When it comes to watches – or most anything, for that matter – the term “minimalism” is overused, and has almost lost its sense of identity. So, when I had a brand reach out proclaiming a watch that enshrined Danish minimalism, I had to suppress a groan. Fortunately for you and me, I got past the verbiage and checked out some photos. That’s because, in my book, the Larsen & Eriksen A37 Triple Copper hits the mark that that “minimalist” phrase aims for, and does it beautifully.
To start this review out, I want to talk about the name of the watch – the Larsen & Eriksen A37 Triple Copper. This comes due to the copper hue used on the dial (and hands), case, and bracelet (should you opt for the leather strap, the buckle has the copper tone). I’ve reviewed watches in the past that tried to be a single tone, and those end up running into problems with legibility. That could have easily been the case here too, given that the handset is the same color as the dial. Turns out, they reflect the light differently. The dial has a sunburst pattern, which is slightly glossy by it’s nature, while the handset has a matte finish. So, they are actually a lot easier to pick out than you might expect. Which is great, because this consistent, solid earthtone really solidifies the minimalistic feel of the watch.
So, why is the Larsen & Eriksen A37 Triple Copper minimal? Well, for starters, it’s just a simple two-hander watch. The dial itself has the bare minimum of printing (just the brand name and info on the movement). Not even numerals. For indices, you’ve got the debossed lines going across the dial, breaking up the otherwise large, flat surface while adding in some timekeeping ease. As a design element, those indices are key, because the watch is practically all dial, another element (in my book) of mimalism. This does not have a chunky case. There’s just enough on the sides to hold the mineral crystal, and it’s just tall enough to fit the movement (a Swiss Ronda FE762 quartz) in.
This results in a very slim side profile (it’s just at 7.1mm thick), another way the watch hews to the minimalist aesthetic. The one place it deviates a bit is on the casebook, which has a rather nice engraving. But I’m giving that a pass, because it’s really just for the wearer, not something anyone else would normally see. And hey, if you’ve got a plain caseback, why not play around with some etching and engraving?
For our review period, we had the Larsen & Eriksen A37 Triple Copper come in on the bracelet ($55), as well as a spare black leather strap ($40). The bracelet is nice enough. I little jangly, but totally on par for the price point. What I want to call out is how you adjust it. Rather than removing links, you adjust things with the clasp. In that regard, it’s very much like the clasps you have on a mesh bracelet. Pry up one part, move the buckle to the right spot, then lock things down. This was unexpected, but it’s a good compromise for someone who might otherwise be intimidated by adjusting links. To pop the strap on, just make use of the quick-release springs bars, and presto chango, you’ve got a different look. For me, I much preferred the bracelet, but the strap works as well. Here, I’d play around with color more – blues and greens, I think.
We also had a hot minute to check out the watch roll ($120) that Larsen & Eriksen is producing. You’ve got some subtle branding here (the brand name and the penny farthing logo) embossed onto some rather lovely-smelling and supple leather. This is a simple roll, with pockets stitched in to store 6 watches (or straps, mix and match as you like). As far as storage options go, this is simplistic, but it gets the job done. I see something like this working well for someone who wants to travel with a handful of watches while not taking up precious space (or weight) in their luggage or carryon.
At the end of the day, I found an awful lot to like about the $176 Larsen & Eriksen A37 Triple Copper. It’s minimalist, just as it claims to be, and the triple-tone here is a subtle way to be colorful, but not hit you over the head with it. If you’re searching for a simple time only watch that will be a grab-and-go, no worries sort of a piece, this is one you should definitely consider.larseneriksen.com
Review Summary
- Brand & Model: Larsen & Eriksen A37 Triple Copper
- Price: $176
- Who’s it for? You want a clean two-hander that goes subtly bold with color
- Would I wear it? Yeah, this is a nice change of pace
- What I’d change: Play around with some translucent luminous paint, on the hands and maybe also in the indices
- The best thing about it: How well it gets “minimal” done right
Tech Specs from Larsen & Eriksen
- Case Color: Brushed Copper
- Dial Color: Sunburst Copper
- Strap Color: Brushed Copper
- Diameter: 37 mm or 41mm
- Thickness: 7.1 mm
- Swiss Ronda FE762 Quartz Movement
- Strong Mineral Crystal Glass
- 316L Stainless Steel Case
- Water Resistant 3ATM
- 316L Stainless Steel Strap
- Easily interchangeable Strap