Review: Nordberg Watches Skagerrak

At Eqotime we like Swedish watch brands. In recent years several new brands have been launched in most segments. A fun development we think, especially when a new brand is created by enthusiasts themselves. Nordberg Watches is such a brand and we have previously been joined in the podcast by Henrik Nilsson who is one of the founders. On that occasion we quick-reviewed Nordberg’s first model, Kattegatt. Now they are launching their latest model, Skagerrak, and Eqotime has of course taken a closer look at the model and Nordberg’s development curve.

Nordberg Watches

Nordberg is a west coast based company started up by a few real watch enthusiasts. Since the company is small they have chosen Kickstarter as the platform for their watch production. A choice that can probably be seen from two perspectives. On the one hand there is a negative ring to it when it comes to watches launched on the platform. And there are a host of examples of half-hearted attempts to try, with the help of Kickstarter, to become a new Daniel Wellington. And failed.

But that is only one perspective on it. Another perspective is that it is an excellent form of financing a project. Especially in the beginning and especially when it comes to projects that are enthusiast driven and happen on a somewhat smaller scale. And what is easily forgotten is that there are several good examples of smaller watch manufacturers who precisely via kickstarter have got financing and been able to carry out really successful projects. Projects that in some cases have been the starting shot for establishing themselves as manufacturers.

That said, Nordberg is now releasing its second model on Kickstarter. For the first model Kickstarter was a success and the guys behind the brand are aiming to repeat the success with the new model Skagerrak. And it would not surprise us if they succeed. Because Nordberg’s watches are interesting and good value.

Skagerrak

The new model Skagerrak is released in two colourways which they have given the names Day and Night. The Day Edition has a white dial and the Night Edition has a black one. We have handled both. But somewhat unexpectedly took a liking to the white dialled one, so during our week-long test it was the Day Edition that we looked more closely at.

Our first impression is that the model is just right in size with its good 39mm and 18 mm between the lugs. Added to that is a WR of 10ATM and on the inside spins an automatic movement from Seiko (NH35-N) with 40 hours of power reserve. It is also relatively thin with its thickness of 11.5 mm. The case is in steel and both the front and the transparent back have sapphire crystal. The watch comes on a steel bracelet and a nato strap. The price on Kickstarter is a comfortably low 2995 SEK.

Our impressions

So, what do we think then? Above all we think that this type of watch must be compared and examined for what it is. We like, as said, the size of the watch. It feels like they have hit the mark here. The build quality is also good. The watch holds together nicely and there are no dreary gaps or other small defects that can otherwise show up in watches produced in smaller series in the lower price segment. Possibly we are not entirely enamoured with the clasp on the bracelet. But such things are of course often a matter of taste.

Here they have succeeded with the finish and on the arm the watch sits really well without chafing edges. The dial is discreetly designed without any greater fuss but it has a few details that stand out. On the black version the seconds hand the model designation is in contrasting yellow and on the white one this is in blue. It gives a nice little contrast and its own personality to the watch which we like. Especially the blue details against the white dial become very pleasant IRL:

The technical side is really not much to talk about. The timekeeping is good and is exactly what can be expected of a base movement from Seiko. And with a WR of 10ATM it should cope with most activities in its capacity as a daily wearer.

Pleasant and good value

As we see it, this is on the one hand a relatively generic sports watch in steel that does not stand out excessively much compared with other watches when it comes to form and appearance. On the other hand it is not in any way a bad or dreary watch. Quite the opposite in fact. Considering what you get it is a very good value and pleasant watch that can work for most people. Add also that the guys behind the brand have spent a lot of time doing market research among watch enthusiasts and been very attentive towards feedback. The result has become really pleasant, especially considering the price.

This is very much watch for the money and if you like the pared back and discreet style then the Skagerrak can definitely be a viable alternative for anyone looking for a good entry level watch for themselves or perhaps for someone else, since the price makes it clearly suitable as a gift. That the brand is Swedish also gives a further dimension. It is fun with something that is developed on home ground. Then we generally like that new brands are popping up on the Swedish watch market. Especially when the brand is run by enthusiasts and carried out in an honest and ambitious way. We like both Nordberg Watches and the Skagerrak and think it is a watch well worth placing in the collection.