Introducing the GoS Norrsken

Yesterday we had a green watch, and would you look at that – today, we’ve got another green watch, with another very, very interesting dial. Friends, meet the GoS Norrsken.

By now, you should be familiar with what GoS produces, given the number of times we’ve written about them. For those new to class, here’s the scoop – over in Sweden, Johan Gustafsson and Patrik Sjögren have been making watches out of the oh-so-lovely Damascus steel. Many times, their watches reflect the rugged beauty to be found in Sweden, or pull from the Norse heritage of the area. With the GoS Norrsken, they’re giving pride of place to the Northern Lights.

Now, astute readers will recall that this is not the first GoS watch to reflect the Aurora Borealis. This one, however, seems to really capture the vivid green hues we see in photos (and, of course, in paintings from the masterful Bob Ross and his certified instructors; this is something that’s on my short list of paintings to attempt soon). This is done either via a damsascus steel dial, or via a silver dial with a very lovely guilloche pattern. They both capture the Northern Lights, but in different ways.

But wait, friends, that’s not all. You see, GoS also teamed up with James Thompson (aka Black Badger) to put his stunning solid Badgerite lume both on the hour indices, but also around the edge of the crystal chapter ring that encircles the dial, giving the dial an eerie green glow that is just oh-so-right for the watch.

Given the materials used here (I mean, the damascus steel even shows up in the movement!) and the extremely limited numbers involved (50 pieces, tops) you won’t be surprised to learn that pricing ranges between $19,500 and $24,000 (and if you go fully custom with precious metals, it’s higher), or that it comes in a custom Swedish crystal box. This is – without a doubt – going to be one impressive piece for those fortunate to have this Swedish pairing on their wrist. You can dream up your own with their custom configurator (found here), and if you’re not familiar with Badgerite, just check out some of the cool rings it shows up in (also in my “someday” list). Here’s to hoping this is only the first of many collaborations between the brands. goswatches.com

Tech Specs from GoS

• Functions
  • Hours, Minutes Seconds
  • Small second at 6h:00 in the shape of the GoS triskele
• Movement
  • Manufacture movement by Schwarz Etienne with GoS-specific modifications and finishing Automatic winding with a micro-rotor and damascus steel counterweight
  • GoS triskele engraved on click wheel
  • Handpolished bevels on all bridges
  • Separate bridge for escape wheel 21,600 vibrations/hour
  • 86h power reserve
  • Stop-seconds mechanism
  • 33 jewels – 199 parts 30.40mm x 5.25mm
• Case
  • 41.5mm x 12.1mm (8mm at edge)
  • Stainless steel with optional Black Damascus case ring and/or Black DamascusTM steel bezel.
  • Sapphire crystals front and caseback – Front crystal domed with double sided anti-reflective coating Transparent crystal gaskets in new Swiss-developed material
  • 5ATM water resistance (50m)
  • Crown with double gaskets and GoS internal impact protection.
  • Note: All case parts except fot the center fluted ring can be made in precious metals on request, e.g. 18K 4N gold.
• Dial
  • Damascus steel: Handforged Swedish tool steel by Johan Gustafsson – machined and finished by Patrik Sjögren
  • Guilloche: Silver dial handturned by master Jochen Benzinger – machined and finished by Patrik Sjögren
  • Hour index recesses filled with emerald green Badgerite, developed by James Thompson and Swiss SuperLuminova
  • Transparent index ring in Swedish Crystal – individually handmade by master glass artisan Mikael Kenlind
  • Solid ring of Badgerite applied round the Crystal index ring.
• Hands: GoS viking spearhead – Rhodium plated GoS triskele small seconds hand
• Strap
  • Polished Salmon leather – black – Made in Stockholm Tapered 21mm to 20mm with rounded padding
  • Pin buckle in stainless damascus steel with GoS triskele logo
• Presentation box: Individually handcrafted presentation box in Swedish crystal, handmade by glass artisan Mikael Kenlind
• Availability
  • Limited to 50pcs with the first 5pc ready for delivery in May-June 2021.
  • Production capacity will increase during 2021 with final deliveries during 2022.
  • Every watch is a unique piece and made on order.
• Price range from US$19.500 to US$24.500 (excl applicable taxes) depending on selected options. Price for Norrsken with bespoke alternatives or case in precious metal on request.