I was curious as to what Skagen considered to be their flagship watch, so I asked them. The Danish brand has seemingly always been around in the watch world. Brands tend to have iconic looks and technologies that are imbued into flagship products that communicate the brand. Skagen's entire watch product line has a few common themes. These include use of minimalist design, titanium as often as possible, thin case profiles, function forward attitudes, Swiss movements, and reasonable prices. For 2009, Skagen replied that the watch that communicates all these notions are the men's 585XLTMXB and 585XLTMXM watches. The difference between the two models is one is constructed of gray toned titanium, while the other uses a darker black toned titanium.
Let's go back a step while I give you my take on Skagen watches. A lot of the time I wake up and want to wear a serious "show me the money" watch. That isn't about glitz, but rather about "I am going to go out and conquer the day!" Other days I want to be more subtle, look at my watch to get the time. That is a Skagen appropriate day. You'll find that most Skagen watches are gray. I feel that this helps them "blend" in, and a lot of the time that is what you want. Blending in isn't easy. It takes a smooth crisp design that works without effort. Skagen watches do this. They aren't a "show me" watch. They are a good go to watch when you just feel like being functional, and simple; qualities that are underrated a lot of the time.
The 585XLTMXB and 585XLTMXM watches are traditional two-hand (no seconds) watches with full titanium cases and bracelets. The faces are totally minimalistic with just the hour indicators and thin hands used for quick reference by the wearer, not everyone around him. I like how the crystal shape integrates with the bracelet design, something you don't see everyday. The watch case is thin at only 8mm, and the case is 38mm wide. A quartz movement powers the watches, and Skagen is nice enough to provide a lifetime movement warranty. They can easily do this as problems with the movements are very rare (and they don't cost that much anyway).
I concur with Skagen that these should be considered flagship watches. They embody exactly what the brand wants to communicate, and will look good on just about anyone, without calling too much attention. As a gift, or as a watch for quieter days, a Skagen is a decent choice. Look for the 85XLTMXB and 585XLTMXM watches available soon. Retail price is $275, expect street price to be a bit less, in the many places Skagen watches are sold.
See Skagen watches on Amazon here.
 Skagen from Denmark watch with mesh Titanium band  US $39.99
|
 Skagen Men's Titanium 803XLTRB Rose Gold Mesh SS Watch US $129.95
|
 Skagen Men's All Titanium 596XLTXM Multi-Dial Watch US $133.95
|
 Skagen Mens Titanium 233XLTTN Slim Blue Dial Mesh Watch US $89.95
|
 Skagen Titanium Ultra Thin Mens Watch 338LTMLN Leather US $64.95
|
 Skagen Men's Classic Titanium Blue Dial Slim Mesh Watch US $99.95
|
At last something that I can afford
Hi Mozzy,
I know that a lot of the watches I discuss have “out of these world” prices for most of us (myself included). Most of the interesting watches that come out are more expensive and have a limited production. I try to cover “stand-out” reasonably priced watches as often as possible. Let me know if you have any requests. Thanks for reading.
I just bought a Lüm-Tec recently, which is another good watch brand that is affordable.
Also, any idea if the crystals on these two are sapphire or mineral? From looking at a few watches of the brand, it seems they use mostly mineral.
LUM-TEC are nice watches. I always recommend them. Skagen uses mostly mineral crystals. You are going to be hard pressed to find a mass produced watch with a sapphire crystal for under $400 – $500.
I’m interested in the 585XLTMXM model. I’d be particularly pleased if it is the color of bare titanium, and not colored at all. The actual material is, after all, one of the biggest features of the watch, so why cover it up? Titanium has a wonderfully dull medium-gray finish, compared to the light-gray of steel.
I looked on the Skagen site, but there doesnt appear to be anywhere you can give your email address so you can be emailed when the product is out. Anyone know of a way to get an email when this watch is released?
Back on my previous comment of sapphire vs. mineral… since this watch is already catering to people who care about material usage, it makes sense that buyers would also care about the crystal material. So it seems like a watch that featured materials would spend the extra $50 for sapphire.
Hi again,
I don’t have all the answers, but I can say that the watch model you are interested in will be available in the Spring. Tell you what, I will personally ask these questions on behalf of you to Skagen and see what types of response we get. I’ll keep you updated.
Got some updates from Skagen for you:
Thanks for checking in with Skagen. Sounds interesting (in a not good nor bad way) they are ion plating Ti with Ti!
This watch has go to be the best watch i have ever owned and i would recommend it to all my friends