BaselWorld 2013 - GoS (Gustafsson & Sjögren) Watches
DonCorson
BaselWorld 2013 - GoS (Gustafsson & Sjögren) Watches
GoS Watches is a partnership between Johan Gustafsson and Patrik Sjögren that we have been following with interest for several years now. I have met Patrik several times at recent BaselWorld fairs. For the first this year GoS had their own stand at the fair, in the Palace "hall" (actually a tent) among many other small and independent watchmakers. Certainly the most interesting corner of the fair.
This year I also had the pleasure of meeting for the first time Johan Gustafsson, the other half of the partnership Gustafsson & Sjögren Watches. Johan is a bladesmith and knifemaker who has perfected techniques to make Damascus steel using modern Swedish tool and stainless steels. In his shop he does the steel forging to make the basis material used in the GoS watches. In the beginning the damascus steel parts were limited to the case and the dial of the watch. Now they have perfected the techiques necessary to be able to use damascus steel also for movement parts. As you can see in the pictures some of the newest movements have damascus steel bridges.
Note that different steels are used in making the damascus steel for the case and internal parts. The cases are, of course, only stainless steels, but the internal parts are made of tool steels which give other possibilities for coloring with heat and acid treatments.
From the watchmaking side Patrik has been very busy too. A cooperation with Martin Braun has resulted in a very nice new movement with silicon escapement, naturally not needing lubrication, and a 4/5 bridge, naturally made in damascus steel. In the picture below you can see the purple-blue color of the silicon anchor.
A movement has also been made together with Jochen Benzinger for the "midsummer night" model. Skeletonised and engraved gold plated bridges over a dark blue pvd plate. I am looking forward to seeing this in a case.
The watches are delivered in "boxes" made in a traditional Swedish style, curved shingles lashed together.
GoS watches have been gaining on quality and coherence every year I have seen them. They have a very individual "outback" style, without being rough. The original materials and production by hand make these watches very special.
Patrik Sjögren
Johan Gustafsson
Details of a knife by Johan Gustafsson
GoS Watches is a partnership between Johan Gustafsson and Patrik Sjögren that we have been following with interest for several years now. I have met Patrik several times at recent BaselWorld fairs. For the first this year GoS had their own stand at the fair, in the Palace "hall" (actually a tent) among many other small and independent watchmakers. Certainly the most interesting corner of the fair.
This year I also had the pleasure of meeting for the first time Johan Gustafsson, the other half of the partnership Gustafsson & Sjögren Watches. Johan is a bladesmith and knifemaker who has perfected techniques to make Damascus steel using modern Swedish tool and stainless steels. In his shop he does the steel forging to make the basis material used in the GoS watches. In the beginning the damascus steel parts were limited to the case and the dial of the watch. Now they have perfected the techiques necessary to be able to use damascus steel also for movement parts. As you can see in the pictures some of the newest movements have damascus steel bridges.
Note that different steels are used in making the damascus steel for the case and internal parts. The cases are, of course, only stainless steels, but the internal parts are made of tool steels which give other possibilities for coloring with heat and acid treatments.
From the watchmaking side Patrik has been very busy too. A cooperation with Martin Braun has resulted in a very nice new movement with silicon escapement, naturally not needing lubrication, and a 4/5 bridge, naturally made in damascus steel. In the picture below you can see the purple-blue color of the silicon anchor.
A movement has also been made together with Jochen Benzinger for the "midsummer night" model. Skeletonised and engraved gold plated bridges over a dark blue pvd plate. I am looking forward to seeing this in a case.
The watches are delivered in "boxes" made in a traditional Swedish style, curved shingles lashed together.
GoS watches have been gaining on quality and coherence every year I have seen them. They have a very individual "outback" style, without being rough. The original materials and production by hand make these watches very special.
Patrik Sjögren
Johan Gustafsson
Details of a knife by Johan Gustafsson
This message has been edited by DonCorson on 2013-09-30 10:52:24
Comments:
amanico September 12th, 2013-23:48
Very interesting article on a very interesting watch. I have a big soft spot for this Watch! Thank you, Don. Nicolas
MTF September 13th, 2013-00:33
THE PuristS Watch of Baselworld 2013 I may be biased but I think this is THE most "PuristS" of watches shown at Baselworld 2013. The pure theme, art, craft and execution are what PuristS are about. It is not about price or size of the company. A large brand can also make PuristS watches with...
Spellbound September 13th, 2013-06:36
Breathtaking watches On my wish list, but unfortunately I just blew my budget on an opportunity that occurs very rarely, so this one may have to wait until next year for me. I understand there are just 2 left of the Winter Nights for PuristS? Dean
MichaelC September 13th, 2013-07:01
GREAT post Don. I find the use of damascus steel highly intriguing. These watches are beautiful.
foversta September 15th, 2013-12:12
Thanks Don! I did a comprehensive review of the Winter Nights... which can be found here: And of course Happy Birthday to Patrick Sjögren! Fx
G99 September 16th, 2013-12:58
these dials are just stunning and i would love one on my wrist especially one with a damascus movement. extremely original concept using ancient techniques. thanks for the review Don Graham
Jocke - Bad Santa September 20th, 2013-10:15
I will not try to hijack this thread but I will add a few pics from the inside..... A regular Sunday in the watch smithy. Here we can see the watchmaker Patrik Sjögren with his today special set up at the smithy. One of their inhouse rotor will be in place.. A new dial. Checking out the diamonds. A new spacer ring made of metal. A new ca...
G99 September 20th, 2013-10:24
i think their damasceen technique... i think their damasceen technique is superb. it makes every watch virtually unique. i would love one, but they are just another on a long long list. thanks for the pics Jocke. Graham On 20 Sep 2013 18:15, "www watchprosite" *Alert from:* www:watchprosite ...
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