The Man About Time has generally shied away from discussing quartz watches, however since he recently came across a new Anglo-Swedish brand he has made an exception. Today he talks about Larsson & Jennings and the beautifully stylish watches they are bringing to the market.
As we arrive breathless in the last week of Christmas, it might be appropriate to think of some last minute presents for the stylish males, or females of your acquaintance, or even of having a self-indulgent moment and finding a little extra for your own stocking! Earlier in the year we commented on the rise of some inexpensive slim and elegant watches, such as Skagen, Daniel Wellington and Bering with quartz movements which provided a lot of style for very sensible money. One company we missed from that group was Larssen and Jennings, but we decided to rectify that.
Over the last four years the rise of Larssen and Jennings and the opening of their store in London has really made us sit up and take notice and, whilst it hasn’t been our general practice to focus too much on one brand in an article, frankly the quality and feel of everything that Larssen and Jennings do makes them worthy of more than a little attention.. The company offers a compact range of Swiss made watches which, as their website explains ‘combine classic British aesthetic and Swedish design’ and they genuinely offer style to fit all pockets.
Both the London shop and website reflect the product, having a simple and elegant approach which delivers classic minimalism with 21st century style. Sticking to a small number of strikingly simple designs with differing case finishes including steel, gold, rose gold and black but each with white or black face and different colour hour markers combined with one of the best value for money strap and bracelet collections on the market ensures that individualism is not lost in the simplicity. Timeless two handers (hours and minutes) are available in two sizes 40mm and 33 mm so there is something for both Gentlemen and Ladies, whether you prefer a large or small watch.
The straps are all English or Swedish leathers with the added option of the Milanese bracelets shown above
Prices start from an entirely reasonable £215, rising to £325 for the 39 mm Saxon model, below, which features a second hand dial located above the six o’clock position.
The company is young but their ambition is beyond doubt and they have recently made the move upmarket to more horologically interesting, but no less stylish, areas of the market with the recent introduction of an automatic movement. Called simply ‘The Automatic’ this watch with its mechanical movement comes in four finishes and continues in the classic theme. Whilst it draws design cues from the Saxon range, the removal of the minute indicators and addition of a sweep second hand result in a face of singular elegance. When this is combined with an exhibition back, through which a rather nice rendering of ETAs reliable 2892 movement can be seen, and a hand stitched Swedish leather strap with a deployment clasp, you have a watch for all occasions. Although we love watches here at The Male Stylist, we do sometimes tend to wear them in unsuitable environments so we were delighted to note that it is water resistant to 100m, which should at least help it survive the odd festive drink spill. At £995 it is quite a step upmarket, leapfrogging some of Christopher Ward’s automatic offerings; however, just look at that style! We haven’t had the opportunity for any wrist time with The Automatic yet but if it is as well put together and finished as their other models (and there is no reason to assume it doesn’t) it just might be on our Christmas list this year!
It is clear that, like Christopher Ward and Bremont, Larssen and Jennings want to be much more than a brand which trades on ‘British’ labelling and ephemeral style. They are creating a timeless statement which works equally well whether dressed casually or ‘suited and booted’ and have achieved their objective of a delivering a marriage between classic British aesthetic and Swedish design at sensible prices. As a last thought, the shop in London offers excellent (and free!) coffee whilst you browse; so, whether just seeking a moment to cool down from present shopping or if you happen to be in the capital with a little time on your hands, call in and sample the atmosphere. But be warned; you just might leave with a little more time on your wrist! Have a great Christmas.
The Man About Time
