Wristy Business!
TVEITA, JANUARY 2023: We meet Markus, a somewhat secretive 32-year-old lieutenant serving with some of the best and brightest men and women Norway can offer. Along with Criss, he led the creation of their unit's new custom timepeace, the Radium Vardevokter.
MARKUS. WHAT'S AT STAKE FOR YOU PERSONALLY HERE?
Oh, nothing more than my credibility and all my personal influence in the military unit…
WHERE ARE YOU BASED? WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?
We have one main place in Norway, but the guys are spread all around Norway, Europe, and even across the Atlantic. Our goal is to serve decision makers with the best situational understanding possible in order to prevail in the modern battlespace.
SECRETIVE, ARE WE?
If we wanted the applause, we would have joined the f***ing circus (laughs).
OK. ANYWAY, WELCOME TO OUR NOT-SECRET FACILITY AT TVEITA, OSLO!
Thanks. This place is like a candy shop for people interested in proper watchmaking. The 100% manual manufacturing, proper adjustment and quality control is beyond what we have seen elsewhere.
HOW IS THE UNIT REACTING TO THE WATCH?
They are blown away. When I saw my finished Vardevokter, I was impressed by how clean yet complex it came out. The watch is truly unique. From sketches and samples I knew it would look great, but seeing it in person tripled that.
OBSERVING THE WATCH FROM A COUPLE OF METERS, I INSTANTLY RECOGNIZE A CLASSIC RADIUM. HOWEVER UP CLOSE, IT SEEMS TO CHANGE COLOR AND SUDDEN DETAILS APPEAR.
Indeed. It’s a simple yet complex design where nothing is left to chance. All the design features found on the Vardevokter are there for a reason. With some puzzle-solving the lucky owners can figure out the story behind the design.
This watch is something different but discrete, combined with real Norwegian quality and a different story than any similar projects we have seen before.
WHY RADIUM?
To us, Radium represents the soul of real Norwegian craftsmanship. The simple yet sophisticated design brings back memories to the fight for freedom during WW2.
HOW DID YOU EXPERIENCE THE COLLABORATION?
In our unit, the process is key to a relevant and reliable product. With this project, we had quality raw materials, a legendary designer, some guys with passion for detail and 6 months of time. It is a recipe that turned out quite nice.
Working with Sjur and Thomas was great. Sjur is the optimistic realist, the man who makes sure that all the ideas that Thomas and I have been throwing around end up as the coolest looking watch I have ever seen. They are two parts of a whole, service minded, progressive and eager to tackle a challenging customer like our unit.
The design process has been a blast from the first time we approached them, asking to partner up. From day one Radium was hungry for challenges, and they have proven to be a great manufacturer to partner with for challenging, personal and unique projects like the Vardevokter!
DESIGN CHIEF THOMAS WAS HAPPY ABOUT THE OUTCOME BUT SAD HE COULD NEVER WEAR ONE.
Well. Never say never. We are always in need of street smart foxes that know how to navigate a complicated operational environment. If Thomas really wants one, he can have one. He just has to pass a selection and basic training first…
OUCH! LASTLY, DO YOU HAVE A MESSAGE FOR THE CASUAL RADIUM OWNER?
We wanted a unique timekeeper that would last decades and contain a personal story. We got it. Radium watches provide a simple and timeless design made from quality materials by good guys with a touch of madness. Just what you want on your team the day push comes to shove.
GOOD TALK.
Yeah, oh and remember to warn Thomas about those physical tests (laughs).
(LAUGHS) I WILL INDEED.
I’m serious. They are like - - really hard.
GOT IT. STAY SAFE MARKUS.
Likewise.