Minimalism. The definition of minimalism is defined as “a style or technique (as in music, literature, or design) that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity” but that is just a normal dictionary definition. For me minimalism is best defined by Socrates.

“The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.”

Living a minimalistic life is slowing becoming a choice of lifestyle with various online news agency providing various ways to help declutter our lives, especially ours homes. But what about our watches? What about reducing the number of dials, the amount of numbers popping everywhere and just go for a simple yet gorgeous looking watch?

I love watches and as you know I have had the privilege with New Labels Only to review various watches from various part of the world. This time I am going to Sweden and I am going to review a watch which I believe, is the best minimalistic unisex watch I have ever worn!

Who are Cate & Nelson?

Cate Högdahl and Nelson Ruiz-Acal are the founders and designers of Cate & Nelson Watches. The couple met at university while studying Industrial Design in Madrid. After studying and seeing how compatible they were in both life and creativity, they bought a small house in Sweden and renovated it during the winter. From then on, they set up Cate & Nelson Design Studio, a highly successful international design studio, working on various creative projects including furniture, lighting, product, interior and other creative projects.

With offices in Sweden, Spain and UK, Cate and Nelson products are above expectation and are highly sought after.

In their latest venture, Cate & Nelson created Cate & Nelson watches. The watch design was inspired by the iconic clock in the Stockholm metro system. They wanted the watch to reflect the sobriety and honesty of Scandinavian design. They  removed the numbers from the dial and placed markings for time instead, giving the watches a cleaner and minimalistic look and feel.

The Scandinavia Touch of No 162

“Our watches are created to be worn by people who love craftsmanship and design, and for whom ease of use is a requirement.”

Cate & Nelson

I was lucky enough to get to choose watch to review and I chose the 40mm No 162.

From the packaging to the watch itself, the simplicity and craftsmanship can be clearly seen. The watch came in simple light blue rectangular box with a simple Cate & Nelson logo printed. Inside the box, there was not any unnecessary plastic packing and a just simple black inner case to hold the watch in place.

When you look at the watch, your eyes will straight away be drawn towards the deep black dial and its complementing red and golden second and hour hands. With a simple and neat Cate & Nelson Logo in white at the top, this makes the watch really desirable and sleek.

The watch is very lightweight even with its stainless steel casing. The strap feature a silk smooth organic leather strap from Tärnsjö Garveri  Sweden. Tärnsjö Garveri, also known as the House of Leather, is where some of the world’s finest leather products are made.When I first wore the watch, the strap was really something else. It was so smooth and delicate on my wrist and was barely noticeable.

From the pictures above, you can probably see something quite uncommon with the watch. The crown is placed near at the 5 hour hand rather than the traditional 3 hour hand. It is very unique and also to give the watch more character and functionality. The size of the watch was well placed on my wrist and the crown did not restrict my wrist from moving.

The watch has a Swiss made movement by Ronda, Caliber 763.  For those who do not know what Ronda Caliber 763  is, like myself,  Ronda is a Swiss manufacturer of quartz and mechanical watch movement. The Caliber 763, is part of the Ronda manufacturing range which gives the watch the highest precision and longest life span.

The back casing of the watch is also well done following its minimalistic look. The logo and the model number are both engraved on the case and the high quality of the work is noticeable.

Is it perfect?

There is one thing I personally believe Cate & Nelson can improve on. I would personally add removable straps. This is because it just allows you to try different looks with the same watch without having to buy another watch.

Given the fact Cate & Nelson just launched in April  2017, I’m pretty sure this feature will definitely be added later on.

If you are not a fan of the No 162, there are other two other watches to choose from and a different size case too.

I really hope you enjoyed reading this post and I would like to thank Cate & Nelson for providing me this simple, gorgeous and unique watch with a touch of Scandinavia.

I would love to know what you think about about the Cate & Nelson No 162 watch! Do let me know in the comment below!

Do watch the unboxing of the No 162:

Do visit http://catenelsonwatches.com/collection to shop the collection and also to find how much it cost. It will definitely surprise you!

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