#Sjoo Sandstrom

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Sjöö Sandström Landsort 459: bronze is no longer a LE

Over the years, I’ve become a fan of the watches that Swedish brand Sjöö Sandström has created. The brand started up in 1986, and created the first Landsort in 2011. In 2022, there was a refresh (which we covered here). There was a limited bronze version then, and now, the Sjöö Sandström Landsort 459 – with bronze – is part of the regular collection. Continue reading Sjöö Sandström Landsort 459:…

[crown-n-rotor]

The Sjoo Sandstrom UTC Skydiver Ascari from Sweden. . #microbrand #boutiquebrand #wus #wis #watches #dailywatch #watchfans #watchfam #horology #watchcollector #watchaddicts #watchlover #watchgeek #watchporn #watchlovers #watchnerd #watchuseek #wiia #watchphotography #wristcandy #wristporn #instawatch #lovewatches #classicwatches #watchphotography #divewatch #pilotwatch #kickstarter https://www.instagram.com/p/Brz_4Xknpzm/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1royw05bqsoju

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Sjöö Sandström Annual Edition 2023: Now Available

Sjöö Sandström Annual Edition 2023: Now Available

[pkansa]

Recently Released: Sjoo Sandstrom Landsort 459m

Recently Released: @SjooSandstrom Landsort 459m

[pkansa]

Introducing: Sjöö Sandström Royal Steel Classic Annual Edition 21

Introducing: @SjooSandstrom Royal Steel Classic Annual Edition 21, featuring @PippiAndFriends

While it’s not unusual for a watch brand to release a new tweak to an existing model, it’s less common for them to release that tweak and make it a limited edition. That’s precisely what Sjöö Sandström does with their Annual Edition watch, something that started up back in 2018 (to be precise, the Annual Edition naming started in 2019). While those editions had the major changes in the form of…

[pkansa]

Introducing: Sjöö Sandström Royal Steel Classic Diamond

Introducing: @sjoosandstrom Royal Steel Classic Diamond

Every year, Swedish brand Sjöö Sandström releases a novelty for the year. For 2020, it was a brown-dialed version of their Royal Steel Classic. While this more recent release isn’t “officially” the limited model for the year, it’s a twist of an existing line, so I think it sort of fits – the Sjöö Sandström Royal Steel Classic Diamond. (more…)

[pkansa]

In the summary of my last review from SUAVS, I mentioned that I felt the digitally-knit fabric lent itself more to a low-top, as opposed to the high-top that we saw with the Legacy.  Some of that was informed by the shoe we got in for review (and that we’re talking about today) ,the SUAVS Zilker.

Yes, the same SUAVS that we wrote about the other week.  For those who may not be fans of the high top styling, they also have a low top style.  This is, of course, the SUAVS Zilker (there’s also an Air Mesh variant).  These shoes feature a lot of the same details (the knit fabric, a light, flexible rubber sole, and washable insoles) that we saw, though they are quite different shoes.

For starters, the SUAVS Zilker are offered in a wider variety of colors.  While we looked at the heather grey version, there’s also a charcoal, olive green, and a quite sharp grey on red.  Additionally, when it comes to the sizing, these don’t carry the suggestion to order up a size.  And, when we got these in at my regular size, I could confirm they were fairly comfortable right off the bat.

I say fairly, as this style of shoe (or, specifically, the fabric) takes some getting used to, given the snugger fit.  With the SUAVS Zilker, I could definitely get the sense of it fitting like a pair of socks would.  They fit closer to the toes than you might otherwise expect from a pair of shoes.  Once I got used to this, though, it was fine.  The fabric has a lot of stretch and give to it, so I never felt like the shoes were overly tight.

Additionally, given the lower cut and the stretchy fabric, I found that these were shoes that were easy to slip on and off, whether or not I had socks on (yeah, I tested these a bit without socks as well, and found them equally comfortable).  Which, for a laced-up shoe, is no small feat.  This immediately brought to mind the thought of travel – going through security lines, that easy on-off is certainly a benefit.  And, given how light and compact these can be (the fabric collapses down without your foot in there), these are easy shoes to have packed along in your bag.

For me, though, it was of course mostly just to the office, around the house, and out and about on the weekends.  The easy-on nature was great for grabbing to head on out the door, and again, the fabric kept my feet cool and comfortable in the summertime heat and humidity here in Chicago.    I also appreciated the flexibility that the heathered grey gave the shoes – they were unobtrusive, and worked across a variety of situations.  And with the bright-white soles, it gave the shoes an up-to-date look and feel.

If you couldn’t tell, between the two pairs of SUAVS shoes we had in for review, the SUAVS Zilker were definitely my favorite.  I think they’re ideal summertime shoes for the heat, and of course would make for some great travel companions as well.  You’ll find the SUAVS Zilker available in sizes 8-13, for $95, direct from the brand.  suavsshoes.com

Review Summary

Brand & Model: SUAVS The Zilker

Price:  $95

Who’s it for? You’re looking for warm weather loafer convenience with laced-up style

Would I wear it? Indeed – I think these are great casual options for warmer weather (though perhaps not for rainy days)

The best thing about it:  I like just how easy the fabric makes these shoes – easy to put on, easy to wear, easy to kick off at the end of the day

Watch it pairs best with:  Your favorite GMT for traveling, of course!  Say, the Michelsen AE or Sjoo Sandstrom World Timer.

Details from SUAVS

Breathable & Ultra Soft Digital Knit.

Cotton Laces.

Removable & washable polyfoam insole is covered with microfiber terry for moisture absorption.

Flexible Non-Slip Rubber sole bends right along with your feet’s movements.

Vegan Friendly

They can be packed flat or rolled up and are perfect for when you’re on the go or out on a travel adventure.

Getting low with the @SUAVSSHOES Zilker #mensstyle #shoes #knit #menswear #casual #under$100 In the summary of my last review from SUAVS, I mentioned that I felt the digitally-knit fabric lent itself more to a low-top, as opposed to the high-top that we saw…

[pkansa]

Introducing the first Sjoo Sandstrom Royal Steel Classic Annual Edition

Introducing the first @sjoosandstrom Royal Steel Classic Annual Edition #newwatch #limitededition

When you get into something – be it art, cars, or watches – you tend to gravitate towards certain things. Perhaps it’s a certain style, or a certain make. While I wouldn’t narrow things down to the point where I’d say I have a favorite watch company, I would definitely say that Sjoo Sandstrom is one of my favorites. They’re doing something interesting with their entry level model, creating the…

[pkansa]

And just as I’ve finally got my @sjoosandstrom on my wrist again, they’ve got a new watch announced. https://www.ablogtowatch.com/sjoo-sandstrom-royal-capital-gold-watch/ #swedish #luxury

[pkansa]

The last time I was talking with you about Swedish watch brand Sjoo Sandstrom, we were going over what I consider to be an entry-level model out of their collection, the Sjoo Sandstrom Royal Steel Classic.  In that article, I positioned the watch as one that sits on the dressier end of the sporty spectrum.  Well, the watch we’re talking about today, the Sjoo Sandstrom Royal Capital, flips things around a bit, as I’d say it’s more on the sportier end of a dress watch.

That is not to say the  Sjoo Sandstrom Royal Capital is a small watch.  Well, perhaps by modern standards 40mm is small, but I call it comfortable wearable.  No, with the  Sjoo Sandstrom Royal Capital, what brings me to call the watch a dress watch is due to the finishes, as well as another dimensional aspect (which we’ll get to in a minute).  But first, those finishes.  Take a close look at the indices and handset.  Notice anything missing?  That’s right, no lume.  When I see that, I immediately put a watch into a dressier category.

Subtract the luminous paint, add in beveled and polished surfaces on those hands and indices, and yeah, you’ve got a dressier piece.  Now, on a dress watch, you’d commonly expect the bezel to be polished.  Not so here.  Instead, the Sjoo Sandstrom Royal Capital features a brushed bezel.  This is set within a polished case, so you do get a bright ring around the bezel.  However, with the brushing, it catches and mutes the light much differently and – at least in the photos – makes for a darker look.  This is a great example of how the brand is mixing up the design a bit, and it’s a detail that I rather like.

The dial of the Sjoo Sandstrom Royal Capital carries along that flatter look, which helps to offset the bright indices (and hands) as well as the glossier small seconds sub-dial.  Mix in an alligator strap and deployment clasp, then, yeah, you’ve got yourself a dressier sort of a watch.  And, if seeing it in steel and sapphire (both front and back) isn’t dressy enough for you, there’s also a variant with a 18K pink gold case.

As I mentioned at the outset, there’s a dimension of the Sjoo Sandstrom Royal Capital that also points to it being a dress watch, and I meant that literally.  In this case, it’s the case thickness – here, it’s called out as 7.8mm.  Now, we’ve seen and read about thin watches before, but flipping the watch over reveals why this is special – at least for me.  You see, the Sjoo Sandstrom Royal Capital features a movement with a micro-rotor.

The movement, in this case, is labelled as a SSG9, which is based off of the Vaucher Manufacture Cal. 5401.  AKA, not some no-name movement.  Ever since I have learned about them, micro-rotor movements have fascinated me.  It’s a clever way of simplifying a watch (making it thinner) while, at the same time, making the mechanicals more complex.  The off-center mounting needs to be accounted for and power transmitted to the barrel.  With the smaller rotor, how do you ensure there’s enough energy being transmitted?  That part is simpler – the micro rotor is made from tungsten.  Suffice to say, I rather like micro rotors, though I’ve never actually seen or handled one in person.  Ah, well, some day.

As you might suspect, the Sjoo Sandstrom Royal Capital comes in with a larger price tag than the Sjoo Sandstrom Royal Steel Classic.  In steel, the watch commands $6,966, and if you’re feeling that pink gold with it’s ivory dial, be prepared to put down $16,522.  These are, by no means, impulse buys. What they are, though, are beautiful watches.  And hey, as long as you’re saving up for a more aspirational piece like this, might as well save a few more dollars for a plane ticket over to Stockholm to check the watch out in person, right?  Now, that would be a bold move – planning a vacation around a watch.  Well, while we all daydream about that, be sure to let us know in the comments, or on our Slack channel what you think of the watch.  Oh, and while we’re at it, let’s have a discussion about other micro-rotor equipped watches.  I can’t be the only one who finds them enticing, right?  sjoosandstrom.se

Watch Overview

Brand & Model: Sjoo Sandstrom Royal Capital

Price: $6,966 (steel), $16,522 (pink gold)

Who we think it might be for:  You know what you like, and have the budget that allows you to get something a little different from the rest of the pack

Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen? Oh, yes, this is one I certainly would not mind adding to the collection

If I could make one design suggestion, it would be:  Shrink the sundial so the indices don’t get chopped on the main dial

What spoke to me the most about this watch:  Design aside, it’s that micro rotor

Tech Specs from Sjoo Sandstrom

Royal Capital movement

Caliber reference: SSG9 (Vaucher Manufacture Cal. 5401). Thickness: 2,6 mm. Energy: Automatic. Rotor: Micro rotor, Tungsten (Wolfram). Jewels: 29. Number of pieces: 146.

Frequency: 3Hz (21’600 v.p.h). Power reserve: 42h. Indications: Hour, minute and small second.

Royal Capital Gold

CASE – 18K 5N pink gold, Ø40mm, thickness 7,8mm.

CASE-BACK – 18K 5N pink gold, see-through with sapphire crystal.

GLASS – Scratch resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.

DIAL – Ivory white.

BEZEL – Brushed 18K 5N pink gold.

BRACELET – Brown genuine alligator bracelet with curved fitting. Folding buckle in 18K 5N gold with engraved logo.

WATER RESISTANCE – 10 ATM (100m).

Royal Capital Steel

CASE – Steel, Ø40mm, thickness 7,8mm.

CASE-BACK – See-through with sapphire crystal.

GLASS – Scratch resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.

DIAL – Black/Grey/Silver.

BEZEL – Brushed steel.

BRACELET – Black/Grey/Brown genuine alligator bracelet with curved fitting. Folding buckle in steel with engraved logo.

WATER RESISTANCE10 ATM (100m).

The @SjooSandstrom Royal Capital, ruling your wrist #luxury #over$1000 #microrotor The last time I was talking with you about Swedish watch brand Sjoo Sandstrom, we were going over what I consider to be an entry-level model out of their collection, the Sjoo Sandstrom Royal Steel Classic.  

[pkansa]

HourTime Show: Bell&Ross, Stockholm, bubble watches, and Devil Rays

HourTime Show: Bell&Ross, Stockholm, bubble watches, and Devil Rays

John and Victor talk over the most expensive Bell&Ross ever, the Sjoo Sandstrom, and the NTH Devil Ray. Also, win a watch from us!

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[pkansa]

You know that our primary mission here at WWR is to bring to your attention the great, affordable watches that are out there, be they from new or established brands, from brands we cover quite a bit or from those we’ve not talked about before.  Today, it’s going to be that latter category – an established brand that we haven’t really spoken about before.  It does break from our informal affordable rule (generally interpreted as sub-$1000), but it’s good to take a look at what could be beyond that horizon.  So, with that, let’s have a look at the Sjoo Sandstrom Royal Steel Classic.

Now, you like have not heard of the Swedish brand Sjoo Sandstrom.  The brand started out in Stockholm in 1986 when Christer Sjoo and Michael Sandstrom started talking watches.  They then introduced their first automatic in 1993, which subsequently won a Swedish design award in 1995.  So, they are not a brand with a centuries-old tradition.  That said, they are are still an established, independent brand creating some unique looks with their watches.  I first became aware of them through some of my writing at ABTW, and have recently spend a good deal of time with their Royal Steel World Timer.  So, while I’ve not seen today’s watch in person, I’ve a feel for their build quality and in-person aesthetics.

With the Sjoo Sandstrom Royal Steel Classic, this is a watch I would consider sort of a good entry into the brand – both in terms of the price (in this case, it starts at $2,011 on the alligator strap, and tops out at $2,811 with rose gold indices and a steel bracelet), as well as the design itself.  It’s called Classic, and I think there are definitely some good, classic elements to the watch.  For starters, you’ve got a solid three-hander with date layout, baton indices, and numerals as 12, 6, and 9.  The dial has minimal text on it.  Solid design leading to a watch that works across a variety of uses from casual to dressy.

To my eyes, though, the Sjoo Sandstrom Royal Steel Classic starts mixing things up a bit, though, when it comes to that case design.  First off, you’ve got the triple-stepped bezel, which brings some variety where we might otherwise expect a flat bezel.  Second, you’ve got the crown showing up at the 2 o’clock position, which is something I’ve only seen from the brand.  Finally, you’ve got those��inner curves on the lugs, which really looks sharp against the steel bracelet (which is signed on the end link).  The tricky bit, of course, with those lugs would be any sort of leather strap.  The stock ones from the brand look like they set in pretty nicely, but if you’re a fan of swapping in aftermarket ones, you might need to work a bit to get a good fit and look there.

It’s also worth noting that there is a small dial variance between the two versions of the Sjoo Sandstrom Royal Steel Classic.  Of course, the one with the rose gold indices and hands have that tone (rather than polished steel), but take a note of the date window.  On the steel versions, it’s a simple circle.  With the rose gold versions, you’ve got a rounded rectangle for the date window.

When I was going through the photos of the Sjoo Sandstrom Royal Steel Classic, I really thought that the steel version with the black dial was the one that would resonate the most with me, being the most classic watch design – particularly if you’re looking to have it as a dress watch.  The more I looked at them, though, I found that the rose gold indices against the grey dial (and a color-matched date wheel) to be a sharp contrast.  And paired, as they have it, with that dark blue strap, well, that is pretty sharp.  Of course, my general advice is, if you think you might like having the watch on the bracelet, start of with buying it that way – straps are much easier to come by than bracelets down the road.  Here, though, I might break my own rule (if I were buying one) as I think the grey and rose gold would lose a little something if it were on a steel bracelet.

Any which way, I think the Sjoo Sandstrom Royal Steel Classic presents a subtle twist on a classic three-hander design that sits on the dressier end of the sporty spectrum.  Yes, with the pricing starting at $2,011, it’s definitely more of a budgetary stretch.  However, I think it’s worth knowing what all is out there if you’re in to watches, and thinking about saving up for a watch down the road.  Sure, the big names are big for a reason – but there are definitely some great gems out there from brands you may not have heard of.  And, hey, how many of your buddies can say they’re wearing a Swedish watch?  I, for one, am a fan of Sjoo Sandstrom, and I’m planning on writing about one of their higher-end pieces here in a bit, one that brings a micro-rotor into the mix.  For now, let us know below (or in our Slack channel) what you think of the Sjoo Sandstrom Royal Steel Classic.  sjoosandstrom.se

Watch Overview

Brand & Model: Sjoo Sandstrom Royal Steel Classic

Price: $2,011 – $2,811

Who we think it might be for:  You want an entry-level luxury watch with classic designs and a slightly different flavor

Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen? In the end, probably not, as it’s not my favorite watch from their catalog

If I could make one design suggestion, it would be:  Play around with the “font” of the numerals – that’s another opportunity to mix the design up a bit

What spoke to me the most about this watch:  If I’m narrowing it down to a single element, it’s the bezel design

Tech Specs from Sjoo Sandstrom

Movement:  Automatic movement (Swiss made). Number of synth. jewels / Incabloc: 25. Frequency 4Hz (28’800 v.p.h) Power reserve: 42 hours. Winding: Automatic.

CASE – Stainless steel, Ø41 mm.

CASE-BACK – See through engraved case back with flat sapphire crystal. Individually numbered.

GLASS – Scratch resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.

DIAL AND HANDS – Dial with white super luminova index marks and hands with super luminova.

BRACELET – Stainless steel, with an engraved logotype on end piece/Alligator

WATER RESISTANCE – 10 ATM (100 meters).

  @SjooSandstrom Royal Steel Classic, like a good martini #classic #luxury #over$1000 You know that our primary mission here at WWR is to bring to your attention the great, affordable watches that are out there, be they from new or established brands, from brands we cover quite a bit or from those we’ve not talked about before.  

[pkansa]

And, for your reading pleasure, my #review of the @sjoosandstrom Royal Steel Worldtimer #gmt #ablogtowatch http://www.ablogtowatch.com/sjoo-sandstrom-royal-steel-world-timer-watch-review/#comment-3486245944