Minimalism means living with things you really need. When it comes to aesthetics, minimalism refers to simplicity in design and colours. The minimalist trend is visible in clothes, everyday objects, furniture and watches. The fashionable minimalism is associated with Scandinavian style. Which watch brands offer minimalist watches? Keep on reading to find out.

Scandinavian watches - praise for simplicity

What comes into your mind when you hear the word 'Scandinavia'? You probably see a modern city full of bicycles, people leading a laid-back lifestyle, sea coasts full of muted colours, clean air and top designs. No doubt, Scandinavia combines technology with nature and finds balance between modernity and history. So, it isn’t surprising that this part of Europe is considered the birthplace of minimalism. Minimalist watches are characterised by subdued colours - they often refer to sea landscapes and plants. The dials are very simple - indices are usually the only thing you can see. The designers pay attention to every detail, which is evident, for example, in hands and indices as well as in the logos of the companies. The shapes are also simple - usually round or oval. Minimalist watches look modern and very stylish.

Skagen watches - technology & nature

Skagen was founded in 1989 when a Danish couple, Henrik and Charlotte Jorst, came up with the idea to create high-quality watches with a unique design. At first, watches were made in the United States, where the founders had moved a few years earlier. In 1998 the company started to distribute the watches on the European market. The name of the brand comes from a small fishing village, located in northern Denmark. The watches themselves refer in their style to Danish landscape and purity.

Minimalist design is combined with inspirations from the Far East, which are particularly evident in Japanese movements. The love of nature is reflected in energy efficiency - the batteries don’t need to be frequently replaced. The commitment of the founders resulted in a huge success and a release of Skagen Connected hybrid smartwatches. Classic watches offered by the brand come mainly with a leather strap or a mesh bracelet. They are usually designed in solid colours or combine two or three subdued shades. This style makes them a perfect match for many outfits. The minimalist dials usually feature stick indices or Arabic numerals. Some timepieces are decorated with delicate subdials. Skagen watches offer excellent value for money.

Obaku watches - Danish design and the Asian Zen philosophy

Obaku takes its name from a branch of the Zen philosophy that was founded in 1661 at the foot of Mount Obaku. Obaku Zen focuses on incorporating a total balance in body and mind. It’s a way of focusing on what’s important, cherishing simplicity and searching for the meaning of life. The Zen philosophy is guided by truth and calmness. The Obaku logo is inspired by the Zen calligraphic circle of life that symbolizes strength, elegance, and is an expression of the moment. The logo also refers to a moment when the mind is free to simply let the body and spirit create. Designers Christian Mikkelsen and Lau Liengard Ruge decided to combine Danish minimalism with the Asian Zen philosophy, which resulted in a huge success in the market.

Minimalist Obaku watches look very luxurious. Subdued colours give them a timeless design. The saying "Less means more" is absolutely true here. Obaku watches are powered either by a quartz or solar movement. Their cases are made of stainless steel, which is a very reliable material. The Obaku logo which brings to mind Far Eastern inspirations is always at the 12 o'clock position. Each Obaku watch combines tradition with modernity.

Strand by Obaku - watches for fans of Danish minimalism

Strand by Obaku is a watch brand owned by Obaku, inspired by the long and pristine Danish beaches. The very word 'strand' means 'a beach' in Danish. The Danish coastline is about 7,000 km long and is characterised by great variety and diversity. All areas, despite differences, are distinguished by purity and harmony. The brand’s philosophy is based on a slow lifestyle and the combination of modernity and nature. Obaku watches are characterised by modern design and minimalist style.

The designers of watches play with styles and conventions. Strand by Obaku offers watches in delicate colours, whose dials are decorated with flower motifs or crystal indices. The names of the Obaku collections refer to marine and nature designs. The watches are either on link or mesh bracelets. Some models have subdials to display the date and 24-hour time, while some feature only stick indices. There is something for everyone at a very affordable price.

Triwa - Swedish minimalism

Triwa is a Swedish watch brand that was founded by four friends in 2007. The name of the company stands for "Transforming the Industry of Watches" as their goal was to bring freshness to the market and transform traditional timepieces (regarded as a sign of material status) into modern watches. Now, in central Stockholm the company houses a team of 30 people responsible for designing new models and creative marketing. Triwa takes part in many social activities that draw attention to the burning issues of the present, including the pollution of the oceans or the use of illegal firearms.

Triwa watches combine classic with Scandinavian minimalism in an original way. They owe their unique design to frequent collaborations with contemporary artists. Most models come with straps made of ecological leather or subtle mesh bracelets. Triwa watches have a simple form that refers to past times rather than the contemporary. Their colours make them perfect for everyday wear, but they can also be worn with elegant outfits as well.

Minimalist watches are what Scandinavians do best

As you can see, Scandinavians lead the way when it comes to the production of minimalist watches. And this is not surprising as minimalism is in their blood. If you’re looking for a minimalist watch, check out models offered by companies from Northern Europe.