Monochrome Watches Review: Gustafsson & Sjögren Aurora


Movement

Inside the Aurora ticks an adjusted ETA/Unitas 6498, so it has a traditional central hour and minute hand combined with a small seconds indicator at 6 o’clock. The standard 6498 movement is nothing special to look at, but GoS wouldn’t be GoS if they didn’t add some details to it. The movement of the Aurora is visually enhanced with a main plate and balance bridge of Damascus steel in a steel-grey color.

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The parts are mirror polished before taking a plunge into an acid-bath to reveal the pattern. The acid removes surface material ever so slightly from several types of steel used in the forged ingot, while others remain unaffected. Surfaces that need clear tolerances to ensure a solid working movement and accurate timekeeping must be protected from the acid. After the etching procedure, the contrast of the pattern is enhanced by further polishing. The end result is a pattern that is highly visible.

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Verdict – pros and cons

Pros

  • Very wearable due to curved lugs, despite measuring 45mm in diameter
  • Unusual choice of materials, involving age-old skills gives character to the brand and watches
  • A limited run of watches although no two are alike but share a certain theme

Cons

  • Pricey with regards to selected movement despite Damascus steel application
  • Measuring 45mm in diameter, might be too large for most, despite being very wearable

The Gustafsson & Sjögren Aurora is available at a price of 16,500 Euros. It might seem a lot if you consider it is powered by a humble ETA 6498, but you have to take the process of producing the dials and cases into consideration. It gives you something very different; you won’t find another one at a get-together any time soon.

For more information about the Gustafsson & Sjögren, and for a detailed impression of the process and possibilities of forging Damascus steel, we suggest you check out their website and  Facebook page.

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