TRIWA Watches Review: The Disruptive Swedish Brand

TRIWA is one of the most notable modern watch brands that have marked a permanent spot in the hearts of watch lovers. This Swedish watch brand aims to disrupt the traditional watch market and break off the shackles of cookie-cutter design philosophies.

And, only within fourteen years, TRIWA has become a well-known name all over the world.

As it’s a new brand, you might feel skeptical – don’t worry, it’s only normal!

So, today we’re going to dive deep and learn everything in this TRIWA watches review. I’m certain that it would help you make a better purchase decision.

Shall we begin then?

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS  rating price
Best OverallCROTON Aquamatic Men's CA301282BKBK Quartz Watch TRIWA Ocean Plastic Octopus
  • Build Material (Case): Recycled Ocean Plastic
  • Watch Movement: Quartz (Citizen Miyota 2035)
  • Water Resistance: 100 Meters (10 ATM)
10
CROTON Aquamatic Men's CA301282BKBK Quartz Watch TRIWA Humanium 39 Recycled Green
  • Build Material (Case): Metal from Destructed Illegal Firearms
  • Watch Movement: Quartz (Citizen Miyota 1S13-3H)
  • Water Resistance: 50 Meters (5 ATM)
10
CROTON Aquamatic Men's CA301282BKBK Quartz Watch TRIWA Ivory Nikki
  • Build Material (Case): Stainless Steel
  • Watch Movement: Quartz (Seiko Time Module VD32)
  • Water Resistance: 50 Meters (5 ATM)
10
CROTON Aquamatic Men's CA301282BKBK Quartz Watch TRIWA Smoky Nevil
  • Build Material (Case): Stainless Steel
  • Watch Movement: Quartz (Citizen Miyota OS21)
  • Water Resistance: 100 Meters (10 ATM)
10
CROTON Aquamatic Men's CA301282BKBK Quartz Watch TRIWA Ivory Falken Steel Mesh
  • Build Material (Case): Stainless Steel
  • Watch Movement: Quartz (Citizen Miyota 1L45)
  • Water Resistance: 50 Meters (5 ATM)
9.5
CROTON Aquamatic Men's CA301282BKBK Quartz Watch TRIWA Birch Falken – Tan Classic
  • Build Material (Case): Stainless Steel
  • Watch Movement: Quartz (Citizen Miyota 1L45)
  • Water Resistance: 50 Meters (5 ATM)
9.5
CROTON Aquamatic Men's CA301282BKBK Quartz Watch TRIWA Comb-Over Mustard
  • Build Material (Case): Stainless Steel
  • Watch Movement: Quartz (Citizen Miyota GL00)
  • Water Resistance: 50 Meters (5 ATM)
9

7 Best TRIWA Watches of 2021

TRIWA Ocean Plastic Octopus – Best Overall

TRIWA Ocean Plastic Octopus

TRIWA Ocean Plastic Octopus is an iconic watch – not because of the features, but for the cause that it stands for!

We all know about ‘our shameful’ acts of polluting the ocean and mother nature. As we progress with industrial development prowess, we end up producing piles of trash. Sadly, we just throw away all those trash in the ocean!

Many organizations and NGOs have adopted different measures to reduce the amount of waste thrown into the oceans. Yet, we hardly see any business company, especially manufacturers doing anything significant.

Enter, TRIWA!

TRIWA only uses recycled materials coming from the ocean to produce these watches. The entire watch is made of recycled plastic – including the internal parts (expect the movement). Even the Zulu strap is made of recycled nylon.

For the choice of movement, TRIWA has opted for Citizen Miyota 2035 – a decent quartz movement. However, it doesn’t bring anything fancy to the table!

Still, I liked the design of the dial as it resembles the waves in the ocean.

This watch all about making a stand against environmental pollution. Thus, making this watch fashionable and trendy as well.   

Product Specifications – TRIWA Ocean Plastic Octopus

  • Movement: Japanese Quartz
  • Caliber Number: Citizen Miyota 2035
  • Case Diameter:37mm
  • Case Thickness: 10mm
  • Band Width: 19mm
  • Case Material: Plastic (Recycled)
  • Band Material: Nylon (Recycled)
  • Water-Resistance: 10 ATM
  • Clasp Type: Tang and Buckle
  • Crystal: Domed Scratch Resistance Mineral

Pros

  • Completely made from recycled materials.
  • Fashionable and rebellious
  • Lightweight
  • Impressive water resistance
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Has durability issues due to the plastic build
  • Lacks features

TRIWA Humanium 39 Recycled Green – For a Nobler Cause!

TRIWA Humanium 39 Recycled Green

For years we have been struggling against gun violence around the world. Too many lives have been put to silence due to our hatred and personal agendas.

It’s time we stand against gun violence!

Now, wouldn’t it be interesting if you could be a part of the revolution against gun violence with your wristwatch?

TRIWA Humanium 39 Recycled Green offers you that exact opportunity! This magnificent watch is made from destructed illegal firearms.

TRIWA partnered with IM – a Swedish development partner, to manufacture these watches. IM collects illegal firearms from around the world and destroys them to collect metals. They label these metals as the Humanium Metal!

As you can guess, TRIWA Humanium 39 Recycled Green is made of that Humanium Metal. Also, 15% of sales revenue is offered to IM to honor their noble cause against gun violence.

Just like case, TRIWA uses recycled plastic to manufacture the canvas strap for this watch.

So, don’t you want to join the fight against firearms?

TRIWA Humanium 39 Recycled Green is a fantastic looking watch that looks trendy and bold. The brushed finish on the case and the dial look sophisticated and clean.

The use of Miyota 1S13-3H makes this watch to be a perfect daily driver. One thing is for sure – this watch will help create a peace-loving persona for yourself.

Product Specifications – TRIWA Humanium 39 Recycled Green

  • Movement: Quartz
  • Caliber Number: Citizen Miyota 1S13-3H
  • Case Diameter: 39mm
  • Case Thickness: 11mm
  • Band Width: 20mm
  • Case Material: Humanium Metal (Destructed Illegal Firearms)
  • Band Material: Canvas (Recycled Plastic)
  • Water-Resistance: 5 ATM
  • Clasp Type: Tang and Buckle
  • Crystal: Scratch Resistance Mineral

Pros

  • Completely made from recycled materials and illegal firearms.
  • Fashionable and humane
  • Date display
  • Serves a great cause

Cons

  • Has water-resistance issues
  • Expensive compared to the features that it offers

TRIWA Ivory Nikki – Best Ladies’ Watch

TRIWA Ivory Nikki

TRIWA has a wide variety of watches for the ladies. And, TRIWA Ivory Nikki had been their best seller in that department.

This watch is all about minimalism and stunning build quality. Of course, the first thing that you’d notice about the watch is finishing quality. On the exterior, Ivory Nikki seems near flawless.

The pale-gold case has a mirror polish that is accompanied by a mesh stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet contrasts the mirror polish with a slightly brushed finish. Such a sophisticated finish makes the watch more like jewelry.

But, don’t think that TRIWA didn’t add functional features to the watch.

TRIWA uses the Time Module VD32 caliber that comes from Seiko. The movement is a dual-time movement that allows the users to keep track of the time of two time zones. As for the battery, you can use any SR920SW battery. These batteries have a very good reputation and last for about three years.

Overall, Ivory Nikki is a great balance between design and performance – a very rare combination, especially for a ladies’ watch.

Product Specifications – TRIWA Ivory Nikki

  • Movement: Quartz
  • Caliber Number: Seiko Time Module VD32
  • Case Diameter: 36mm
  • Case Thickness: 9.3mm
  • Band Width: 16mm
  • Case Material: Stainless Steel (Gold-Colored)
  • Band Material: Meshed Stainless Steel (Gold Finish)
  • Water-Resistance: 5 ATM
  • Clasp Type: Butterfly
  • Crystal: Scratch Resistance Mineral

Pros

  • The stylish and sleek design concept
  • Original Swedish design
  • Polished clean finish
  • 24-hour display
  • Dual-time feature allows to track two time zones
  • Impressive battery life

Cons

  • The white dial seems pale and inspiring
  • The price seems a bit too steep

TRIWA Smoky Nevil – Best Formal Option

TRIWA Smoky Nevil

TRIWA Smoky Nevil is one of the ‘modern classics’ from TRIWA. This watch is a testament to the craftsmanship and design prowess of TRIWA.

And, I must say, TRIWA’s design team from Stockholm has impressed everyone. There are two specific factors of design that impressed me the most.

The first one is definitely the craftsmanship. When I picked up the watch, I was instantly blown away by the finishing quality.

The craftsmanship feels near flawless!

Then comes the choice of materials. I believe that the choice of materials has played a big part in making the craftsmanship so great. If you look at the case, you’ll see a proper balance of polished and brushed finish. Such neat finishing is only seen in the top-tier Swiss and German watches.

I loved the choice of leather – it feels plush and soft yet has a nice level of stiffness. Also, the addition of gold-plated hands offers a nice touch to the elegance of the watch.

TRIWA uses the Citizen Miyota OS21 as the choice of movement. It’s a chronograph movement with a central second hand and a 60-minute counter. The secondary sub-dial works as the 24-hour display.

However, there is a shortcoming of this watch. TRIWA didn’t use the date display, although Miyota OS21 has a date display. This feature certainly would’ve elevated the value proposition of the watch.

Overall, this is a magnificent watch that goes perfectly with your formal attire, especially with a suit.

Product Specifications – TRIWA Smoky Nevil

  • Movement: Quartz
  • Caliber Number: Citizen Miyota OS21
  • Case Diameter: 42mm
  • Case Thickness: 10.7mm
  • Band Width: 20mm
  • Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel (Polished and Brushed)
  • Band Material: Italian Tanned Leather
  • Water-Resistance: 10 ATM
  • Clasp Type: Tang and Buckle
  • Crystal: Scratch Resistance Mineral

Pros

  • Classic design, great as a formal watch
  • Great choice of materials
  • Gold-plated hands
  • Impressive craftsmanship
  • Chronograph features – center second hand, 60-minute counter, and 24-hour display
  • Impressive battery life lasts for 5 years

Cons

  • Doesn’t have a date display despite the option available in the movement

TRIWA Ivory Falken Steel Mesh – Best Vintage Option (Metal)

TRIWA Ivory Falken Steel Mesh

The Falken series from TRIWA is a pure crowd-pleasure. TRIWA mainly paid a homage to the design trends of the 1950s with this series. You can see a blend of minimalism and style together in this series.

I’ve decided to add to specific models in my review today as both of them are bestsellers.

The first watch is the TRIWA Ivory Falken Steel Mesh. As you can guess from the name, it’s a steel watch with an ivory dial and a mesh bracelet.

Without a doubt, the ivory white and silver-tone steel complement each other and enhance the minimalism of the design principle.

TRIWA included Citizen Miyota 1L45 as the choice of movement here. The movement has two hands for hour and minute indicator and a separate subdial for the second hand.

This offsetting design is sophisticated and very soothing to the eyes.

Also, the pricing of this watch is a big positive. If you’re looking for a dependable, good-looking, and budget-friendly formal watch option, TRIWA Ivory Falken Steel Mesh should be a great option.

Product Specifications – TRIWA Ivory Falken Steel Mesh

  • Movement: Quartz
  • Caliber Number: Citizen Miyota 1L45
  • Case Diameter: 38mm
  • Case Thickness: 8.2mm
  • Band Width: 20mm
  • Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel (Polished)
  • Band Material: Stainless Steel Mesh
  • Water-Resistance: 5 ATM
  • Clasp Type: Milanese Sliding Buckle
  • Crystal: Scratch Resistance Mineral

Pros

  • Classic design that celebrates minimalism
  • Great choice of materials
  • Impressive craftsmanship
  • Complete metal finish
  • Unique choice of clasp

Cons

  • Lacks features

TRIWA Birch Falken – Tan Classic – Best Vintage Option (Leather)

TRIWA Birch Falken – Tan Classic

The second watch from the Falken series is the TRIWA Birch Falken – Tan Classic. Internally, Birch Falken has NO difference with the Ivory Falken Steel Mesh.

But there’re a number of changes on the exterior.

First of all, this watch comes with a leather watch strap. The beige watch strap is made of genuine Italian leather. The color is very soothing to the eyes and syncs with the hands’ color and the markers.

Especially, the subdial background creates a complementing effect.

I know a fair share of watch lovers who prefer leather straps over the metal ones, and the Birch Falken should serve them very well.

I think this is a great alternate to the Ivory Falken Steel Mesh variant.

Product Specifications – TRIWA Ivory Falken Steel Mesh

  • Movement: Quartz
  • Caliber Number: Citizen Miyota 1L45
  • Case Diameter: 38mm
  • Case Thickness: 8.2mm
  • Band Width: 20mm
  • Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel (Polished)
  • Band Material: Italian Leather
  • Water-Resistance: 5 ATM
  • Clasp Type: Tang and Buckle
  • Crystal: Scratch Resistance Mineral

Pros

  • Classic design that celebrates minimalism
  • Great choice of materials
  • Impressive craftsmanship
  • Complete metal finish

Cons

  • Lacks features

TRIWA Comb-Over Mustard – For the Meme Lovers!

TRIWA Comb-Over Mustard

TRIWA Comb-Over Mustard is a testament to how dedicated TRIWA is towards its followers.

Apparently, TRIWA asked the followers for a design concept to celebrate ‘April fools’ day.’ As you can guess, the ‘meme-loving’ community replied with humor.

TRIWA also replied with humor to show mutual respect to the dedicated fans. TRIWA Comb-Over Mustard is the result of this phenomenon – the only comb-over watch in the world!

The dial features a comical figure who has a yellow wig. Now, the fun part is that the longer part of the wig indicates the minute hand, and the shorter wig part indicates the hour hand.

The combination of the ‘flattering and not-so-flattering’ positions of the wig provokes humor.

TRIWA Comb-Over Mustard certainly is the watch of a meme-lover. And, who doesn’t love a good meme these days?

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Product Specifications – TRIWA Comb-Over Mustard

  • Movement: Quartz
  • Caliber Number: Citizen Miyota GL00
  • Case Diameter: 38mm
  • Case Thickness: 8mm
  • Band Width: 18mm
  • Case Material: Stainless Steel
  • Band Material: Nylon
  • Water-Resistance: 5 ATM
  • Clasp Type: Tang and Buckle
  • Crystal: Scratch Resistance Mineral

Pros

  • Humorous and trendy
  • Unique design
  • Celebrates the meme culture

Cons

  • Might be provocative against political views

Is TRIWA a Good Brand?

TRIWA is NOT like another watch brand that we all are familiar with – it follows a unique philosophy. This Swedish watch brand makes a stand against the clichés in our society with thought-provoking and modern ideologies.

TRIWA feels that the watch industry has become too static and often remains enslaved to the concepts of the social status of tradition.

Even the name TRIWA is an acronym that stands for Transforming the Industry of Watches.

Back in 2007, a band of four friends founded TRIWA to break out of the clichés of watch manufacturing and become a modern style symbol.

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However, TRIWA doesn’t want to disrespect the classical design concepts but want to retell the stories of classical designs through their contemporary Scandinavian philosophies.

TRIWA has grown up a lot in the last fourteen years, and they are now a family of thirty. Apart from designing and manufacturing watches, they have expanded their business venture and included sunglasses and bracelets in their product line-up.

They prefer to call themselves a ‘Creative Studio’ that mainly focuses on design and development. That’s why you’d see them relying on Japanese movement manufacturers, like – Citizen and Seiko.

Also, you can notice that TRIWA has remained ever loyal to its business value and goals. Their Ocean Plastic Octopus and Humanium 39 Recycled Green use recycled materials to serve a higher purpose.

For example, Ocean Plastic Octopus fights against environmental pollution, especially dumping toxic wastes into the ocean. Humanium 39 Recycled Green, on the other hand, speaks against gun violence uses metal sourced from destructed illegal firearms.

These watches are the prime examples of their ideologies and how they differ from the industry norms.

Also, their TRIWA Comb-Over Mustard watch shows us their dedication towards their commitment to their followers and userbase. Despite being heavily politically inappropriate, TRIWA stayed true to their promise and released the controversial watch.

These factors give us a good idea of the company’s goals and organizational philosophies.

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What Did We Like About TRIWA?

In one word – boldness!

TRIWA is not like any other brand in the market. In the last two decades, we have seen a significant hike in the number of new brands in the industry. These companies are heavily focused on concepts like fashion and design.

The rise of smart wearables is threatening the traditional watch market. A typical watch can’t win against a smart wearable in terms of functionality and utility.

That’s why watch manufacturers are trying to appeal to the ‘fashionable’ aspect of the watches. However, about 99% of the watches only following the path of older brands. Some are blatantly copying the design of the expensive watches.

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For example, there is no shortage of ‘Rolex Sub-Mariner’ homages in the market today.

That’s why the watches are becoming more boring and uninteresting day-by-day!

But TRIWA is a big EXCEPTION here!

Pick any watch from TRIWA – it will offer something unique. Every TRIWA watch has a story to tell, an objective to fulfill!

This is the biggest plus point of TRIWA.

Now, let’s focus on some of the technical terms. TRIWA impressed me with the superior craftsmanship. All TRIWA watches have near-perfect finishing quality, and it’s quite rare among the new brands in the market!

Lastly, I loved the fact that TRIWA watches are always trendy and fashionable. They almost always include tiny elements that make a huge difference in the overall design.

For example, TRIWA Falken line-up pays homage to the 1950s design concepts. But the watch seems very fresh and clean. Unlike many other brands, TRIWA used subtle hints of vintage concepts rather than pouring over vintage design elements.

That’s why TRIWA watches feel refreshing!

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What Didn’t We Like About TRIWA?

In my eyes, TRIWA is NOT a ‘complete watch brand!

TRIWA is basically a watch design company. Take a look at some of the ‘complete’ watch brands like Casio, Seiko, Citizen, or even luxury brands like Rolex or Patek Philippe. All of these companies use in-house movements.

TRIWA always uses third-party movements, mostly from Citizen, and sometimes from Seiko. It leads to two issues.

First, reliance on third-party suppliers limits their room for innovative designs. For example, if they depend on Citizen or Seiko, they can never come up with designs like  Barrelhand P1 or Xeric Leadfoot.

These watches are not necessarily are the best watches in terms of design. But these designs are rebellious and challenges the traditional design philosophies in many ways.

With Citizen and Seiko movements, they are bound by the limitations of the movement. Also, they can’t ensure quality control.

Now, let’s focus on the elephant in the room!

The pricing!

Yes, TRIWA will impress you with top-notch craftsmanship and design concepts. But often, the price tag will not justify the value that you’re getting from these watches.

For example, some of the TRIWA watches come at a $300 price tag that offers nothing too special. After all, you’re paying $300 for a ‘basic Citizen’ movement. Now, if we compare, you can get a top-shelf Seiko 5 automatic watch at a $200-ish price point!

It’s true that you’re mainly paying the premium price for the design, but when it comes to functionality, the price might feel unjustifiable.  

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Conclusion

Overall, despite all the negative traits, TRIWA is certainly a breath of fresh air where every other watch looks exactly the same!

And, we’ve reached the finale of the TRIWA watch review today.

But first, let’s talk about the best TRIWA watches.

TRIWA Ocean Plastic Octopus is the clear winner today. The noble cause that it stands for is good enough to put it in the top spot.

Then, TRIWA Humanium 39 Recycled Green comes to second place that also has a great backstory. And, finally, TRIWA Ivory Nikki grabs third place.

Do you agree or have any questions regarding this TRIWA watches review?

Let me know in the comment section!

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