There is something fascinating about GoS Watches, their incredible detail rooted in Scandinavian folklore and Viking traditions. For those unfamiliar with Patrik Sjögren's work at GoS Watches, it pretty much revolves around Damascus steel. This material is made using various types of steel and other metals that are welded into layered ingots. How many tiers will show up upon completion depends on the number of steps in the forging process. Every time the ingot is folded or cut and restacked, the number of layers doubles in the process. And since you have no control over the exact outcome of the pattern, each ingot creates unique waves, swirls and twists.
The Northern Lights are natural displays of light that occur in the farther northern regions of our planet (the southern counterpart is the Aurora Borealis). The spectacle occurs when particles of energy from the sun hit Earth's upper atmosphere at breakneck speed. Fortunately, Earth's magnetic field protects us, and particles such as electrons and protons change trajectory and emit light of various colors, often in waves across the sky. The Norrsken collection is designed to capture the majesty of the Northern Lights through a watch. Contrary to popular belief, the Northern Lights are not only green, but can display a variety of colours ( Blue/Fuchsia). The outer edge of the strap has vertical indentations inspired by the hilts of Viking swords. The bezel is also made of Damascus steel and extends slightly into the middle of the case. On the right, the handcrafted crown is used to set the time. In the recessed portion of the crown, there is an image of a Triskele, a triple horn often found in Scandinavian folklore and Viking heritage. The real star is the bright green/blue/fuchsia dial. Crafted in collaboration with guilloché master Jochen Benzinger, it features a wave-like guilloché motif that opens upwards from the bottom. This, combined with the hand-blown Swedish crystal index rings around the outer perimeter and the Badgerite ring below (made by James Thompson, aka Black Badger), perfectly captures the blue glow of the Northern Lights. Time is indicated by polished spearhead hands and the signature three-flared running seconds at 6 o'clock. GoS offers several options for the case and dial, including a black Damascus case and bezel or a Damascus steel dial.
The Norrsken uses the GoS03 movement based on the Schwarz-Etienne ASE 200.00 microrotor movement. GoS upgrades it with midnight blue Damascus steel rotors and triple flares, this time as accents on the barrel wheels. This movement uses 33 jewels and has a total of 198 components. Frequency is 28,800vph, it is fully wound and has a 42-hour power reserve.
