By Brent Robillard
A Hands-On Look at the Atlantic Blue
There’s a familiar thread running through the work of Nordic Marine Instruments. Having spent time with both the SØVÆRN and the Østersøen, I’ve come to recognize a certain consistency in how the brand approaches form. The new LUNØR collection follows that same path. The case architecture feels immediately related—angular, aerodynamic, and defined by a mix of brushed surfaces and sharply executed polished chamfers. It’s a shape that carries a tool watch sensibility, even as the watch itself begins to move in a slightly different direction.
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Key Features of the Nordic Marine Instruments LUNØR
Familiar case, new direction
On paper, the dimensions are approachable: 39mm across, 48mm lug-to-lug, with 10 ATM of water resistance. In practice, those numbers land right where they should. On my 6¾-inch wrist, the LUNØR sits comfortably—balanced, with enough presence to feel substantial. The proportions are helped along by relatively compact lugs (despite their angular appearance) and a case profile that stays out of its own way.
The bracelet deserves a brief mention here. It’s fitted with a slim, on-the-fly micro-adjusting clasp that makes a real difference over the course of a day. Small shifts in fit are easy to manage without tools, and that’s something I’ve come to appreciate more and more in daily wear. For those who prefer a softer look, the Epsom leather strap offers a quick change thanks to the spring bar system, but I found myself returning to the bracelet for its practicality.
The Dial and Moonphase Execution
Where the LUNØR begins to distinguish itself is in the dial. The Atlantic Blue variant plays with light through a combination of sunburst and frosted finishes, while applied indices and a fine anglage around the moonphase aperture keep things crisp.
The complication itself is the focal point. Rather than a traditional single aperture, the LUNØR uses a double moonphase display. Between the two moons, a luminous aurora stretches across the disc—rendered in green Super-LumiNova C3. It’s an unusual execution, and one that shifts the watch away from strictly utilitarian territory. In low light, the effect is more than decorative; it changes how the watch reads entirely. The dial becomes an active surface rather than a static one, with the aurora filling the negative space typically left untouched in conventional moonphase designs.
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Legibility remains intact. The hands and indices are treated with blue Super-LumiNova BGW9, offering a clear contrast against the darker tones of the dial and the brighter green of the moonphase disc.
Movement and Daily Use
Inside, the watch is powered by the Miyota 9015—a familiar and dependable choice at this price point. It runs at 28,800 vph, offers approximately 42 hours of power reserve, and includes both hacking seconds and hand-winding. Here, it has been paired with a custom-modified moonphase driving wheel to accommodate the complication.
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TIn day-to-day use, the movement does exactly what it should. It’s not the focus of the watch, nor is it meant to be. Instead, it supports the broader design without calling attention to itself, which feels appropriate given the emphasis placed on the dial and overall aesthetic.
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Specs
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 39mm Diameter 48mm Lug to Lug 20mm Lug Width Screw Down Crown & Display Caseback 100m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Flat Sapphire Crystal Sector Style Dial Applied Markers Baton Handset C3 Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | Miyota 9015 /w Custom Moonphase Module 24 Jewels 28 800bph 42-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Stainless Steel Bracelet /w Microadjust and/or Epsom Leather Strap |
Nordic Marine Instruments LUNØR
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Final Thoughts & Pricing
The LUNØR collection represents a measured step for Nordic Marine Instruments. The brand hasn’t abandoned its established design language—far from it—but it has introduced a complication that shifts the tone of the watch. There’s still a clear throughline to the SØVÆRN and Østersøen in the case design and finishing, but the addition of the double moonphase brings a different kind of presence.
At $1,098 USD on the bracelet and $899 USD on the strap (or $899 USD during the preorder period for both bracelet and strap), the LUNØR sits in a competitive segment. What it offers is a distinct visual identity, anchored by a complication that feels thoughtfully executed.
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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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