Skagen Watches Review

Skagen Watches Review – Are They Any Good?

Skagen Watches Review – Are They Any Good?

Today we’ve put together a Skagen watches review, where we take a look at the quality and history of the brand with the aim of answering the question ‘are Skagen watches any good?’. As always we’ll be finishing this off with a list of some of the most popular Skagen watches currently available.

Skagen watches are part of The Fossil Group, as you’ll learn from the history of the brand below. They’re known for producing quality designer watches that are priced at an affordable point. Brands such as Armani, DKNY, and Diesel also have their watches produced under license through The Fossil Group.

By the end of our Skagen watch review, you’ll have all the information you need to make an educated decision on whether or not this is the right brand for you.

If you need a little extra help we’ve provided lists of the best Skagen watches for men and the best Skagen watches for women towards the bottom of the article


Skagen Watches History

Skagen watches was created by Henrik and Charlotte Jorst in 1989 after the couple had moved from Denmark to the US in 1986 when Henrik became as U.S sales manager for Carlsberg. They decided they wanted to establish their own business involved in selling gift watches and thus the idea of ‘Skagen watches’ began.

The first thing they needed to do was establish a watch manufacturer who could supply products from China at a lower price than US manufacturers. The found the right partner in Comtech Watches who happened to have a factor based in Hong Kong

With everything in place, the couple set about designing their own timepieces, the first of which was put on display at a trade fair in 1991.  By 1992, the first year of sales for the Jorst couple, they managed to generate sales revenue of $800,000 which is extremely impressive. Within 6 years they were topping $30 million in sales revenue.

The company decided to grow even further, entering the markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. This type of growth didn’t go unnoticed by one of the biggest players in the industry ‘Fossil Group’. Fossil wanted to purchase the Skagen Denmark watch brand and in 2012 the sale went through. Skagen was sold to Fossil Group for $225 million as well as 150,000 shares of Fossil common stock. The company is now operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Fossil Group. The Fossil Group also produces licensed products for brands like Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, DKNY, Diesel, and Armani Exchange.

Where Are Skagen Watches Made

So where are Skagen watches currently made? Although the Jorsts were both from Denmark and the ‘Skagen’ brand was named after the fishing village and peninsula of the same name, Skagen watches have never actually been produced in Denmark. Although they do take a lot of their design ideas from Danish minimalism.

Whilst in the past Skagen watches were made in a factory based in Hong Kong with components that were sourced all over the world, these days things are a little different. Once they were purchased by The Fossil Group many of the Skagen watches started to be produced with factories that were either owned or licenced by the group themselves.

This, in turn, meant that the majority of their watches are now manufactured and assembled in China, but make use of good quality Miyota quartz movements that they import from Japan. There are of course a small number of timepieces with Swiss movements and components but for the most part, Skagen have stuck to more affordable watches.

Skagen Watch Quality

What’s the quality of these timepieces, are Skagen watches any good? I have a couple of Skagen watches in my personal collection and I’ve always been very pleased with the overall quality and value for money that the brand provides. As with all things, you have to bear in mind what to expect for the price you’re paying. One of Skagen’s affordable watches around the 200$ mark isn’t going to compare to a Swiss counterpart at 1000$, but for 200$ I’d say you get a very good timepiece for your money.

Skagen, as a part of The Fossil Group, has been producing watches for many years now. They have a huge range available with something really for everyone. The timepieces are well built and often feature Japanese Miyota movements instead of a cheaper Chinese alternative.

Skagen has actually won multiple Red Dot Awards for their Danish design, this is quite rare among affordable watch brands such as this one. Their stylish watches often receive plenty of compliments about how cool and trendy the watches look, no surprise considering the awards they’ve won.

Due to the minimalist design, Skagen watches do tend to be a bit slimmer than other traditional watches. This is part of the design of the watch and is seen in other brands that go for this simplistic style. As they’re thinner the watches also tend to be a little lighter than your normal fashion watch.

As I mentioned earlier on, Skagen does cater to most people’s taste. The straps available for Skagen watches include leather, stainless steel, NATO straps, and my favourite the Milanese bands which I find to be very comfortable and easy to adjust. The two Skagen watches in my personal collection both have Milanese bands. Perhaps I’ll add in a detailed Skagen watch review for each of them on the site soon.

How Much Do Skagen Watches Cost

Most Skagen watches are what I would consider very affordable ranging from between $150 – $400 at retail. Personally, I always buy my watches online and just get them adjusted at a local jeweller if need be (although I can alter these myself these days due to my watch repair kit). I find it’s often cheaper buying watches online versus department stores.

Is Skagen Watches right for you?

If you’re the type of person looking for an affordable and stylish fashion watch and you’re not fussed about high-end movements then this type of timepiece is perfect for you. It isn’t a high-end watch like a Rolex or Omega, but it’s not even close to the same price range either and doesn’t try to pretend to be something it isn’t.

Skagen watches focus on style, quality and affordability, and if they’re your key concerns, then you should be more than happy with what’s on offer from the brand. I definitely recommend checking out the brand to see what’s on show and if there is anything you like the design of.

Skagen Watches Review – List of the best watches available for men and women

To finish things off we wanted to feature some of the most popular Skagen watches currently available. We’ll showcase 6 of the best men’s Skagen watches followed up by 4 of the best women’s Skagen watches. As always it would be great to hear what your thoughts are on the models we picked out. We always listen to feedback and will be updating the list over time as styles and trends change.

Best Skagen Watches For Men

Let’s get started with our 6 most recommended men’s Skagen watches.

1: Skagen Men’s Ancher in Grey with a Milanese style strap

Skagen watches review - SKW6108

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First up we have this Skagen Denmark timepiece built with a smoke grey found stainless steel casing that has a diameter of 40mm with a slim 8mm casing thickness. The Skagen SKW6108 features that minimalistic style I mentioned earlier on with its simplistic design and the centred date display at the 6 o’clock position on the dial.

One of my favourite features is, of course, the strap that I find to be very comfortable and easy to adjust and operate. This model is built with a quartz movement for accurate and reliable timekeeping and comes with a 30m water resistance rating.

2: Skagen Men’s Grenen in Grey Titanium with Mesh Strap

Skagen watch review 233XLTTN

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This next men’s Skagen watch has a little bit more going on with the dial design. Unlike the previous model, the Skagen 233XLTTN features 12 hour and 24 hour numerals on display. They have however stuck with the minimalist small date window at the 6 o’clock position.

This is a titanium Skagen watch, as it’s built out of titanium instead of stainless steel the timepiece is actually lighter and stronger. Typically titanium watches are quite prices but Skagen falls into the small selection of brands that are able to achieve producing an affordable titanium watch.

The casing diameter for this model is 37mm with a lovely brushed finish, the thickness of the casing again is just 8mm giving you a slim profile. Just like the first watch, this model is built with a quartz movement and makes use of a 30m water resistance rating.

3: Skagen Klassik Men’s Three Hand Leather Watch

Skagen watches review SKW6082

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In at number 3 we have the beautiful Skagen SKW6082 with its clean, simplistic dial design. I really like how the small yet bold numerals stand out against the white dial. And a blue seconds hand has always been a bit of a favourite of mine when it comes to minimal Danish watch design.

This is the first Skagen watch on our list to come with a soft genuine calfskin leather strap. The casing is made of stainless steel with a large 40mm diameter and a thickness of just 13mm. Just like the other models though, this Skagen watch is built with a quartz movement for accurate and reliable timekeeping and comes with a 30m water resistance rating.

4: Skagen Grey Mesh Titanium Men’s Watch 

Skagen watch review SKW6007

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In at number 4 is this imported titanium dress watch by Skagen Denmark. Just as the previous titanium timepiece, this is both lightweight and stronger than stainless steel alternatives. The casing has a diameter of 40mm with a slim 8mm thickness.

This model is often instantly recognisable with its stylish orange inner ring that stands out against the grey finish of the dial. There’s also a useful day & date display on the dial, this differs from the simple date display that’s often found at the 6 o’clock position on Skagen watches.

Powering this watch is again a decent quality quartz movement. This model, however, unlike the others we’ve seen so far actually has a higher 50m water resistance rating.

5: Skagen Men’s Day & Date Watch with Leather Strap

Skagen watches review SKW6086

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This is the second Skagen watch to feature a genuine leather strap. I’m quite a fan of this model due to the clever way they’ve gone about displaying the day and date on the dial with the two smaller sub-dials positioned at the 6 and 12 o’clock markers.

The Skagen SKW6086 is built with a 40mm stainless steel casing with a thickness of 9mm making it another slim timepiece from the Skagen brand. A Japanese quartz movement powers this timepiece giving you accurate and reliable timekeeping. It also comes with a 50m water resistance rating.

6: Skagen Signatur Leather Watch for Men

Skagen mens watch review SKW6374

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Last up in our list of the best men’s Skagen watches is the SKW6374 from the Skagen Signatur collection. This is another one of my personal favourites from the brand as it again shows off their minimalist design skills with their simplistic dial with simple small dots and thin lines to display the hours on the face. I also like the subtle hints of colour with the light blue hour marker and orange seconds hand.

The casing of this Skagen men’s watch is made of stainless steel and has a 40mm diameter with a thickness of 8mm. This has been paired up with a comfortable leather calfskin strap that fastens with a simple buckle clasp.

BEST SKAGEN WATCHES FOR women

Now to take a look at 4 of the best Skagen watches for women. As always, let us know which was your favourite in the comments section at the end.

1: Skagen Women’s 26mm Freja Mesh and Glitz Watch

Skagen womens watch review 358SSSD

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First up for our list of the most popular women’s Skagen watches is this stylish timepiece from the Freja collection. This model is built with a small 26mm round casing that’s made out of stainless steel and has a diameter of 5mm.

The dial has a very simplistic design to it with just the hour and minute hands on show. Cubic Zirconia stones have been used for the 12 hour markers around the edge of the dial.

2: Skagen Anita Women’s Leather Watch

Skagen watch review SKW2267

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Next up we have the ladies Skagen SKW2267, this is a larger timepiece with a diameter of 30mm and a thickness of 7mm. I like the design of the dial on this model with the use of different finishes for the inner and outer parts. The rose gold finish compliments the grey of the dial and strap very nice also.

At the heart of this women’s Skagen watch is an analogue quartz movement that’s made in Japan. It provides reliable and accurate timekeeping. Like many other Skagen watches this model also comes with a 30m or 99 feet water resistance rating.

3. Skagen Women’s Silver and Rose Striped Mesh Watch

Skagen review 355SSRS

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If you’re a fan of two-tone watches then the Skagen 3555SRS could be the one for you. This model comes in a few colour variations so if silver and rose-gold tone isn’t your thing, consider one of the other versions.

This women’s Skagen watch has a 26mm stainless steel casing with a 7mm thickness. The dial is made with Mother of Pearl and has a combination of rose gold-toned hands, a small date display at the 6 o’clock position, and 12 cubic zirconia stones as hour markers.

4. Skagen Klassik Oversized Design Women’s Two Hand Woven Steel Watch

Skagen womens watch review SKW2140

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In at number 4 is this women’s oversized boyfriend style timepiece with a stainless steel casing that has a diameter of 37mm and a thickness of 6mm. The logoed white dial makes use of simple raised dot markers for the hour displays. This model has also opted not to use a seconds hand on the display.

Powering this women’s Skagen timepiece is a quartz Japanese movement for accurate, reliable timekeeping. It also features a 30m water resistance rating.

Conclusion

Thanks for taking the time to read through today’s Skagen watches review. What was your favourite watch from our list of the best Skagen watches? Let us know in the comments section below, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the timepieces chosen.


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