Whatever Happened to...?
As I've stated in other posts, until recently, my "collection" of watches has been more of an unplanned aggregation acquired over the years. For a time I was drawn to the distinctive thinness of watches made by Skagen. At the time they were an independent brand made in Denmark.
This Skagen set photo is chronological, from left to right. Not sure where I got the first one, 36mm diameter, a simple three hand with (tiny) date on a Milanese strap. But I loved it and it introduced me to the brand.
The chronograph appeared in a jewelry case in our local Costco. A titanium case with a (feaux?) carbon fiber sandwich dial. Despite its 41mm diameter it wears lighter than just about any other watch I own. And the minutes subdial also has an hour hand so one can time up to 12 hours! I've used it to time long road trips.
The 34mm simple two hander in the center, without a pillow, was a holiday Black Friday special at Costco. I remember buying several to give as graduation gifts. As the scuffs and wear on the bracelet attests, it was my daily beater for 5-6 years.
The minimalist with the champagne dial and leather strap was another Costco find. I bought the last two (one was the display model); one for myself, and one for my son. Despite its 42mm diameter it is just under 9mm thick and wears very well. It's one of the dressiest watches I have.
The black one with the day and date subdials was a gift from my wife who may have found it somewhere online. The second hand was all black and only visible when it passed over another hand. I had my watchmaker friend paint the tip white so I could find it.
That was not long after Skagen was bought by Fossil, ~2012. After that, Skagen watches seemed to fade away.
In order to keep them all in batteries, I bought a cheap took kit and case press, upon advice from my watchmaker friend who got tired of changing batteries for me.
I'm sure they're considered among the many derided fashion brands, but in their day, they seemed to be distinctive designs. Although the brand still exists as part of the Fossil, I don't see them around. I have found another Danish brand, Bering, that seem as if it may have hired away some Skagen designers. Bering are a bit more expensive and also have some solar quartz movement offerings.
So before I knew any better, I "collected" Skagen watches. And I still enjoy them.
Engineer, Technical Trainer, lapsed pilot, nerd of many stripes.
Elegant, dressy, and simple - What is the water resistence rating on them? You like the "pie-pan" look. very nice,
Elegant, dressy, and simple - What is the water resistence rating on them? You like the "pie-pan" look. very nice,
Water resistance? Not very... The chronograph and other large ones are 5 ATM. The 34mm and 36mm are 3 ATM.
After three years of pandemic remote work, I finally got a chance to meet colleagues at a company gathering. I saw one with a Skagen on his wrist. "Yeah," he said, "I like 'em. They last about three years and when they stop running I throw them away and get another..." 🤯
I know they ain't all that, but they don't seem as if they should be disposable! I told him that with a cheap case back press he could change batteries himself, but he doesn't seem the DIY type.
I too liked Skagen watches back in the day - actually think I may have a dead one knocking around in a drawer somewhere. I was also attracted to their sizes and relative minimal design. Kind of funny to look back and compare the “giant” chronographs I am fond of now. 😂
I too liked Skagen watches back in the day - actually think I may have a dead one knocking around in a drawer somewhere. I was also attracted to their sizes and relative minimal design. Kind of funny to look back and compare the “giant” chronographs I am fond of now. 😂
IKR? I was considering one of these until I realized what a beast it is -- 15mm thick!? And then I went and put on the titanium Skagen chronometer. I feel better now. 😉
They died with Macy’s
I do feel like I still see them quite a bit here in the UK. I've always liked them as well.
They are fantastic watches, and i love their thin size. My only gripe is their strap integration with the screws on some models
Very much available in UK, they had a store local to work until Covid, it could still be there. There's also their website, and along with Fossil you can occasionally pick them up in TKMaxx (also listed online).
The Mrs has a couple of quite nice looking dress watches, and I have one that's so light, comfortable and unassuming that it was my grab and go choice for a while, and is still very much on rotation. Very underrated brand.
My second Skagen purchased while in Skagen Denmark. The Max Bill design language and thinness of the case overcame any "designer watch" hesitation.
Not for me but respect ✊🏾
I used to have a Skagen. The very slimt case and the minimalist design made it rather pleasant. The integrated band proved to be very fragile, and a replacement would have exceeded the value of the watch.
In contrast to many other brands Skagen had a very consistent and recognizable design.
I have a Skagen. At 40mm it's larger than I should be able to wear, but with its slimness and practically non-existent lugs it actually works on me.
When I sought to become a "proper" watch enthusiast I hid it away in a drawer. When I want to wear something minimalist I go for a Mondaine evo2 automatic.
Maybe I should bring out the Skagen again.
I have a Skagen. At 40mm it's larger than I should be able to wear, but with its slimness and practically non-existent lugs it actually works on me.
When I sought to become a "proper" watch enthusiast I hid it away in a drawer. When I want to wear something minimalist I go for a Mondaine evo2 automatic.
Maybe I should bring out the Skagen again.
I wasn’t sure whether Skagens were “collector worthy” but response here has been positive, which is among the reasons I’m enjoying WC so far. I say, if you like it, wear it. No shame in passing it along either.
Also, I admire the Mondaine! 😉