Inspiration From Natural Beauty
There are so many brands out there, hundreds in fact, but how do you stand out from the crowd? Norwegian brand Straum, led by designers Øystein and Lasse, have created something very special. With inspiration taken from a trip to the island Jan Mayen, which sits midway between Norway and Greenland in the Arctic Ocean. On an expedition to the summit of the Beerenberg volcano, surrounded by glaciers, the island is otherworldly, with black beaches and huge black and green rock formations. The dial colours draw direct inspiration from the trip, and they truly need to be seen in person to be fully appreciated. So the Straum Jan Mayen came to form…
Something Exceptional
The perfect ingredients for a great watch of the times are an integrated bracelet and a killer dial. Straum has achieved this with bells on. A great new take on the Sports watch, one you seriously need to get hold of and get on your wrist. I reached out to a fellow watch journalist, Rob Nudds, who first brought the brand to my attention. In fact, he was on the trip to Jan Mayen with Øystein and Lasse, as it was his idea to visit the island. He was there as a journalist helping them to develop the brand. He now works with them in product development. We were kindly sent two versions: the Glacial Rift and the Arctic Blue; both exceeded my initial expectations, so let’s take a deeper look at these extraordinary watches.
Inspiration From Natural Beauty
The Straum Jan Mayen lineup features six colourways, although some are sold out, I assume they will be restocked at some point. The Glacial Rift, a stunning icy blue dial, fading to white at its outer edges, with a cracked finish, simulating the view from above of the glaciers. The Fratello x, now all sold out, is a deep red, capturing the essence of fiery basaltic lava flowing from the heart of the Beerenberg volcano.
The Black Sand reveals the rugged coastline of Jan Mayen, where the ominous black volcanic sands shape its desolate, dramatic shores. Arctic Blue embodies the vast Arctic Ocean surrounding Jan Mayen, with its icy currents and raw power. Moss Green reflects the resilient mosses that blanket Jan Mayen, softening its harsh landscape with a lush, gentle green cover. Glacier White embodies the windswept, icy surface of the Beerenberg volcano’s glacier, capturing its stark and pristine beauty.
Killer Fumé Dials
Arctic Blue
The dials on the Jan Mayen range are the real winners here. They are simply stunning and of a quality you wouldn’t find at a price level. Look at Anordain or H. Moser & Cie are well known for their dials, but they are at different price points. Less is definitely more here, with no date anywhere to mess up the balance of the dial. The simple hands and the logo at 12 o’clock immediately draw you in, allowing you to fully appreciate the raw fumé and texture of the dial.
It’s tough to take your eyes off these dials, as every time you refocus, you see more depth and texture, and it draws you in. They are some of the nicest dials I’ve seen, and on a watch that costs only €1.600,00 EUR, it really is hard to find fault. Rhodium-plated and filled with Super-LumiNova, the hands and markers ensure outstanding nighttime visibility while maintaining a clean, balanced symmetry.
Glacial Rift
On the wrist, the Straum Jan Mayen sits low at 12mm and will comfortably fit most wrists. With a diameter of 38.7 and lug-to-lug of only 45.7mm, these will suit the majority of wearers. The case is very easy on the eye and is a no-fuss design, with no rotating bezels anywhere to be seen. Its angular design features polished edges around the case and flared crown guards. The fixed flat bezel has a lovely radial brushed finish, which guides your eyes to the dial.
The Fit
The integrated H-link bracelet, too, has been very well finished. With linear brushing and lozenge-shaped centre links, these have a nice polished detail at either end of them. It’s a subtle detail, but it’s that level of attention and refinement that makes a watch like this standout. The butterfly clasp, when closed, gives an almost seamless look. My only issue with this was that the lugs did dig in a little to my wrist.
Exceptional Value
Sizing the bracelet for some may be an issue, as it uses a pin and collar system. But supplied in the box comes the correct tool to make this a much easier task. Powering the Jan Mayen is the automatic La Joux-Perret G101 movement, which offers a 68-hour power reserve. The movement is Soigné grade and adjusted to four positions, guaranteeing precise timekeeping. You can admire the movement and its engraved rotor through the sapphire exhibition caseback, secured with a screw-down design.
Exceptional Value
Speaking of boxes, the watch comes in a screw-together Straum capsule, which is a nice touch and a break from the norm. Made from aluminium, which has been HA1 Hard Anodized for durability. For those who don’t like the idea that you can’t change the bracelet, Straum also makes a set of strap adapters, so you can add your own look to the watch with something that suits your style.
You Need To See These On The Wrist
I’m so glad that the Jan Mayen collection caught my eye, and I’ve become really intrigued by Straum. Øystein and Lasse have clearly poured so much thought into every aspect of the design, and it shows in the fine execution. If you’re after a striking sports watch that offers fantastic value, Straum should definitely be on your shortlist. Although some models are currently out of stock, it’s worth the wait to try one on—you won’t be let down. It’s an exciting option worth exploring.
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