We have written about a few different watches from Michelsen, and their Arctic Explorer remains one of my favorite watches. Of what I have covered, though, none of them were from the more limited-edition collections that the brand has produced. Well, that changes today with a quick overview of the Michelsen Watch Reykjavík 64°N/22°W.
The first thing we need to address is the name of the watch. 64°N/22°W refers to the official geographic location of Reykjavík, so this is definitely one of the most Icelandic watches you are likely to run across (especially if you get one of the more exotic leather straps they offer). The brand set out a goal of creating a classically-styled watch with an aviator dial, and I think they hit that mark.
Of course, if it weren’t for the triangle up at 12 o’clock, I would be hard-pressed to call the watch aviator-inspired. That’s not a knock against the watch, and I think it actually works to its benefit. It gives a hint of the styling that we expect from aviators, but allows it to, well, fly under the radar a bit. Combine that with the rounded edges present on the bezel and lugs, and you have a watch that hits the goal it was created for.
Inside the 39mm case you will find an ETA 2824-2 ticking away, which is definitely a known quantity, and is visible through the sapphire crystal in a case back (there is a matching sapphire up front). The Michelsen Watch Reykjavík 64°N/22°W is available in three different dial colors (silver, black, and grey), with the black dial bringing along another surprise – an almost neon green seconds hand. There are 111 pieces of each color that were made (and we have confirmed that they are all still available), with each running around $1,150, excluding VAT.
I do believe that the brand accomplished what they set out to do with the Michelsen Watch Reykjavík 64°N/22°W – create a watch that drew from aviator inspiration, ending up with a watch that was neither too sporty or too classic that would work well for either gender. As far as limited-edition watches go, this is definitely a very affordable option, and would be a solid way to put a little bit of Iceland on your wrist, especially with one of their exotic leather straps, say, like wolf fish or moose. michelsenwatch.com
Watch Overview
- Brand & Model: Michelsen Watch Reykjavík 64°N/22°W
- Price: $1,150
- Who we think it might be for: You like the look and feel of an aviator, but don’t care for the watches that pretend the wearers are actually pilots
- Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen?: Perhaps (if they did not offer the Arctic Explorer any more)
- If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: Offer that bright green seconds hand as an option on the other dials, as that would be a rather distinctive feature
- What spoke to me the most about this watch: Surprisingly enough, the case shape and finishing
Tech Specs from Michselsen Watchmakers
- Movement
- Swiss made automatic movement.
- Decorated.
- Date display.
- 38 hour power reserve.
- Case & dial
- ? 39mm.
- Lug width 20 mm.
- High quality 316L stainless steel.
- Sapphire crystal.
- Transparent caseback with sapphire crystal.
- Dial available in black, lava-grey and silver.
- Hour markers applied by hand.
- White Super-LumiNova on hands and hour markers.
