There are some people who just nail Instagram. Bjoern, also known as @Loevhagen, is one of those people. More specifically, he’s one of the masters of the wristshot, recognised widely for his creative photography. Hailing from southern Norway – and not keen to divulge much more than that – he has an impressive watch collection filled with new and vintage Rolex and Tudor.
NAME: Bjoern
OCCUPATION: International man of mystery
HANDLE: @Loevhagen
FOLLOWERS: 73.3k
LOCATION: Norway
T+T: A glance at your feed might make people think you only wear Rolex. Is that the case?
For the past three years, I’ve virtually only worn Rolex but when I started this instagram feed as a hobby, I had no plans of even getting one. I had two Orients, and after that I explored a couple of Steinharts – but then I bought a Rolex Polar 216570 and loved it. I got a 16750 Pepsi next and the BLNR new, and suddenly, I owned 10 Rolexes.
T+T: What is it you like about the brand?
I can understand the fascination some people have for annual calendars and other complications, but I like my watches robust, simple and functional by design. I just need the time and a date complication. There’s something about the design of the Submariner, in particular, that works. My most recent buy is a 16610LV and this has the key design elements I really like; classic watch case, maxi dial and hand and the aluminium insert provides a splash of colour. I bought this from a colleague.
T+T: And you seem most taken by the 5-digit models, right?
Vintage watches (e.g. the 1680 Red Sub) are cool, but in my view the modern 5-digit references are the perfect sweet spot between the vintage and modern bling watches from Rolex. I’ve gravitated towards those with Luminova and sapphire glass, since these are more functional and easier to maintain. There’s no hysteria if you need to replace a crown tube or dial. Having said that, I won’t deny that a yellow gold Submariner with a blue sunburst dial would be nice to own, so I’m currently contemplating selling my Red Sub to go for a 16618LB or a 116618LB.
T+T: Your shots are great. What camera do you use?
Natural light is more important than the camera. Many of the images in my Instagram feed are captured solely by my Samsung mobile during overcast daylight. Lately, however, I’ve also used a Panasonic GX8 camera along with a 10-35mm f2.8 lens. I shoot RAW, tune the image parameters in camera – and export a JPG to my mobile phone. I can’t recall the last time I used my computer in the workflow for IG images. The best ‘tools’ for wrist shots, are actually a white piece of paper used as a reflector, and the Snapped app on my mobile.
T+T: What’s your daily ride?
A BMW SUV with M-Sport styling, so it has a black interior and black ceiling that make it perfect for watch photography – the best studio is a car. If the car also has a sunroof, it’s perfect during daylight hours. The BMW is also fun to drive and the 6 cylinder engine provides enough power for commuting.
T+T: How do you unwind?
In between family life, hobbies and work, the best way to unwind for me is either just listening to music or, if weather permits, going for a really long walk along the sandy beaches of Jaeren here in Norway. If you Google images of ‘Borestranda’, you’ll understand why it’s perfect for relaxing.
