a movement between the 6r15 and 8l35 that beats at 28,800. It's only logical now that they are pushing prospex and presage into the 1-2k range.
So true
Rashan Harris I reckon those models will sell like hot cakes. But perhaps at the expense of sales from the 6r and 8l models? :)
I agree - with the fantastic technology they have at their disposal, Seiko could bring out a good value 8 beat a second movement that could more than match the ETA 2824/2892 and would probably need servicing less often than the Swiss counterpart as well. Even though higher beat movements are probably not that much more precise than say the 6R15, these days they are seen as more desirable and sophisticated than the 21,600 beat movements. I personally love the smoother second hand sweep of the 2824 over the Seiko 6 bps movements.
They do have 4hz movements. The 6r21/6r27
I heard recently that they are coming out with another snow ice theme dial. Very thin, stainless steel, and a new movement. Or at least a movement I haven't followed exactly
Thanks Bruce for recommending the online japanese site. Its a tad tricky finding reputable sites, especially for these types of collectables. Amazing watch.
Your very welcome. I emailed the big ones to see if they could get their hands on any and Kenta is the only one who responded. He is great
And you are so right in claiming that seiko should put a better mvmnt into +1000 usd watches, or those presage models with AR treatment. An 8 series mvmnt like the one in the mm300 or the mas62 would be better fit, or, the regulate the mvmnt 6r15 into 5 positions.
The finishing on those indices is superb! Great review again, and thanks for the dimensions 👌
Your welcome
Great Video and a very interesting proposition as I was seriously considering buying the GS Snow Flake... Love all your Seiko reviews! Greetings from Germany
Danke Schoen!
HI , it looks good , how the movement ? does it keep good time ? 1-10 second a day ? $1000 watch with $300 movement and $700 Titanium case , how long will they last ?
ANOTHER HIT FROM SEIKO!
ANOTHER HIT FROM BRUCE WILLIAMS!
lol thanks
I've learned to just get the good watch and be done with it.
I wish it's whiter (currently very silverish).
The relatively pronounced gap between the crown and the case also mildly annoys me.
Still, it's a nice watch overall!
I've watched quite a few of your reviews and the video work and closeups are on point. I like your review style and I agree with most of your points. Subscribed.
Welcome!
Great vid Bruce. I was expecting a review from this baby so much! thank you
So happy with this watch. The finishing is better than watches that are 10x the price
my 6r15 runs within COSC spec straight out of the box for two years now so far, I wear it everyday and beat the living crap out of it.
Wow, always wanted the Snowflake, but it was out of range. This is great, almost the same look and much more affordable. Great intro, really like the snow falling incorporated, great video in general.
Thanks, I took that footage last winter. It hasn't snowed that much in Utah yet
I know I may be in the minority, but I think it would have been better if they made it 38mm. Plus, with the exception of the MM300, I'd have a difficult time paying over 1K for a non-Grand Seiko.
I would love a 38mm version. Its such a nice size, thanks for commenting
Bruce Williams
How was the bracelet? It looks more like a GS type bracelet than a regular Seiko one.
Its very nice. The same as brightz or the sarx033
39mm would be a happy medium. Why they always gotta go 40+?
Lug to lug measurements is more of a problem for the wrist of some peoples, compared to the case diameter.
I have to agree ..1200 bucks is to much for that watch..and yes the grand seiko is 5 times the price better. Spring drive "hello"!. My last watch had that exact same movement (as the sarx055) and it was 200 bucks.
If you like a textured dial checkout the Tissot Tissot T086.407.11.061.10
Beautiful watch, and nice shots! The hands on the snowflake are really nice, they should use them on the SARX055 and it would be perfect.
I agree with you, they are classic
This watch is absolutely stunning. Wow
I actually think this one looks better than the Grand Seiko. No BS.
Adman1175 Agreed. The Presage has a more classic look with the baton style hour markers, and I prefer the old "SEIKO" dial marking to the new GS Grand Seiko logo.
Funny you say that I thought the GS looked more like a SARB35 if someone had swapped the labels I would had been tricked!
So am I! The snowflake dial is really gorgeous. I will definitely buy this watch in the future.
They both look great from above. But seiko has to figure a way to make them under 11mm as good as they are and wears well. They're so thick
Wonderful review! Thank you! Yours is the review that made me pull the trigger! I call this the Ice Crystal, as in on a winter window. I feel this dial should have it's own unique recognition, not just a good homage to the Snowflake.
Amazing close up photage, great review, great voice, keep it up
Thanks!
Wow, I've been waiting for this. I can't justify the cost of a GS yet. I'll probably buy this.
Thank you for this video! Well done as always!
Great review Bruce! Definitely one for me to consider!
I would buy this watch in an instant if had the 8L movement. I already owned both the SARB 035 and the SPB037J1 which have the 6R15. Not going to buy another seiko with the same movement.
Beautiful. Thanks for this great review. A french fan
Thanks for watching!
Beautiful fucking watch! Perfect "timing" for the winter since it's a baby snowflake!
Damn your productions is nice! The intro was enough to keep me watching !
this or GS quartz..? help I can't decide
Ugh $1,000 might be a deal breaker but i will still put it on my buy list for 2018
Yeah but titanium might remake that deal for me.
Beautiful dial! Awesome review, thanks.
Thats personally the nicest white dial i have ever seen
Bruce! I ordered this after watching your video. It should be delivered in a couple days. I already have the SARX029 and love it. I can't wait!
I'm trying to read The Quest For Cosmic Justice by Thomas Sowell, but I keep staring at this watch instead. This thing is amazing in person.
Grand Seiko for me. I'd save up for it!
My dream is the snowflake, it's probably going to be my only watch over the 5000 euro pricepoint.. I won't buy the sarx and let go of my dream, but i do like that seiko tried to put out a more affordable version for the "masses", and yeah it is gorgeous!
Beautiful timepiece. I want to get this one.
They came so close! But, putting the movement, aside, 40mm for a dress watch is too big for me :/
Beautiful watch indeed, I have the SARX033(also referred to as the Baby Grand Seiko) and i can honestly say..i prefer the smooth creamy white dial over the frosty texture look. And I 100% agree, a 6R15 does not belong in a watch at this price point. **Edit**...i Just realized Seiko actually does have a new movement the 6L35 they use in the SARA015 and the SJE073J1....but for that, you need to pay almost grand seiko money. Its pretty much the same watch as the SARX055
Got myself the seiko sarw041 from gnomon watches. It will arrive in a couple of days. So excited! Cool review
Love that watch face!
Very classy and eye catching.
I have a GS snowglake but this does look cool as hell !
Many Thanks for the usual amazing review, however; could this watch be used during swimming and riding Jet Skies and boat riding, please advise.
Holy balls that dial
Oh jesus that's beautiful. I didn't know this was a thing! The stock photos look like just a plain white dial if you don't pay attention. Leave it to Seiko to muck up those shots. It really looks like an alternative to the SDGM001, which you reviewed before. Same design with a hugely attractive dial. I dunno if you still have both watches, but it would be awesome to see a comparison of those, as they are in roughly the same price bracket, size, and style. Was the SDGM001 48 L2L? 46 L2L definitely is a better fit imo, especially since the bright dial is going to wear big for sure.
Unfortunately I no longer have it. But check out my sarb/sdgm/sarx compare vid because this 055 is the same as the 033. Its technically the largest but wears so well.
When I first held the snowflake, what hit me was the weight! Light as a snowflake
Hey Bruce, great review! How does this compare to the sarx033? Would you recommend getting this if you got the sarx033? Worried there might be some redundancy. Cheers
They are super similar but I do prefer this 055. I love the dial and titanium more
This is a gorgeous watch. I think it actually punches above it's weight. How much would this watch cost if what was made by a swiss company? Not as good as the Grand Seiko but still a really impressive looking watch. Thanks for the review.
I actually went back and watched the video a second time. And I love this watch and hope to add it to collection in the next year. But when you put it next to the Grand Seiko, the GS is SO MUCH better. When next to each other I notice how smooth the sweep is of the GS, the insane level of finishing on the indices and the chapter ring on the SARX looks tacky in comparison to the way the GS handles it. I'm even more impressed by the Grand Seiko than I was before. And then when you focus back on the SARX I see it for the magnificent watch it is. And I think that even with the 6r movement it is still a great deal. That titanium build, 50 hour power reserve, beautiful polishing and AR coating are worth it. It's only problem is it pales next to a Grand Seiko. I can live with that.
That is a gorgeous looking watch, I just looked it up. I prefer the crown on the Presage here by far and I prefer no day on the watch. Just my preference, but that Ball is a stunner.
Regarding the Swiss comparison, I'd say that the case, material and dial quality would feel about right in a ~$3000 watch from a prominent Swiss brand. However the movement lets it down. A swiss brand would put at least a top grade 2824-2 with nice finishing in a watch like this, probably even chronometer-grade or a nice 2892. It just feels incongruous to see the very roughly finished and unregulated 6r15 when you flip the watch over. I've had issues with the 6r15 way more often than even the cheapest 2824 or Sellita clones. It's a nice movement, but only in comparison with the 7s26 or the 4r15.
In a $400 SARB the 6r15 amazing, in a $1000 SARX it's a disappointment. You still get your money's worth seeing how high quality the rest of the watch is, but it just doesn't feel like a complete package.
I just wish they'd make a stepping stone movement between the 6r15 and the 8l35 that focuses on good midrange finishing and timekeeping. Bump the price up $500 and it's still a bargain.
Why not go with the 8l35? Well, rumor has it that the 8l is an unfinished, unregulated GS movement. If you regulate and decorate it and put it in a $1000-1500 watch you've just devalued the whole of GS.
If they even gave the 6r a nice finish it would be better. The movement is definitely the weak spot in all of the Presage models.
I finally just got my first Grand Seiko (Champagne GMT--whoo hoo) and yet somehow I still kind of want this watch too!
What a beautiful dial. I wish they had a version without a date window.
Thomas Shedd I agree that would be so awesome
Thomas Shedd I agree, I find date function a bit unnecessary in this day and age and above all it would look twice the watch without it.
Agree i always love no date windowd. Like no date sub. A no date seamaster professional would cool to. And many many other watches.
Great review Bruce! That dial is incredible!!
that has to be the most spectacular dial I ever seen
K.M. Smith lol Seiko is a great Japanese watch ,the only thing is the straps and bracelets aren't always great and yea the crystals scratch up. I have a Seiko monster srp311 k1 and the bracelet unlatches when I flex my wrist :( I put it on a NATO , but the crystals is scratched. I'm not easy on my times pieces. so I need sapphire and a good strap
hi bruce, I just bought the sarx033 with the blue hands but I really would like the sdgm of the sarb065 hand-set.
the sarx055 has the same hour and minute hand as the sarb065 right?
let me know
Hello Bruce,
thanks you so much for another great review. Your channel is one of the rare I do follow regularly. It was a good move to be still with us and I am glad you changed your mind.
You together with your video 'Three Seikos' are the reasons why I own a Seiko SARX035. The SARX035 is such a beautiful and well executed watch. And now with the SARX055 Frosty Flake or so I am struggling again with the purchase of another watch.
The dial looks beautiful and I have to agree that the dial looks better than the one of the Snowflake (not judging the craftsmanship behind the snowflake dial). I think I do not necessarily prefere titanium over stainless steel so if this dial would find its way into the SARX035 case I would buy it. The hands should be the ones of the SARX035 or SARX033 as I like them better. BTW, does anybody know already if the Frosty dial fits the SARX033?
Bruce, would it be possible to get a comparisson video similar to the "Three Seikos" featuring the SARX055 and the SARX035/033, maybe even accompanied by a SARB033/035? I think this is a much appreciated here by your friends.
Keep up the good work
I have a couple issues with the watch. The dial isn't a true snowflake dial, but it does look fairly good.
The biggest problem with the watch is that they're using an bottom shelf/entry level movement on the watch. It is hard to justify at that price point.
Holy Mo... That dial!!
Just subscribed! 😉
Love the fact that it doesn't have a power reserve - but that shitty BPH rate is an absolute deal breaker.
Just a thought. Doesn't the minute hand look extra long ?? Thanks.
Very nice piece
Hey Bruce, what colour leather strap would you buy with this watch? I have one and am curious about your thoughts. Thanks in advance.
Loved this review thanks!
YES! someone finally gets that this watch is the "frost" not the "snowflake"
Awesome review buddy! Handsome watch for sure but, I am with you on the choice of movement also I think it would be a little appealing if Seiko lean over the smaller size than pushing the limit to a bigger size for a dress watch. Cheers!
I would also love more traditional sizes Dylan
Hi Bruce! I was wondering, if you have to choose between this Seiko sarx055 and the Ball fireman enterprise, which one would you choose? Hope you can help me . Btw, I'm big fan from Mexico
That dial is something special