Gustafsson & Sjögren (aka GoS) is a brand I’ve kept my eye on for a while now, and their latest series, Nordic Seasons, is just simply stunning. I guess that’s what happens when a bladesmith and watchmaker put their heads together.
This collection is called Seasons, as there is one model for each season (and only five of each model will be made). Each one features a different color scheme on the dial to correspond with the season.
And that dial is where you first see how beautiful etched damascus steel can be (you can read up on Damascus steel here). That treatment and patterning carries over to the case as well (even on the crown!). And, if you’re feeling especially adventurous (and have deep enough pockets), you can even have a damascus movement (only four of these will be made).
Regardless of the model you select, you’ll have the following specs on the watch:
- 45mm case (10mm thick) with 22mm lugs and a 9mm (oversized) crown
- Flat sapphire crystal with AR coating and the GoS logo printed on the inside
- ETA 6498 manual wind movement, brought to chronometer grade by Soprod
- Hands and index rings made from gold (in varied finishes) by hand
- 100 meter water resistance rating
- Nubuck leather strap
I’m always pleased to see new materials (or usage of materials) showing up in a watch. While steel itself isn’t new, and the Damascus-style steel is actually very old technology, this is one of the first ones I’ve seen – and I think they’re stunning. If you agree, you’ll want to get your pre-order in, given how limited the quantities are of the watches. Then again, with prices starting at around $14,500 ($19,000 with Damascus movement), plus VAT if you’re in the EU, you’ll want to start saving up.
And, if you like the looks of the steel as much as I do, you may want to check out their FB page – they’ve often got “in process” shots as they’re working on the cases.
