Nordic Marine Instruments SØVÆRN-Midnat

The Navy Field Watch

Later this week, Nordic Marine Instruments will launch the follow up to their successful dive watch, the Østersøen. The SØVÆRN Collection merges the functionality of a field watch with the clean, elegant lines of a skin diver, essentially creating a class of watch all its own–the Navy Field Watch.

Nordic Marine Instruments SØVÆRN Watch Review — NMI SØVÆRN @calibre321

Key Features of the NMI SØVÆRN

The design language here is familiar, reflecting the brand’s Scandinavian heritage with austere minimalism and hints of sophistication. One of the elements I find most attractive is the case. The tall, pronounced bezel really provides a sense of solidity and structure, while the sloping bevelled lugs have an equally slimming and an aerodynamic effect. It’s the perfect juxtaposition of strength and grace.

It is hewn from 316L stainless steel, measuring 39 mm in diameter and a surprisingly svelte 10.5 mm in height. While appearances may mislead here, the lug to lug is also restrained at 47.6mm. The finish is predominantly brushed satin; however, there are chamfers of polish throughout, including one on the fixed bezel edge that really catches the light. There are also slender partial guards that protect the screw down crown. The case back (also screwed down) is sterile. It helps provide the timepiece with 100m of water resistance.

Balanced proportions @calibre321

The sandwich dial has a blasted surface, and the Midnat (featured here)—with its deep black finish—is a study in legibility. Softening the stark colourway are indications of orange on the cardinal hour markers, the second hand tip, and the branding above six. Beneath the dark texturing, the sandwich indicators are flooded with BGW9 Super-LumiNova, as are the baton-styled hands. The crystal is a beautiful piece of sapphire glass with an undercoat of AR.

On bracelet, the SØVÆRN hugs the wrist. This is facilitated by its female endlinks, but also by the fact that it is set back from the lug tips. The curvature of the profile also helps the watch sit nicely. The bracelet tapers from 20mm to 16mm at the clasp and provides for on-the-fly micro-adjustment.

The watch is driven by the robust Miyota 9015 movement. It’s a 4Hz workhorse with 24 jewels and a 42-hour power reserve.

Other colourways in the collection include Steel Grey , Sky Blue, Moss Green, Full Moon, and Pitch Black (PVD).

SPECS

Case	316L Stainless Steel 39mm Diameter 47.6mm Lug to Lug 10.5mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Screw Down Crown & Case Back 100m Water Resistance
Dial & Crystal	Flat Sapphire Crystal Blasted Sandwich Dial Baton Handset BGW9 Super-LumiNova
Movement	Miyota 9015 24 Jewels 28 800bph 42-Hour Power Reserve
Strap	Stainless Steel /w Micro-adjusting Clasp

Nordic Marine Instruments SØVÆRN

Final Thoughts

The Nordic Marine Instruments SØVÆRN is a handsome customer. I really like the architecture of the case. It feels robust and weighty on wrist, and yet it looks like it wants to fly. The combination of brushed and polished surfaces is perfect. The watch remains predominantly toolish in appearance, but would not look out of place in formal attire. The dial is uncluttered and makes great use of space. Using a sandwich-style dial allows the indices to be extremely thin and remain highly legible. The handset is spot on. And in the Midnat colourway, specifically, I think the limited use of orange is inspired. Overall, the SØVÆRN is definitely a candidate for that elusive one-watch collection.

Pricing & Availability

Pre-orders for the NMI SØVÆRN will begin on Jun 6th at 4:30pm (Berlin Time, GMT+2). Special launch pricing is $449USD; retail will be $549USD. 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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