If you are a man in need of a simple yet pleasantly complex watch, you’ve found your one-stop shop with Skagen.
Skagen Watches are minimalistic and sleek by design yet still make a statement. By embracing ‘Danish minimalism,’ as stated by the company, Skagen Watches utilize design and color combinations that embody a coastal lifestyle. They feel that these products represent and honor their Danish heritage by using these calming colors and minimalistic designs.
To play off of their “Danish by design” tagline, Skagen prides itself on using the country of Denmark to influence every aspect of their business. From manufacturing to collaborating, Skagen takes to leaning into Denmark’s distinct lifestyle to ensure beautiful products and a fantastic customer experience.
Skagen Watches: The Basics
History of Skagen Watches
Founded by a Danish couple, Henrik and Charlotte Jorst, in 1989, Skagen Watches quickly captured the watch scene after being showcased at a corporate gift fair in New York in 1991.
While coming to America to continue his life in the beer industry, Henrik and Charlotte also began to represent and sell Danish manufactured watches on the side. The Jorst’s eventually partnered with Comtech Watches, another Danish watch manufacturer, who produced beautifully designed watches at a budget price point, making them a hit among the American consumer.
Although Henrik and Charlotte were successfully selling these Comtech produced pieces, they soon realized how popular danish watches would become. Following this tradeshow, Skagen began to take flight under their new brand name in 1992.
As the brand became more renowned, Skagen Watches fell into Bloomingdale’s New York location in 1995 and began distributing in Europe and Asia soon after. By the early 2000’s Skagen even had dedicated offices in Denmark and Hong Kong to fulfill their distribution needs. By 2012, the company was sold to the watch giant – Fossil Group.
Manufacturing
While currently manufactured in China, these luxe wrist statements are crafted with unmistakable Danish design and movement. While Skagen Watches’ bread and butter pieces feature quartz movements and stainless steel cases, there are even a few titanium movement options (and smartwatches) as well.
Price
From their price point and style, Skagen’s brand truly does embody the laid-back and minimalistic Danish lifestyle. With style in mind, you can find Skagen Watches in many different designs and colorways, all with a relatively modest price point for such a fine and trendy watch for the modern man. Pieces ranging from $55-$300 USD can make for a lovely wrist accent without breaking the bank.
While these modestly priced pieces are stylish and affordable, the warranty as provided by Skagen certainly reflects these price points. Skagen Watches are protected by an international 2-year limited warranty that exclusively covers defects due to faulty material or workmanship. Any other flaws such as a damaged battery, case, glass, bands, or just about any other aspect of these watches, including any damage or wear, are not covered. So essentially, take care of your piece, and it will take care of you.
Skagen Watches Review: Three of The Brand’s Best Minimalist Pieces
Now, enough with the details, and let’s jump to the fine print; these sleek, minimalistic yet beautiful watches. Here is a breakdown of some of our favorites below.
Holst Automatic Stainless Steel Skeleton Watch
Featuring a see-through body and a steel mesh or leather strap, this gorgeous piece by Skagen Watches is what we like to call a laid-back statement piece. Peering directly into the heart of the fine watch, you can see all of the bits and pieces that make your watch tick.
While it can easily blend into any outfit, anyone who takes a second more to analyze the watch will notice the attention to detail. We recommend tossing on a fresh leather jacket to make this piece pop even more.
Sick and tired of battery swap-outs? No need for anguish with the Ancher Automatic. This watch is hand-assembled and runs with the assistance of hundred of self-winding gears so you can be sure you’re on time and looking fresh all the time.
Ryle Solar-Powered Charcoal Stainless Steel Mesh Watch
Staying true to their eco-friendly and sustainable approaches, Skagen produced a chic and minimalistic solar-powered watch that makes a statement with its bold shape. The Ryle’s slim body style is accented by its large matte face finish and elegant Roman numeral indexes, featuring eco-leather or stainless steel mesh straps.
This design makes for a truly aesthetically pleasing piece that will match almost any dark outfit you throw on. We recommend completing this look with a dark grey cashmere sweater, simple black jeans, and black or white sneakers. The perfect look for any trip around town.
Hybrid Smartwatch HR – Jorn 42mm Gray Steel Mesh
Now onto something a little more different from the brand but just as eye-catching as all Skagen timepieces, the Hybrid Smartwatch HR is a smartwatch in disguise. This watch keeps its aesthetically sleek design but has all the benefits of a smartwatch.
Utilizing the classic look of an analog watch, Skagen ingeniously wove in their smart tech behind the traditional face. With its ability to become fully customizable, the Hybrid Smartwatch HR can track your activity, tell you the weather, your heart rate, and even connect with your devices to give you social notifications, text messages, and more.
As such a unique product, there are only a few flaws to its design. Perhaps the biggest downside of this watch is a lack of clarity when it comes to the initial setup. Reviewers quickly point out that the watch’s instructions are challenging to follow and understand.
Sitting at $137 USD, it’s a fair price from other smartwatches on the market, plus you get the added aesthetic of a fine Danish watch produced by Skagen.
If you decide to go the leather strap route with this watch, we recommend accenting this piece with a pair of blue jeans, tan leather Chelsea boots, and a simple hoodie.
Final Verdict: Are Skagen Watches Worth It?
Yes, Skagen Watches are worth it for their price point and aesthetically pleasing designs. Being priced anywhere from mid $50’s- $300 USD, Skagen Watches are hardly the most expensive or finely produced watches on the market.
Still, they offer an effortless aesthetic that allows you to mix and match your style and accessories with ease. Don’t expect a product that will last you a lifetime, but rather a handful of years if you take the proper care.
These watches and their builds certainly reflect their pricing, though their style screams something a bit more luxe. If you’re in the market for a good-looking watch while not breaking the bank, Skagen watches fit the bill.
Skagen Watches: Our Final Thoughts
Skagen watches are reflective of their price point. While their designs are sleek, minimalistic, and made of fine materials, these pieces are still not on the extreme high end of the watch market. If you are looking for a good-looking and sleek watch that matches just about any outfit you can put together, then a Skagen watch will never disappoint.
