Disclaimer: I was sent this Nordgreen ‘Philosopher’ men’s watch to review free of charge, but words and pictures are mine. If you use the Nordgreen watch discount code ‘WHINGE’ for 15% off using my link I will make a small commission. See more information here.
If you are looking for a lovely gift for your dad or partner this Father’s Day, take a look at the watches from Nordgreen.
Nordgreen are a Copenhagen-based watchmakers who make exquisitely styled minimalist ladies’, men’s and unisex watches with easily changeable straps so that you can change up your look to suit your style.
I was offered a watch of my choice to review in time for Father’s Day and chose the Philosopher watch with metal link strap, and a spare leather strap.
Presentation
When the watch arrived, it was packaged in a sustainable and simple hard, dark grey/blue matte watch box with a pull out drawer.
Inside the box the watch and spare strap rest on grey felt, and there are instructions and a certificate of authenticity included.
Look and feel
Nordgreen’s Chief Designer, Jakob Wagner, is a household name in the international design community. Wagner has previously worked for companies including Bang & Olufsen and his products are sold around the world.
Nordgreen watches are a wonderful example of traditional Scandinavian design, combining simplicity, minimalism and functionality.
Nordgreen watches are beautiful without being fussy. The Philosopher watch, which is for men or women, has a very clean look to it.
It has a sloping dial with what looks from a distance to be a pearlescent finish, but close up you can see it is fine rings of metal. The watch has an hour, minute and asymmetrical second hand, the date to the right and the brand name subtly written at the top – and that’s it. No big dials, logos or other clutter on the face, which means it is easy to read at a glance and it isn’t showy so will go nicely with any outfit.
When purchasing the Philosopher men’s watch there are loads of different watch options to choose from.
You can select your choice of dial colour (white or black), one of four different metal watch casings (silver, gunmetal, gold or rose gold colour) and pick from a wide selection straps which include stainless steel links as shown above (there are options for three or five links; I chose three), leather and vegan leather in a selection of colours, metal mesh and nylon mesh.
You can also select the size of the watch face from 36mm and 40mm. This is the larger 40mm version which is a good size for a standard man’s wrist.
The watch is surprisingly light and with the stainless steel link strap pictured above is great for summer as it doesn’t trap sweat underneath like a leather strap can; although you obviously have the option to change up the strap at any time. Extra links are included and you can get this altered in a shop, or buy a cheap watch strap adjuster kit and do it home.
It’s a Japanese quartz movement watch, so time keeping is spot on. Each Nordgreen watch comes with a two year warranty.
Features
The Philosopher watch has, as mentioned, a second hand and features the date, which the unisex Native and women’s Infinity and Unika watches do not.
If you’re looking for something with a bit more to it, then the Pioneer Chronograph watch features a stop watch as well, however if you’re into simplicity then the Philosopher could be for you.
Changing the watch strap on any Nordgreen watch is really simple.
There are is a pin (two pins on the metal link strap) connected to a spring bar inside of the strap. Push the pin/s in and the strap pops out.
To place the new strap on, place one side of the spring pin into the hole and then use your fingernail or a paper clip to pull down on the pin while pushing the strap down into place.
If you love changing your look then you can buy easily interchangeable watch straps; they cost between £24 and £44.
Watches with a social conscience
For each watch sold by Nordgreen, they give their customer the opportunity to donate to one of of three causes;
Health – Buys 2 months of clean water for a person in the Central Africa Republic with Water for Good.
Education – Buys 2 months of education for a child in India with Pratham UK.
Environment – Preserves 200sqft of rain forest in Latin America with Cool Earth.
The unique serial number provided on the back of each watch allows customers to track the impact that their individual donation has made. They have also donated $15,000 to support the COVID response powered by the WHO.
How much, where to buy and Nordgreen watch discount code
The Philosopher minimalist men’s watch with stainless steel link strap can be purchased directly from Nordgreen’s web shop here.
The RRP of this watch is £189 including stainless steel strap. By purchasing two additional straps, you can save 20% off your whole order; that basically means getting two extra straps for around £25. You can also get 15% off of Nordgreen watches using the code WHINGE.
Thank you for your article. I loved the look of these watches and bought one for my wife using your code. I also love biscuits too…
Good times 😉
Dave S