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BOLDR Supply Co. sent over the Explorer in black, a quartz GMT that looks rugged without being huge.
I have liked BOLDR watches before because they offer a lot of style and value for the money. The Explorer Black uses a Swiss Ronda 505 GMT movement, which you do not see often, in a 42mm black-coated steel case. It comes in a hard fabric case, and there are raw-metal and blacked-out Stealth versions too. BOLDR sells direct, so the button goes to a GMT watch on Amazon with the same Ronda 505 movement.
- GMT function at an affordable price
- Not oversized for a sport watch
- Screw-down crown and coated case feel durable
- Comfortable canvas-and-nubuck strap
- Quick-release bars for easy strap swaps
- Second time zone is a ballpark reading
- 5 ATM, so not for serious diving
- Strap leaves little extra on a 7.5-inch wrist
▶ Watch the full review on YouTube
First look
It comes in a nice hard-sided fabric case. The black dial has white indexes with lume and big sword hands, which should light up nicely. There is a world map printed on the screw-on back with Explorer written on it.
The black canvas strap has a nubuck leather lining. It looks like black denim from the outside, but feels like leather on your wrist.
How to set the GMT
Unscrew the crown. The first position is the date, turned clockwise. Turned counterclockwise, it moves the orange GMT hand. The second position sets the time, and the GMT hand moves along with it.
So set your local time first, then move the GMT hand to your second zone. I set mine to Los Angeles, two hours behind, and read it off the outer 24-hour ring. Each mark is about 20 minutes.
Case and sizing
The 42mm marine-grade steel case has a coating that should be durable and scratch resistant. It is 50mm lug to lug and only 12.5mm thick, with a flat mineral crystal and crown guards.
On my 7.5-inch wrist, it is not a huge watch and not a small one either. It is rugged and sporty without being overbearing.
About the buy link
BOLDR sells the Explorer on its own site, not on Amazon. The button goes to a TIME WARRIOR GMT watch with a black dial and the same Swiss Ronda 505 GMT movement. It is a different brand and design, so check the listing for size and water resistance.
Is it worth it?
At about $200, you get a proven Swiss Ronda movement, GMT functionality and a slick look. Reading the second zone is a bit like a single-hand watch, so you ballpark it, but I love GMT watches for that.
BOLDR gets a thumbs up from me. I would not do extreme diving with it at 5 ATM, but for travel it is a great fit.
FAQ
What movement does the BOLDR Explorer use?
A Swiss Ronda 505 quartz GMT movement.
How big is the BOLDR Explorer?
42mm wide, about 50mm lug to lug, 12.5mm thick, with a 20mm strap.
Is it water resistant?
5 ATM, fine for getting wet, but I would not dive with it.
How do you set the GMT hand?
Set local time first, then turn the crown counterclockwise in the first position to move the GMT hand.
Is this an affiliate link?
Yes. The buttons are #ad affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It costs you nothing extra.
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