Now that we are done with the dial side, let’s talk about what is happening under the hood here. This is the revered spring drive movement at work. Dismissed by some as a quartz movement, I find that highly inaccurate. This is an ingenious mechanical movement. Caliber 9R65 with a 72-hour power reserve.
The Spring Drive movement is powered by a mainspring, just like all other mechanical watches. Composed of over 200 separate parts. Spring Drive uses what grand Seiko calls a tri-synchro regulator, a mechanism to control the speed at which the spring unwinds, resulting in the gliding seconds hand. The movement uses a home grown quartz oscillator and is powered by a mainspring, not by a battery. This is not a quartz movement. It is a mechanical movement, or if you want to call it that, a hybrid movement. Visible edges are nicely beveled and the decorations are more than sufficient. The eye catcher is the drive wheel and glide wheel that spin away in tandem.
Glorious video, thank you! The macro footage is world class and that dial is simply stunning. Video Reminds me of your excellent Rolex Explorer video review which also happens to be a competitor to this exact watch if you ask me.
Is that a sticker on the back of the watch in the video? Or is that an engraved logo in the crystal?
Thanks!!
Not a sticker, GS has this on a lot of their display backs. The logo disappears if you tilt the watch a little, you can see it at some point in the video also.
You are right about the structure resembling the Explorer video. This exact watch, much like the Explorer, has been covered ad nauseam by now, so I went over the details in that 60 second bit. After that, it’s just pure enjoyment of the watch 🙂
Great video!
This vs Omega AT vs Rolex Ex I
Which do you pick?
Thanks!
Difficult question… either one of those would be a GREAT choice.
The Snowflake, just like the Explorer and the Aqua Terra has that rare ‘only’ watch appeal. You could buy either one of those, strap them on, wear them all the time and never worry about them. The Snowflake would win based on accuracy and finishing. The Rolex bracelet is in a league of its own and really best in class, neither AT nor Snowflake beats it. If you don’t care about the bracelet the GS is the better option as it takes straps a lot better than the EX. Keep in mind they are very different watches visually speaking.. Black dial vs snowflake dial, date vs no date, spring drive vs auto, etc…
Already own this watch and agree with everything you said. Beautiful video, thanks!
Thanks a lot for the feedback!
My grail! What wrist size do you have? Beautiful video
Cheers! Medium-small : 16.5cm
Amazing macro shot and write up! Great video as well! Makes me want to ask, HH who? 😉
thank you for the excellent video Jan. Your enthusiasm for the watch (and brand) radiates throughout. I’m saving up for this watch, it will be mine soon!
Thank you for reading and watching 🙂 This is a watch worth saving for, you won’t regret getting this beauty 👍