Review of Skagen watches. Skagen watches Interesting facts about Skagen watches
Before moving on to a review of specific models, I suggest you familiarize yourself with the history of Skagen, as well as the product supplied to the market. The company is the brainchild of a married couple, Henrik and Charlotte Jorst, who moved to New York from Denmark. The company was founded in 1989. The company's original name was Skagen Designs Ltd, and then the brand was named Skagen Denmark. Currently, this company is a subsidiary of Fossil. Skagen's goal is to produce watches with honest, simple and solid designs that reflect Scandinavian modesty, and through these watches Skagen tries to convey this point of view globally to the whole world. In 2012, Skagen Designs Ltd was acquired by Fossil for $237 million.
The company has retained its brand and continues to produce watches in accordance with its main goal, maintaining its corporate identity. The company has its representative offices in countries such as Denmark, England, China and others; the company's main store is located in Denmark, in a small city called Skagen. Since its founding, the company has released many models, both men's and women's, and this despite the fact that basically the design of these models remains quite simple, but each model has its own character and style. Titanium or stainless steel is used to create Skagen watch cases and bracelets, and high-quality Swiss or Japanese movements are installed inside the watches. The brand's signature feature is the mesh bracelet integrated into the body. Models from this company can be selected with both mineral and sapphire glass. If you are interested in simple, high-quality and inexpensive watches, then watches from this brand will be a godsend for you and you can easily choose your favorite watch.
Now let's move on directly to the review of the Skagen 355XLSSB Steel Collection men's watch, which most reflects the character of the brand and uses a proprietary mesh strap.
The watch has a very thin watch case profile with a diameter of 40mm and is combined with a beautiful mesh bracelet. The bezel is very thin which makes the watch dial look very large even though it is more than the average diameter of the watch. In my opinion, this size is perfect for this watch. The dial has a lot of free space and large Arabic numerals as indexes, this makes this model very legible and may be one of the most legible models in the Skagen collections.
The dial is black in color with a slight vertical texture when examined closely. The date window is well designed and finished and placed at 6 o'clock. This arrangement of the date window allows the dial to remain symmetrical and balanced. The hands of the Skagen 355XLSSB Steel Collection watch are made in a minimalist style and have only a slight point at the very end. In my opinion, the difference between the minute and second hands should be more significant; when you quickly glance at the watch, it can be difficult to understand what time it is, and only when you notice how the second hand is ticking are you sure what time it is.
Now let's look at the case of the Skagen 355XLSSB Steel Collection watch, which is one of the strengths of this watch. Looking at the watch from the side, you realize that it is even thinner than you thought. Inside the watch there is a Japanese quartz movement, which does not require much space, which is why such a small thickness of the watch is achieved, also inside the watch the quartz movement takes up only half of the internal space. The case has a nice light matte finish that goes well with the shiny bracelet. The tempered mineral glass is dome-shaped, which is very pleasant to touch. This model does not have an anti-reflective coating, but this is understandable, since this feature is usually used on sapphire crystals and this coating would increase the cost of the Skagen 355XLSSB Steel Collection model by 50%.
If you have not used mesh bracelets before, then you need to at least try on a watch with such a bracelet. The Skagen watch bracelet is about one millimeter thick and is very flexible. Of course, such a bracelet is not suitable for all types of clothing, but it looks quite modern. It is worth noting that such a mesh bracelet sometimes catches the hair on the arm and pinches it, this is a small problem, but those who are sensitive to this effect should be prepared for this effect in advance. You probably noticed that I use the term both strap and bracelet, the fact is that, like a belt, there is no folding clasp, but has a special patented fastening system that works very well. The system for adjusting the strap on the wrist is also very convenient; you just need to move the clasp, this adjustment is very similar to adjusting the strap. The clasp also bears the Skagen inscription.
Conclusion about the Skagen 355XLSSB Steel Collection watch
This is not a watch obsessed with functionality, complexity or fine materials. This is a simple and elegant watch that simply shows the time and nothing else, made in a minimalist style. The price of this model is about $115, which makes them affordable for almost all segments of the population.
You can find other popular men's watches in the article
The founders of the Danish brand Skagen, named after a small resort on the northernmost cape of Denmark, are Charlotte and Henrik Jorst. This cape is famous for the fact that it is here that two seas merge - the North and the Baltic, the merging of whose waves can be observed while walking along the beach. The brand's logo also shows the connection of the cold northern waters of two seas - wedges of waves, two on each side, directed towards each other.
The brand was founded in 1989 and 2 years later conquered America. In 1995, there were already about 240 watch sales points in the United States. . After 4 years, this success was “consolidated” officially - Henrik and Charlotte Yorst received the award for “the fastest growing business in the USA.”
Another confirmation that the watches of this brand are unique was received when this watch was seen on the hand of Princess Mary, the wife of Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark. Since then, the Danish brand has even been designated as the “official watch of the royal family.”
The brand's success lies in the style chosen by Skagen for its watch masterpieces. The founders of Brned found the fine line separating timeless values from momentary ones. Skagen watches, regardless of the collection in which they were released, are relevant in any season. Henrik and Charlotte Jorst consciously create models that balance on the edge of classic and modern.
Skagen has many style secrets. But the main and in many ways formative brand is minimalism, which has not gone out of fashion for more than half a century. This is the most refined and subtle of all existing styles. Minimalism is the poetics of Europeans who value intellectuality, good form and freedom. Remember the cape on which Skagen is located - this is the traditional vacation spot of the royal family, the sea and the wind. These three parameters perfectly define minimalism as a style, as a new aristocracy.
Everyone knows that true aristocrats, aesthetes, people with truly impressive fortunes do not advertise their wealth and most often look simple and elegant. Skagen adheres to the same code of conduct. These are not expensive. The price of models ranges from 4,000 to 16,000 rubles. This pricing policy falls exactly into the format of the Russian middle class. Skagen is not only possible, but also necessary to afford. This is a sign thing, a code that is easily read by initiates and indicates that their extraordinary owner has a delicate taste; he, like a true aristocrat, does not allow himself to spend thousands of euros on decorating his wrist instead of transferring a charitable payment to the orphanage account .
At the same time, a true esthete cannot neglect quality. Skagen understands this too. Therefore, reliability and high technology are the key positions that the brand focuses on. The quality of Skagen watches has been appreciated by dozens of the world's most important companies. Toyota Motors has made it its official watch supplier, and 20 major airlines in the world, including Lufthansa, SAS, American Airlines, Airberlin, Singapore Airlines, sell this brand on board their airliners.
Small village in Denmark. It was this seaside village, with its purity and true embodiment of the beauty of Danish nature, that became the source of inspiration for Skagen Design products.
In 1989, Henrich and Charlotte Jorst came from Denmark to the United States to fulfill their long-time dream of starting their own business and introducing the Danish way of life and its philosophy to Americans. While world-famous companies were trying to break away from tradition in design and introduce revolutionary technical innovations, the Jorst couple relied on the classics and were right. Just two years later, Skagen watches began to be sold not only in America.
In 1995, there were already about 240 points of sale of Skagen watches in the United States. Four years later, Henrik and Charlotte Yorst received an award for “the fastest growing business in the USA,” and a couple of years later they opened their first representative office in Europe. The next stage in the company's development was participation in 2001 at the Baselword watch exhibition.
Currently, Skagen is an international company with headquarters in Reno, Nevada, and an extensive network of representative offices in Denmark, Hong Kong, Germany and the United Kingdom. By 2004, the watch company had 500 stores throughout Europe. In 2005, a showroom was opened in New York, the showroom in which occupies a total area of about 600 sq.m. In 2007, the Skagen company released a jewelry collection of watches, and in 2008 these watches appeared in Russia.
Despite the fact that the history of the Danish brand Skagen dates back only a couple of decades, the company's watches are perceived as luxury high-end designer watches. Even the Danish royal family has a special affection for watches from this brand.
The success of Skagen watches also lies in the company's concept - “affordable luxury”. That is, a current wristwatch should have an exquisite design, but not be very expensive. The brand's logo depicts the connection of the cold northern waters of two seas - wedges of waves, two on each side, directed towards each other.
Skagen collections are characterized by simple designs that reflect Scandinavian understatement. These are watches balancing on the verge of classic and modern. For the manufacture of cases and bracelets, steel and titanium, high-strength mineral glass are used, and Swiss movements are installed inside. One of the signature elements of the Skagen brand is elegant, but very durable bracelets, “woven” from the finest metal threads.
All watches must undergo a series of tests that guarantee their high quality and reliability.
Today, Skagen watches are represented by five basic collections: Skagen Titanium, Skagen Steel, Skagen Sport, Skagen Leather and Skagen Swiss. Comfortable and lightweight watches are made of special hypoallergenic materials. All sports watches in the Skagen Sport collection are equipped with increased water resistance up to 10 ATM. The highlight of the women's lines, which includes the Skagen Leather line, is the decoration of the watch case and dial with sparkling Swarovski crystals. As for the men's part of the Skagen Leather series, the main decorative element here is the transparent back cover, which allows you to observe the work of the watch mechanism. The Skagen Titanium collection is a watch made of lightweight and durable titanium. The most famous line is Skagen Swiss, 100% dedicated to minimalism and completely reflecting the spirit of Skagen. This watch is beautiful in its simplicity and austerity.
Recently, the watch company Fossil acquired the Skagen company. The amount of this transaction is $225 million (150,000 shares were purchased with this money).
The history of Skagen watches began more than a quarter of a century ago in Denmark. The founders of the brand were Charlotte and Henrik Jorst. Skagen watches quickly gained popularity in Denmark and then in the United States, earning them the award for “the fastest growing business in the United States.” The popularity of Skagen watches was ensured by its characteristic, memorable minimalist design, high quality, reliability combined with a relatively affordable price.
Today Skagen watches are represented in several collections. Among them are Titanium, Ice, Felt and others. Each collection has its own character, but retains the Skagen family traits.
Significant dates in the history of Skagen
- 1999 - the company was awarded for “the fastest growing business in the United States.”
- 2001 – participation in the famous international watch exhibition – Baselworld.
- In 2007, the first jewelry collection was released.
- In 2008, Skagen watches entered the Russian market.
- 2010 – Skagen’s recognizable style is awarded the prestigious Red Dot Design Awards.
- 2011 – the company again received the Red Dot Design Awards.
Interesting facts about Skagen watches
- Skagen watches are worn by Princess Mary, wife of Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark.
- Toyota Motors has chosen Skagen as its official watch supplier.
Legendary Skagen models
Skagen SKW 6045
Men's quartz watches were released in 2013 in a limited edition of 1000 pieces. They have a round black case with a diameter of 40 mm. The dial is black and signed by the designer - Hiromichi Konno. Protected by sapphire crystal. The dial has hour markings, large Arabic numerals 6 and 12. Functions: hours, minutes, seconds. The strap is made of smooth black genuine leather. Water resistance 30 meters.
Skagen Leather Classic 452LSLB
Women's quartz watch. Case with a diameter of 34 mm made of stainless steel. The dial is black with mother-of-pearl, protected by high-strength mineral glass. The dial and case are inlaid with Swarovski crystals. Functions: hours, minutes. Black leather strap. Water resistance 30 meters.
Skagen Leather Rectangular H01SSLB
Women's quartz watch. The case is rectangular in shape, made of stainless steel, dimensions 19.5x30 mm. The dial is black, protected by highly durable mineral glass. The case and dial are decorated with Swarovski crystals. Accuracy +/-20 sec/month. No factory required. The case and dial of the watch are encrusted with Swarovski crystals. The case and dial are decorated with Swarovski crystals. Accuracy +/-20 sec/month. No factory required. The case and dial are decorated with Swarovski crystals. Accuracy +/-20 sec/month. No factory required. Functions: hours, minutes. Black leather strap with original fastening. Water resistance 30 meters.
Skagen Leather Swiss 584LSLM
Men's quartz watch. The watch case is made of stainless steel, dimensions 32x42 mm. The dial is dark gray, protected by highly durable mineral glass. The watch mechanism is Swiss - ETA, does not require winding. Functions: hours, minutes. Black leather strap. Water resistance 30 meters.
Cost of original Skagen watches
The cost of a new original Skagen watch averages from 4,000 rubles to 16,000 rubles, depending on the model.
How to distinguish an original from a fake?
The original watch is in the packaging. The watch is accompanied by a package of documents: complete information about the manufacturer, a certificate containing a clear number, date and place of sale, certified by a seal.
If you want to purchase an original Skagen watch, contact the watch pawnshop “Ziferblat”. You can see our coordinates in the section
City of Skagen
In 1986, Dane Henrik Jorst received a serious promotion - he was appointed representative of the Carlsberg beer company in the United States. Henrik and his wife Charlotte moved from their native Copenhagen to New York. And three years later they got a taste for their own business. This is where the history of the Skagen company began - at first a purely watchmaking company, now multi-disciplinary.
Start
Jacob Jensen
The first idea of the Jorst couple was to create a company that would become the exclusive distributor of designer watches by Jacob Jensen, an outstanding Danish designer, creator of the “Danish Art Nouveau” style, which is based on a unique interpretation of minimalism. Production was organized in dear Denmark, in the Copenhagen suburb of Alberslund (the company was called Comtech Watches), then Hong Kong was added to it - labor there is much cheaper.
Brand logo
And soon they decided to produce their own brand of watches. And they called it Skagen Denmark - after the fishing port of Skagen, the northernmost settlement in Denmark. The company logo symbolizes the “meeting” of the Skagerrak (North Sea) and Kattegat (Baltic Sea) bays. In 1991, the newborn company took part in an exhibition in New York and was noticed by influential retailers. From there it went upward.
Milestones
Jutland Peninsula and the city of Skagen
1992: First year of regular sales. Their volume amounted to 800 thousand dollars.
1993: The Yorsts move from New York to Nevada.
1995: beginning of cooperation with the largest retail chain Bloomingdale's.
1998: Skagen is ranked among the 250 fastest growing companies in the United States. An office was opened in Denmark, the watches are sold in 80 stores in this country. Total annual sales were $30 million.
1999: The number of employees reached one hundred. Sales have begun in the UK.
2000: Start of sales in Germany and the Netherlands.
2002: expansion of distribution in Europe, start of sales in the Middle East.
2005: Annual sales reached $70 million.
2007: expansion into Asian markets. Opening of an office in Hong Kong.
2010: Start of online sales for the US and Europe.
2011: Start of online sales for Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Our time
Henrik and Charlotte Yorst
In 2012, the Jorsts sold the company to the Fossil group, but continue to manage their brainchild. Which is now called Skagen Designs Ltd and also produces bags, jewelry, and sunglasses for men and women. However, the main and most recognizable products remain the wristwatches of the Skagen Denmark brand, with their minimalist design and typically Danish precision in execution. Skagen watches are known all over the world, and it is no coincidence that the company has offices, branches and stores in Richardson (Texas, USA), Hong Kong, Alberslund (Denmark), Japan and Taiwan.
