A number of watch brands, such as VEJRHØJ, have in recent years started to manufacture watches made from natural hardwood. However, wooden wrist watches have been around for longer than most people realize, as we’ll discover…
All the way back in the 1980s the major Swiss brand Tissot launched its wood watch model. Though popular at the time, the concept of wooden watches faded into oblivion in the following decades. The Scandinavian watch brand VEJRHØJ is however on a mission to change that.
VEJRHØJ creates simple, yet distinctive timepieces, by combining wood, steel and Nordic minimalism. A concept which has proved to have a strong global appeal, as demonstrated by the success of the brand in both the European and Asian market.
In Japan, VEJRHØJ has recently completed the biggest crowdfunding campaign ever for an analogue watch brand, where the Company got thousands of pre-orders for its cherry blossom wood model (see photo below).
The BLACK & GOLD model. The design features a circular brushed gunmetal dial, which is encompassed by natural cherry wood.
The roots of Danish design
You can clearly see the Scandinavian design heritage in VEJRHØJ’s watches. The designs are minimalistic, yet unique and the wooden material makes you think of the golden age of Danish furniture designs from the 1960’s.
Janus, founder of VEJRHØJ tells:
“We might have a preference for simplicity and natural materials, due to our Nordic design heritage. But at the same time, we are also dreamers that aim to challenge the status quo by creating bold designs that stand out from the ordinary.
Our new ARCH collection (see images below) have been created based with this concept in mind.”
The ARCH collection features a distinctive arch shaped casing which combines natural hardwood and stainless steel. The ARCH collection features a distinctive arch shaped casing which combines natural hardwood and stainless steel.
Design that lasts
When VEJRHØJ is asked what they see as their major strength, then they emphasize their ability to merge wood and steel. And their ability to create designs that are relevant both today as well as for future generations.
With this in mind, it is also worth noting that the brand has solved a major durability issue associated with wooden watches.
Janus, Founder of VEJRHØJ tells:
“… in several of our designs we have chosen to place all wooden elements beneath the dial glass. This has enabled us to create a collection of slim wooden watches with the same durability as a traditional steel watch. I think this is something that really sets our young brand apart.”
This approach can be seen in the bestseller model, The NIGHT (shown in a close up shot below). A thin walnut wood ring encompasses the black dial underneath the glass.
It might be a minor detail, but it is something that has enabled the brand to elegantly incorporate wood into its thin timepieces, without compromising the aesthetics and durability of the design.
This earned VEJRHØJ the Brand New Nordic Award back in 2017 for best new up-coming watch company.
3 unique wood and steel watches from VEJRHØJ
ARCH 03 is crafted from natural walnut wood & 316L stainless steel with a gold finish. It is powered by a quality Swiss quartz movement from Ronda and the black leather strap comes with a quick release function, which makes it easy to change without the need of any tools.
Finally, it is delivered in a premium wooden box.
Petite | The NIGHT. This wooden watch features a unique dial design which combines dark stained walnut wood and gunmetal. The thin casing and 34mm diameter makes it the ideal choice for women who are looking for a small & elegant wooden watch.
The model is also available in a 40mm version for men.
SAKURA. A minimalistic design which combines natural cherry wood and stainless steel. It comes in 40mm unisex version and 34m version for women.
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