Straum has launched the Expedition, a compact titanium watch that marks a new direction for the Norwegian brand. Moving beyond watches "Inspired By" nature, the Expedition is the first model in their "Built For" pillar, focusing on practical performance and durability in the Norwegian wilderness.
A lightweight titanium case
The Straum Expedition is engineered with specific outdoor demands in mind. The case is crafted from hardened Grade 5 titanium, chosen for its strength and light weight. The design features a 38.2mm bezel diameter, an 11mm thickness (10.3mm excluding the crystal), and a lug-to-lug measurement of 45.7mm. This compact size aims for comfort and wearability during activities.
A redesigned case architecture includes broader case flanks to help deflect impacts away from the crystal, and a stepped bezel that reduces the surface area of the highest plane of the case. The screw-down crown is notably enlarged, intended for easier operation when wearing gloves or in cold conditions. A Fluor Orange indicator beneath the crown becomes visible if it is left unscrewed, providing a visual cue for security. Straum rates the watch to 10 ATM of water resistance; owners should follow the brand's use and servicing guidance rather than treating the rating as an activity guarantee.
Clarity and Visibility
Legibility is a core principle of the Expedition's dial design. Large Arabic numerals are positioned at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, anchoring the display. The date window at 6 o'clock is printed in high-contrast Fluor Orange, matching the Expedition signature above it and the tip of the seconds hand. Generous applications of BGW9 Grade A Super-LumiNova are used across the dial and hands to ensure visibility in low-light conditions. The minute hand is segmented for quick orientation, and a luminous circle on the seconds hand confirms movement operation in darkness. All models feature black chapter rings with white minute markings.
The La Joux-Perret G100 Movement
Powering the Expedition is the Swiss-made La Joux-Perret LJP G100 automatic movement. This caliber provides time and date functions, operates with 24 jewels, and offers a 68-hour power reserve. Each movement is regulated in-house by Straum. The movement is protected by a closed, screw-down caseback, which features an etched illustration of a lone hiker on a Norwegian cliff under a star-filled sky, illuminated by the Straum "S" logo.
Integrated Strap System and Titanium Bracelet
The Expedition comes standard with a black FKM rubber strap, which is designed with a custom curved flared tip for wrist comfort and a raised profile for ventilation. The strap tapers from a 24.8mm lug width to 18mm at the buckle. Straum's integrated quick-release coupling system, machined from Grade 5 titanium, allows for tool-free strap changes. A matching Grade 5 titanium bracelet is also available as an upgrade. This bracelet is CNC machined with high tolerances, featuring chamfered and polished inside edges for comfort, and a bead-blasted finish with polished accents. It includes an integrated micro-adjust clasp, offering 4mm of adjustment across three positions.
Straum Expedition White Lume
The White Lume variant uses a fully luminous foil dial. The dial is contrasted with black PVD hour indexes and matte black PVD-coated minute and hour hands, all generously filled with BGW9 Grade A Super-LumiNova. This configuration offers a distinct appearance, with the entire dial glowing after dark.
Straum Expedition Titanium Gray
The Titanium Gray model presents a dial made from pure, bead-blasted titanium, allowing its surface to interact with ambient light. White casted BGW9 Grade A lume indices and numerals stand out against this subtle background. The hands are diamond-cut, matte black PVD coated, and filled with lume, providing clear contrast against the gray dial. This version is designed for an understated aesthetic that remains highly functional.
Straum Expedition Midnight Blue (Limited Edition)
The Midnight Blue Launch Edition is limited to 200 pieces worldwide. Its dial is lacquered in a deep midnight blue, which can appear almost black until light catches its subtle hue. Similar to the Titanium Gray, it uses solid white casted BGW9 Grade A lume for its indices and numerals. The hour and minute hands are nickel-plated for contrast, while the seconds hand is black PVD-coated with a Fluor Orange tip. This limited edition offers a refined yet robust option.
Pricing and Availability
The Straum Expedition models are available for pre-order, with deliveries scheduled to begin in March 2027. Each model is priced at $2,750 when fitted with the FKM rubber strap. Opting for the matching Grade 5 titanium bracelet brings the price to $3,100.
Written by the Man of the Hour Editorial Team.