GoS Watches BaselWorld 2013 Damascus Steel — WatchProSite Forum Digest

DonCorson · 2013-09-12T23:11:46Z

Explore GoS Watches at BaselWorld 2013, featuring unique Damascus steel cases, dials, and movement parts. Discover the craftsmanship of Johan Gustafsson and Patrik Sjögren.

DonCorson

WPS member · Independents forum

13 replies5975 views20 photos

DonCorson's report from BaselWorld 2013 highlights the unique craftsmanship of GoS Watches, a collaboration between bladesmith Johan Gustafsson and watchmaker Patrik Sjögren. This piece is particularly relevant for collectors interested in independent watchmaking and the innovative use of traditional materials like Damascus steel in horology. DonCorson's detailed account and accompanying images offer a rare glimpse into the brand's evolution and their distinctive 'outback' style.

BaselWorld 2013 - GoS (Gustafsson & Sjögren) Watches

GoS Watches is a partnership between Johan Gustafsson and Patrik Sjögren that we have been following with interest for several years now. I have met Patrik several times at recent BaselWorld fairs. For the first this year GoS had their own stand at the fair, in the Palace "hall" (actually a tent) among many other small and independent watchmakers. Certainly the most interesting corner of the fair.

This year I also had the pleasure of meeting for the first time Johan Gustafsson, the other half of the partnership Gustafsson & Sjögren Watches. Johan is a bladesmith and knifemaker who has perfected techniques to make Damascus steel using modern Swedish tool and stainless steels. In his shop he does the steel forging to make the basis material used in the GoS watches. In the beginning the damascus steel parts were limited to the case and the dial of the watch. Now they have perfected the techiques necessary to be able to use damascus steel also for movement parts. As you can see in the pictures some of the newest movements have damascus steel bridges.
Note that different steels are used in making the damascus steel for the case and internal parts. The cases are, of course, only stainless steels, but the internal parts are made of tool steels which give other possibilities for coloring with heat and acid treatments.

From the watchmaking side Patrik has been very busy too. A cooperation with Martin Braun has resulted in a very nice new movement with silicon escapement, naturally not needing lubrication, and a 4/5 bridge, naturally made in damascus steel. In the picture below you can see the purple-blue color of the silicon anchor.

A movement has also been made together with Jochen Benzinger for the "midsummer night" model. Skeletonised and engraved gold plated bridges over a dark blue pvd plate. I am looking forward to seeing this in a case.

The watches are delivered in "boxes" made in a traditional Swedish style, curved shingles lashed together.

GoS watches have been gaining on quality and coherence every year I have seen them. They have a very individual "outback" style, without being rough. The original materials and production by hand make these watches very special.

Patrik Sjögren

Johan Gustafsson

Details of a knife by Johan Gustafsson

This message has been edited by DonCorson on 2013-09-30 10:52:24

Key Points from the Discussion

GoS Watches embody the 'PuristS' ethos through their pure theme, art, craft, and execution, demonstrating that exceptional watchmaking is not solely dependent on brand size or budget.
The Damascus steel technique employed by GoS is superb, making each watch virtually unique due to the distinct patterns, and is an extremely original concept utilizing ancient methods.
A series of photos provides a visual sequence of the watchmaking process, particularly highlighting the creation of the unique dials and in-house rotors, offering insight into the craftsmanship.
The integration of Damascus steel into movement parts, alongside cases and dials, represents a significant technical advancement for GoS, utilizing different steel types for external and internal components.
The collaboration with Martin Braun on a new movement featuring a silicon escapement and a Damascus steel bridge, as well as a movement with Jochen Benzinger for the 'Midsummer Night' model, showcases GoS's commitment to technical innovation and artistic partnerships.
The unique packaging in traditional Swedish curved shingles further emphasizes the brand's individual style and commitment to handcrafted elements.

The Discussion

amanico

Sep 12, 2013

I have a big soft spot for this Watch! Thank you, Don. Nicolas

MTF

Sep 13, 2013

I may be biased but I think this is THE most "PuristS" of watches shown at Baselworld 2013. The pure theme, art, craft and execution are what PuristS are about. It is not about price or size of the company. A large brand can also make PuristS watches with a bigger budget but so can a small brand with a small budget. PuristS reading this can also order by e-mail to PPro or directly to Patrik Sjögren. E-mail to info @ puristspro . com [remove spaces]

Spellbound

Sep 13, 2013

On my wish list, but unfortunately I just blew my budget on an opportunity that occurs very rarely, so this one may have to wait until next year for me. I understand there are just 2 left of the Winter Nights for PuristS? Dean

MichaelC

Sep 13, 2013

These watches are beautiful.

foversta

Sep 15, 2013

which can be found here: And of course Happy Birthday to Patrick Sjögren! Fx

G99

Sep 16, 2013

especially one with a damascus movement. extremely original concept using ancient techniques. thanks for the review Don Graham

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