The story of the VL Myrsky is one of improbable resilience. Born from desperation during the dark days of the Winter War, when foreign aircraft were scarce and aluminium was even scarcer, this Finnish fighter plane was built from plywood and fabric, held together by glue that often failed in the freezing northern cold [citation:1]. Yet it flew. It reached speeds of over 530 km/h and became a symbol of Finnish sisu — the national spirit of bravery and determination against overwhelming odds [citation:1]. This unlikely aviation hero is now the inspiration behind a new wristwatch from S.U.F. Helsinki, a brand that shares that same independent, craft-first ethos [citation:12].

Stepan Sarpaneva, the watchmaker behind S.U.F., founded the brand in 2003 as a more accessible counterpart to his highly artistic namesake creations [citation:1]. Unlike the larger operations of Largest Watch Manufacturers or the scale-focused production of a Watch Manufacturer In China, S.U.F. assembles all its watches in small batches in Helsinki, using locally machined Outokumpu SUPRA 316L steel [citation:1]. The new Myrsky MY-G Pinefrost continues this tradition of limited production, with just 50 pieces being made [citation:1].

Wartime Heritage on the Wrist

The Myrsky collection draws its identity directly from the aircraft it is named after. The VL Myrsky was Finland's first domestically developed fighter, designed by a team of engineers at the State Aircraft Factory [citation:5]. Despite being built from substitute materials — plywood wings and a steel-tube fuselage covered in fabric — it proved to be fast and manoeuvrable, second only to the German Messerschmitt Bf 109G in the Finnish Air Force fleet [citation:5].

However, the Myrsky had a critical flaw: its wooden construction did not handle Finland's harsh weather well. Rain, frost, and humidity caused the wartime "Lukko" glue to disintegrate, leading to structural failures [citation:5]. Ten Myrskys were lost in accidents between 1943 and 1947 [citation:5]. Yet, despite these challenges, pilots appreciated the aircraft's excellent cockpit ergonomics and ground-handling properties [citation:5]. The Myrsky's story is not one of triumph without cost, but of making the best of impossible circumstances — a fitting narrative for a watch brand that prioritizes continuous development over mass production [citation:1].

The New Pinefrost Dial

What makes the MY-G edition distinct is its "Pinefrost" sunburst green dial [citation:1]. S.U.F. describes the color as a vivid green "where summer breathes life into young pine, and light dances across fresh needles" [citation:1]. In more practical terms, the hue sits between teal and petrol, shifting with the light and invoking the coolness of a Nordic forest [citation:1].

The watch retains the 42mm case, 51mm lug-to-lug, and 10.4mm thickness of the Myrsky line [citation:1]. Sapphire crystals front and back protect the Soprod A10 caliber inside — a Swiss automatic movement that is adjusted and regulated in Helsinki [citation:1]. The hands are blued, a treatment that creates an intriguing visual tension with the green dial, neither fully contrasting nor fully complementing, yet somehow working [citation:1]. The result is a watch that feels contemplative and distinct, balancing a wartime backstory with a serene, almost meditative dial [citation:1]. For those seeking a more modern material approach, a Custom Carbon Fiber Watches piece might offer a different kind of ruggedness. But the Pinefrost's appeal lies in its specific, story-driven character.

Opposing Viewpoints: Is the Price Justified?

The S.U.F. Helsinki Myrsky has sparked a predictable but meaningful debate among collectors. Two clear perspectives have emerged.

Viewpoint One: Premium Craftsmanship Justifies the Cost
Supporters argue that S.U.F. offers a rare combination of independent design, genuine heritage, and hands-on craftsmanship that few microbrands can match. The movement is not just dropped in; it is adjusted in Helsinki [citation:1]. The case uses high-grade local steel [citation:1]. The brand is run by Stepan Sarpaneva, an independent master watchmaker with connections to other Finnish horological icons like Kari Voutilainen [citation:10]. This level of control and personal involvement, they argue, justifies the €2,470 price tag [citation:1]. One collector noted, "SUF is amazing" and praised the brand for doing "more than just put Breguet numerals on a less than rugged off the shelf movement" [citation:6][citation:7].

Viewpoint Two: Overpriced for a Printed Dial
Critics counter that the price is difficult to justify when compared to other microbrands offering similar specifications. The Soprod A10 movement, while solid, is not exclusive. More significantly, the dial features printed details rather than applied markers — a detail that has been a point of contention among collectors [citation:8]. At this price point, some question whether the "craft" premium outweighs the component value [citation:8]. As one forum user put it, "I am surprised that it only features painted details on it...given the selling price" [citation:8]. The comparison with brands like Baltic, which offer more accessible pricing, is frequently made [citation:6][citation:7].

Conclusion: A Watch with a Story to Tell

The S.U.F. Helsinki Myrsky MY-G Pinefrost is not a watch for everyone. Its price point and limited production ensure it remains a niche choice, appealing to those who value story as much as specification. But that, perhaps, is the point. Like the plywood fighter plane it honors, the Myrsky is a product of its environment — a tool designed with intelligence and care, made in small numbers, and infused with a deep sense of place.

Whether that justifies the cost is a decision only the wearer can make. But in a world where many watches blur together, the Myrsky offers something increasingly rare: a distinctive voice, a connection to history, and a quiet invitation to remember what sisu truly means [citation:1].