Swedish GoS Watches launches new model, Norrsken

Sweden's perhaps most renowned independent manufacturer GoS Watches is now launching its latest model, named Norrsken. In the new model they have created a cool design where they have tried to capture the arctic green light of the northern lights. And they have done so emphatically. They have chosen to combine the expertise of several different craftsmen to produce a really cool mix of different materials and surface finishes. Among other things with the help of James Thompson/Black Badger, who has fixed the fine light on the dial with his expertise in everything luminous. Eqotime has taken a look at the GoS Norrsken.

GoS, who have been in operation since 2008, are thus now launching the Norrsken model. As is customary when it comes to GoS, the inspiration has been found in Scandinavian craftsmanship, history and nature. The design in combination with the damascus steel they often use creates a design language that gives GoS a clear character of its own in most of what they do. In combination with high competence in watchmaking, GoS has definitely found a niche of its own and the watches have met with great appreciation internationally.

GoS Norrsken

GoS Norrsken GoS Norrsken has a diameter of 41.5mm and is offered first in stainless steel or stainless pattern-forged steel, also known as damascus steel, but is also offered in precious metals. Together with the recognised Guilloché master Jochen Benzinger, GoS has developed a dial with a guilloché pattern that brings to mind swirling northern lights. The watch can also be had with a dial in GoS's own pattern-forged steel as an alternative. Both alternatives have the same captivating green shade that is created in GoS's workshop in Linköping.

The dial in damascus steel is hand-forged and combines matte black with high-gloss polished emerald green tones that are meant to illustrate the movement of the swirling colours of the northern lights. The index ring that surrounds the dial is produced by the Swedish glass craftsman Mikael Kenlind from Vas Vitreum in Vadstena. The clearly transparent index ring is hand-sculpted out of hand-blown Swedish crystal.

Collaboration with Black Badger

An interesting detail is that it is James Thompson and his company, Black Badger, who have supplied a unique ring that is cast in Badgerite and developed exclusively for the Norrsken. The solid luminous material is developed in collaboration with the Swiss company RC Tritec, which makes Swiss Super-LumiNova, and the luminous ring in Badgerite is placed around the index ring in crystal. In that way the clear crystal ring refracts the light in towards the centre and creates a fascinating green shimmer. A further application of luminous material sits under the index ring, which improves legibility even further.

Case and dial in two variants

Spear-shaped hour and minute hands convey the prevailing time, while a GoS triskele indicates the seconds. Both
the index ring and the seconds display are recessed into the dial, where the dial in damascus steel also has
SuperLuminova dots under the seconds hand, which gives an animated effect when the seconds hand rotates.

Just like the dial, the case of the Norrsken can also be had in two variants. One is in high-gloss polished stainless
steel. The other is in stainless damascus steel that has been etched and polished in stages to bring out depth and detail in the pattern of the material.

Movement from Schwarz Etienne

The case back has a sapphire crystal that lets the wearer see the automatic movement. The calibre GoS03 that sits in the watch has 86 hours of power reserve and is made by the manufacture Schwarz Etienne. The movement is tailored to GoS's wishes. The movement also has fine finishing with, among other things, hand-polished bevels and specific modifications, including a separate escape wheel bridge. GoS has also equipped the movement with its very own micro rotor, made from hand-forged damascus steel.

The Norrsken is delivered with a bracelet in high-gloss polished salmon leather that is made in Stockholm. The box too is high class and consists of a presentaton case in hand-blown Swedish crystal. Also hand-made by Mikael Kenlind from Vas
Vitreum.

Limited edition

GoS Norrsken is made in a limited edition of 50 pieces, of which where the first watches are delivered from May. Every watch is unique and is made to order. There is also the possibility of further customer adaptations. The price is relatively high and lands at 200-250 tkr depending on any options. But then on the other hand you get a unique watch in the higher school of independent watchmaking. And seen from that perspective we would almost want to describe it as good value. Regardless, we at Eqotime think the watch is enormously cool. It is really fun that we have a recognised independent manufacturer on home ground. And one that holds its own well in the international competition both when it comes to quality, reputation and doing its own thing.