I’ve long been a fan of what Swedish brand Sjöö Sandström has been producing, and their GMT Worldtimer has been one of the most worn (and well-travelled) watches in my personal collection. While their latest isn’t one that necessarily fits my usage of a watch, it’s worth noting that this is the first time they’re doing a mechanical chronograph in 40mm. So, it’s time to get familiar with the Sjöö Sandström Royal Steel Chronograph.
Sjöö Sandström Royal Steel Chronograph: what it is
Well, it’s a 40mm chronograph, of course! While you might think it’s simply enlarging their 35.5mm version, that’s not the case. This one goes for a mechanical movement (rather than quartz), and opts for a bi-compax layout, rather than triple subdials. By doing this, this allows them to walk that line between having a compact watch but still maintaining legibility on the dial. As you would expect from an automatic chronograph movement, the overall package is thick (just under 15mm) which might make it seem like a bit of a macaron when viewed in profile. But that’s that’s normal for chronographs at this size, and it’s likely going to not be as noticeable when it’s on the wrist.
In terms of complications, you’ve got the chronograph functionality (with a color-matched stripe on the upper pusher to remind you which one kicks off the chrono seconds) with a 30-minute register at 3 o’clock. This seems like a small measure, at first, but really – how long are you timing things for?
You’ve then got the running seconds at 9 o’clock, and the date display down at 6 o’clock. While chronographs tend to be sportier, the Sjöö Sandström Royal Steel Chronograph keeps things a bit dressier, with polished applied indices and polished hands. You do have a bit of lume on the tips of the hands, so you can read it in the dark.
Wrapping things up
The Sjöö Sandström Royal Steel Chronograph is available in 3 dial colors – white (in the classic panda), black, or blue. You can also opt for it on a new 7-link bracelet (which should be quite flexible and comfortable), or their familiar rubber strap. On the strap, it’s 42 240 SEK (~$4,400), while the bracelet takes it up to 44 160 SEK (~$4,600). Check it out, and order your own, directly at sjoosandstrom.com
Sjöö Sandström Royal Steel Chronograph Tech Specs
- Case size: 40mm
- Case material: Stainless Steel
- Bezel: Stainless Steel
- Dial/hands: Dial with white super luminova index marks and skeleton hands with super luminova.
- Water resistant: 10 ATM (100m).
- Between lug: 20mm
- Thickness: 14,95mm
- Lug to lug: 48,8 mm
- Crystal / Glass: Scratch resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.
- Caseback: Scratch resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.
- Movement: Automatic movement (Swiss Made).
- Caliber: SS G17.
- Power reserve: 60h
