Gustafsson & Sjogren watches are the result of a partnership between Swedish knifesmith Johan Gustafsson and Swedish watchmaker Patrik Sjogren.

What do knives have in common with watches? Well, in this case, Damascus steel. Damascus steel is a thousand plus-year-old technique of hot-forging steel, originally used to create blades for swords. But not just any blades, blades of legendary sharpness and strength. Johan and Patrik came up with another great use, though, they decided to use this forging technique, to create beautiful handmade watch dials. According to their website, Damascus steel “is Pattern welded steel. It is a technique that has been used for more than a thousand years. Some say the technique comes from Asia, some say from the Middle East (Damascus), others say it comes from Scandinavia and the Vikings.

No one knows for sure. In those days, the technique was used to create stronger and better swords than the enemy. The forging became so refined that even today’s specialists wonder how it was done. One of the results is that a very nice pattern appears in the steel, when slightly etched in acid, or when the patina of using it a long time shows on the surface of the steel. In those days a very good sword and knife smith was worth his weight in gold. The Blizzard has a Damascus steel dial in a twisted explosion pattern. The chapter ring is hand shaped and made of grade-5 titanium. The case combines different finishing techniques with large diameter bezel and case back as unusual design elements.

The watch is equipped with a finished Unitas/ETA 6498 movement. The finishing has been done by Soprod, who has also further improved the movement to chronometer grade standard with a screwed balance. The case has sapphire crystal and measures 42x12mm. The Aurora has a shimmering green Damascus dial that resembles northern lights.

The indices are titanium and the reindeer strap is handmade in traditional sapmi technique with non-chemical tanning of the leather and tin ornaments. The case combines different finishing techniques with large diameter bezel and case back as unusual design elements. Like the Blizzard, the Aurora is equipped with a beautifully finished Unitas/ETA 6498 movement.

The finishing has been done by Soprod, who has also improved the movement to chronometer grade standards with a screwed balance. Retail is $6,300.

Learn more at Gustafsson & Sjogren.