Same for me; I'm a pre Fossil Skagen wearer. I quite like them. I like how thin they are, and even though I have quite nice watches, my Skagens are my beaters.
I agree with you. Ben doesn't really know what he has in his hands. The model This is a classic retro model, deliberately having the strap connections which he described as 'perculiar and interesting', this is actually TRADITIONAL way and as such is deliberately chosen. Not a standard Skagen feature. Skagen brand Skagen watches are very well known and respected brand and have been around for a really long time. They are thin and minimalistic, but great quality and durability. I have a 12 years old Skagen, works as well as the first day and looks awesome. People buy it for its unique design.
One of my first watches was a Skagen - very slim with a metal bracelet - ideal as it kept perfect time with no attention. It did take me several months to notice the date window though - so small that I needed a magnifying glass to read it! I love slim watches - I have a JLC Ultra thin Master and a Baume and Mercier Riviera Automatic which is the thinnest of the lot.
You know, I don't understand why more dedicated watch manufacturers don't make watches that look like this but with some actual quality behind them. Why isn't there a classy 39mm automatic Bulova with some Bauhaus styling? I'd pay a good $300 for that, instead they only churn out 44mm monstrosities. Or what about Citizen? Why do 90% of their watches look like they belong on a substitute teacher's wrist? Why do most entry level Tissots look like they pay the gas-guzzler tax? They should take a good look at what these fashion watch companies are doing design-wise and learn from it.
I’ve had a Skagen as my everyday beater for 10 years. They are known to be super slim (even for a quartz) and usually under £100 each. Models and designs are changed every so often however they usually learn towards the minimal Bauhaus style. I think they are a great brand with a history. Edit: Cool
The pre-Fossil Skagens are pretty nice and I've never had a problem with my 809XLTTM Titanium. (I had it for almost 10 years) It is one of their best designs, it has won red dot design award in 2011. I don't like most newer Skagens, but I think that one is surely worth checking out!
Indeed the older Skagen watches where/still are pretty good ❤ Sadly most of the new models aren't anyway near what used to be - in general, one could say Skagen has changed for the worse, some times they still make a nice model though.
@The Truth How so? Is it not true that Casio offers good quality respectively in every price bracket? Even a sub-$20 Casio will last at least ~5 years with no problems whatsoever: appropriate battery life, appropriate case materials, straps, pushers, they won't break down on you easily. And if you're happier in the $50, $100, $200 brackets, it'll be the same.
@@MJFallout Thoughtful comment. Casio have excellent Marketing Executive staff, who clearly understood that the prime task is to ensure that the Business makes a profit. That's not only done in their Wrist Watch sector, it's done across the Company's entire product range. That's why Casio gets such positive YT reviews. Phil.
@The Truth No they are not, they offer good value for money. I own several of them from the cheaper ones to a couple of G-Shocks I own. Casio are the leading brand in electronic watches.
Yes, for the same price I just bought a Casio Edifice chrono that is very nice considering I go for high end but I wanted a simple daily and it's quality. The second hands spot on too.
Skagen is a US based company, founded in the US. The couple moved here from Denmark. I received my first Skagen in 2003 after I got out of the army, it's still running. I own 4 of them at this point. I can't speak to the quality of Daniel Wellington but for the price points I've purchased my skagens at, they're worth the money if you like minimalist style watches.
@@jonaspao9070 I Skagen, Sieko, Gant, Triwa, Oris, Timex and a Christopher Ward. There are 2 high end watches I've put on my wish list. A moonphase, either a JLC or Glasshute Orig. and a GoS
I bought my wife one in 2011 and it's still ticking today. I'm actually surprised of how long it has lasted. Perhaps the build quality has gone down when it was acquired by Fossil in 2012? I dunno but the 2011 watch was a great buy.
Was about to buy this watch for 60 euros. Seems a bit of a better deal at that price, but glad I didnt in the end. Rather have a Seiko 5 for a bit more. :)
If you like the Skagen design go for it. I'd rather have a nice quartz watch than a cheap mechanical. Except of course if you don't care for time telling. Cheap mechanical watches are a marketing trick.
Have some Skagens from the pre-Fossil days, before I really got into watches. Never had a problem with durability or function. The design back then was less minimalist and, to me, far more interesting. My wife has some and enjoys hers. Thanks for the well balanced vid...looking forward to more!
I have to say my experience with Skagen has been very good. Granted, I only own two of their watches but I haven't experienced the QC and finishing issues you highlighted. Perhaps I'm just lucky but I consider them to be a major step above the DWs and MVMTs of this world. I have to agree the strap design on yours is strange. My two use a milanese strap with quick release spring bars and it feels very solid. As for the seconds hand....lol I always go for a small seconds or no seconds design with cheap quartz, so as not to have to deal with dodgy alignment.
I first found Skagen when searching for 'thin watch' on Google back in 2004. I love their design sense, and have forgiven their Fossil ownership as a result. If you collect, or just appreciate, watch designs that reflect creativity, and aren't a slave to only considering Seiko or Swiss movements, there are looks Skagen offers that are great. Ben's critique of the strap reflect more of his biases to the 'typical' than valid criticism. I like the novel lug/strap design. Comparison to Daniel Wellington is laughable -- since Skagen preceeded the DW junk in the market and reflects far better design.
Late response but as a watch repairer ive learnt that these watches, although aesthetically pleasing, are a very bad design from the strap fitment (ben is absolutely right. we are endlessly ordering skagen straps from the fossil group to replace customers old torn straps) and the biggest problem being that the caseback is smaller than the dial size. Meaning that repair becomes very difficult as theres lots of room for extra damages when you have to open up the front of the watch via the crystal to replace the movement etc.
I got 2 Skagen on my collection, the first one was opened to replace the battery and would never close back due to imperfection on the bezel, the second one has been a everyday use for 2 years now and still looks good. after 2 battery replacements and some polish work it still looks brand new. I do thinks is a good watch, sleek, and elegant, but I wouldn't pay too much for them either.
I have one and I thought it was great υntil I bought my first decent watch. In fairness, they have a certain aesthetic and they are very light and easy to wear. A good entry to the world of watches.
I have a Skagen Signatur. bought it 15 years ago because it was beautifully simple and very slim. I have no reason to regret it and would recommend it as a dress watch any day.
That's quartz for you. Best to do is always to get watches without a second hand, can't have a second hand miss the markers if you don't ahve a hand at all 🧐
I had a Skagen Hybrid (Bluetooth linked, sub-dial for notifications from phone, nice little feature to skip tracks on phone when using media player). Paid £75 for it I think - still going strong, build was pleasant for the money. No complaints. A nice stepping stone when coming off a pure smartwatch (Microsoft Band) and led onto 'proper' watches.
I just replaced the battery on my daughter-in-law's Skagen SKW 2151. The quartz movement is in fact a Japanese Miyota Super GL30 (at least on this model).
A good and very fair minded review. I confess I have bought a couple of the older ones as gifts, but its a niche. They are not something that will be an heirloom, or go swimming with you, or that you can gaze at and ponder enjoying the workmanship ( (which I can do with my Victorinox despite it being quartz), but for a pretty, minimalist, Bauhaus style design gift, they are good if you can get them well under 100 AUD. Of course if you are about to parachute somewhere east of Kandahar, one chooses a Casio G Shock or a Vostok Amphibia. :)
Since I went to Copenhagen on a trip just over 3 years ago I wanted a Skagen watch as a souvenir. They're all about style. They looked over-priced in Denmark so I didn't get one. Last December, in a watch clearance shop in Swindon UK I bought a GBP159 Skagen "Melbe" with day and date and metal mesh bracelet reduced to just GBP39. At that price it was an excellent buy, so slim, light and fits my small wrist perfectly. It's good at time-keeping too. I'm very happy with mine and at that price, it was basically a give-away
Picked one of these up for $12. Strap had torn through the little screws. Fixed it with glue and thread reinforcement. This strap type doesn't pivot, so it will conform less to your wrist than a similar 45mm lug-width watch with traditional lugs. The glass on mine is scratched, but not easy to replace. Despite the snapback for battery access, I think it's a front loader, and there's no easy way to get that crystal out. I suppose I could smash it, or maybe try the air pressure method. And the snapback on these Skagens is super hard to remove, as mentioned in the video! For looks, it's slimmer and sleeker than a Timex weekender, and much quieter too, but less serviceable. I like that it has a date, but the date window is super tiny. As the other commenter said, it was a Danish couple living in the USA that started the brand, all USA owned now, the "Denmark" is just den-marketing. Not bad at $12, any more than that not really worth it unless you love it. Great production as always, thanks for the review!
My first watch I bought from a department store was Skagen and I've grown to like the brand through the years. I am a computer IT guy and my hands need to fit into small computers, so I like the thin watches. I must have a dozen Skagen watches by now. Other than replacing batteries I've never had a problem with any of them.
Just a Dane passing by. When pronouncing Skagen, you don't say the G/it's silent, so it's pronounced Skaen if you wanna say it the Danish/"the right way".
Ben, I purchased the Skagen 233XXLRLB, black dial, rose gold case and hands, in January of 2013 for 66 USD. And this because I was tired of pulling out a phone when walking to the train station. Being rather naive, I showered with the watch daily which eventually destroyed the screw-in leather strap. And I'd pay about 30 USD for a Skagen replacement--if I can find one. Love the Skagen design, especially the thin case. Still wearing this watch with the thin leather upper being the only part of the band left. Cool. Cheers.
I kinda like Timex designs, though Casio makes more durable models for less money. Nowadays i go for ultra dirt cheap China brands. Abuse it like crazy and they still go on. If it stops, i have a few more in my drawer.
I've had nothing but good service from Skagen watches. I think they are the best looking watches on the market at their price points, by a wide margin.
I looked into how to say Skagen and I believe it's - Skayin - like "stay in". I liked these watches a lot before I knew about watches. First I saw of them was in the Harrington Catalog as a really thin watch. Enticing pieces.
Replacment bands are readily available. I have no trouble removing the case backs. I've had to change many skagen batteries over the years. The trick is to use a chisel - yes, really. They're very sharp and will bite the lip and have lots of leverage. I have many high end watches too but love how slim these are and how they hug your wrist. Some are more "huggy" than others.
I should have mentioned that I had a favorite and wore it every day for years. The leather actually wore in quite well to a lovely patina. I think some of your assumptions here are in error.
This exact watch is my first watch. Loved it. Surprisingly, the strap holes used to attach the strap to the watch weren't the first part to go, the genuine leather is actually just a layer of leather that split apart after 3 years
The case backs on these are amazingly difficult to open and reclose. I have removed backs on literally hundreds of different types of watches and these hold the crown for the hardest to deal with. You have to be very careful replacing the back too so you don't crack the crystal. The bands do hold up reasonably well. There are also versions that use a quick release strap.
Great rundown of the details and features. I've got a few Skagens (definitely paid less than what the MRP was on the video) and all have been reliable and overall, pretty durable. And as he said: they look great. If anything they "look" far more expensive than they are, though that's not why I buy them: It's the clutter-free minimalist styling, and thin profile that is the appeal.
I just looked up a video on changing a skagen battery and the guy just used a knife under the protruding part to lift it off. No unscrewing or anything. I guess you already know that but I thought I’d comment just in case. I actually got a skagen on a mesh bracelet as a present over ten years ago. I was skeptical at for but I’ve worn it a lot and still got it. I just get my local jeweller to do the battery changes.
I can speak on the durability of the straps Ben. I once owned a Skagen Ancher with a black leather strap. While my wrist is not too wide, the strap simply broke off of the watch case from the point where it was screwed down after two months of daily use. Fair to say, that was my first and last Skagen watch. As you stated in the video, this is probably a tactic to get customers to spend more money on their in-house straps, which are advertised quite prominently on their website.
I always liked your take on the watches that are on the affordable (and not only) section and not taking the path of being kind to the review. As for this one personally I'd probably put it on the garbage side of the wall because although the strap is quite interesting the way is set up it just seems so disencouraging to trust, the fact that you don't have the ability to know what the exact movement is (let alone to even say replace the battery), the fact that the second hand does not align is a definite reason to put it on that side of the wall. Also the price too. I guess it takes a serious research to find something on that range and even if you end up paying slightly more at least you'd get something far more better. Anyways. Keep it up Ben.
Finally someone who talks honestly about these fashion watches and tells it straight: IF you get them for 50 $/€, they're fine. Just don't pay them retail price and don't expect 'em to last forever.
I was able to get the back off my Skagen, it did require me to remove the band first before prying the back off. The inner mechanics are quite small and are held in a plastic frame inside the watch.
Definitely recommend the Sternglas quartz - super slim, light and a really comfortable strap that seems to be made of really decent leather. Oh, and domed sapphire. Keeps time well, as you'd expect from the Ronda movement. All in all, happy. If you need a second hand it doesn't have that - it doesn't bother me!
I work for a watch repair company and the strap is manufactured with a small metal plate in the screw base end, on AVG we find the strap gets replaced every 2 year, but are more half the cost of the watch. The movement is a Miyota.
Quick note, the brands founder was from Denmark but was living in the US at the time they established the company so it was technically an American company. I bought a Skagen in 2006 prior to the Fossil acquisition, I was in my early 20s and it was one of the first watches I ever bought myself. Bottom line up front, it's not complete garbage but I would not buy another from them. I paid just under $100 US and I still have it today. It's a black painted (powder coated maybe?) titanium 37mm case with a black metal mesh bracelet, reference number T233XLTMN. The quality is average at best, much like the current model in the video the second hand does not align on the second markers and over time the black paint has begun to wear off of the bracelet though only slightly. The paint has rubbed off of the clasp significantly. The case back is extremely difficult to open and I also scratched the watch attempting to change the battery. The back lists only "Japan Quartz Movement". It seems over time and after the acquisition very little has changed. the watch still functions as well as it ever did so I would not call it a rip-off or garbage but I would also not recommend it as a first choice. Having owned this watch for roughly 15 years i can say that you can probably feel safe buying one with the expectation that it will not stop working within a year or two, but I wouldn't pay more than maybe $75 at the most. What they ask for as their MSRP is ridiculous. This would be a safe bet to buy discounted through a third party as long as you know it's a legit sale. Honestly though, there's better out there for the money.
I'm not certain but I believe what you were referring to as a nick at 2:36 is actually there on purpose. This looks like it may be a front loaded watch and that's where you insert a tool to pop off the bezel and crystal to gain access to the dial and movement. Some watches are loaded from the front instead of the back.
I have five Skagen watches, none of which have the screw-attached strap. I'm not sure why he's focused on this particular model. They are affordable, minimalist and modern. Great watches for those of us who have no desire to own a Rolex.
I had this one for years and gave it to my daughter. She wears it all the time. The band has come into a nice patina and darkened nicely. No problems with anything so far. thumbs up here. Incidentally, my son bought me a Fossil last year and its almost the same thickness etc. but in blue face. Good too for the price.
I've got two Skagens, a blue dial chrono with a similar band to this one, and a "dive-style" blue/black combo (to it's credit it does have a screw down case back and crown). The lume is crap, but the second hand on both hit their markers and given their slim profile are just comfortable to wear. I picked them both up at killer deals on sale, the chrono for $15 and the diver for $25, and at those prices it's hard to argue against. The chrono is also among the few times I've gotten a compliment on a watch, over watches many times them in value, so there's that I guess lol.
Skagen started it all for me. I still have the 806XLTBN titanium I bought as a grad student when I was struggling and couldn't afford anything. It means the same to me as a few of the grails I've acquired along the way.
I fixed a Skagen watch for my mother. The minute had fallen off. It used a Miyota GL10 movement with date at 6 o’clock. Replacement movements cost a few dollars, so they must be under $1 in quantity. There is nothing wrong with the GL10. It will keep accurate time and likely last the life of the case it's in. It's probably going to be tossed well before wearing out.
My wife purchased me a Skagen back in 2007 when I got back from Iraq. I still have it. It's a titanium. She has one as well when they used actual diamonds.
You’re right- “leather” straps worn out very quickly, but not the screw ends, but where they buckle. Bought it for nice THIN profile! Got lots of compliments ~ until the thin crystal glass was cracked! Didn’t even notice that I must have knocked it somewhere. Too bad, I liked it .
I have a Skagen watch that I bought around 2005 for about $80. It has a blue dial and 34mm titanium case with a stainless steel mesh bracelet. The movement is a Japanese quartz. What really caught my eye was the blue dial and the very slim profile. At that time, there simply was no other watch like it as far as I could see. It is very light weight and almost feels like there's nothing on the wrist when I wear it. I have gotten lots of compliments from people when I wore it. There is a deep scratch on the case, which probably means Skagen used grade 2 titanium. Overall, I am really happy with it. I don't wear it much any more simply because I've just out grown this style. What surprises me is that Skagen still makes many watches in this exact style after so many years. The case sizes are larger but the overall shape, build, and styling are identical as far as I can see. There are only minor styling differences on the dial.
I have a few skagens...including an ancher...and have had no issues with any including straps....but i have noticed a significant increase in price..miyota movements and assembled in china....
Have pre fossil skagen and it is excellent. I still buy skagens as gifts for friends/family, they all love it. You should have reviewed the mesh band skagen
Got to say the watch I liked most in recent years and still wear regularly is a Skagen. This was my next best ever to a Timex I was given as a 13th birthday present sometime last century! It now vies with an Orient and a Rotary. No complaints whatsoever and still the best dress watch in my eyes.
I got a Skagen in the mid 00s as my first "adult watch". I loved the minimal design, light and flat built and fine milanese band. It probably was the piece that got me into watches. I wrote a design study on it for a school assignment back then and have been interested in watch design ever since. Unfortunately the glass broke at some point and I broke the band.
I have a few Skagens. Grew up when businessmen wore minimalist watches and not watches that resemble chunky Christmas trees or combat watches. I wore a tux and top hat last Friday to a dance. Didn't have to bear a Rolex and did not want to wear a digital dive watch. The replacement leather bands are limited though.
The Skagen titanium watches are durable and can take a beating. They're nice looking, they are ultra thin, they have Japanese Miyota movements, and I get many compliments on them. I have been wearing them for 15 years, I never think of taking the Skagen off before working on machinery, and they polish up great with a Dremel tool. Say what you like, I'm wearing one now and loving it. And should I trash this one they are cheap to buy on the net. My other watches (which were gifts) are a Rolex gold and stainless, and a Maruice LaCroix stainless steel with and ETA movement.
I don't know if you're checking old videos comments, but I'd suggest you to check the new Skagen's "Fisk" line. I've found it (obv new) on Amazon for less than half the retail price and gifted it my gf. I was literally blown by the quality. Well built diver with 100m water resistance, screwed down engraved case back, screwed and correctly aligned crown, rotating bezel, mineral glass and comfortable fast release springs rubber strap. On the downsize the second hand is slightly misaligned. Overall feel a quality built and a good looking lady diver.
Ben's Watch Club The straps held by grub screws is a definite weakness. I have a chronograph I bought used for very little money just as a curiosity, the slightly domed crystal was under great pressure internally so it shattered itself, which was suitably rectified. The lugs have closed ends (a point you made about the reviewed model) so there's a little "step" at each corner of the strap, and the strap is proprietary: blue rubber with steel insert. The rubber basically crumbled, I contacted the manufacturer and they said they no longer produce replacement straps, and the model was not supported anymore. I guess eventually I will make a custom strap for it.
Bought one for 25 bucks on a whim. Mine has a seconds ring, and the hand fell off so it was just flying around the case. Took it apart to fix it and replace the battery. Second hand was a pain to sit right but once in, it was in. So for about 32 dollars in, guess I did well!
They are stylish, and very good looking. If one doesn't mind pre owned they are available on EBay for a song. I own a black bezel titanium one, and a white bezel with date stainless steel. Paid $14 U.S. for the black one, and $20 U.S for the white one, both in excellent condition. Both Japanese movement, I purchased metal straps to avoid the leather ones ripping, replacement leather straps are pricey.
Yeah, I bought a Skagen early in my watch obsession. I was attracted to the stylish minimalist dial design. Sadly, I found the proprietary grains-of-rice strap was not really replaceable, and was way too short for my 7 3/4 inch wrist. At the time it wasn't returnable, so it sits in a drawer unworn. The dial designs are fine for such a cheap watch, but the weird, non-standard straps are a deal killer.
I have had a Skagen Signatur Minimalist Men's Watch with Stainless Steel Bracelet, Mesh for about a year and love it. I am not bothered in the least by the not perfect alignment of the second hand with the dial. If I want time to the exact second, I pull out my cell phone.
I like the attempt at a small subtle slim sexy simple saucer case but literally everything else is a drawback so I'd like to see a watch that succeeds at this even if at a higher price. Is there one out there?
Lovely video, I think it's really important to talk/educate about the disadvantages of some of these fashion brands and talk about the better, more affordable and more heritage pieces you can get from companies such as seiko for example. On a side note, I've been watching the likes of you and some other Watch You tubers and its inspired me to make a channel of my own would really appreciate it you ever get the time to give one of my video's a quick look and any pointers/hints on starting out would be greatly appreciated! Great video as always and looking forward to the next one!
I have a skagen Melbye, it's made of titanium and stainless steel, also can confirm the miyota movement I guess every brand has its good and bad watches, however yes, it's a fashion brand
Miyota GM10, domed glasses tend to break faster, and you can put any leather strap on in as long as its not too thick (take out the spring bar ofcourse, squeeze the tips in a vice, the little screws make a hole in the leather.), I think there's a little piece of metal in the original Skagen straps, makes it a bit stronger.
For my 8th grade graduation, my parents bought me a Skagen. This was in 2001. It was my first metal watch (as it claimed it was Titanium), however, for me it was something I cherished. While I'm not sure if it'll hope up over time, I've had it since 2001, and it's continues to work. Although I wasn't a huge watch guy until fairly recently, this watch was my dress/nice watch. I still will wear it on occasion, but it's been overshadowed by my Seiko or Orient Bambino.
Never had any problems with my Skagen now almost, 13-year-old watch, besides the strap had to be replaced twice. The strap on mine is a lot more weird, than the one you have in this video.
@Joey. I think that is a relevant comment. In Australia the brand has been sold through inner city Lifestyle stores for at least the last 30 years. I remember that because the watch displays always caught my eye. Phil.
surprised you couldn't get the back off. Not the easiest but should work. Mine stopped after a battery change and the movement was replaced by Fossil - don't know what the movement is but the replacement cost £18.33 +fitting and VAT. Obviously nothing special about it.
I have 4 Skagens. I have never paid more than $60 for one. At that price I don't think they are bad. I have 2 with the leather strap and they have worn well and haven't had any issues with the way they are attached. The backs are definitely tight. You can't put them on without a press. I think their designs predate the DWs and such and I think they go with the Danish heritage. Just my opinion.
One year later report. Yes, I would buy the discontinued sapphire Casio watch instead. Although a leather strap will wear out within a few years, a quality strap is critical. I purchased a number of Skagens and gave them to young relatives as graduation gifts. I explain to them that it is an acceptable business watch for when they go to a business meeting or a formal.
I really don't know much about Skagen except that they've been around for decades. However, I bought a Fossil watch about 20 years ago, put it on and wore it out of the store. While driving home, something literally fell off of the watch. When I got home, I found whatever fell off and went inside to inspect the problem. Before I could even get started, some other part fell off the watch and I think the band was coming off. Well, the next afternoon I returned the watch saying that it was literally falling apart and the sales person simply gave me a refund - no questions asked. I had to assume that this must happen all the time. They weren't even surprised.
