Straum's landscape-inspired Jan Mayen Arctic Dials

by Brent Robillard

Arctic influence

Co-founder of Straum, Lasse Roxrud Farstad, and I have been speaking over social media and email since 2021 shortly after the brand was launched. The world of horology is ultimately a small one. Rarely do you require the full six degrees of separation to realize just how close you really are. And yet, somehow, over all this time and travel, I have failed to get my hands on one of his watches. Like two ships in the night, we have often passed but ultimately failed to connect. The shame is mine. But no more. This week I received one of the brand’s new Jan Mayen Arctic Models in Tundra Brown–a thoughtful blend of rugged inspiration and refined execution.

Designed in Norway and produced in Switzerland, it carries the weight of its Arctic influences without becoming overly thematic. Instead, it presents itself as a capable and well-considered timepiece with a design that speaks to those who appreciate aesthetics and engineering. And all I can think is, “Where have you been all my life?”

Straum Jan Mayen Arctic Watch Review — ^{Straum Jan Mayen Arctic in Tundra Brown @calibre321}

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The brand

Straum Watches is a Norwegian watch brand founded in early 2021 by the aforementioned industrial designer Lasse Roxrud Farstad and Øystein Helle Husby. Based in Oslo, Norway, the duo spent approximately five years developing the brand while balancing family and professional commitments.

Neither Lasse nor Øystein were avid watch collectors prior to establishing Straum. Their interest in timepieces stemmed more from a functional perspective, viewing watches as practical tools. This pragmatic approach, combined with their design expertise, led them to create watches that emphasize both utility and aesthetics.

Straum’s debut model, the Opphav, showcases the brand’s commitment to design and quality. The Opphav features a distinctive floating dial available in various colours, each inspired by Norwegian landscapes. The watch’s unique design elements have been well-received, marking a strong entry into the watchmaking scene.

Following the Opphav, Straum released the Rastarkalv, a limited-edition timepiece distinguished by its dial made from fossilized wood sourced from a 3,300-year-old tree in Rastarkalv, Norway. This model reflects the brand’s dedication to integrating natural elements and storytelling into their designs.

More recently, Straum introduced the Jan Mayen series, including models like the Basalt Limited Editions. These watches draw inspiration from the rugged terrains of Jan Mayen island, incorporating materials such as basalt rock into the dials. These new Jan Mayen Arctic dials exemplify Straum’s ongoing exploration of Norway’s natural beauty through watch design.

Key Features of the Straum Jan Mayen Arctic in Tundra Brown

The dial

The dial is the immediate draw. Its vertically textured surface recalls the weathered rock faces of Svalbard, where iron-rich sandstone and shale evolve in colour and texture over time. The interplay of light across its ridges creates a dynamic effect that keeps the watch engaging at every angle. It’s not just a brown dial—it’s an interpretation of a landscape, executed with restraint and depth.

(It should also be noted here, that the watch we have for review is a prototype and Lasse–ever the perfectionist–will be refining the indices in the production models.)

The case

Encasing this textured dial is a 38.7mm stainless steel case with a sunburst bezel that catches the light just enough to frame the dial without distraction. The case’s other dimensions—45.7mm lug-to-lug and 11.5mm in height (including the crystal)—strike a balance between presence and wearability. The double-domed sapphire crystal ensures durability while maintaining clarity, and the grippy screw-down crown reinforces the 100-meter water resistance rating.

The bracelet

Straum’s approach to the bracelet is particularly thoughtful. Designed to withstand Arctic conditions, it features a custom-engineered structure made from 316L stainless steel. The seamless, integrated design tapers from 24.8mm at the case to 18mm at the clasp, which contributes to both comfort and aesthetics. The push-button butterfly clasp integrates cleanly into the design, while two 130% links provide additional flexibility for a tailored initial fit.

The movement

Inside the watch, the LJP G101 movement from La Joux-Perret ensures a reliable performance with a 68-hour power reserve. Graded Soigné and adjusted to four positions, it’s a movement that leans into precision without unnecessary embellishment. The sapphire exhibition caseback provides a view of the engraved rotor, adding a quiet nod to the craftsmanship beneath the surface.

The Straum Capsule

Each Jan Mayen comes with the Straum Capsule—a protective case machined from a single block of aluminum and finished with a HA1 Hard Anodization process. It’s a fitting inclusion, reinforcing the brand’s emphasis on durability and adventure-ready functionality.

Specs

Case	3316L Stainless Steel 38.7mm Diameter 45.7mm Lug to Lug 24.8mm “Lug Width” 11.5mm Thick Screw Down Display Case Back & Crown 100m Water Resistance
Dial & Crystal	Double-domed Sapphire Crystal /w AR Textured Dial Applied Indices Sword Hands Grade A Super-LumiNova
Movement	LJP G101 24 Jewels 28 800vph 68-Hour Power Reserve
Strap	Tapered Integrated Bracelet /w Deployant Clasp

Straum Jan Mayen Arctic Dial

Final Thoughts

The Jan Mayen Tundra Brown doesn’t feel like a watch designed to fit into a single category. It carries the visual intrigue of a textured dial, the robustness of a well-built case, and the comfort of a considered bracelet. Whether it’s worn in the city or taken on a more ambitious journey, it presents itself as a capable companion with a distinct identity.

I should mention that there are three other dial colours available in this new collection and that there is not a bad choice among them; however, the Tundra Brown had me at hello.

Pricing & Availability

The Straum Jan Mayen Arctic Dial retails for $1700 USD. Preordering closes next week on April1st with delivery expected in July. For more info, 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.

Off The Cuff articles are full-length, hands-on reviews of the watch in question and represent the opinion of the author only. All photos are original, unless specified otherwise. If you would like to have your watch reviewed on this site, contact us here.