If you’re weak for the pillow-shaped oyster cases of the past, but having trouble fitting them on your wrist, than E.C.Andersson North Sea might be an ideal watch for you. It measures 40 mm in diameter, 10 mm thin, and sits just right no matter the wrist size.
But let us start from the beginning. What is E.C.Andersson, and why did it suddenly appear on the highly competitive watch scene? The answer is quite simple. “Detail manufacturing is my true love,” states the brand’s founder and namesake, Erik C. Andersson.
It all started when Erik was a young boy and his grandfather showed him how to build miniature steam engines. “I was awed by the fact that such small metal parts could work together and create such power,” he recalls. Even though Erik later found his passion in automatic timepieces, it was this fascination that ignited the choices of his life.
The very first E.C.Andersson model started on a piece of paper eight years ago. “I have always been fascinated with the past — industrialism and mechanics that don’t depend on electricity or software. So I wanted a design that paid tribute to the heritage of horology, but merged it with a bold, progressive look.” The inspiration is the very first pillow-shaped oyster case, introduced in the late 1920s.
“I love it when watches feel intricate in their simplicity, when they show you from first glance what I can use them for.” The watch, called the North Sea, is just that – robust and durable, clean and functional, but always letting you feel the hard work that went into it. The North Sea is made to be visible in all light conditions, with sharp, illuminated indices, a vivid minute frame and an exposed, white calendar wheel contrasting with the matte black dial.
The North Sea is designed to stand out without looking too extravagant and equipped with the durable, automatic Seiko NH05 caliber. Using a Seiko movement isn’t only a durability measure; it keeps the price down quite a bit, making the North Sea accessible for most wallets. “Built like a tank and reliable as a trooper, the Seiko NH05 won’t let you down even on the most turbulent waters,” Erick states. “Actually, it’s so robust that you won’t need to service the North Sea in the next decade. And when you do – it will be at a very marginal cost compared to its rivals.”
E.C.Andersson has a very explicit philosophy: “Your watch is meant to be used – Always.” Accordingly, there is nothing surprising about its hardware: a hand-brushed, shock-absorbent 316L steel case with polished details, sapphire crystal, 100-meter water resistance, luminous indices, and 50-hour power reserve. Every timepiece is designed in Sweden and assembled in Switzerland, where they also undergo individual quality control.
So, can retro beauty really merge with the boldness of today? It can and it has. The Italian rubber bracelet on the E.C.Andersson North Sea doesn’t just deliver attitude, but blends in perfect harmony with the case.
Making it in the watch business might be hard, but Erik believes that if you have a passion, there are few choices but to chase your dreams. Fortunately, a great way to start a promising brand is through crowdfunding. “If there’s love for the project, it will show right from the get-go,” says Erik, who managed to reach his goal at Kickstarter in just a few hours. That means that series production is guaranteed and more models are expected in the future.
If you’re a fan of this intelligent merger of retro and modernism, head on in to E.C.Andersson’s Kickstarter campaign: http://kck.st/2cCEzFf where there is still time to pick up a North Sea of your own, for approximately $495. For more details, visit Ecandersson.com.
It’s an attractive design which reminds me of the Panerai 425.