As someone who loves fashionable accessories but also values quality construction, I‘ve tested my fair share of Skagen watches over the past 5 years. I‘m drawn to their sleek Scandinavian aesthetics yet want timepieces surviving daily wear-and-tear. This in-depth review shares everything I‘ve learned assessing Skagen for design, durability and value.
Overview of Skagen as a Watch Brand
Founded in 1989 by Henrik and Charlotte Jorst, Skagen pioneered slim, modern watch designs drawing inspiration from the serene Danish coastline. The brand struck a chord with minimalist styles feeling both elegantly timeless yet contemporary.
While crafting aesthetically exquisite timepieces, function doesn‘t always match form. Skagen sits firmly in the affordable fashion watch bracket prioritizing style over components and build quality. Their expertise lies in crafting aspirational lifestyle aesthetics rather than mastering horology complexity.
Acquired by Fossil Group in 2012, Skagen still operates independently retaining its Danish design-led DNA. The label continues expanding into jewelry, bags and other accessories imbued with Scandinavian subtlety. Skagen also launched environmentally-conscious watches within its ‘Pro-Planet‘ line made sustainably from recycled materials.
Before digging into specific collections, let‘s recap core Skagen attributes:
Price Range: $100 – $300
Aesthetic: Slim, refined, Nordic
Power Source: Quartz, Smartwatch, Eco-Drive Solar
Materials: Stainless Steel, Leather, Silicone, Titanium Mesh
Unisex Appeal: Yes (some models gender-neutral)
Water Resistance: 30m (rainproof not optimized for swimming)
Warranty: 2 Years (with proof of purchase)
Next, I‘ll share hands-on reviews of popular Skagen watches showcasing the spectrum of styles and prices.
Skagen Ancher Watch Reviews
The Ancher collection encapsulates Skagen‘s knack for crafting ultra-slim dress watch aesthetics. With a case height of just 6mm to 8mm, Ancher‘s are some of the thinnest men‘s and women‘s watch options available.
I‘ve tested two stainless steel mesh Ancher models plus a soft leather strap variant retailing from $135 up to $215.
Skagen Ancher Stainless Steel Watch Review
Sleek steel casing with gorgeous mesh band defines the Ancher look. The Milanese style band integrates seamlessly with curved ends contouring neatly around my wrist. Despite the slim profile, Skagen designers integrated subtle texture detailing on the intricate watch face and stippled subdials avoiding a flat, lifeless aesthetic.
Beyond admiring the dial design daily, my Ancher withstood scrapes against tables and walls with barely a scratch. After 6 months I noticed the mesh band lose some sheen. But a quick polish restored the sophisticated luster. If you adore Skagen styling, few watches exemplify the brand DNA better than a steel-crafted Ancher.
Verdict: 4.5/5 – Super-slim sophistication
Skagen Ancher Leather Strap Watch Review
Searching for a dress watch easily fitting under shirt cuffs, I tried an Ancher paired with a slim leather band. Trading metal for organic hide brought a warmer, more formal personality suited to professional attire.
The stitched edge detailing on Ancher’s leather straps adds depth mirroring classic leather goods craftsmanship. Unfortunately after around 4 months of mixed office and casual wear, cracking emerged on the leather seam exposing the subsurface fabric. Disappointing construction for a $150 watch attempting to channel luxury appeal. If opting for leather, ensure storing in a watch case rather than dumping in drawers to minimize aging.
Verdict: 3/5 – Sensitive leather quality lets down fine design
Key Ancher Series Takeaways
- Stunning dimensions: 6 to 8mm case height
- Look and feel exudes refined luxury
- Leather strap variants compromise durability
- Fragile for active lifestyles but ideal desk-to-dinner elegance
Skagen Connected Smartwatches
As smartwatches gained momentum in the late 2010s, Skagen plunged into the market with the Falster range running Google’s Wear OS platform.
I‘ve tested the Falster 2 and Falster 3 firsthand. At a discounted $200-$250, they deliver satisfactory smartphone connectivity and activity tracking compared to pricier Apple or Samsung options exceeding $300.
Here‘s how the Falster models stack up:
|| Falster 2| Falster 3 |
|-|——|—–|
|Display Size | 42mm | 42mm |
|Display Type | AMOLED | AMOLED |
|Display Resolution | 390 x 390 | 328ppi |
|Battery Life | 24 hours | 36 hours |
|Water Resistance | 30 meters | 30 meters|
|Integrated GPS? | No | Yes |
Skagen Falster 2 Review
The Falster 2 debuted at $275 with a slick stainless steel case in 2018. while I loved using it daily for notification triage, controlling music playback and tracking runs, frequent charging was a chore. Battery life reliably lasted just 18-20 hours falling short of the claimed 24 hours longevity.
Lack of onboard GPS also required carrying my phone on runs to accurately map routes and pace. But for those times I forgot my phone when dashing to meetings, having notifications and timers easily accessible on my wrist proved invaluable.
Verdict: 3.5/5 – Stylish smartwatch compromised by limited battery life
Skagen Falster 3 Review
I recently upgraded to the Falster 3 solving my chief gripes. Instantly noticeable improvements encompassed the stainless steel rear case replacing plastic and built-in GPS freeing phone-less exercise.
Stronger internals combined with the latest Wear OS software optimize power efficiency stretching single charges to a claimed 36 hours. In real-world use I squeeze 30-32 hours with sleep tracking, frequent notification checking and daily 30 minute outdoor walk tracking.
Downsides? The Falster 3 costs $295 positioning it awkwardly between budget fitness bands below $150 and leading smartwatches climbing towards $400. It also lacks standalone apps beyond Google’s own software. If you already live in the Google/Android ecosystem however, the Falster 3 brings welcome versatility and customization in a petite package.
Verdict: 4/5 – Enhanced successor but still some software limitations
Connected Watch Takeaways
- Smooth cross-platform performance if paired with Android phone
- Impressive feature set for the price bracket
- Short battery life on earlier Falster 2 model
- Durable construction handling daily wear over 12-18 months
Titanium Mesh & Stainless Steel Skagen Watches
Beyond sleek leather and digital models, titanium and stainless steel watches represent Skagen cornerstones. With 30+ dial variations and multiple band options, you’re guaranteed discovering a metal-crafted Skagen suiting personal style.
I‘ve tested the Grenen titanium watch plus Hagen and Melbye stainless variants. My key learnings:
Skagen Grenen Titanium Watch Review
The Grenen’s grey sunray dial radiates elegantly against its brushed titanium case and hardware. Titanium stands out from common stainless steel watches with its increased hardness, scratch resistance and featherweight wearing comfort. This translates to Grenen feeling reassuringly sturdy yet barely noticeable when working at my laptop or typing on phones.
My only complaints centered on adjusting the intricate titanium mesh band. Resizing by removing overlapping chain links requires patience not to bend or break sections. It’s worth professionally resizing for a perfect custom fit if struggling. And expect occasional arm hair pulls although significantly less than metal link bands. Overall, Skagen perfectly balances masculine and feminine appeal with the versatile Grenen.
Verdict: 4/5 – Premium toughness with everyday wearability
Skagen Melbye Stainless Steel Review
The Melbye range modernizes classic stainless steel watch design with sharper cases housing chronograph subdials. I tested a navy face variant with stainless mesh band echoing the Grenen’s styling at a $55 discount.
Attractive bidirectional rotating bezel for timing short events caught my attention alongside a magnified date window – extras you wouldn‘t expect on a sub-$150 watch. However, the polished stainless steel shows scratches more easily losing its just-purchased sheen after 3 months of mixed desk and active wear. Still, an easy-to-match, functionally-sound men‘s watch livening up ordinary outfits.
Verdict: 4/5 – Appealing functionality beyond telling the time
Key Metal Watch Takeaways
- Premium textures and sturdiness from titanium
- Stainless steel prone to scuffs/scratches
- Intricate metal mesh bands need careful sizing
- Understated aesthetics matching casual or formal attire
How Does Skagen Compare to Other Watch Brands?
Contextualizing my Skagen assessments, how do they compare against competitors like Fossil, Michael Kors or Apple Watch?
I‘ve structured my verdicts across four vital criteria: Style, Features & Tech, Durability and Value.
Style
Few brands encapsulate minimal chic like Skagen. Their Nordic-inspired aesthetic sets them apart from louder fashion watches prioritizing logos and bling ahead of finesse. However premium brands like TAG Heuer and Omega offer more intricate detailing for watch admirers.
Features & Technology
Skagen covers essential functions like timers and alarms efficiently with smartwatches adding useful connectivity. But aside from Falster‘s GPS and NFC, few breakout innovations get debuted. Midrange offerings from Japanese titans Seiko and Citizen integrate higher-grade movements and complications.
Durability
An area where Skagen disappoints many buyers. Attractive leather straps often crack after 6 months while cheap internal components can fail after 12-18 months. By spending a little more with Tissot, you‘ll secure vastly improved longevity and water resistance.
Value
Skagen shine brightest here positioned as accessibly priced fashion watches costing one-fifth of an entry-level Rolex. The brand adds competent smartwatches too outpacing Amazfit and Fitbit for style. Just moderate expectations on product lifespans.
| Watch Brand | Style | Features & Tech | Durability | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skagen | 5/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Fossil | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Michael Kors | 3/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Apple | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Rolex | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 2/5 |
Reviewing the rankings clarifies Skagen‘s strengths and weaknesses. Their watches represent fashion-first choices where looks trump longevity or hardware capabilities. But style-centric buyers will delight in the Danish brand‘s tailored detailing and sleek personality well-priced against designer labels.
My Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Skagen?
If prioritizing world-beating style and trend-conscious versatility over durability and pedigree, Skagen deliver in spades. Their Swiss movement-powered watches offer everyday luxury exuding refined personality without ostentatious logos.
Younger professionals starting their watch collection appreciate Skagen balancing modern aesthetics with elevated design touches. Expect compliments rather than performance. But treat them as the disposable fashion accessories they are rather than indestructible heirlooms.
Alternatively, style-neutral buyers wanting a simple, legible watch immune from trends are better served by Japanese brands renowned for quality engineering. Skagen makes watches for standing out rather than fading discretely into the background.
So in summary, I recommend Skagen wholeheartedly to shoppers wanting a fashion-forward watch reflecting contemporary tastes for the next 2-3 years of wear. Their rich variety guarantees finding a dial-band combination suiting individual style. Just don‘t expect a hand-me-down timepiece still ticking in 20 years. Treat Skagen watches like the stylish accessories they are designed to be.
