Everyone’s favorite metal working watch makers Gustafsson & Sjögren (GoS) are back with two new watch models. The line continues to evolve in a conservative manner (aside from the Damascus steel that is). Patrik Sjögren and Johan Gustafsson have found that their customers prefer more classically styled watches – who’d have thought? It is actually true though. There is a tendency for us watch lovers to enjoy reading about wild timepieces, but when it comes down to it we want to wear something more conservative. Does this observation fit with your habits?
I previously discussed the G0S Dragon watch, where you can look for a bit more details about the brand. GoS are essentially fine metal workers who still have a robust shop making blades. Because the popularity of the artistic metal work lends itself to other fine creations (and because lots of knife and sword lovers also like watches), their talents with metal apply to watches well. As such, GoS makes some of the most wonderfully artistic dial and automatic rotors out there – if you enjoy the aesthetic that is.
The two new models are the Blizzard 010 and the Aurora 009 watch. The numbers seems to indicate what model the watches are in chronological order. You can tell that GoS is newer, and is careful about releasing models. Both of the watches share the same thick 44mm wide steel cases and have either mesh metal or leather straps. The differences are in the dials. Both employ unique forms of Damascus metal forgery. The Blizzard has a titanium chapter ring cut like jagged teeth that double as the hour markers. There is a small signature circular blade shape that is the subsidiary seconds dial. Really no two of the watches will ever look alike. The blued steel hands are a nice chilly scene to go with the “Blizzard” name. Next is the Aurora 009 watch that has a more classic look mixed with the chemical tones of steel with dark hues and greens. Instead of a titanium chapter ring, the Aurora has titanium cylinders on the dial that make up the hour markers like raised columns.
Both watches have GoS forged crowns as well that have an embedded diamond in them. Note the special strap on the Aurora model that has an interesting pattern of contrasting white embroidery. The strap is actually reindeer. I love the Nordic mythic styling that these watches have. The part of me that likes heavy metal rock music wants to say that these watches are “very metal.” In homage to this concept I have placed an image of the cartoon band Dethklock from the show Metalocalypse. Gustafsson & Sjögren may just be the new quintessential “metal” watch.
Inside the watches are Soprod modified ETA made Unitas 6498-1 manually wound pocket watch movements. The modifications place them in chronometer range accuracy as well as provide decoration. Overall the watches comes in nice cohesive packages that demonstrate a clear refinement of the aesthetic and features of the Gustafsson & Sjögren watch brand. Prices for this limited edition models are $6,300 -$6,400 each – available direct form Gustafsson & Sjögren’s website.
Watch specs direct from Gustafsson & Sjögren:
Specifications Blizzard – GoS 010:
* Case: 44mmx12mm
* Lug width: 22mm
* Glass: Flat sapphire glass (case back mineral)
* Movement: Swiss manual movement ETA 6498-1
* Modifications by Soprod
* Cote de Geneve finishing
* chronometre grade adaptations, screwed balance
* Dial: Hand forged Damascus steel with a hand shaped chapter ring in grade-5 titanium
* Crown: Oversize in Damascus stainless steel with optional large gold fitted diamond
* Hands: polished steel finish
* Polished stainless steel mesh strap
Specifications Aurora – GoS 009:
* Case: 44mmx12mm
* Lug width: 22mm
* Glass: Flat sapphire glass (case back mineral)
* Movement: Swiss manual movement ETA 6498-1
* Modifications by Soprod
* Cote de Geneve finishing
* chronometre grade adaptations, screwed balance
* Dial: Hand forged Damascus steel with grade-5 titanium index markers.
* Crown: Oversize in Damascus stainless steel with large gold fitted diamond
* Hands: Polished and blued
* Handcrafted and naturally tanned reindeer strap with traditional Lappish tin ornamentation