Two years ago, when Fratello first partnered with the relatively unknown Straum, few could have predicted the impact their Jan Mayen collaboration would have on the microbrand landscape.
The original brushed stainless steel field watch, with its striking volcanic red dial that resembled Nordic lava flow, quickly became a cult classic that established Straum’s reputation for exceptional textured dials. Now, the partnership has reignited with the Jan Mayen Titanium Edition, proving that sometimes the best collaborations deserve an encore.
Volcanic Revival
The heart of this renewed collaboration remains that mesmerizing dial—a black and Fratello red volcanic surface that continues to captivate with its organic, molten appearance. While purists might have hoped for an evolution of the concept, there’s undeniable wisdom in preserving what made the original so compelling.
The dial’s textured complexity creates depth and movement that changes dramatically with lighting conditions, transforming from subtle earth tones to fiery brilliance depending on the angle. For those who missed the original release, this titanium edition offers a second chance at one of the most distinctive dial designs in recent memory.
The 39mm case proportions remain unchanged, maintaining the comfortable wearability that made the original so appealing. However, the transition from brushed stainless steel to lightweight Grade 5 titanium represents more than just a material upgrade—it’s a complete aesthetic transformation.
The titanium’s signature dark grey coloring creates enhanced contrast against the red dial, making the volcanic textures appear even more dramatic and three-dimensional. This isn’t merely a luxury upgrade; it’s a thoughtful design decision that elevates the entire visual composition.
From Field Watch to Sport-Ready Timepiece
The most significant transformation lies in the strap change from steel bracelet to black FKM rubber. This seemingly simple swap fundamentally alters the watch’s character, transforming it from a refined field watch into something genuinely sporty and adventure-ready. The supple rubber strap not only provides superior comfort but also creates additional visual contrast that makes the volcanic dial the undisputed star of the show.
This rubber strap integration represents a masterclass in how material choices can completely redefine a timepiece’s personality. The watch now feels more dynamic on the wrist, with the rubber’s flexibility and lightness perfectly complementing the titanium case’s reduced weight. Combined with the 100-meter water resistance, the Jan Mayen Titanium Edition becomes a versatile companion for both urban adventures and outdoor pursuits.
Powering this evolution is the La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement, a significant step above the typical Miyota calibers found in most microbrand offerings. With its robust 70-hour power reserve, this Swiss movement ensures the watch maintains accuracy through long weekends and provides the reliability expected from a premium timepiece. The movement’s 28,800 vph frequency delivers smooth seconds hand motion that complements the dial’s organic textures.
At £1,590, the Jan Mayen Titanium Edition positions itself as a premium microbrand offering that justifies its price through material quality and movement selection. However, exclusivity comes with urgency—pre-orders are limited to one week only, from June 26th at 6:00 PM CEST until July 3rd at 6:00 PM CEST.
The Straum x Fratello Jan Mayen Titanium Edition doesn’t reinvent the collaboration wheel, but it demonstrates how thoughtful refinements can enhance an already successful formula. In an era of increasingly experimental collaborations, there’s something refreshing about returning to a proven concept and executing it with elevated materials and improved functionality. This titanium edition proves that sometimes the best innovations come from perfecting what already works rather than chasing novelty for its own sake.
