Skagen Denmark Ona Gold Open Bracelet Giveaway!

Momma Told Me: You're paying for the name, not the product.

Are you a label junkie? I wasn't raised to collect brands, but I certainly do know plenty who were taught to look at the tag before the price. One would naturally assume that a more expensive item would be of higher quality than a visually similar item of lesser retail value. Sadly, this is not the case. In fact, many 'designer' products (handbags, jewelry, fragrances) cost just as much to produce as those with obscure or generic names. I was even surprised to learn that larger labels and brands may even operate on a lower budget due to their name and status, making their profit margin even greater. I'm not telling you to throw out your Coach handbag for a Coache handbag, but the buyer should have the right to make an informed decision without the pressure of labels and status.

Personally, I find many designers that overcharge for the privilege of a name carry less variety and fewer fashions than those aimed towards the middle class masses. More variety means a product that better suits both my needs, and style. And, if I find a quality product at a reasonable price I'm much more inclined to return. Ironically, I often justify frivolous spending on a 2:1 scale. If I can have 2 handbags for slightly more than this one handbag, I'll take them both. Now I've spent more money than I would have on the 1, but I feel I've gotten a much better deal. I'm also much more loyal to companies that understand I still desire quality, fine, merchandise, despite the absence of a bank account in the Cayman Islands.

This is how Skagen Denmark came to be, back in 1989, when Henrik and Charlotte Jorst moved to the US with a vision of infusing their Danish lifestyle with a new business. Their core intent was to put together a timeless brand of fine crafted designer products that spanned many budgets. Essentially, they wanted to make beautiful things everyone could afford. Today the fusion of elegant designs and Danish precision provides the backbone for internationally recognized watches, jewelry, and more. Skagen Denmark offers a wide array of current fashions through enduring production that keeps the cost low for the consumer, and attracts business on a global scale.

While Skagen Denmark offers stunning jewelry, clocks, and sunglass fashions, I'd like to draw attention to their stunning steelwork watches and ladies wrist clocks. The name is easily recognizable among watch enthusiasts and boasts an array of strikingly sophisticated to delicately demure bands and faces. Sold nationwide at fine retailers such as Macy's, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale's, Skagen Denmark's largest and most complete selection is found online at www.skagen.com. Retail pricing for men's watches ranges from low $100s, to mid $300s, with several options on each tier. The average individual owns 2-3 watches, and considers a watch a practical purchase, more than an impulse decision. This is widely attributed to the cost of a quality watch.

Unless going the fashion route, consumers like to find a piece that will last through several years of daily use. And because a watch is something worn in business and public scenarios it's important to have a quality piece which reflects well upon the wearer. Odds are, when someone gives you a watch it's to make a statement and professes a certain depth towards that relationship, a good watch isn't cheap. I can recall when my husband's favorite watch band became mutilated at work. He was heartbroken, not only for the watch (which was indeed quite valuable), but for the sentimental value for the person who had given it to him. To me, the watch hadn't been that spectacular, certainly not for the price it would have cost to replace it. And, for years I've been looking here and there for a watch that could suitably take it's place for less than the $500 it had cost originally.

When I stumbled across Skagen Denmark the moniker was familiar for their fine, and affordable, jewelry. However, I somehow had never come to recognize them as a quality watch brand. Looking back now it's hard to see how I could miss such stunning, well crafted, watches within my price range. With pages of men's watch fashions at www.skagen.com, there were easily 20 styles I was sure my husband would love. Most importantly, I was confident their fine creftsmanship and materials could easily be mistaken for a much more costly purchase. I was delighted when the company agreed to send me a watch of my choosing for review here on Momma Told Me. There had been one style in particular that truly caught my eye; Skagen Denmark's Titanium Multifunction Gray Band 809XLT.

With it's Titanium case, stainless steel mesh band, and genuine carbon fiber dial this watch is both sexy and sophisticated. My initial reaction to seeing this watch in person was to run in and show it off to my hubby. It was a gift, so I waited patiently, knowing his reaction would be perhaps grander than mine. I have, however, shown off the piece to several relatives and friends- all agree it is a truly unique and one of a kind watch. The carbon face is corrugated, like a mechanical weave that reminds me of sports cars and GQ for men. The watch is extremely comfortable, and I know the Titanium and stainless steel will hold up well in working situations. My husband rarely knows the date or day, and the dual function was a big selling point for me- though the dial is a bit touchy when locking it in place to program. Bottom line, for $175, this quality Skagen Denmark watch will last for years and draw countless compliments. I think because of it's dark facing and band it's great for younger men, who ordinarily would shy away from designer watches for their flashy appearance.

The Skagen Spring 2011 Collection is truly stunning, with soft pastels, pearlescent accents and Swarovski details. I was sent their Rose Gold & White Stainless Steal Case timepiece for review during our Spring Fling event. In addition to being quite elegant in appearance, the two-hand Japanese movement and super hardened mineral crystal face ensure a quality piece that will last throughout the years. One of my favorite details, aside from the whimsically sparkly Swarovski Crystals, is the leather treatment for fax snake skin patterning. The light reflects wonderfully on the ridges to create an opalescent effect. This is a very light watch, with comfortably lined buttersoft band and precision movement! This soft Spring design is also available in pretty pastel pink, yellow, blue, and purple for a colorful wardrobe accent you're sure to love pairing.

What Daughter Says: Pay for quality, AND get the name, with Skagen Denmark!

One lucky Momma Told Me follower will win this Skagen Denmark Ona Gold Open Bracelet, an $85 value!

Mandatory Entry: You must be a Momma Told Me follower, then visit Skagen Denmark, and tell me what you like best!

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Giveaway begins May 30, 2011 at 9:01 PM PST and ends at 9:01 PM PST on June 1562011. Winner will be notified via email, and posted here. Entries valid within the US. Winner has 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be drawn. Prize will be transferred via sponsor. Full Contest Rules and Entry Requirements can be viewed here.

As required by the FTC: I received no monetary compensation for this post. I received a product sample for the purpose of my review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.