The Nordic Marine Instruments Østersøen is a Danish-inspired diver
Time+TideThere is no shortage of options for dive watches coming from the micro/independent market, so a brand launching a new model on Kickstarter must be offering something unique to be noteworthy of our attention. A novel design, outstanding specs, or top-notch finishing – or all three, combined and neatly wrapped in a package that comes with a reasonable price tag. The Nordic Marine Instruments Østersøen is looking to meet as exceed as many of those criteria as possible, currently available on pre-order on Kickstarter. Nordic Marine Instrument is the brainchild of two veterans of the horological industry – Mick Jørgensen, who founded WatchBandit in 2014, and Travis Tan, who founded RZE in 2020. Helping lend a trained eye is architect-turned-creative director Christopher Waluga. Anchored in Denmark’s natural world and visual heritage, Nordic Marine Instruments was created with the sole mission of offering robust, versatile, and elegant tool watches for comparatively reasonable prices. The brand tested the waters in 2022 with a multi-use dive watch that showcased the promising potential of the triumvirate at the helm, and this year, the team is coming back with an updated version of their perfect dive watch.
The Østersøen comes in four dial colors which take cues from Mick’s native Denmark, each with a unique personality, consisting of the pastel blue Himmelblå, navy Havblå, dark green Havgrøn and glacier white Arctic Hvid. Each option comes with a laser-engraved horizontal wave pattern which creates visual dynamism. The latter effect is reinforced by the three-dimensionality of the discreet and recessed minute track, as well as the large, applied hour markers which are combined with equally imposing hands and an applied logo below the 12 o’clock. At first glance, the Østersøen looks classic and elegant, and upon closer inspection, we notice all of the aforementioned elements which endow this model with a high potential for versatility.
Being a diver, the Østersøen must be legible, and Nordic Marine Instruments succeeded in that area. The polished, multifaceted hour markers are large and therefore visible, which also means they can accommodate for generous applications of BGW9 SuperLuminova. The large and triangular hour and minute hands also come with polished accents on the sides, and brushed ones on the top which help with legibility. They also are large enough to welcome generous segments of BGW9 for ultimate night-time legibility. A lumed pip can be found on the brushed stainless steel bezel so that one can track elapsed time during a night dive, and it should be mentioned that the seconds hand also is lumed, sporting a red tip and a counterbalance in the shape of an anchor.
The case of the Østersøen presents a modern profile with elongated lugs whose ends are slab-sided and polished. A thin brushed mid-case creates visual dynamism and makes the Østersøen look sporty, while the mirror-polished chamfers (called MØRK in Danish) add a layer of elegance. Speaking of the case, it measures 40mm in diameter, 48mm lug-to-lug, 11.90mm thick, and has a 20mm lug width. Thanks to a signed screw-down crown and caseback, the Østersøen boasts 200 meters of water resistance. The three-link bracelet with on-the-fly micro-adjustment clasp completes the package and its design echoes that of the case and dial.
Lastly, the Østersøen is powered by a premium Miyota 90S5 caliber which beats at 28,800vph and comes with 42 hours of power reserve. Although Nordic Marine Instruments does not regulate the movements, the 90S5 is known for running like a champ fresh out of the box and for being reliable over many years of usage.
Nordic Marine Instruments Østersøen price and availability
The Østersøen is currently available for pre-order via a Kickstarter campaign with a super early bird price of US$399 limited to 100 units per dial colour, and a full retail price of US$549. The Kickstarter campaign runs through September 6, 2023 and shipping is slated for January/February 2024.
| Brand | Nordic Marine Instruments |
| Model | Østersøen |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 11.9mm (T) x 48mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 200 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | White, pastel blue, navy blue, dark green |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Strap | Three-link steel bracelet, folding buckle with toolless micro-adjust |
| Movement | Miyota 90S5, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 42 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | For pre-orders |
| Price | US$399 (super early bird), US$549 (retail) |