Time Well Spent: Discovering Oslo with Watchmaker Martin Smogeli

When Martin Smogeli wanted a watch tough enough for military use yet fully customizable, he couldn’t find one. So he built it himself—partnering with elite suppliers from Switzerland and across Scandinavia. The result was Micromilspec, launched in 2019 with co-founder Henrik Rye, and now one of the driving forces behind the Nordic watch revival.

“Six years ago, the Nordic watch industry barely existed,” Smogeli says. “Today, we have more than 50 brands, dedicated fairs, and even Nordic watch awards. It’s become a real scene.”

Micromilspec’s designs—such as the Milgraph and Worldtimer—reflect the company’s roots in precision and practicality, built for professionals who rely on endurance as much as design. Yet away from the workshop, Smogeli’s other passion couldn’t be more different: food. A self-described culinary enthusiast, he’s made it his mission to explore Oslo’s ever-evolving dining and drinks culture.

“The food scene in Oslo has grown so much,” Smogeli says. “It’s incredibly diverse. Depending on which part of town you’re in, the vibe—and the flavor—changes entirely.”

He describes Frogner as refined and elegant, Grünerløkka as youthful and creative, and Grønland as one of Oslo’s most exciting transformations, buzzing with new bars, restaurants, and live music venues.

Smogeli gravitates toward Oslo’s dynamic food halls and the wave of microbreweries that have redefined the city’s drinking culture. “Of course, Oslo’s more beer than champagne,” he says with a grin. “Microbreweries are everywhere now—it’s part of the city’s DNA.”

What he appreciates most, though, is Oslo’s balance between urban complexity and natural serenity. “It’s a city full of life, but nature is always close by,” he says. “You can have a great dinner downtown and be by the sea or in the forest within minutes. It gives you the best of both worlds.”

Martin Smogeli’s Top 6 Spots in Oslo

1. Micromilspec Design Studio

For design lovers and horology enthusiasts
“Sharing is caring. Our studio is right behind the Parliament, and we love showing people what we do,” says Smogeli. Visits are by appointment only—book in advance through the website.

Address: Akersgata 18, 0158 Oslo
Website

2. Mathallen Oslo

Set in a former iron foundry along the Akerselva River, this lively indoor market celebrates Norwegian producers and global flavors. Cafés, eateries, and specialty shops fill the industrial space, making it a must for casual grazing or gourmet shopping.

Address: Vulkan 5, 0178 Oslo
Website

3. Maaemo

Oslo’s first three-Michelin-star restaurant and one of the Nordics’ most acclaimed dining destinations. “It’s absolutely world-class,” says Smogeli. “You don’t go many times in your life—it’s an experience—but I love food and drinks, so I made it a priority. Esben Holmboe Bang is a fantastic chef.”

Address: Dronning Eufemias gate 23, 0194 Oslo
Website

4. Vippa

A buzzing food hall perched by the Oslo Fjord, where global street food meets local produce. Sample Chinese noodles, Arabian flatbreads, or palatha from Myanmar while soaking up the sea breeze.

Address: Vippetangen 14, 0150 Oslo
Website

Opened in 1989 as Scandinavia’s first microbrewery, this pioneering spot near the Royal Palace remains an Oslo institution. Alongside classic IPAs and pale ales, you’ll find witty seasonal brews like Bitter Sweet Symphony and James Blond.

Address: Bogstadveien 6, 0355 Oslo
Website

6. Chez Colin

Smogeli’s secret gem: a French bistro with a Nordic twist. “I keep coming back,” he says. “They combine Norwegian ingredients with French craftsmanship—Lofoten cod with foie gras, for example. It sounds bold, but it works beautifully.”

Address: Fredensborgveien 44, 0177 Oslo
Website

The Spirit of Oslo

For Smogeli, Oslo mirrors the spirit of the watches he designs: refined, durable, and quietly innovative. “It’s a city that combines precision and creativity—just like what we do at Micromilspec,” he says. “You can measure time here, but you’ll want to forget it for a while.”