For many years the watch industry has focused predominantly on male tastes. Ultimately, that is because a finely crafted timepiece is the only piece of jewellery a gentleman can legitimately wear without appearing too flamboyant. Certain friends of mine are crazy about watches and can discuss the subject for hours. They are fascinated to discover as well as being an author I also design watches. In general, my pieces are massively oversized and have an industrial aesthetic. However, they could be adapted to fit smaller wrists and even cater to the discerning female clientele. Certainly, many other brands are now producing lady’s watches including Swedish favourite Gustafsson & Sjögren.
Recently I received a press release from GoS Watches (Gustafsson & Sjögren) announcing they will be unveiling two new models at Baselword 2019. The timepieces are called the Sarek Ladies Glacier and Sarek Ladies Sunset. This illustrates the importance that watch brands place on the feminine share of the market, which is rapidly increasing. However, I feel that many of GoS Watches previous creations could be worn by female clients. Ultimately, this is because the company (owned by Johan Gustafsson and Patrik Sjögren) are obsessed with fine craftsmanship.
Four years ago I had the pleasure of meeting watchmaker and co-founder Patrik Sjögren. He didn’t try to bombard me with marketing spiel but talked about the art of ancient Scandinavian craftsmanship. This integrity is reflected in all of the timepieces including the Sarek Ladies Glacier and Sarek Ladies Sunset. What makes these watches so special are the meticulously handcrafted triple layered dial which comprises Mother pearl (translucent top layer), brass (chapter ring) and Swiss Super-LumiNova layer. I love the high gloss rhodium spear shape hour/minute hands and Damascus steel bezel. Overall the composition is delightful and the finishing has been executed to perfection.
Beneath the (40mm x 31.5mm x 9mm) stainless steel case lies, a customised Swiss-made a self-winding movement. The Calibre Soprod A10 comprises 25-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. This exquisite mechanism (with GoS triskeleton rotor) is visibly showcased via the sapphire crystal exhibition case back. Functionally the Glacier and Sunset feature hours, minutes and seconds. The watches also have a power reserve of 40-hours and are water resistant to a depth of 50-metres. As a perfect finishing touch the timepieces are presented in exclusively handcrafted crystal boxes made by Vas Vitreum glass artists in Vadstena, Sweden.
