Skagen, Denmark is known for its fishing port and being a tourist magnet courtesy of its long history, its building architecture throughout the region and for its artists, the Skagen Painters of the late 1800’s to early 1900’s.
But the name Skagen Denmark for westerners is probably best known for the watch brand (that is a subsidiary of Fossil as of 2012) which is an American contemporary accessories brand based on Danish design. A design based on purpose, honesty and simplicity.
The history of the watch brand, Skagen Denmark began in 1989 when Henrik and Charlotte Jorst moved from Denmark to New York. The couple established a business designing their own corporate watches but manufacturing them in a factory in Hong Kong for a lower price. The couple would market their watches at a corporate gift fair and were encouraged to market their watches under their own brand and thus, Skagen Denmark was born.
The couple made $800,000 in 1992 and ran without employees for numerous years and Bloomingdale’s agreed to sell their watches for a trial period. By 1998, Skagen Denmark became one of the fastest-growing privately owned U.S. companies and in six years, the watch company would have an annual sales volume of $30 million.
By 1999, the company would have around 100 employees and would distribute their watches in the UK, the following year in Germany and the Netherlands, by 2007, in Asia. And by 2010, would open their retail portals in the United States and Europe, the following year in Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore.
And in 2012, Fossil, Inc. would purchase Skagen Designs, Ltd. and some of its partners for $225 million, along with 150,000 shares of Fossil common stock.
Skagen watches are now known for their lightness, stylish design but also being affordable quartz watches.
As a watch enthusiast, I also recommend Skagen for those who are starting out with purchasing of watches, wanting it to be stylish but also are not as willing to spend over a $100 on a watch.
Also, for those who are wanting to go with Skagen, knowing that these are light watches, very thin and the straps are just as light and I do not recommend them around operation of equipment or if you are prone to having your watch crash into wall or equipment.
With that being said, let’s take a look at the Skagen Melbye (SKW6305) watch.
The Skagen Melbye features a 28 mm band and a case diameter of 40mm and features an analogue quartz movement.
The dial keeps with the simplistic goal of Skagen, as you get a sheen titanium metal casing, black dial with a light blue seconds marking inner ring. The watch does feature a three-hand movement with luminescent details.
The dates feature both English and Spanish days and changing time and date is easy by the pulling out of the dial all the way or just halfway.
The genuine leather strap fits well, but for those with larger wrists, this may not fit you as it is a 28mm band. Speaking of the band, while you can easily remove it via screws (using a mini screwdriver), the problem is finding straps. So, it’s best to keep the original leather strap on.
Skagen does sell Melbye watches with a steel mesh as well. Skagen sells an alternative of the black dial with a silver dial.
The watch is water resistant up to 165 ft. but unless the watch is designed for aquatics, I would never recommend anyone to submerge this watch in water or take a shower with it.
And again, because of the mineral crystal, I would not wear this to work if you operate machinery or changes are you will be banging your watch on solid objects.
And last, there is a limited warranty.
A question I am often asked, would I recommend a Skagen over a Seiko 5? Personally, my feeling is if you are attracted to a watch, then go for the one that impresses you and works around your wardrobe. But the Seiko 5’s do offer a stronger Hardlex crystal window.
Overall, the Skagen Melbye is a sleek watch. While not as minimalist compared to other watches in the Skagen brand, it features the same light feel and simplistic features that other Skagen watches showcase. If you are a person who wants style at an affordable price, you can’t go wrong with a Skagen watch and if you are looking for a watch with an inner ring, the Skagen Melby (SKW6305) watch is recommended.
