Straum’s latest release, the Jan Mayen Titanium, deserves a closer look—not just for its striking design or upgraded materials, but because it represents the brand’s most mature and versatile piece to date. Lightweight, robust, and visually refined, it merges the spirit of Arctic exploration with everyday wearability.
A Young Brand with an Established Identity
Founded in Norway, Straum has carved out a unique space in the independent watch landscape by merging Scandinavian design principles with expressive craftsmanship. Their debut, the Opphav, stood out for its dial made from natural Norwegian wood, while the original Jan Mayen built on that success with a bolder, more utilitarian direction. With this new Titanium variant, Straum reaffirms its commitment to functional elegance, pushing the Jan Mayen into new territory both materially and stylistically.
While many young brands chase trends, Straum has remained consistent: design first, storytelling second, execution always sharp. The Jan Mayen line pays tribute to the remote volcanic island north of Norway—raw, wind-swept, and beautiful. This new edition feels like it truly belongs there.
A Technical Leap: New Material, New Possibilities
The core evolution lies in the grade 2 titanium case, measuring 38.7mm in diameter and only 11.5mm in thickness (9.7mm excluding the crystal), yet offering a robust 100 meters of water resistance. Titanium is a logical progression for a watch inspired by exploration—it’s stronger than steel yet significantly lighter, making it ideal for prolonged wear.
The sharp, faceted case design remains unchanged, preserving the Jan Mayen’s distinctive geometry. But it now features a matte blasted finish, giving it a subdued, stealthy character that feels at home in both urban and wild settings. This edition also introduces Straum’s first integrated rubber strap, molded to perfectly fit the lugs and enhance the watch’s tool-watch aesthetic without compromising comfort.
Inside beats the La Joux-Perret G101, a Swiss automatic calibre with a 68-hour power reserve and hacking seconds, here with no date position. While microbrands often settle for off-the-shelf movements, Straum opted for something more refined—a movement that aligns with the watch’s higher-end ambition.
Clean Lines and Cold Landscapes
Design-wise, the Jan Mayen Titanium is pure restraint. The sandblasted dial comes in five tones— Black Sand, Glacier White, Moss Green, Arctic Blue and a Red edition created in collaboration with Fratello Watches —each echoing the stark palette of Norway’s frozen north. The lume is applied generously yet discreetly, ensuring visibility without overwhelming the composition.
This watch is for those who appreciate design that whispers rather than shouts. It’s perfect for someone who wears a watch every day, but refuses to wear just any watch. The integrated silhouette and subdued textures make it especially appealing to collectors who value cohesion in design. The overall aesthetic is reminiscent of classic Gerald Genta lines, distilled through a distinctly Nordic lens.
Pricing, Availability, and Final Thoughts
Straum has priced the Jan Mayen Titanium at $1,930 USD exclusively on rubber strap – while we sure hope that a titanium bracelet will appear in a near future. It places this novelty at the upper end of the microbrand spectrum. But given the titanium construction, Swiss movement, and thoughtful execution, the value proposition is strong.
Orders are now open directly via Straum’s website, with deliveries expected to begin in February 2026, which is unusually long but somewhat justified. In our view, this is Straum’s most complete watch to date: versatile, comfortable, and deeply intentional. It balances form and function with impressive finesse—a titanium companion for wherever your daily expeditions take you. And really, isn’t that what a great watch should be?
