Best Skagen Watches Reviews

Updated November 3, 2020

Brand History

Also called simply Skagen Denmark, the brand is owned by Skagen Designs Ltd, a company that also produces jewelry and other personal accessories. Furthermore, despite its name,  Skagen watches Denmark is a US watch brand and has headquarters in Texas, Hong Kong, and Denmark.

The brand was founded in 1989 by a couple who had recently moved to the US from Denmark (Henrik and Charlotte Jorst). The couple was looking to start a business of their own and focused on creating connections in the world of watch design. They started a collaboration with Comtech Watches, a Denmark brand of watches, that allowed the couple to come up with original designs. And, in 1991, they finally managed to launch their own brand, Skagen Denmark.

The name Skagen comes from the name of a beautiful and unique fishing Scandinavian village that is the inspiration for the watch designs we all know and love.

Best Men's Skagen Watches

#PREVIEWProduct
1 Skagen – Men’s Melbye Watch
Hide other buying options

2 Skagen – Men’s Ancher Watch
Hide other buying options

3 Skagen – Men’s Hagen Watch
Hide other buying options

4 Skagen – Men’s Kristoffer Watch
Hide other buying options



1. Skagen – Men’s Melbye Watch

Highlights

This Skagen watch features an analog dial with a gray background and stylized gunmetal-toned hands and markers. In the 3 o’clock position you can see a Day and Date complication which can be set using the crown.

It is equipped with a three-hand Quartz movement, with the second-hand following an orange seconds inner ring that adds flavor to the overall simplicity of the design and keeps the eye entertained.

The mechanism that keeps everything ticking is reliable and doesn’t need much maintenance (except for the occasional battery replacement). The movement is protected by a mineral crystal lens and Titanium case which shows the timepiece is durable and can withstand some unfriendly conditions.

Lastly, the band is made from a plated stainless steel mesh, which is quite common with models from this brand. The fold-over clasp closure can be easily adjusted, by moving the clasp up or down the band as needed. Overall, this is a solidly built timepiece that can easily be associated with both elegant and casual outfits.

Specifications

Material:
Titanium, Stainless Steel, Mineral Lens
Size:
40 mm
Weight:
2.7 oz

Pros

  • Elegance & simplicity in design
  • Durable materials
  • Day & Date complication in the 3 o’clock position
  • Accurate & reliable Quartz movement
  • Good water resistance

Cons

  • The clasp needs some getting used to
  • The hands are a bit too thin

2. Skagen – Men’s Ancher Watch

Highlights

Even though it is a minimalistic watch, the Skagen Men’s Ancher is a head-turner. Its sleek design featuring a large face and analog dial fits well with any outfit while the three-hand Quartz movement is reliable and accurate. However, it can be a bit difficult to observe, at times, since the hands are not contrasting with the background of the dial.

Still, the mineral lens allows for better visibility of the dial and date window (at the 6 o’clock position). Also, the mesh strap and gunmetal plated stainless steel case make this one of the best-looking Skagen wrist watches.

The watch features a day window in the 6 o’clock position which can be set using the crown. But you should know, the crown is a bit difficult to grip since it has a smooth surface.

Specifications

Material:
Stainless Steel, Mineral Crystal Lens
Size:
40 mm
Weight:
2.3 oz

Pros

  • Minimalist design with date window
  • Silver-toned hands and hour markers
  • Solid build
  • The large face is easy to read
  • It is water-resistant

Cons

  • The crown is difficult to adjust
  • It’s not a great fit for close-fitting sleeves

3. Skagen – Men’s Hagen Watch

Highlights

With a low profile and a beautifully crafted design, this Skagen leather watch is stunning and makes you think of high-end luxury timepieces. The deep blue of the dial combines nicely with the silver-tone of the stainless steel case and the warm brown of the leather strap. Also, the face is large enough so it’s easy to read at a quick glance.

The watch features a two-hand Japanese Quartz movement (a true testament for accuracy and reliability) which can be set using the crown. Lastly, the case has a low profile and the mineral crystal lens highlights the beautiful blue of the dial.

Overall, the Men’s Hagen model is a splendid representation of everything the brand stands for – simplicity and elegance.

Specifications

Material:
Stainless Steel, Mineral Lens, Leather
Size:
38 mm
Weight:
8.8 oz

Pros

  • Beautiful simplistic design
  • Low profile
  • Highly accurate movement
  • Easy to read due to the clean face
  • Solid build

Cons

  • No sweep second-hand on the movement
  • The band feels a bit too thin

4. Skagen – Men’s Kristoffer Watch

Highlights

The analog dial, the rather unusual face, and the two subdials are the signature features of this Skagen men’s watch. The two subdials will display the 24h format (the top one) and the second-hand (the bottom subdial). In addition, the face is a bit larger than with most watches from this brand and the case feels a bit heavier, but it’s not something that will bother you.

Powered by a quartz multifunction movement that’s protected by a mineral crystal lens and stainless steel case, the timepiece is reliable and gorgeous on your wrist. Moreover, it is easy to read and can be accessorized with a wide range of outfits.

Specifications

Material:
Stainless Steel, Leather, Mineral Crystal Lens
Size:
42 mm
Weight:
8.8 oz

Pros

  • Stunning design, that attracts lots of compliments
  • Comfortable leather band
  • Accurate quartz-powered mechanism
  • The face is large and easy to read
  • It is lightweight and durable

Cons

  • The band feels a bit stiff
  • No Day & Date complication

Best Women's Skagen Watches

#PREVIEWProduct
1 Skagen – Women’s Ancher Watch
Hide other buying options

2 Skagen – Women’s Hald Watch
Hide other buying options



1. Skagen – Women’s Ancher Watch

Highlights

Whether you want a great watch for yourself or you want to impress someone with a memorable gift, you can’t go wrong with this gorgeous timepiece! Its notes of subtle elegance are highlighted by the minimalist look and low profile, while its solid build attests to the quality and craftsmanship that went into making it.

Like most Skagen women’s watches, the face is large and easy to read. This model comes with a gray analog dial with a rose gold bezel, hands, and Swarovski crystal hour markers. In addition, it is powered by a two-hand quartz movement protected by a mineral crystal lens.

The gunmetal plated stainless steel case blends well with the plated stainless steel mesh band and the fold-over clasp closure is both secure and easy to adjust for a better fit.

Specifications

Material:
Stainless Steel, Mineral Crystal Lens
Size:
34 mm
Weight:
1.68 oz

Pros

  • Minimalist face with nice colors
  • Easy to read & wear
  • Solid build
  • It is a low profile watch, perfect for small hands
  • The movement is accurate and reliable

Cons

  • The band is not easily replaceable

2. Skagen – Women’s Hald Watch

Highlights

This timepiece is a beautiful combination of modern and classic – a watch that features the classic analog dial on the outside but hides a range of smart features inside. For instance, underneath the analog dial, there is an activity tracking module, automatic time and date adjustment, and the possibility to connect it with a smart device via Bluetooth. In addition, the watch can receive notifications from your phone (based on pre-set filters) and will discreetly let you know when an email, message, or phone call needs your attention.

The watch can be paired with the Skagen app to track your fitness performance, sleep habits, and even burnt calories. The app will always try to sync with the watch, but you shouldn’t worry about battery life – it doesn’t go as fast as it would with a regular smartwatch. 

 As such, you can wear it as a luxurious classic design and enjoy the benefits of a smartwatch. The rose gold stainless steel case, the mineral crystal lens, the stylized rose gold hour markers and hands and the classic leather band will be highly admired by anyone around.

Specifications

Material:
Stainless Steel, Mineral Crystal Lens, Leather Band
Size:
40 mm
Weight:
8.8 oz

Pros

  • Amazing classic design
  • Modern features
  • Bluetooth connectivity with a smart device
  • Supports filtered notifications
  • Easy to wear and read

Cons

  • It is a bit thicker than classic Skagen lady watches
  • No luminous hands or backlight

Skagen Watch Buying Guide

Technology

The design of these watches may be minimalist, but the materials they feature are of the best quality. In fact, the Skagen watch quality is well-known all over the world – their logo is a testament for quality at affordable prices.

At the heart of most Skagen watches, there is a Japanese movement powered by Quartz, but the brand also has several Swiss movement watches (at quite an affordable price). As such, users must be prepared with the right Skagen watch battery type to make sure their timepieces will remain reliable and accurate for a long time.

Who Makes Skagen Watches?

Given that the brand is called Skagen Denmark, many people seem to believe their watches are being manufactured in Denmark. However, this is not the case since the brand started by using the services of a manufacturing factory in Hong Kong.

In addition, since the brand was acquired by Fossil, in 2012, the production was transferred to China. Of course, the level of quality and the uniqueness of these designs remains untouched after the merger with Fossil.

What Makes them Stand Out? 

If you read our Skagen Denmark watch reviews you’ll notice that the main feature that stands out is their minimalist design. Just like the village after which they are named, Skagen watches are uncluttered and clean, offering a unique and enjoyable experience.

In addition, they are affordable without feeling flimsy or cheap. So, due to the quality of the materials and the tasteful appearance, these watches look a lot more expensive than they actually are.

Warranty, Return and Exchange Policy

The Skagen warranty is valid for two years from the date of purchase, at an international level. The warranty covers manufacturing materials and defects, so defective batteries, or loose crystals are not included. Also, damages due to poor care, water, or wear and tear are not covered by the warranty.

If the return of a watch is accepted under warranty terms, the company reserves the right to decide if they will repair or replace the product.

Lastly, every customer has the right to return a product with which they are not happy. As such, a buyer has up to 14 days from the day of purchase (specified on the receipt) if they want a refund and 28 days if they would like an exchange.

The cost of shipment in the case of a return or exchange must be supported by the customer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Skagen watches good?
A:

Yes! Most Skagen watches use Miyota Japanese quartz movement, which is incredibly reliable and does withstand the test of time. Also, these timepieces promote a beautiful design and use high-quality materials that are appreciated by customers worldwide.

Q: How to pronounce Skagen?
A:

Given that the brand is named after a Scandinavian village, it’s normal to feel curious about the right pronunciation. As such, there are three ways you can boast about your cool watch to anyone who is asking – “Skah-guhn,” “Skay-gen,” or “Skay-en.”

Q: How to change Skagen watch battery?
A:

To access the battery on a Skagen watch, you first have to remove the back. This requires a small flat screwdriver, like the ones used in repairing glasses. But, before you start poking the back with the screwdriver, you first need to know if it’s a snap (it has a small notch on the side) or a screw (there are several small slots on the back).

If you have a snap back case, use the blade of the screwdriver to pop it up and uncover the mechanism and the battery. If it’s a screw back, you’ll have to turn the screwdriver in all the slots and then remove it.

Once the insides of the watch are exposed, you’ll notice that the battery is held in place by a clip that may need to be unscrewed (not always the case). Remove the battery and replace it with a new one, after which, you’ll have to re-position the clip. End the operation by placing the case back on the watch – for the screw type, you’ll need to use the screwdriver to turn all the notches in the locked position, while the snap design only needs a gentle press.

Related Posts