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The term “Scandinavian design” is used with such frequency, it tends to get thrown around without much thought. It’s right up there with “Bauhaus” and “minimal”… bringing something vague to mind without necessarily being well-defined. Chances are, you have something in your home that qualifies (especially if you shop at Ikea). That’s partially because it’s hard to define exactly, encompassing the design aesthetics of several countries and countless designers and objects. Roughly, it brings to mind modern objects, namely furniture and home goods, that while minimal and restrained, are emotive and even playful. Objects that are never garish or ornate, nor too stark or strict. At certain times lines flow, while at others they are sharp and angular. The end result isn’t that of a brutal object, but rather something with personality and character.
In watches, Scandinavian design is a less used expression, though many brands certainly qualify. Skagen immediately comes to mind, perhaps being the most well known and ubiquitous. On a smaller scale are brands like TID, who worked with Sweden-based design studio Form Us With Love to create a softer-stylish military-esque watch, and Hygge, who are actually a hybrid of Scandinavian and Japanese sensibilities.
Today, we’re taking a look at a newcomer to the industry, Richardt & Mejer, whose first design is a striking and stylish timepiece that speaks strongly to the aesthetics of their Danish roots. The simply titled Signature series comes in four varieties, each powered by the Ronda Powertech 515, and featuring chamfered sapphire crystals and calf leather straps for about $340 (without VAT).
