Skagen 233XXLSLB Watch Review

As a followup to our interview with Skagen founder Charlotte Jorst, today we have a review of the Skagen 233XXLSLB.  From the upcoming ‘Skagen Leather’ collection, it’s very much down the center of the Skagen style: Quartz, slim, and low-key in appearance. Some specifications:

•30g in weight, with leather strap – incredibly lightweight.
•7.6mm thick, 37mm wide without crown and 39mm with, 41.5mm lug to lug.
•Black calfskin leather strap, secured by two screws on each side. Thorn buckle, signed with Skagen logo.
•30m (100ft) water resistant.
•’Super hardened’ mineral glass crystal.
•Stainless steel body, brushed finish with polished snap-on caseback.
•Hour/minute/second quartz movement with date window at 6 o’clock.
•Signed and knurled crown, non-screw-down type.
Read on for the full review!

A lot of my non-watch-geek colleagues wear Skagens. They’re practical, attractive, reasonably priced watches with a clean, uncluttered aesthetic. As with all quartz, it’ll keep excellent time and just require a battery every few years. I happened to like this one for its looks – Arabic numerals, red-tipped second hand and addition of the date window. They give it a bit of style and function that appeals nicely.

 The body and case are an unusual, sculpted, shape with organic curves that flow nicely and function well. The very light weight, low profile and shaped curves mean that this will slip beneath the tightest of shirt cuffs and the understated face makes a good dress watch.

 The hands and numerals are filled with lume, but it fades quickly enough to have little practical value. You’ll need a light if you want to see this one after dark.

The leather strap is very flexible and comfortable, more so that you’d expect on a watch of this price. Note that the use of custom attachments means that you have to use Skagen-brand replacements, or be ready to improvise a bit.

Skagen is a bit of a departure for WatchReport in some ways: No fancy movement, water resistance, techno features or looks. These are watches for people who don’t give a lot of thought to what they’re wearing, but still want to look professional. If you’re reading this, you might not be the target market, but you probably have someone on your gift list who is.