It’s been roughly 9 months since I bought my ‘grail-watch’, a Korona K1 from the Finnish watchmaker Sarpaneva. So enough experience to sit down and write about this watch that’s been almost constantly on my wrist for almost 9 months.
In May of last year it was finally time. The months before had been an intense period. Of course a decision like this was not made overnight, so long lists of potential watches had to be narrowed down. Or maybe the decision was not so difficult, it was just me having difficulty with spending so much money on a watch.
When my decision was final, the deal was made and a ticket to Helsinki was booked… there’s nothing like buying your watch from the watchmaker who made it… no who designed it! It’s his creation that somehow touched me in such way that I wanted this watch. Wanted it so bad that I sold quite a few other watches to raise the funds.
After nine months of almost continuous wearing my Sarpaneva Korona K1, all I can say is that it was my best decision ever (when it comes to watches). On watch forum PuristS Pro i posted an extensive review about my Korona K1 and how it’s made. I hope my review sheds some light on how special this watch is. Have fun reading the review…
And do let me know what you think of it!
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I just read your review, very interesting. Some of those pictures look like they may have been taken in Stepan’s workshop, is that the case? I guess you were able to have a look round during your visit? How long did you spend there?
Owning one of only 10 pieces is pretty special.
It is quite unlike any other watch I have seen very elegant, complex but not fussy, very nice indeed. I see you do not mention the price anywhere but I have found references to the price starting around $9000, is that correct? I would have expected it to be so much more than that, I wondered if this is a mistake?
You say this was your “Grail Watch”, so where do you go from here? Is there anything else you have seen in the past year that you think would surpass this for you?
Hi Jez,
Indeed, some photos are taken in Sarpaneva’s workshop. I picked up the watch in Helsinki myself, which was an experience never to forget! The price range you found is correct, however it’s best to mail Sarpaneva for the latest price.
And what to do after you own your grail-watch… this is indeed a very difficult thing. I did buy several cheaper watches and a MIH Watch afterwards and only the MIH Watch gets sufficient wrist time.
Now i’m looking for a nice rugged dive watch, i’m finding it very difficult to choose a watch. I don’t find it difficult to appreciate other watches, however only a few watches get real wrist time… this really changed after i bought the Sarpaneva Korona K1. It’s such a beautiful watch, the finish is so incredible and the watch stays interesting to look at with it’s many details.
Thats a really interestingtale, must have been great collecting your own watch from the designer like that. How long did you spend there?
Although expensive (beyond my price range) I think it represents quite good value for money considering the level of individuality, exclusivity, level of detail and quality present in your watch.
So will you also be looking at an independant manufacturer for your dive watch, or looking at some of the better known brands?
Do you actually plan to use it for diving, I read another post of yours, about your Tag Heuer I think where you said you wore a less expensive watch for diving (a good idea in my opinion).
@Jez… I spent a weekend in Helsinki, which was long enough for my liver
The dive watch i’m looking for does not have to be from an independent watchmaker. This is never a ‘must’, however always an option
Unfortunately there are almost no dive watches from independent watchmakers, i only know the Pita Oceana and Sarpaneva’s prototype K0. But a banged up Rolex Sea-Dweller, Submariner are good options. Or maybe one i regret selling, a Doxa 600T Sharkhunter. Who knows…
My old Heuer is just too rare and vulnerable.
The Doxa 600T is a nice watch, also the Rolex dive watches, but I have always like Omega dive watches. I know they are a bit \”over worn\” these days, but if I were to get a dive watch I would still go for Omega myself.
@Jez… i have had and sold several Seamasters. They never stayed longer than 6 months, however i never tried the Planet Ocean. Thanx for the tip.
The planet ocean is a very nice watch in my opinion. Out of interest, why did none of them last longer than 6 months? You are obviously not that taken with them?
@Jez… the Seamaster was a watch i dreamt of for a long time and when it was on my wrist it just did not do much to me. The Sarpaneva Korona on the other hand… i’m still loving that watch like the first time i strapped it on my wrist