Galvin SUVI Brings the Summer Heat
Most microbrands are headed up by savvy entrepreneurs. Not many are founded by actual watchmakers. However, the Galvin Watch Company is an exception to this rule. Headquartered in Australia, the brand is run by Susan Galvin, who previously plied her trade at the likes of TAG Heuer and OMEGA.
Launched in 2020, The Galvin Watch Company is steeped in the mythology of the northern Lapland area of Finland–where Susan spent her childhood. The Nordic sense of austerity and minimalism shines through in this third collection, the Galvin SUVI.
Key Features of the Galvin SUVI
SUVI is the Finnish word for “summer”—a fleeting occurrence in that country (and as a Canadian, I empathize). The latest collection celebrates this ephemeral time by paying homage to the thousands of lakes, vibrant birch forests, and swaying fields of barley that dot the Finnish landscape during that short season.
Of the three new colourways, we will take a closer look at the Birch reference. In the ancient Finnish tradition, gathering birch tree branches was a practice used in sauna rituals. The bundles were believed to stimulate blood circulation through a process of gentle self-flagellation.
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The vibrant green of the birch leaves appears in the textured sector-style dial of the Galvin SUVI. Over this we find a lovely set of polished Breguet numerals at the cardinal points, and an art-deco styled minute track in the chapter ring with dark elongated lines indicating the other hours. The SUVI also features a similarly polished set of leaf hands and a fine needle seconds—with the hour indicator being custom-fitted in a skeletonized pip.
Juxtaposed with this elegant layout is the sandblasted stainless steel tonneau case—which I first mistook as titanium, so uniform is the finish. Its ascetic design is pebble smooth and marked by broad, curvaceous planes. It measures 33mm in diameter and is 40mm long with short, truncated lugs that extend to 46mm. The watch is 11.15mm in height, which includes the beautiful, curved sapphire dome—a fixture that provides significant lightplay.
Together, these two seemingly different styles create a reference that is at once sporty and chic. The birch iteration, in particular—with its playful dial colour—would look great in either casual or more formal settings.
One of my favourite elements in this design, however, has nothing to do with either the dial or the sandblasted case. It is the sapphire display portal on the back. While the Miyota 9039 is a more workaday calibre, the manner in which it is presented here—with its customized rotor—is quite attractive. I also like the mix of shapes.
The Galvin SUVI Birch is paired with a forest green suede strap that is comfortable on wrist and suits the watch nicely. It features stainless steel hardware to match the case.
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SPECS
| Case | Titanium 33mm x 40mm Diameter 46mm Lug to Lug 11.15mm Thick 5.5mm Crown 19mm Lug Width Display Case Back 50m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Domed Sapphire Crystal Textured Dial Applied Markers Custom Leaf Handset /w Needle Seconds |
| Movement | Miyota 9039 /w Customised Rotor 24 Jewels 28 800bph 42-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Suede Strap /w Stainless Steel Buckle |
Galvin SUVI
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Final Thoughts
The Galvin SUVI is a watch with hints of luxury, but also durability and playfulness. Cartier developed one of the first tonneau case designs in 1906, and since then it has been a hallmark of elegance. However, here, with its sandblasted finish, the watch also exudes a muscular solidity. The dial, with its deco innuendos and its stylish Breguet numerals, offers up an air of sophistication, but the colour and texture provide an measure of whimsicality. I like the plurality in this design. It’s like a breath of fresh summer air (in this instance, with a hint of birch).
Pricing & Availability
The Galvin SUVI is launching on Kickstarter in April. Retail pricing will be approximately $450 USD. Kickstarter campaign rewards will be announced shortly. For more information, please visit the brand website.
About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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