The new JS Watch Co. Islandus Chronograph collection was first announced by the Iceland-based brand only a couple of months ago. Surprisingly, it took the watchmaking specialist a very short time to start selling the timepiece. Featuring a deceptively simple, vintage-style design of its dial with all of its elements carefully thought over and executed with great attention to details, the new chronograph comes in a somewhat oversized stainless steel body, which is a little too big to my taste, but still looks great on a wrist of an average person.
The new device is named after an Icelandic philosopher and a vagabond Solon Islandus, a humble person, who proclaimed himself Iceland’s greatest man.
He was imprisoned at least three times by Danish colonial authorities for vagrancy but never gave up his way of life.
While Mr. Solon Islandus was a poor guy and had nothing besides his view of himself, the new timekeeper, which bears his name, is targeted at those enjoying much higher standards of living.
JS Watch Co. is a young brand, by any standards.
The company was established only five years ago and they still have to outsource the better part of the production cycle to third-parties located in Germany (cases) and Switzerland (movements.)
However, the final assembly is conducted in Reykjavik and, judging by users’ feedback on different forums, they rarely fail to deliver: the build quality is always good and the support is very, well, personal. Materials are also of the highest quality that is possible in the price range of €1000-€2000.
This particular model, for example, features a 44 mm case made of surgical grade German stainless steel 316L and is powered by the Swiss ETA Valjoux 7750 Execution Top chronograph movement with custom decoration.
As far as I understand, for around €70 you can even order your name engraved on the movement’s winding rotor.
The Islandus Chronograph is currently offered in four colors of the dial (Galvanic Black, Silver, Charcoal Gray and White Brilliant,) and is available with rhodium-plated, white or flame-blued hands.
It also has the day of week display either in Icelandic or in English. While the latter is more common and easier to understand, the former adds a certain national flavor to the timepiece, making it even more unique.
If the polished 44 mm x 14.5 mm stainless steel case doesn’t look too big for you, this gadget may be a good acquisition compared to more “conformist” brands from Switzerland that operate within the same price range.
See also: Tag Heuer Monaco Vintage Chronograph (Ref. CAW211B.FC6241)
Photos: JS Watch Co.
JS Watch Co. Islandus Chronograph specification
Movement: Caliber ETA Valjoux 7750, automatic, 25 jewels, 28,800 vph, Execution Top, Swiss Made
Functions: Hours, minutes, chronograph, date, day of week
Power reserve: 42 hours
Case: Stainless steel
Shape: Round
Size: 44.00 mm
Lug width: 22 mm
Case height: 14.50 mm
Dial: Galvanic Black, Silver, Charcoal Gray, and White Brilliant
Numerals: Roman
Hands: Rhodium plated, White or Flame-blued
Water resistance: 50 meters
Strap: Handmade Genuine Alligator or Ostrich with “Reykjavik” buckle or optional deployment clasp
Crystal: Sapphire, curved, anti-reflective
Back: Sapphire