The GoS Skadi wristwatch strikes the perfect balance between artisan craftsmanship and opulence. For this model the company’s speciality Damascus steel has been given a stealthy coating, making it all the more dramatic and emotive.  Elsewhere, resplendent red gold elements, pristine mother-of-pearl and precious blue sapphires add just the right touch of luxuriousness, while also ensuring that this highly original watch is one of the brand’s most sensational models to date.

In every respect, the GoS Skadi is a timepiece of contrasts.  Wrapping around the case ring and the bezel, is a cloak of stealthy Damascus steel.  Tracing the profile of the case, lugs and the index ring, radiant red gold shines magnificently.  The dial, in complete departure from the intricate patterned steel of other GoS models, is a serene sliver of exquisite mother-of-pearl.

The piece has been given the name Skadi – the Norse Goddess of Winter, in tribute to the feisty heroine who challenged the Norse Gods to avenge her Father’s death.  With inspiration gleaned directly from ancient symbols and weaponry and an icy dial which recalls moonlight reflected on a glacial landscape, one cannot help but feel that with this piece, GoS have paid a worthy tribute to this dynamic hunter-goddess.

The watch is the result of an assemblage of skilful craftsmen.   Master Bladesmith, Johan Gustafsson and Master Watchmaker, Patrik Sjögren are already well-known to discerning watch collectors, however the creation of the Skadi required more than Gustaffson’s proficiency for Damascus steelwork and Sjögren’s meticulous horological prowess.  Two further Masters were called upon to ensure that this watch would be very special indeed.

Renowned knifemaker, Anders Hedlund provided the decorative hand-engraving while  Goldsmith Peter deWit brought his meticulous gem-setting into the fold, while also casting the precious elements for the case. The product of this union of this quartet of artisans is quite simply, beautiful.

The piece carries a rounded 44.5mm case.  In addition to Peter deWit’s supreme gold-work, darkening the Damascus steel using a PDF coating was a complex undertaking which required the assistance of the team at Ionbond in Sweden.  Following in-depth research and development these specialists perfected a process which ensures that none of the distinctive texture is lost.

On the caseside, the ancestral styling codes of GoS are represented to superb effect.  The crown, which is styled to resemble the hilt of a Viking sword, has been enhanced with an exquisite blue sapphire, while on the polished lugs Hedlund’s deft hand-engraving replicates a subtle, yet splendid traditional Viking knot pattern.

The dial is an exquisite dalliance of nacre and Damascus steel elements.  While the mother-of-pearl used is white, it is coloured and backlit with blue Super-LumiNova® applied to its underside.  This pioneering technique ensures a dial of extraordinary originality, with the delicate refinement of gentle blue by day and hypnotic luminescence after dark.

Allowing the quiet beauty of the mother-of-pearl to dominate, the dial is bereft of superfluous features.  From the centre, the spear-shaped hour and minute hands, and the Triskele small seconds are crafted from Damascus steel.  Evoking the form of ancient Viking bracelets, the twin-layered index ring has a golden upper ring.  For each hour, a sumptuous blue sapphire dispels with the need for numerals.

Turning the piece over and an equally impressive façade is revealed.  Here the Swiss manual ETA 6498 movement, which has been improved to Chronometre Grade by Soprod, displays loupe-worthy decoration.  The bridge comprises of one solid piece of Gustaffson’s hand-forged Damascus steel.  Its woody texturing provides a unique backdrop for the Viking motifs which are hand-engraved by Hedlund and which have been filled in with gold for maximum visual impact.  Together, the Damascus steel, the blued screws and the high-gloss polished bevels create an extraordinary arrangement with matchless originality.

The GoS Sarek Skadi – the Norse Goddess of Winter watch comes presented on a hand-crafted moose leather strap fitted with an 18 carat red gold deployant clasp featuring the GoS logo.  The model will be limited to just five pieces.

Since its founding, GoS have caught the attention of watch collectors who value originality and meticulous craftsmanship.  In a portfolio brimming with unique pieces, their Skadi model ensures that GoS stand apart as creators of peerless hand-crafted artisanal watches of superlative quality.