ÁIGI Satellite Ground Station II Brings Nordic Science and Horology Together

Back in the autumn we took a look at the top Scandinavian brands you should know about, exploring how Scandinavian design and horology intertwine. However, there’s one Norwegian brand who slipped through the net and are definitely worth a closer look, ÁIGI. They’re fascinated by Norway and the Arctic’s relationship with light and science, using it as inspiration for their timepieces. This concept is perfectly expressed in the new ÁIGI Satellite Ground Station II. Plus, who doesn’t love a bit of Nordic charm and this watch oozes with it right down to the brand’s name ÁIGI, which means ‘time’ in the language of the indigenous Sámi people of Scandinavian.

As the inclusion of II in the name suggests, this is the second Satellite Ground Station series they’ve produced following the popularity of the first. The new watches, of which there are four designs, build on and develop the core concepts of the original series. First let’s break down the other part of the watch’s name. A satellite ground station is the Earthbound counterpart to satellites in space, sending and receiving information and instructions to and from spacecraft. Norway’s positioning at the top of the world makes it a prime location for scientific research bases, as well as satellite and radar arrays.

Why is this relevant? Well, the dial of the ÁIGI Satellite Ground Station II is based these arrays. The black and blue dial editions have a tessellating pyramid pattern that’s inspired by radomes, the spherical structures made of the same pyramidic shapes that protect radar and satellite equipment. The gold and white models instead have a concave dial with radial engraved lines leading to each of the hour markers, a representation of the satellite dish itself. I actually prefer the subtler design of the satellite dish pair, perhaps because it reminds me a little of the Nivada Grenchen Antarctic Spider style dial design, which is another polar inspired timepiece though dedicated to the other end of the planet.

As for the case, it’s based on 1980s integrated bracelet design. Which means it has a wide, flat bezel with notches at the cardinal positions giving it a faintly industrial look. Rather than being an actual integrated bracelet design though, ÁIGI have recreated the same aesthetic using traditional lugs that are angular with brushed surfaces. It makes it more versatile than an actual integrated watch as you can change the straps depending on the occasion. The case itself is well-proportioned at 39mm diameter and 10.2mm thickness, nice measurements for a sports watch. It also has 100m water resistance and a chemically hardened surface so it should be well-suited to everyday adventures.

Beneath the dial of the ÁIGI Satellite Ground Station II is the Miyota 9039 premium automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve. It’s a well-respected movement used by a huge number of brands for good reason, its -10/+30 seconds per day accuracy and perfectly reasonable power reserve are great value considering the price point it’s typically available at. Speaking of price, the blue, black and white editions are all $479 (approx. £390) and the gold version, which has a gold-plated dial, is $499 (approx. £400).

All four colours are also limited editions of 500 pieces, making them fairly exclusive but not restrictive. Between the sporty cases, dials inspired by cutting-edge scientific technology and great value, there’s a lot to fall in love with here.

More details at ÁIGI.

​Oracle Time 

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