Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Skagen Aktiv – True Danish Design

A tour de force of timekeeping—The Aktiv Collection, from Skagen, pays homage to the pride the Danish people take in their active lifestyle. Favored for its sleek urban style and durability, their casual timepieces are certain to score high marks among the fashion conscious and adventure enthusiasts.

Related Videos

For ease in body movement and to keep with a casual appeal, AKTIV features a stainless steel signature mesh or titanium link band– available in either grey or ion-plated black. The hue of the modest yet bold watch dial matches the band. To create a unique perception of depth on the dial, there are two levels with day and date functionality. The grey face features an orange inner dial and the black features a lighter grey. The integration of these timeless elements, combined with high-quality craftsmanship, express a lifestyle defined by the active man wearing it – modest yet bold, youthful yet mature, ever-evolving and full of energy.

Skagen’s most distinctive collections represent a passion for the Danish aesthetic, an emphasis on simplicity and a higher grade of craftsmanship. Combining sophisticated designs with functional masculine details, these timeless pieces are this season’s icons of stylish simplicity. Whether you’re a watch connoisseur or design enthusiast, our collections mix natural and modern elements to make them perfect for today, tomorrow and beyond.

“SKAGEN AKTIV are not ‘sports watches’ per se, but ones that cater to an active lifestyle, including an urban one. Danes are by nature very active and these pieces are elegant enough to wear to work but light (weight wise) enough to bike to work.” said Thomas Bennedsen, Sr. Creative Director, Skagen Denmark

The concept of Scandinavian design has been the subject of many scholarly debates, exhibitions and marketing agendas during the last 50 years. But many of the democratic design ideals that were the central theme of the movement survived and are reflected in contemporary Scandinavian and international design.  The Danish values – the simplicity of life, the Nordic light, clean water and fresh air.

The idea that beautiful and functional everyday objects, from watches to a chair, should not only be affordable to the wealthy, but to all, is a core theme in the development of modernism and functionalism. This is probably most completely realized in post-WWII Scandinavian design. The ideological background was the emergence of a particular Scandinavian form of social democracy in the 1950s, as well as the increased availability of new low-cost materials and methods for mass production. Scandinavian design often makes use of form-pressed wood, plastics, anodized or enameled aluminum, or pressed steel.

Editors' Recommendations

The 10 best men’s workout shirts to help you get fit in 2023

There are multiple things to consider when purchasing new workout apparel. You want to make sure you do your due diligence beforehand. When looking for the optimal workout shirt, functionality often takes precedence over style, for most men. After all, a minimalist cotton t-shirt is ideal, but it won't look (or smell) so great after an hour-long workout, especially if your working out, outdoors. That's why, in the past decade, some of our favorite activewear brands like Lululemon, Vuori, and Under Armour have developed breathable fabrics with moisture-wicking and odor-fighting technology that are now practically must-haves for any exercise gear, especially when it comes to making high-quality shirts.

That being said, not all workout tops are created equal. When it comes to finding the right workout fit, make sure it doesn't feel too tight or baggy around your underarms, your shoulders, or across your chest, i.e., the areas you exercise most. We sifted through some of the most popular brands to select the best workout shirts that are as practical as they are fashionable. Here are our top picks for the best men's workout shirts of 2023.

Read more
St. Patrick’s Day: What to wear (without looking like a leprechaun)
Look stylish while participating in St. Patrick's Day customs

Every holiday has its own traditions and customs. And St. Patrick's Day is no different. While it is customary for people to wear green to honor the patron saint of Ireland, one of the most significant customs is that you get pinched if you forget to wear emerald, forest, sage, or lime green. Here are a few ideas on subtly keeping your style intact while protecting against the invasion of pinches the day brings.

We've rounded up our favorite gear picks from our favorite brands for this green-centric holiday. You don't have to go over the top and throw on shamrocks left and right. Subtle retro sneakers, a handsome olive green crewneck, a classic green tie ... all of these picks will work more than acceptable for a day we love to celebrate (in style and responsibly, of course).

Read more
How to tie your shoes and make any pair in your closet slip-on shoes
YouTube videos with genius ways to tie your shoes so you never have to tie them again
man tying sneakers outside

It turns out that learning to tie your shoes in Kindergarten may not have been the win you and your parents thought it was. Men’s slip-on shoes are all the rage these days. Call them ugly all you want — they’re easy to slip on when you’re in a rush and cozy to boot.

Maybe you’re a resident sneakerhead, or perhaps you simply don’t feel like splurging on a pair of designer men’s slip-on shoes. You might simply not be able to get passed the “ugly shoe” label of Birkenstocks (or the more budget-friendly dupes). Still, the ease of slip-on shoes is a massive perk.

Read more