An underrated region of watchmaking, today we intend to shed light on the best Scandinavian watch brands. With their high standard of living and beautiful landscapes, it’s no wonder that the Scandinavian countries have developed their own beautiful design language. Scandinavian design gained traction in the 1930s when the movement entered its “golden age”. Led by the likes of Alvar Aalto and Borge Mogensen, Scandinavian design initially boomed in relation to furniture and interiors. However, with time its influence eventually seeped into other industries too, one of these being watch design.
Characterised by experimental minimalism and functionality, Scandinavian watch design has birthed some beautiful pieces from severely underestimated brands. Today, we discuss three Scandinavian brands that stand out to us in particular, namely: Bering, Kronaby, and Skagen.
Our Best Scandinavian Watch Brands
Bering
Opening our list is Bering. Founded in 2010, the idea for Bering was born from a fascination with the Arctic. Inspired by his father’s northerly travels, founder Michael Witt Johansen took a trip to Greenland. Whilst there, Johansen became fixated with the stunning glacial scenery, the Northern lights and the distinctive Arctic wildlife. Upon returning to Denmark Johnasen intended to translate Arctic beauty into Danish watch design. This influence infiltrates even the brand’s name, which pays homage to Danish explorer Vitus Bering who was equally moved by the Arctic’s beauty. Today, the brand has an extensive portfolio of colourful yet tasteful minimalist pieces that are successful globally.
Our Pick: Bering Pebble Polished Blue Deep Blue Dial Recycled Blue Strap 18040-397
Perhaps one of the most characteristic models of Bering’s range is the Pebble. The model takes its name from its distinctively shaped case, which takes on a pebble-like form. At its centre, this particular model features a blue-plated stainless steel case with a matching blue sunray dial. Following an effortlessly stylish minimalist design, the dial’s only features are the silver-tone hands and silvered logo at 3 o’clock. In diameter, the design measures 36mm with a slim 6mm profile. As a finishing touch, encasing the dial is a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
Embodying the brand’s passion for the well-being of the Arctic, completing the watch’s design is a blue #tide strap made from recycled ocean plastic. Stunning, unique and environmentally conscious, this Bering Pebble is a real head-turner.
Kronaby
Next up is Kronaby. Born from the Swedish company Anima, the roots of Kronaby lie in Malmö, Sweden. Fusing a traditional analogue design with cutting-edge smartwatch functionality, its portfolio specialises in discrete connectivity. The innovative brand orientates itself around the vision that technology does not need to alienate us and it certainly succeeds. Each watch is compatible with your smartphone and comes with various smartwatch functions, such as notifications, alarms, and a phone finder. However, the catch is that, unlike other smartwatches on the market, none of its watches feature a digital display. Instead, these alerts are indicated through the watch’s vibrations. As a result, Kronaby watches show how technology can adapt to our lives, rather than the other way around, so we can each live our lives to the fullest.
Our Pick: Kronaby Diver Collection Bluetooth Black Dial Stainless Steel S3778/2
Following a superficially traditional divers watch design, we love the hidden surprises of this Kronaby. First and foremost, housed in a mighty 45.7mm stainless steel case is a black dial with two subdials. Upon it are luminescent baton indices as well as sleek silver-tone luminescent hour and minute hands, ensuring the watch is legible even in low lighting. Its finishing touches include a framing black bezel and a high-quality sapphire crystal to protect it.
However, its hidden smartwatch features include a silent alarm, a timer, a stopwatch and an additional timezone function. Moreover, the watch features sports capabilities such as a step counter and sedentary reminders to keep you fit and healthy. Through its pushers, you can also control your music and camera shutter. And, if you’re an avid traveller, the watch’s automated time zone function means that the time will automatically adjust no matter where you are. With all this abundant functionality, this Kronaby Diver is the ultimate partner for the every day that won’t weigh you down.
Skagen
Last but by no means least is Skagen. Inspired by a Danish fishing village of the same name, Skagen was founded by Henrik and Charlotte Jorst in 1989. After relocating to the United States, the Jorsts wanted to celebrate the beauty of their home country’s culture. Originally, they set up business as an American retailer for Danish-based manufacturers, including Jacob Jensen. Eventually, they began designing and showcasing their own watches, a practice that ultimately flourished into Skagen. Marked by their simplicity, ingenuity and thoughtful designs, Skagen watches caught the eyes of many. Today, the brand is known worldwide and has branched out into jewellery, bags, and other accessories too.
Our Pick: Skagen Grenen White Dial Brown Leather Strap SKW6872
With its quirky and offbeat dial design, this Skagen is certainly a standout piece for us. At the centre of its crisp white dial is a rotating disc with the hour hand painted on it. Putting a spin (hehe) on the traditional hand design, the ring rotates as the hours pass instead of the hand itself. Meanwhile, the minute hand features a standard design and is blue in colour.
Surrounding the dial are orange dot hour markers as well as a ring printed with the brand’s name. Framing this is the watch’s case, which measures a comfortable 37mm. Made from 50% recycled stainless steel, within it is the watch’s solar-powered quartz movement. Finally, to complete the design, a brown leather strap with blue and orange contrast stitching detail secures the watch to the wrist.
And that concludes our best Scandinavian watch brands list for today! But which of our competitors is your favourite? Let us know below!
